Ayurvedic Detox and Wellness Retreat on the Kabini River

The retreat is built around a package of daily Ayurveda treatments, consultations, yoga, and food. On your first day, you meet with the Ayurvedic doctor who checks your medical history, current health, and goals. They analyze your dosha constitution and any imbalances, then put together a treatment plan. After that, you get daily sessions—two per day, at least 90 minutes total—which might include oil massages, steam baths, or other therapies depending on what you need.

Meals are vegetarian, cooked with mild spices in Indian style. During detox, the doctor may ask you to stick to simple rice gruel or boiled vegetables for a few days. Everything is served buffet-style, and the kitchen can work around allergies (no dairy, gluten, nuts) if you ask.

Yoga classes run twice a day: a 2-hour morning session for those with experience, and a gentler evening session for beginners or older guests. You pick one. Ayurveda treatments make your body sensitive, so the teachers warn against pushing too hard—one class a day is enough. Private coaching on yoga, meditation, and pranayama is included; if you want a full private 60-minute session, it's about $20 extra.

The ashram only takes 10-15 Ayurveda guests at a time, so you get one-on-one attention from the doctors and therapists. Staff come from traditional vaidya families in Kerala, and the herbs used in treatments are collected from the nearby Wayanad forest or grown on the property. It's about as authentic as it gets.

Staying here is not like being at a resort. Guests are told not to treat it as a holiday or mix in a lot of tourism, because rest is a big part of the treatment. The surroundings help—18 acres of farmland, a river (not safe for swimming), and quiet that stretches for miles.

What's included

- Daily Ayurveda treatments (2 sessions, at least 90 minutes total) - Daily yoga and meditation classes - Daily consultations with the Ayurvedic doctor - Herbal medicines, if prescribed - 3 daily meals and snacks, plus herbal drinks - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Eco-friendly cottage with private bathroom and river view - WiFi - Nature walks with a guide - Evening activities (Kirtan, movie nights) - Housekeeping - Pre and post retreat support

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Excursions - Airport transfers (available at an extra cost) - Optional private yoga sessions (approx. $20/hour) - Additional medicines to take home - Spa treatments beyond the included therapies