South India Wellness Retreat

Upon arrival in Kochi you are met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. The next day join your guide to explore the city’s intriguing mix of ancient mosques, Portuguese houses, a 400-year-old synagogue, the remains of the Raj, and giant fishing nets from China by the waterfront. Boutique shops and artisan studios beckon!

A scenic drive up into the cool hills of the Western Ghats takes us to the fragrant spice plantations; pepper, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon are all cultivated here and you’ll learn all about the traditional organic techniques used to prepare the spices for the kitchen and for medicinal purposes. Join the chef for a cooking class focussing on Kerala regional cuisine. On Day 4, board a comfortable bamboo raft to observe wildlife on Lake Periyar. Expect to spot the endangered Asian elephants in herds of up to fifty strong as they come down to the lake for a morning drink, or catch sight of monkeys, bison, deer and spectacular birds, including egrets, parakeets and hornbills. Orchids, too, are in abundance, with 140 different species protected and thriving here.

Head back down to the coast to what Condé Nast Traveler called one of the 25 best getaways in the world. The shores of beautiful Lake Vembanad are home to a rich ecosystem of mangrove forests, paddy fields, and coconut groves. Spend two days birdwatching with the resident naturalist, experiencing village life, unwinding with massages and treatments, and enjoying exquisite seafood cuisine. Enjoy a cruise on board a traditional wooden houseboat with a delicious lunch on board.

Head back to Kochi Airport for the short flight to Goa and transfer directly to gorgeous Majorda Beach. Settle into the hotel for a peaceful afternoon. Enjoy the infinity pool overlooking green fields with a rim of coconut trees or take the complimentary shuttle to the sandy beach.

A morning drive south along the coast takes you to Swaswara for a rejuvenating four night stay. Relax, release, and slowdown in order to be able to hear and listen to your inner song or “Swara”. Immerse yourself in a comprehensive wellness program which begins with an introduction to Yogic kriyas, asanas, Yoga nidra. You’ll also learn and practice meditation and pranayama, enjoy relaxing Abhyanga Ayurveda massages and take special focus yoga sessions using art and music. The program includes consultations with Ayurveda and Naturopathy specialists, private yoga sessions and counselling by the experienced Yoga team at Swaswara.

INCLUSIONS - Two full body Ayurveda Abhyanga massages Ð One Swaswara Destress therapy; Daily group yoga sessions including guided meditation; Accommodation on full board basis inclusive of the three main meals; Unlimited Indian teas & herbal teas served with freshly made healthy cookies. YOGA: 30 minute private yoga sessions; Introduction to the cleansing Yogic kriya session using jal neti to cleanse the nasal tracts and sinuses. This cleansing procedure can be supplemented on the third day by a personalised elimination juice diet to cleanse the body of toxins, which will be supervised by a naturopathy specialist. AYURVEDA: A detailed consultation with the Ayurveda doctor on arrival followed by check-ups and interaction prior to each Ayurveda treatment; A Dosha / Prakruti analysis with the Ayurveda doctors; Two full body Ayurveda abhyanga massages per person. Activities & Experiences: Daily guided yoga asana sessions parallel classes; Daily guided sunrise meditations; Daily guided evening meditations or chanting; A daily special focus Yoga session which could be on Yoga nidra/ Pranayama /Art yoga / Laughter yoga / Mandala meditation; Guided art classes to explore and express your creativity guided by our resident artist; Guided nature walks, village visits and bird watching trips accompanied by our staff (subject to weather during the Monsoons); Thursday - a guided walking excursion into Gokarna to explore the old town and temples which ends at the weekly farmer’s market; Daily interactive cooking sessions with the Chef and his team in the kitchen at 11.30am; Karma Yoga - if you wish you can join the staff for a community based group exercise which could be helping on the farm, gardening or beach cleaning; Weekly cultural programs showcasing traditional dance forms or musical heritage.

Drive to Goa airport to connect your flight back home.