Embodied Awakening - Luxury Yoga and Ayurveda Adventure in India

Kochi, Kerala, India

SI
4 reviews
Jan 20 - Feb 3, 2026
Group size: 1 - 30
Embodied Awakening - Luxury Yoga and Ayurveda Adventure in India
Kochi, Kerala, India

4 reviews

$3,499
Deposit: $1,000
Jan 20 - Feb 3, 2026
Group size: 1 - 30

About this trip

Experience the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Kerala, India, with Embodied Awakening - Luxury Yoga and Ayurveda Adventure. This transformative journey invites you to immerse yourself in the lush landscapes, ancient traditions, misty hills, picturesque beaches, and serene backwaters of "God’s Own Country."


Discover the healing power of Ayurveda with personalized treatments, practice Yoga with the serenity of musical accompaniment by Settle Into Stillness, cruise through the tranquil backwaters on a traditional houseboat, savor the flavors of Kerala’s renowned cuisine, explore many of Kerala’s ancient cultural traditions, and so much more.


During your retreat, enjoy daily yoga sessions designed to deepen your practice, explore Ayurvedic practices for balanced living, and connect with a supportive community of fellow seekers on this unforgettable adventure. When your day's adventures are finished, retire to the luxury accommodations of some of the best 4 and 5 star resorts that India has to offer.

About Kerala

Kerala, India, often called "God's Own Country," is a tranquil haven that perfectly blends natural beauty, cultural richness, and holistic wellness. Renowned for its lush greenery, serene backwaters, and pristine beaches, Kerala provides an idyllic setting for a yoga retreat. Its traditional Ayurvedic practices, authentic cuisine, and peaceful ashrams make it a global hub for rejuvenation and spiritual growth. Whether meditating by the Arabian Sea, practicing yoga amidst misty hill stations, or experiencing ancient healing therapies, Kerala offers the perfect escape for anyone seeking inner peace and renewal.

Accommodations

Double Occupancy and Single Occupancy Packages Available:


Ananda Cherai

Ananda Cherai is a 4 star Ayurveda Resort in Kochi, Kerala:

https://www.anandacherai.com/


Fragrant Nature

Fragrant Nature is a 5 Star Resort in Munnar, Kerala: https://www.fragrantnature.com/pothamedu-munnar/


Amber Dale

Amber Dale is a 5 star luxury hotel and spa in Munnar, Kerala:

https://amberdalemunnar.com/


Green Woods Resort

Green Woods Resort is a 5 star resort in Thekkady, Kerala:

https://www.greenwoods.in/


Rhythm Kumarakom

Rhythm Kumarakom is a 5 star hotel in Kumarakom, Kerala: https://www.rhythmhospitality.com/resorts/rhythm-kumarakom/


Elixir Beach Resort

Elixir Beach Resort is a 5 star resort in Varkala, Kerala:

https://www.elixircliff.com/


Poovar Island Resort

Poovar Island Resort is a 4 star hotel near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala:
https://www.poovarislandresorts.com/







Settle Into Stillness Ensemble

For all of us in the Settle Into Stillness Ensemble, there would be no life without music. Music pervades all areas of our life, and our purpose is to share it with others to enrich your life and provide beauty to the world. 


When you join us on the Embodied Awakening Retreat in India, you can expect that your journey will be infused with beautiful music from start to finish, whether it is with the entire Settle Into Stillness Ensemble in a late night Sound Journey before you drift off to a peaceful sleep, a community rhythm workshop where you get to experience the therapeutic power of drumming and learn world rhythms in a comfortable and inviting workshop with Parker Horsch, or exploring your own innate voice (whether you sing or not) with Kimberly Joy Rieli, of Singing for your Soul


The Settle Into Stillness Ensemble stands apart from the ever-growing landscape of mindfulness-based musical offerings. By seamlessly weaving together diverse world music instrumentation, such as the mesmerizing handpan, the enchanting didgeridoo, the angelic beauty of the harp, the gentle resonance of gongs, the ethereal tones of crystal singing bowls and setting it all to the backbeat of an eclectic variety of world percussion instruments, the ensemble has crafted a truly extraordinary experience. Each element is carefully chosen and delivered with intention, creating a symphony of soothing vibrations that nurture the mind, body, and soul. Their offerings create an immersive experience that transports participants towards a state of deep inner calm. Through carefully curated sessions, individuals are invited to release stress, let go of tension, and embark on a profound journey of self-exploration.


