4-Day Zen Meditation & Yoga Wellness Retreat in Kerala Backwaters

The retreat runs across three nights, built around a daily rhythm of yoga and Zen meditation. Mornings start early: meditation with John around 6:00 a.m., then a yoga session with Jessy at 6:30. Jessy teaches in the traditional Sivananda style, with a focus on proper alignment and adjustments. Afternoons bring a second yoga class with Jim at the retreat shala, and evenings might include a sound healing session or group dinner. The schedule is flexible, and you can join as much or as little as you like—though most guests find the structure helps them settle into a slower pace.

What makes it different from a standard yoga retreat is the family-run character and the depth of the teaching. John has studied under a wide range of teachers—from disciples of Swami Sivananda to Iyengar instructors and Kundalini masters like Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa. Jessy trained at Annamalai University and teaches in local schools. Jim is an architect who brings his own movement practice into his classes. Between them, they offer a mix of Hatha, Kundalini, Restorative yoga, and authentic zazen meditation, which is rare to find in one place.

The property itself is small and eco-conscious, set in a lush garden with a pool. Rooms are minimalist but comfortable, with a private pool cabana option. There's a library full of John's spiritual books, open-air meditation spaces, and a yoga shala. It's not a resort—it's a home, and that's the point. Guests often talk about how welcomed they feel, and the staff genuinely look after you, as several reviews note.

A typical day leaves you with long stretches of free time to read by the pool, wander into Alleppey town, or take a bike ride. The included backwater excursion by shikara boat is a highlight—a peaceful glide through palm-lined canals and a chance to see village life along the water. With only about ten guests at a time, you get to know the other participants and the family well, and the conversations often go as deep as the yoga poses.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation in a private or shared room - Daily breakfast and dinner (2 vegetarian meals) - Daily yoga classes (Hatha, Kundalini, Restorative) - Daily Zen meditation sessions - Daily pranayama classes - 1 sound-healing workshop - Group excursions/activities (backwater boat/kayak trip) - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Free Wi-Fi - Parking

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights - Visa fees - Travel insurance - Lunch (not included) - Additional treatments (e.g., Ayurveda doctor consultation) - Additional activities not in the itinerary - Personal expenses