FEBRUARY 7TH-14TH 2027 PRESENCE
A RETREAT TO KERALA
this retreat is all about the feeling of presence: doing more of whatever roots you in the here and now. whether that’s through the yoga practice itself or sunset swims in the ocean that sits right on our doorstop; through connecting to a new community or taking a moment to yourself to be still and slow down; through the quiet of the nearby rice fields or the colourful chaos of a temple festival.
❋ our locationThe coastal town of Varkala, Kerala: a place that many people visit once, and end up returning to for years on end. A hub for surfers, yogis, and also an important religious pilgrimage site, it is a place of high vibrations and incredible warmth (both in terms of people and weather!).
❋ our foodOriginally from the UK, chef Nikki Merali has been part of the local community in Varkala for over 20 years. After experimenting with various chefs who couldn't quite capture the essence she envisioned for her own retreats, Nikki stepped into the kitchen herself. She immersed herself in Ayurvedic principles, translating her designer's eye and zero-waste mindset into mouthwatering, colourful cuisine. Master of vibrant, playful, plant-diverse plates, she designs menus that honour seasonal rhythms, local ingredients, and the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, creating dishes that are as visually stunning as they are nourishing.
I was fortunate to have experienced one of Nikki’s supper clubs the last time that I was in Varkala, and I was totally won over by her creative, exciting, and health-giving approach to food, that please the eyes as much at the belly! So I’m very excited to have her on board for this retreat.
❋ our retreat homePaddle Cult. As the name suggests, it’s owned by two passionate surfers — and very good friends of mine — from Kerala, who both recognise the value of the yoga practice for surfers, so built an open-air, sheltered shala on the roof of their gorgeous, vine clad building. Right in the middle of everything in Varkala — shops, cafes, restaurants, beaches, temples all within walking distance — Paddle Cult really is the beatng heart of the community, and will make the perfect base for our retreat. There is the choice of a double room in the main building, or a separate cottage, both of which can be taken as single or double occupancy. Meals will be eaten alfresco, and the gorgeous palm-fringed swimming pool will welcome you for a refresh after what promises to be a very sweaty yoga practice. For those keen to try surfing, the boards will be lined up and waiting for you.
❋ what's included7 x Nights accommodation
3 x Daily meals
Daily dynamic yoga practice
Second class or workshop daily (inversions / back-bending / yin)
1 x Sound healing session
Additional activities such as temple festivals, beach walks etc
❋ what to expectMorning dynamic yoga practice (Rocket / 4-Beat / Vinyasa)
Skills and drills workshops (Inversions / Back-bending)
Evening Yin
Sound Healing
Meditation + Pranayama
Sunset beach walks
3 Nourishing meals a day
Visits to local temples (and hopefully a temple festival if dates align)
Optional surf lessons (not included)
Optional Ayurvedic treatments (not included)
❋ What's not includedFlights
Transfers to/from airport
Additional transport for day trips if wanting to go out of Varkala
Dinners out (except ones included in retreat schedule)
Travel insurance
pricing-
£1,350
A comfortable private room designed for rest and simplicity throughout the retreat.
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£1,700
A more spacious villa setting with your own veranda, offering extra comfort and a quieter, more elevated environment.
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If you’d like to share a room or villa with someone you know, discounted shared rates are available upon request.
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Save £100 when you secure your place before 1st September.