Each Sound Journey is a unique tapestry of sonic landscapes, woven together with love and a deep commitment to the individual's well-being. The purity of sound permeates every cell, evoking a sense of harmony that soothes the spirit and opens doors to personal transformation.  The Settle Into Stillness Ensemble invites you to come experience one of their Sound Journeys, where the transformative fusion of these enchanting instruments and mindfulness practices will open doors to your innermost self. 

About our Yoga Teachers

About Nancy Grzeszak:
Nancy is inspired by the deep well of knowledge that exists within our own being. Since 2004, she has been exploring this internal wisdom through Yoga, meditation, and sound. Her love of Yoga and pursuit of inspiration has taken her across the world to 22 different countries.


Her passions within the timeless practice of Yoga include Gentle Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Yoga Nidra. She finds that the mind and body’s innate wisdom most often reveal themselves when residing in stillness. She completed her 200 hour Yoga teacher training certification with Prairie Yoga, based in Lisle (Chicago), Illinois in 2014, Relax and Renew® Level 1 Certification with Judith Hanson Lasater in 2017, and Lizzie Lasater’s 30 hour Restorative Yoga Training in 2019.


As one of the founders of Settle Into Stillness, Nancy shares the transcendent vibrations of Gongs, Crystal Singing Bowls, and more. She approaches these powerful vibrational instruments with a graceful mastery and deep listening, creating a soothing atmosphere that allows the listener to reconnect with themselves, their breath, and their true essence.


It is her deepest desire to create more love in this world by revealing the gift of stillness, and creating a soothing and nurturing space which facilitates healing for all.

About Jane Bloom:
Jane Bloom is the Director and Teacher at Dwellyoga Collective in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She is a dedicated yoga teacher with a background that combines a master’s degree in counseling and educational psychology with 17 years of experience as a therapist. She founded Dwellyoga nine years ago to unite her interests in healing and movement. With 14 years of teaching experience and two 200-hour registered yoga teacher certifications, Jane is passionate about fostering an inclusive community through her yoga studio. Her teaching style integrates creative sequencing, alignment, and embodied practices to enhance students’ awareness and personal growth. Jane also enjoys traveling and co-leading yoga retreats around the globe with Settle Into Stillness, this will be their fifth international retreat together. 

About Lisa Riente:


Lisa Riente brings over 30 years of yoga and healing experience, with 20+ years of teaching in diverse settings, including studios, prisons, hospitals, and schools worldwide. A graduate of the University of Georgia and former Air Force wife, Lisa began her yoga journey in Germany and has owned a wellness studio in South Carolina for 20 years.

She has led over 20 local and international retreats across Peru, Belize, Jamaica, Mexico, Europe, and the US, guiding participants in connecting mind, body, and energy. In 2018, Lisa was honored to be one of 52 yoga ambassadors on the Yoga Ambassadors Tour in Kerala, India.

As a beekeeper, animal rehabber, and outdoor enthusiast, Lisa finds joy in nature and adventure, incorporating these elements into her retreats. Her creatively-themed hatha and kundalini-inspired classes offer a unique and transformative experience.

Certifications:
        •       BA, University of Georgia
        •       IAYT Certified Yoga Therapist
        •       Yoga Alliance E-RYT 500, YACEP
        •       Certified Death Doula
        •       SC Certified Beekeeper

Why Travel With Us?

