Welcome to the ultimate pilgrimage into the heart and soul of yoga. This is a journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation on the beautiful coast of Kerala, India - where the ancient practices of yoga and Ayurveda blend to create a transformative experience you will never forget. Through Rasa Yoga practices and an immersion into the magic of India, we reconnect with and celebrate our inner radiance while inviting time for rest, exploration, nourishment, rejuvenation, community, and connection.  

Join me for an exclusive Rasa Yoga and Ayurveda Retreat in the heart of Kerala at Soma Manaltheeram, an award-winning Ayurvedic Spa set in lush tropical gardens at a serene beachfront location. This retreat is carefully curated for yoga and Ayurveda enthusiasts seeking profound inner harmony, inspiration, and integrated wellness.

Each day will begin with morning sadhana, an extended Rasa Yoga practice of mantra, mudra, meditation, pranayama, asana, myth, philosophy, and ritual.  We will unite again each afternoon for Ayurvedic workshops and rejuvenating Rasa Yoga nectar practices. Each session is an integrated, carefully crafted experience to help each person embody the Yoga and Ayurvedic teachings and bring more radiance into every aspect of life.  

After yoga and breakfast, the days are spent lounging by the pool, walking on the sand, or visiting the local shops and markets. You’ll receive a consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor and daily massages and treatments tailored to your unique constitution to restore balance and vitality to your body, mind, and spirit. 

We share our meals in a gorgeous open-air dining room that faces the ocean and eat delicious, authentic Ayurvedic cuisine prepared with love and mindfulness to nourish you from the inside out.

Our retreat is next to a nearby Shiva temple, where we will go for morning puja. We’ll also visit two beautiful Devi temples in nearby Trivandrum and break coconuts in a Ganesha temple ritual to clear obstacles and create auspicious new beginnings. There are vibrant markets to explore filled with colors, aromas, and treasures as you embrace Kerala's rich culture and traditions. 

This year, there is an optional add-on of a special one-day pilgrimage to Kanyakumari - the southernmost tip of India, where the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal converge; this town holds spiritual importance as the dwelling of the virgin Goddess Kanya Kumari, an embodiment of Goddess Parvati, the divine Mother. This pilgrimage will happen on Saturday, October 20th, and includes transportation, guide services, and one additional night at our retreat center.

This retreat is more than a vacation; it is a transformative journey of self-discovery, inner peace, and radiant well-being. It is a sacred invitation to journey to the motherland of yoga and reconnect with your true essence, awaken your spirit, and embrace a life of balance, vitality, and inspiration. 

I made my first trip to India in 2003 and have been back several times since. India holds a special place in my heart, and I am so excited to lead you on a journey to this sacred land. A trip to India is like no other and will live on in your heart forever. 

All levels of students are welcome. Practices will be tailored to and appropriate for all who attend! No prior experience is required. This is more than a trip; it's a pilgrimage to the depths of your innermost being. Are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime?

What is the payment schedule? 

A nonrefundable $700 deposit is required to save your spot, and all final payments are due by September 1, 2024. We can set your account up to automatically withdraw the funds on specific dates; please reach out to us if you would like to request a customized payment schedule. 

How are rooms assigned if I’m a solo traveler? 

Please let us know at sign-up if you are coming on the trip with a friend, partner, or family member and have a desired roommate. If you do not provide us with a roommate request, we will pair you up with another solo traveler according to who we think will be the best fit & what we have available. Private rooms are available for an additional fee on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

What is the best flight itinerary for me to follow? 

Fly in and out of Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV). We will organize your shuttle to and from the airport. Our retreat is about a 40min (23km, 15mi) drive south of the airport, and airport transfer is provided.  Check-in begins the first day at 2 pm and checkout is at noon the final day.

What is not included in the retreat fee? 

The retreat fee does not include your flights, tips (suggested $10-20/day), extra spending money ($300-$600 depending upon your spending habits), or additional activities, food, transport, spa services, and treatments outside of what is already included in the retreat.

