The Soul Retreat is for anyone who wants to go back to the roots of yoga and meditation rather than spend another hour in a modern stretching class. Over five days and four nights, you'll learn practices drawn from genuine lineages: Hatha Yoga from the Shadow Yoga school, and Himalayan Meditation, a technique that is 800 years old. Your host is David, a veteran who used meditation and yoga to overcome trauma from his service in the Special Forces. The programme suits you whether you're new to these traditions or looking to deepen a practice you already have, as each strand begins with an introduction before moving into practical sessions.

You'll stay at Kailash Ashram in Wartook, Victoria, in the Grampians. It is a peaceful retreat centre of mudbrick lodge buildings with a garden, heating and free parking. The yoga shala sits in a Mongolian yurt with wooden floors and a wood fire. You can choose a private 'Nest' room on the mezzanine level, with new mattresses, a fan, a heater and charging ports. You can also choose a twin-share room with a same-gender roommate, a good way to make a friend, though snorers are asked to book a private room. The third option is a twin-share glamping tent with canvas walls, soft throws and cosy seating. All rooms are comfortable and simple, and the twin options share bathroom facilities. Kailash Foundation is a not-for-profit and registered charity, and when you book through BookRetreats no additional donation is required.

The days follow a thoughtful rhythm. You rise at 05:45 for Hatha Yoga at 06:00, followed by meditation and breakfast. Mornings bring a theory class or a nature programme. Across the week this includes a welcome walk, an introduction to the Elements, a three-hour Mountain Yoga session and an introduction to selfless service. After lunch you have time set aside for personal reflection. Late afternoons bring chanting, practical sessions, soul art and collective meditation. Evenings close with sound meditation, a question and answer session, or 'Sharing the Gold', before quiet time from 20:30. You arrive on the first day from 17:00 for dinner and a welcome. The final morning ends with a Traditional Fire Ceremony and lunch before departure at 13:30.

Meals are vegetarian whole foods designed to support your yoga and meditation. They are made with seasonal produce from the garden where possible, and prepared with love. Expect chia pudding for breakfast, hearty vegetarian lunches and sustaining dinners. Teas, coffee, fruit, nuts and dried fruit are available throughout the day. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and egg-free diets are catered for.

The retreat costs 927 USD per person. This includes four nights' accommodation, three meals a day, and water, tea and coffee throughout the day. You'll have daily yoga and meditation classes, nature hikes with a trusted guide and specialised workshops. Professional event photos are included, as is pre- and post-retreat support from the team. Flights, travel insurance, visa fees, additional treatments and activities outside the itinerary are not included. Melbourne is around 3.5 hours away by car. You can also take public transport to Horsham, 50km from the ashram, and a transfer can be arranged for you.

What's included

- 4 nights accommodation - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals - Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day - Daily yoga classes - Daily meditation classes - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Specialized workshops - Professional event photos - Pre and post retreat support from our team

What's not included

- Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fee - Additional treatments - Additional activities not included in the itinerary

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