Nancy and Jeremy, the founders of Settle Into Stillness, have been traveling the world together since 2011, and before that, Jeremy was traveling solo since 2009. Our travel philosophy has always been to immerse ourselves in the local cultures as much as possible, to deeply connect with the local people and ways of life. In order to do so, we have committed to long-term, slow travel over the years, which involves traveling in the ways the locals do as much as possible. This includes taking local transportation when possible, eating the way the locals do, learning as much language as possible, and respecting the local customs as much as we can. In doing so, we have had amazing and deeply personal travel experiences that have taught us that no matter where you go in the world, we all hold similar goals, dreams, and desires of life, and share common values. In a little over a decade, we have each spent a cumulative 5+ years immersed in local cultures around the world, in Africa, India, Indonesia, SE Asia, Central America, South America, Australia, and Europe. This has given us a unique perspective on travel and what it can do for humanity. When we organize our retreats, we do our best to immerse you in authentic, local experiences as much as possible, and to organize our travel experiences in ways that enable you to respect local culture and customs, learn as much as possible, and connect with humans across the world on a deep, personal level, while doing so comfortable and safely. You may not have the time to immerse into another culture for months at a time like we have, but when you travel with us, you can expect a journey that will take you beyond the surface level of typical tourism and into the heart of a faraway land.  


On our retreats, we aim to make sure you are taken care of every step of the way. We offer travel advice free of charge to our retreat guests at any time during your booking process and retreat, to help you organize the journey of a lifetime. We also include services in our retreat packages that are not often included or are an extra charge on other retreats, such as your airport transfers, to ensure you get to your destination safely and reliably. Our excursions are designed to allow you to immerse and connect with the local customs, cultures, and landscapes in a deeply meaningful way. All activities on our retreats are optional, so if you want to take time away from group activities for your own personal reflection or a personal adventure, you are welcome to do so at any time. All participants will be invited to our retreat WhatsApp groups for communication before, during, and after the retreat, and to our private online community of adventurous travelers, to remain connected long after the jet lag disappears after your journey home.

Yoga and Wellness for EveryBODY

About our offerings:

Yoga classes will be led by Jane Bloom of Dwell Yoga, Lisa Riente of Blue Dog Yoga & Wellness, and Nancy Grzeszak of Settle Into Stillness.

We strive to make our retreats accessible and supportive of everyone, regardless of where you are in your practice or in your life. On past retreats, we have had students ranging from complete beginners to seasoned, experienced teachers. Our teachers, Nancy, Lisa, and Jane have years of experience with the practice and teaching working with students of all ages, skill levels, and body types. Yoga practices offered on this retreat will include invigorating, all levels morning classes, deeply rejuvenating Restorative Yoga, Yoga Nidra, and Yin Yoga. They are an extension of the offerings from our Sound Journey events worldwide, as well as the classes found at Jane’s studio, Dwell Yoga, in Las Cruces, New Mexico and Lisa's studio in Camden, North Carolina. At our retreats, you are invited to practice at your pace, along with the guidance of our teachers, and grow from where you are in this moment. We also feel that this is your journey. You’re traveling all the way across the world to spend your time with us, and we like to remain flexible with our schedule. Activities are always optional, so if you want to slip away for a solo adventure, rest and recovery in your room, etc., you are free to do as you need. 

If you have any questions about whether our retreat is right for you, please send us a message.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

US Citizens traveling to India need a current passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the date of visa application with at least 2 blank passport pages available for stamps. Check the expiration date to make sure that it does not expire within 6 months of your trip.

Visas are required for US Citizens traveling to India.

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India solely for tourist purposes for stays of less than 60 days may apply for an eVisa at least four days before their arrival. Please visit the Indian government's website for electronic travel authorization.

For up to date information about travel to India from the US State Department, visit:


US State Department - India

For attendees from other countries, please visit your local embassy or consulate site for traveling to India.

PAYMENT INFO

Your credit card charges will show up as 'WeTravel'.

Please do not forget that your payment charges show up as WeTravel. For any disputed charges that are accidental or that go against our Payment Plan Terms and Conditions there will be a $300 admin fee to cover the cost of the administrative work that will required to resolve this error.

A credit card processing fee applies for card payments. Want to skip the fees? Choose ACH transfer upon checkout!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

(Please read. These terms are binding with the purchase of your package)

Settle Into Stillness Retreats are non-refundable and exceptions cannot be made.

