Ayurveda and Yoga Wellness Retreat in Rural Kerala

The retreat is run out of a traditional Kerala property called Antharyamin, set on a quiet road in the village of Neduveli. Red-oxide floors, open-air spaces and a garden with water lilies give it the feel of a family home rather than a commercial centre. Guests stay in one of three private villas—Shanti, Nirvana or Ananda—each with ensuite bathroom, terrace and Wi-Fi; Shanti and Ananda also have air conditioning and Shanti has its own pool.

Your first day includes a consultation with the Ayurvedic doctor, who assesses your constitution and designs a treatment plan for the week. The treatments draw from Kerala's Panchakarma tradition: Shirodhara (warm oil poured over the forehead), Kizhi (herbal poultice massage), Nasya (nasal therapy), Udwarthanam (dry herbal powder massage), Netra Tarpanam (ghee eye bath) and targeted oil therapies for joints or scalp. You receive one hour of treatment daily, with check-ins to adjust as needed.

Mornings begin with Patanjali-style yoga and guided meditation on the property's yoga deck. Prasanth leads these sessions; he has been practising and teaching for three decades. The style is traditional and grounding rather than athletic—expect breathwork, postures and stillness.

Cultural excursions happen throughout the week. You'll visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple or a local village shrine for morning darshan, walk through nearby villages and spice markets, watch artisans at work, and take a canoe ride along Kerala's backwater canals. One evening includes a Kathakali performance—Kerala's classical dance-drama with elaborate costumes and painted faces—and another features a Kalaripayattu demonstration, India's oldest martial art.

Meals are home-cooked and vegetarian, tailored to your dosha. Breakfast might be idli or dosa with sambar; lunch and dinner are served on banana leaves with rice, dal, vegetable curries, coconut chutney and pickles. Herbal teas and detox drinks are available throughout the day. There are also educational sessions where you learn about the spices and how to eat according to Ayurvedic principles once you're home.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation in a private villa - Airport pickup and drop-off from Trivandrum International Airport - 3 Ayurvedic meals daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner) tailored to your dosha - Daily yoga classes with Prasanth - Daily meditation sessions - 1 hour Ayurvedic treatment daily - Ayurvedic doctor consultation and personalised wellness plan - Herb garden tour - Village walk and spice market visit - Sacred temple visit with morning darshan - Backwater canoe ride - Kathakali dance performance - Kalaripayattu martial arts demonstration - Herbal teas and detox drinks - Use of pool, yoga shala, library and garden - Complimentary Ayurvedic wellness kit

What's not included

- International flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Personal expenses - Optional additional treatments - Optional extra nights