19 – 25 November 2022
Kerala, India
Malabar Magic in Gods Own Country
Our exquisite South Indian retreat was set in the shade of a coconut grove on the pristine shores of the Arabian sea in Northern Kerala.
The bare-foot luxury at Neeleshwar Hermitage is a sublime retreat experience, set in beautiful verdant gardens, oriented towards the rising sun and the ocean. The palm-roofed Garden Cottages are of traditional Kerala design, surrounded by lush gardens, palm trees, hibiscus and frangipani flowers. The cottages are built in local stone and embellished with carved woodwork and hand-made furniture. Teak floors, contemporary art and open-air bathrooms create an ambient charm inspired by the yoga tradition.
Yogis harmonised by the waves, relaxed by the infinity pool and walked along the golden sands to the ocean horizon.
On waking up in this stunning location, we shared a sunrise Vinyasa Flow and Dharma Yoga sadhana. Moving through beautiful sequencing and creative namaskars, we explored elemental vinyasa: the Earth, the ocean, the birds, the sun, the sky, the stars, the universe within. In the afternoons, we surrendered to a yin yoga practice, allowing our being to rest, renew and rejuvenate.
Ayurveda has its origins in Kerala, thus yogis experienced traditional Ayurvedic massage and therapies to enhance total well-being and relaxation in the serene Priya Spa.
The Malabar coast cuisine is unforgettable, colourful, creative ’Art on a Plate’; a South Indian culinary journey of delicate, flavourful, plentiful, artistic food. My favourite dish has to be traditional Thali served on a banana leaf. Neeleshwar offers warm and welcoming Kerala hospitality at its highest.
Beyond the retreat, yogis immersed in local Malabar culture. We visited the Krishna temple where we lit candles for peace and received traditional blessing. We had the opportunity to participate in a vibrantly theatrical Theyyam performance, an ancient ritual dance that channels the gods to dispel darkness so that light may shine on the community.
On our last evening, we experienced a Sunset Cruise on The Lotus Houseboat through the enchanting Neeleshwar backwaters and river communities. The gentle sunset shimmered as opulence on the calm waters and as radiance in our eyes.
We gathered every evening in sweet santosha to watch the peach-pink sun set into the Arabian Sea. This was Gratitude Sadhana where friendships were formed to last a lifetime.
We were blessed to retreat together in abundant beauty of Kerala under the Indian sun!
Satisfied Yogis
I have been reflecting on the beautiful retreat and time by the warm Arabian sea with yourself, Barbara and the group. It was a wonderful rejuvenating time, a special time for myself and Barbara, a joy to reconnect with you and spend time with such lovely people. The luxury of Neeleshwar Hermitage is a place that I would not usually stay, so that was a real treat too. I loved the yoga and the exquisite thematic symbolism. You really do have a very special yogic life and teaching. The whole retreat has been a beautiful and profound experience.
Anna Roberts
We’ve had an amazing time in Kerala, connecting with locals, exploring hideaway places and embracing Indian culture. A special time that will never be forgotten.
James Scoobie
So many magical moments! I hope you got home ok after your epic 4 day journey home. Thank you so much for helping to create such treasured memories from an incredible trip to Kerala. It really was so special and I most definitely carry a piece of Kerala, India in my heart.
Tara Perlaki