All payments are non-refundable. Payment reminders will be sent for each monthly payment. If a payment is 7 business days late without prior authorization, the package is subject to a $50 admin fee. Should a payment be more than 10 days late, the organizer has the right to cancel the package. If you need to adjust a payment date, please speak with the organizer one week or more before the payment due date. 

By confirming this spot, you have agreed and confirmed that the payment is non-refundable. Package may only be transferred to another name. You are also confirming that the terms and conditions have been read. If for any reason you believe there may be a circumstance that might affect your ability to attend after purchasing your package please purchase travel insurance. We are unable to refund package under any circumstance.

 

We will email our travel agreement/contract upon sign up. This contract must be signed in order for you to attend the retreat. If you wish to see our travel contract prior to signing up, please send us a message.

Settle Into Stillness Retreats will not be held responsible for any costs or lost days due to travel days. Settle Into Stillness Retreats will also not able to refund packages related to illness or injury prior to travel. Travel insurance protect against financial loss. Should the retreat not be able to take place due to travel restrictions, the retreat will be moved and all packages will be transferred to a new date. No refunds will be issued.

We recommend that all guests travel with health insurance and travel insurance (or travel insurance with health coverage), be well informed of their coverage and also know their 24hr contact line. Settle Into Stillness will not be liable for any medical costs.

What’s included

  • Airport Transfers
    Airport pickup at Cochin International Airport upon arrival and airport drop off at Trivandrum International Airport upon departure (Thiruvananthapuram)
  • Accommodations
    14 nights of accommodations during the retreat included at the hotels listed in the itinerary.
  • Meals
    Daily Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included on full retreat days. Arrival and departure days will have dinner and breakfast included.
  • Daily Yoga Classes
    1-2 classes per full retreat day, depending on the schedule. All yoga classes are accompanied by live music by Settle Into Stillness.
  • 60 Minute Massage
    One 60 minute massage session is included for all retreat guests, to be taken either at Ananda Cherai or Poovar Island Resort.
  • Ayurvedic Cooking Class
  • English Speaking Guide
  • Houseboat Tour
    Houseboat tour in the Kerala Backwaters
  • Jeep Safari
    Jeep Safari in Munnar
  • Tea Factory Tour
    Visit a tea factory where the teas from the plantations in Munnar are processed for sale and export.
  • Boating at Kumarakam
  • Boating at Thekkady
  • Entry Tickets
    Entry tickets to included excursions on the retreat itinerary
  • Spice and Ayurveda Plant
  • Nature Walk
    Nature Walk in Munnar/Thekkady
  • Village Tour
    Responsible Village tour in Kumarakam
  • Transportation
    All transfers and sightseeing by A/C Coach with English speaking driver.
  • Rhythm Workshop
    Community Rhythm Workshop with Parker Horsch. No experience with rhythm or music required!
  • Vocal Healing Workshop
    Vocal Healing and Embodiment Workshop with Kimberly Joy Rieli. This workshop is for non-musicians and musicians alike. No previous experience with singing is required.
  • Taxes and fees
    All interstate taxes, permits, toll, parking, hotel fees, and fuel charges etc.

What’s not included

  • Airfare
    Airfare is not included. You are responsible for your international airfare to India, and any domestic flights within India
  • Additional Activities
    Additional activities and their respective fees not included in the trip itinerary
  • Additional Transport
    Additional transport not included in the trip itinerary
  • Additional meals/snacks
    Additional meals and snacks not included in the itinerary are not included
  • Camera fees
    Some destinations may have a camera fee for film and video or for hiring a local photographer. These fees are not included.
  • Tips/Gratuity
    Please budget for tips and gratuity. General tipping percentage is 10% in India, with 15-20% tips for exceptional service.
  • Travel Insurance
    Travel Insurance is strongly advised. Travel insurance is not included, nor will there be any reimbursement for any cancellations, health expenses, etc.
  • Personal Services
    Any personal services such as ayurvedic treatments, massages, etc. are not included unless they are listed in the retreat inclusions or itinerary.

Available Packages

Double Occupancy
Deposit: $1,000

This is a double occupancy package. You will share a room at all of the accommodations with a roommate. If you have a preferred roommate, please book your package together, or list their name in the roommate area on the participant info section when you check out. If you would like to be in a room by yourself, please select the single occupancy package.