What is the cancellation policy?

• The retreat fee (minus your $700 non-refundable deposit) is refundable up to July 1, 2024.
• 50% of the retreat fee minus your $700 non-refundable deposit is refundable if cancellation is made by August 15, 2024.
• For cancellations made under after August 15, 2024, payment is completely non-refundable, however, you may transfer to a friend or family member who wishes to take your spot.

What should I pack?

• Travel yoga mat
• Enough yoga wear for 1-2 practices per day
• Bathing suit
• Apparel appropriate for weather between 74-90℉ (we recommend loose-fitting breathable clothing)
• At least one outfit that covers shoulders & knees for visiting temples
• A Lightweight Scarf
• Comfortable closed-toed walking shoes
• Flip flops or comfortable walking sandals
• Day pack 
• Journal & writing tool
• Water bottle 
• Sunscreen
• Bugspray
• Electrolytes
• Charcoal Tablets
• Familiar snacks that you like to have on hand & that you know work for your diet
• Emergency medication specific for you + over-the-counter remedies for upset stomach, headaches & cold 
• Outlet adaptor
• Phone charger

Are there vaccines recommended for Kerala?

Whether or not you get vaccines is a very personal choice, please consult your travel doctor before our trip to ensure you have the right vaccines and any necessary emergency medication. Personally, we think it is a good idea to have updated vaccines for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus and a Covid booster.

Do I need any special supplements or medications?

Again, this is very personal. Our retreat is hosted at a world famous, award winning Ayurveda Spa and Treatment Facility. Many natural Ayurvedic remedies will be on hand and readily available. Please bring any medications you normally take. I personally like to travel with Grapefruit Seed Extract (helpful if you suspect you ate something bad), Advil (there is no glory in suffering from a headache while traveling), Emergen-C or Airborne (it is a long flight!), Melatonin (helpful for jet lag), Triphala (Ayurvedic herb to keep you regular), and a couple tablets of Ciprofloxacin (strong antibiotic for emergencies only). 

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, travel insurance is required. Our favorite provider is World Nomads.

How Should I Prepare?

Start by calling all of your financial & phone providers to let them know you’ll be out of the country and setup the most appropriate travel plans for you. Once you’ve gotten logistics out of the way, we recommend reducing processed foods and alcohol from your diet one week before departure. This will make your transition to an Ayurvedic diet much more pleasant. We also suggest setting up a consistent yoga & meditation practice for yourself, at least 2-3x a week if possible.

Are there any books I should read?

Reading is a great way to familiarize yourself with India! This is an incredible country with such rich history and tradition. Some books about India written by Indian authors that we recommend include The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy,  My Experiments with Truth by M.K. Gandhi, and Maximum City by Suketu Mehta.  A few books on Yoga and Ayurveda include Yoga & Ayurveda by David Frawley, Ayurveda Lifestyle Wisdom by Acharya Shunya, and Happy, Healthy, Sexy by Katie Silcox.

Will the venue have internet & wifi?

The venue has wifi in the reception area if needed. The retreat center does not have strong wifi in the rooms because their hope is that we can unplug and bathe in the healing energies of Kerala without too many distractions.  When traveling in countries such as India, the wifi can be very slow or spotty, so we recommend taking care of all your important internet matters prior to our trip. In addition, you’ll get a lot more out of the experience if you’re able to unplug!

Do I have to participate in the full schedule?

Everything offered is optional. You are encouraged to make the most out of this experience by attending as much as possible, but we also understand and respect that you may need moments of rest & solitude. Regardless of how many practices & excursions you choose to attend, the retreat fee will remain the same.  

Is this retreat appropriate for all levels of practitioner?

Yes! I have been teaching yoga for 20+ years. I teach to all levels, beginner to advanced, and will find a way to make the practice accessible & interesting for you.