5 Day Yoga and Ayurvedic Beach Retreat in Kerala, India

The retreat is held at Dolphins Turf, a beachfront homestay in Mararikulam, a village that still revolves around fishing and farming rather than tourism. The beach itself is long, wide, and uncrowded — the kind of place where you can walk for an hour and barely pass anyone. Because the homestay is so small, with only four rooms, you get a level of personal attention that larger retreat centres can't offer. Lucy, the host, is on call throughout the day, and the small guest count means breakfast, yoga, and even the daily schedule can flex around your preferences.

Each day opens with a yoga class taught by Hari, a certified RYT 200 instructor who trained in Iyengar yoga and also teaches Kalari, Kerala's ancient martial art. Hari has been based in Kochi since 2019 and brings a precise, alignment-focused style to his teaching, which suits both beginners and more experienced practitioners. Sessions usually happen on the rooftop deck in the morning, with the option to take your mat down onto the sand. On top of the yoga, there are daily pranayama (breathing) and meditation sessions, and guests can book traditional Ayurvedic massages through the homestay — these are an optional add-on rather than part of the package.

The programme leaves generous stretches of free time, which is one of its strengths. You can arrange a cooking class to learn a few Kerala dishes, take a backwater boat trip, or simply spend the afternoon reading on the veranda. The location is about 90 minutes from Cochin Airport, so it feels properly removed from city life without being difficult to reach. Because the homestay also operates as a bed and breakfast for non-retreat guests, the vibe is more like staying with a welcoming local family than attending a structured wellness product.

What's included

- 4 nights accommodation - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks) - Daily yoga classes - Daily pranayama classes - Daily meditation classes - Welcome drink - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Pre and post retreat support - Free parking - Luggage storage - Wifi connection

What's not included

- Flights - Visa fees - Travel insurance - Additional Ayurvedic treatments - Additional activities - Airport transfers - Optional extras (massages, excursions)