$3,499
Deposit: $1,000
Single Occupancy
Deposit: $1,000

This is a single occupancy package. You will have a room by yourself. If you would like to share a room with a roommate, select the double occupancy package.

$4,499
Deposit: $1,000
$3,499
Deposit: $1,000


Itinerary

Day 1
January 20, 2026

Welcome to Kerala!

-Arrival in Cochin
-Meet and greet and transfer to Ananda Cherai

-Check in to hotel and relax

-Optional : Ayurveda – Massages 

-Consultation session with an Ayurveda Doctor. Ayurveda & Yoga life. (Ayurvedic consultation is included with your retreat package)

-Enjoy the beautiful sunset at Cherai Beach

-Evening yoga session


Overnight stay at Ananda Cherai


Ananda Cherai is a 4 star Ayurveda Resort

https://www.anandacherai.com/

Note: Due to the individual nature of Ayurvedic protocols, Ayurvedic treatments are an additional cost not included in your retreat package. One 60 minute massage is included with your retreat.

Your Organizer


SI
Settle Into Stillness
4 reviews
Settle into Stillness unites the healing power of conscious relaxation with sacred sound. Settle Into Stillness was founded by Jeremy Arndt and Nancy Grzeszak, whose paths converged in 2011, igniting a shared passion for yoga and music that would ultimately blossom into a transformative journey around the globe. Their mutual desire to spread peace, serenity, and self-discovery led them to create the Sound Journey, a magical fusion of music and mindfulness. Their musical journey has taken them together to 22 countries and 6 continents.

