South India – Kerala Yoga, Ayurveda & Cultural Retreat

Due to the huge interest in the Kerala retreat in January 2027, and the retreat already being full, I have not been able to accommodate some of you who are interested to join.  The good news is I have been able to secure a further 10 night retreat at the same location from the 2nd-13th February for those who are still keen to attend.

We have 10 places available and it will be the same programme for the January 10 day retreat. Read on for full details and feel free to contact me with any questions. Just to reassure you the suggested group flights avoid the middle east completely.

Immerse into India’s ancient & cultural traditions for a rejuvenating reset in beautiful Kerala, South India

As many of you know, India is my second home – the culture, the spirit, the wisdom of yoga and its traditions hold a strong place in my heart and daily life.  This is why I love to bring groups to India to experience its rich culture and spiritual traditions. Kerala is one of my favourite parts of India – the tropical land of smiles, coconuts, sunshine and home to the wonderful healing sciences of Yoga & Ayurveda.

Our retreat goes beyond being a getaway; it’s an exploration and deep dive into the rich tapestry of Kerala, embracing its ancient healing practices and rich cultural traditions, leaving you feeling energised, inspired in your practice and with a restored sense of balance & deep soul nourishment.

A perfect way to start the new year!

Daily Yoga, Exercise classes & Ayurvedic Massage, Meditation, Kirtan, Vedic Ceremonies, Workshops Pure Ayurvedic Vegetarian Delicious local food, fresh coconut water, trips out, cultural events and more!

I myself have been practising and benefitting from a more dynamic form of exercise that is similar to calisthenics and very good for strength, flexibility, and overall fitness so will be incorporting some classes of this method into our morning routine as well as our traditional Sivananda hatha yoga practice.

2nd February is arrival and landing day.  Transfers from Cochin airport will be arranged for you to/from the resort which is about a 75 minute journey.

Once you arrive at the retreat, you can rest, settle into your room and arrive into your new home for the next 10 nights.

2nd to 13th February–  yoga sadhana, meditation, kirtan, exercise classes, ceremony, daily massages, outings & cultural programmes
The first morning, 2nd February, there will be a traditional Vedic Fire Ceremony and Mantra Meditation to inaugurate our retreat,
set intentions and focus minds and hearts for our practice and retreat journey.

*Example of Retreat Schedule
7am – Sunrise Mantra Meditation chanting/kirtan
7.45am – Morning dynamic exercise or Hatha Yoga & Pranayama
9.30am – Breakfast
10.00am – Massage or free time
1pm – Lunch
2.00pm – Massage or free time/trip out
*5-6.30pm – Afternoon yoga practice with combinations of classical Sivananda Yoga and Yin Yoga & Sunset Meditation/Relaxation
(*there will be no afternoon sessions when we have a  cultural programme or trips out)
7pm – Dinner (there may be the occasional dinner outside of the retreat venue)
(*The retreat schedule is an example and subject to slight change).

Ayurvedic Massages/Treatments
Massage treatments for 10 days – all included in your retreat!! Following your individual consultation with the Ayurvedic doctor, massage & Ayurvedic treatments (minimum one hour) plus herbal supplements will be prescribed for your body type and needs.

Ayurvedic Abhyanga Massage – full body massage using natural herbal oils plus other Ayurvedic treatments will be applied according to your individual body type and needs.

A nourishing self care treat and rejuvenation for body & mind!

Between classes, meals and your massage, there will be free time to explore, swim or simply relax with a book in one of the hammocks!

There are 10 rooms available at the retreat venue, simple and clean all with ensuite bathrooms – shared and single occupancy is available on a first come basis. Rooms can be daily cleaned if required.

The yoga shala is covered but with open sides, giving a lovely green backdrop and flow of fresh air.  Yoga mats and blocks are provided.

All meals are blessed, prepared with love and are local Kerala style, fresh, Ayurvedic and pure vegetarian. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included along with herbal teas and a daily fresh coconut water.  

Please note this is a retreat, for rejuvenation on all levels.  In order to maintain the purity of the retreat, alcohol is not permitted.

Retreat Leader

Emma Brown is the founder of Yoga Studio in Bromley has been teaching yoga and philosophy for more than 32 years and lived within the Sivananda ashrams for nearly 14 years.  She runs regular classes/workshops in London and Bromley as well as teaching on various teachers training courses in the UK and Spain. Emma is also a qualified Ayurvedic nutrition and lifestyle consultant, ayurvedic massage therapist and somatic movement teacher and guides people on all issues of health, wellbeing and positive living.

Emma lived in India for several years and is quite familiar with the culture, so with the help of local guides and friends she feels comfortable and supported taking groups on these special adventures.

As well as our nourishing yoga practices Emma also offers kirtan and chanting meditation plus a taste of yoga and ayurveda philosophy throughout the retreat, so various threads of yoga are weaved together to form a beautiful retreat experience.

There may be other teachers joining offering some classes on the retreat too – which is always nice as each teacher brings their own special energy and approach to the class.

10 Days at the Bird Island Retreat:
Shared twin room : £1595
Single occupancy – £1895

What’s included
WhatsApp group chat & connect before travel
Advice re flights & travel
Transfers to/from Cochin Airport
10 nights accommodation
3 x daily Vegetarian Meals 
Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation sessions
Sunrise Walk/Boating, Ceremonies/Classes
Personal consultation with Ayurvedic Doctor
10 x Ayurvedic Massages – 1 per day for 10 days
Herbal supplements during the retreat
A few trips out in the local area, including Fort Cochin
Cultural Programmes e.g. local traditions, martial arts, dance
​
Additional Cost/Not included:
​Tourist Visa for India
​Travel Insurance
Flights – International or Domestic
Transfers from any airport other than Cochin
Extra excursions
Additional meals/drinks outside of retreat programme
Additional Massages or treatments
​Herbal supplements once retreat is finished

Booking: We have just 10 guest rooms available on the retreat so booking is on a first come basis after a short interview.  To secure a place on the retreat please request the registration form and if you can send this back along with a £300 non-refundable deposit. The balance will be due by the end of October 2026 unless arranged otherwise. Payment plans can be arranged too if that is easier for you.

Suggested Flights: On booking we will suggest a specific return flight to Cochin International airport that avoids the middle east due to the current world situation. Should I need to cancel the retreat due to the world situation ( which is unlikely ), the deposit is fully refundable.

A full list of what to bring will be sent to you nearer the retreat time.

For bookings and any questions contact Emma – sivanandabromley@yahoo.co.uk / 07765 100436