A typical day starts slowly. Wake-up is around 07:30, the morning practice runs from 08:30 to 09:30, and breakfast isn't until 10:00. From 10:30 to 13:00 you might join a workshop or a cooking class, book an optional wellness treatment, or do nothing at all. Lunch at 13:00 is the biggest meal of the day and is followed by free time until 16:00.

Late afternoon is when the group comes together. From 16:00 to 17:30 there is a workshop, a women's circle or a guided exercise, though some of these slots are left free. The workshops cover self-reflection, letting go of old habits and building self-confidence. At 18:00 there are 45 minutes of meditation, Yin yoga or gentle relaxation, and dinner follows at 19:00. Some evenings the group talks in a sharing circle or sings kirtan and mantras, and you are just as welcome to go to your room.

The group size and the setting are what set this week apart from other yoga retreats in Varkala. The group is capped at eight and is women only, so you get to know everyone quickly. You also stay in an old family home rather than a resort. The house was built according to Vastu principles and has traditional South Indian architecture, a meditation garden and its own yoga shala and yoga deck.

The week gets you out to see some of Kerala as well. You can walk to the beach in about ten minutes, spend time at the temple next door and join the group excursion to the backwaters. Kirtan and creative workshops add some of the region's traditions and culture to the schedule, and the listing also covers creative writing and drawing.

The host knows this area well and describes Kerala as a second home, and part of the week is sharing favourite places and people there. The host is also the main point of contact from your first questions about the trip through to the goodbye in Kerala. That makes this a good fit if you'd like to see India but don't want to work it all out alone.

The last day is short. There is a gentle yoga class and a closing circle, the programme ends around 11:00, and check-out is possible until 14:00, which leaves time for a final walk to the beach before you leave.

What's included

- 7 nights' accommodation at Devagouris Ocean View (14 to 21 February 2027) - 3 vegetarian meals daily - Daily yoga, pranayama and meditation - Sound healing - Ecstatic dance - Workshops - Women's circles - Kirtan and mantra practice - Group excursion to the Kerala backwaters - Pre-trip advice on flights, visas, packing and clothing

What's not included

- Flights to India - Visa costs - Travel insurance - Optional wellness treatments - Airport transfers (not listed as included, so check with the host) - Personal expenses

More wellness retreats in Kerala