Reviews

This trip was such a treat. It was both relaxing and allowed the space for perspective that isn't free flowing in the everyday. All the facilitators were extremely talented and patient with visitors. The food was delicious and felt healthy. There were many variations of GF and vegetarian that fit different dietary needs. 10/10 would recommend. Where do I sign up for the next one.
By zosha b for Whispers of Winter - Michigan Mid-Winter Retreat on Feb 06, 2025
Hello Zosha! Thank you for sharing your kind words about the retreat. We're so happy you enjoyed it and are looking forward to the next one. We also loved the food. Major props to Audra at Kalamazoo Umami for feeding us such delicious, healthy food. Hope to see you again soon! ~Jeremy - Settle Into Stillness
By Settle Into Stillness on Feb 11, 2025
SI
Beautiful setting! Barothy Lodge in Michigan is a beautiful destination! Accommodations were great. The property is amazing with trails , river , ponds... The food was wonderful ! The Yoga sessions by Emily were great, a variety throughout the weekend.All levels accommodated. Settle Into Stillness Ensemble , Jeremy, Nancy, Parker & Kimberly provided beautiful sound during the yoga sessions and one sound journey leading into an evening of rest. It was a beautiful experience! Kimberly led a beautiful voice empowerment workshop and Parker led a rhythm work shop. Emily led a yoga practice and a Mantra workshop before closing this amazing weekend :) We had fresh snowfall on our last day and most of us took to the trails to hike . Plenty of free time to enjoy the outdoors, the sauna, hot tubs and cold plunge pools. What a wonderful way to spend a weekend in the winter in Michigan:)
By Ulrike M for Whispers of Winter - Michigan Mid-Winter Retreat on Feb 04, 2025
Hi Ulrike! We're so grateful that you and Greg joined us for our first Whispers of Winter Retreat and that you had a wonderful time. We can agree that the property is incredible and the food was wonderful. Audra at Kalamazoo Umami did a great job. We're equally happy that you enjoyed the yoga sessions with emily and all of our music and workshops. Thank you for all of your support over the years. We look forward to seeing you again soon! ~Jeremy - Settle Into Stillness
By Settle Into Stillness on Feb 11, 2025
SI
The way this was advertised, I thought the Yoga was optional, but this was more a Yoga retreat. I really wanted more of the Sound Bath experience. The Yoga instructor didn't really accommodate people with little to no Yoga experience. I totally enjoyed the music. I wished there was just a Sound Bath experience without Yoga instruction. I would register again if it was more of a music/meditation experience. The Workshops run by Parker and Kimberly were fun and worthwhile. I would have appreciated more opportunities to get to know the other attendees through facilitated team activities and an Introduction/breakout session. The Food was Fantastic! I would recommend this Chef for any function, and I am not a plant-based eater but still thought the entrees were exceptional.
By Karen S for Whispers of Winter - Michigan Mid-Winter Retreat on Feb 04, 2025
Hello Karen, We're saddened that your time with us was anything less than you expected. We hope we have the opportunity to share another offering with you again in the future. Please know that on all of our retreats, all activities are always optional. This goes for both our domestic and international retreats. We do our best to provide the itinerary as soon as possible so you can see the schedule for the weekend. Our Yoga for EveryBODY clause for our retreats states: "Activities are always optional, so if you want to slip away for a solo adventure, rest and recovery in your room, etc., you are free to do as you need." We will make sure to make some adjustments to the yoga curriculum for future retreats to ensure that people with less yoga experience feel more accommodated. We would like to extend our apologies and hope that you feel you can discuss these matters with us in person at future retreats so we can make adjustments in the moment to help ensure everyone has a great experience. I can echo the sentiment that all of us at Settle Into Stillness felt that there needed to be a dedicated Sound Journey experience. This was one of the first things we mentioned to one another when we left the retreat and were sharing our collective thoughts of the weekend. Since this was our first Whispers of Winter Retreat, we did not realize how we would all feel about the schedule until it actually happened. We felt it looked like a great schedule from the moment we arranged it, but in practice, we all missed the opportunity so share a session dedicated to just the Sound and music that we love sharing so much. Rest assured that this has already been discussed with our entire retreat team and will be changed for next year. While it hasn't been mentioned by anyone else from the weekend, I'm guessing you're not the only one who felt this. We're glad that you enjoyed Parker and Kimberly's sessions. We always enjoy taking them also, as well as sharing them with our attendees. We (Jeremy and Nancy) have taken them a number of times now and have always had a great time, and each session has been different from the last. Your suggestions about having more facilitated team activities and an introduction sessions are great ideas to make the next retreat even better. We appreciate that! A Friday to Sunday retreat is a short time to get to know everyone, and it would be great if there were more opportunities to do so. Also, we're happy you loved Audra's food. We did too! ~Jeremy - Settle Into Stillness (PS: Sorry about the formatting. It's atrocious. It appears that WeTravel doesn't allow us to include breaks between paragraphs).
By Settle Into Stillness on Feb 11, 2025
SI
Fantastic retreat amazing music, beautiful amenities. Wonderful trip all the way around!
By Krystal K for Whispers of Winter - Michigan Mid-Winter Retreat on Feb 04, 2025
Thank you for your kind words Krystal. It was great meeting you and Brock. We're so happy you enjoyed the retreat and hope we cross paths again soon. Thank you for coming from so far away to enjoy the weekend with us! ~Jeremy - Settle Into Stillness
By Settle Into Stillness on Feb 11, 2025
SI

References

Transformative Weekend Retreat: Yoga & Sound Healing Bliss I just returned from an incredible weekend retreat, and I can’t recommend it enough! From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed into a peaceful destination designed for relaxation, self-discovery, and healing. The daily yoga sessions were beautifully guided, and infused with mindfulness. Each class helped me deepen my practice, release tension, and reconnect with my body and breath. The instructor was not only knowledgeable but also created a nurturing space The highlight for me was the sound bowl healing sessions. The soothing vibrations of the bowls resonated deeply, melting away stress and allowing me to enter a meditative state unlike anything I’ve experienced before. It was a truly transformative and rejuvenating experience. Beyond the sessions, the retreat setting was stunning—serene nature, cozy accommodations, and nourishing meals that supported our journey toward wellness. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, ensuring a seamless blend of relaxation and growth. If you’re looking for a weekend to unwind, recharge, and immerse yourself in healing practices, this retreat is an absolute must. I left feeling lighter, clearer, and more in tune with myself. I will definitely be returning!
By Zachary B on 08 Feb, 2025