The retreat begins in Udaipur on 18 February 2027, when the group meets between 2 and 4pm and takes a shared transfer to Castle Bijaipur. Most of your stay is here. The Castle has turrets, terraces, gardens and a pool, with views across the valley and villages around it. The current Maharaja is a keen yoga fan and has opened the place to guests, so you're staying in a working piece of local history rather than a purpose-built resort.

A normal yoga day has two sessions. The morning opens with meditation, followed by a flowing asana class that gets you moving and paying attention to your breath. The second class is much slower and might be yin, yoga nidra, pranayama or meditation. Past guests also mention chanting and aromatherapy in Amy's classes. Between sessions there's time for meals, trips or doing very little.

Midway through, the group moves to Pangarh Lake Resort for three nights. It's quieter and more rural than the Castle, with hills and open countryside around the water. You might do sunrise yoga by the lake, walk along the shore looking for kingfishers and herons, take a boat out on the lotus lake, or walk through the hills to nearby villages. At night there's a big, dark sky for stargazing.

What sets this apart from a typical yoga week in India is the split between two settings, along with how much there is to do off the mat. At the Castle you can book jeep safaris, village and temple treks, cookery lessons, block printing and bicycle rides. Chittorgarh Fort is close enough for a day trip. None of it is compulsory, and one guest described the balance as the right mix of yoga, day trips and own time.

Amy McDonald teaches throughout. Guest reviews talk about Amy's care with each student, as well as the mix of energising morning classes and yin later in the day. Several say they would travel with Amy again.

Udaipur is the gateway, with most international flights arriving via Delhi or Mumbai. It's worth adding a few days there before or after if you can. You'll need a tourist visa for India, and the online e-visa is the easier and cheaper route.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation at Castle Bijaipur - 3 nights in a luxury tent or room at Pangarh Lake - All meals - Twice daily yoga classes (with one yoga-free day)

What's not included

- International and domestic flights - Airport transfers to and from the Castle - Tourist visa for India - Travel insurance - Massages with the local therapist - Optional excursions and activities not listed in the price - Extra nights in Udaipur - Personal expenses

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