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Experience the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Kerala, India, with Embodied Awakening - Luxury Yoga and Ayurveda Adventure. This transformative journey invites you to immerse yourself in the lush landscapes, ancient traditions, misty hills, picturesque beaches, and serene backwaters of "God’s Own Country."

Discover the healing power of Ayurveda with personalized treatments, practice Yoga with the serenity of musical accompaniment by Settle Into Stillness, cruise through the tranquil backwaters on a traditional houseboat, savor the flavors of Kerala’s renowned cuisine, explore many of Kerala’s ancient cultural traditions, and so much more.

During your retreat, enjoy daily yoga sessions designed to deepen your practice, explore Ayurvedic practices for balanced living, and connect with a supportive community of fellow seekers on this unforgettable adventure. When your day's adventures are finished, retire to the luxury accommodations of some of the best 4 and 5 star resorts that India has to offer.

Kerala, India, often called "God's Own Country," is a tranquil haven that perfectly blends natural beauty, cultural richness, and holistic wellness. Renowned for its lush greenery, serene backwaters, and pristine beaches, Kerala provides an idyllic setting for a yoga retreat. Its traditional Ayurvedic practices, authentic cuisine, and peaceful ashrams make it a global hub for rejuvenation and spiritual growth. Whether meditating by the Arabian Sea, practicing yoga amidst misty hill stations, or experiencing ancient healing therapies, Kerala offers the perfect escape for anyone seeking inner peace and renewal.

Double Occupancy and Single Occupancy Packages Available:

Ananda Cherai

Ananda Cherai is a 4 star Ayurveda Resort in Kochi, Kerala:

https://www.anandacherai.com/

Fragrant Nature

Fragrant Nature is a 5 Star Resort in Munnar, Kerala: https://www.fragrantnature.com/pothamedu-munnar/

Amber Dale

Amber Dale is a 5 star luxury hotel and spa in Munnar, Kerala:

https://amberdalemunnar.com/

Green Woods Resort

Green Woods Resort is a 5 star resort in Thekkady, Kerala:

https://www.greenwoods.in/

Rhythm Kumarakom

Rhythm Kumarakom is a 5 star hotel in Kumarakom, Kerala: https://www.rhythmhospitality.com/resorts/rhythm-kumarakom/

Elixir Beach Resort

Elixir Beach Resort is a 5 star resort in Varkala, Kerala:

https://www.elixircliff.com/

Poovar Island Resort

Poovar Island Resort is a 4 star hotel near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala:
https://www.poovarislandresorts.com/

For all of us in the Settle Into Stillness Ensemble, there would be no life without music. Music pervades all areas of our life, and our purpose is to share it with others to enrich your life and provide beauty to the world. 

When you join us on the Embodied Awakening Retreat in India, you can expect that your journey will be infused with beautiful music from start to finish, whether it is with the Settle Into Stillness Ensemble in a late night Sound Journey before you drift off to a peaceful sleep, a community rhythm workshop where you get to experience the therapeutic power of drumming and learn world rhythms in a comfortable and inviting workshop with Parker Horsch.

The Settle Into Stillness Ensemble stands apart from the ever-growing landscape of mindfulness-based musical offerings. By seamlessly weaving together diverse world music instrumentation, such as the mesmerizing handpan, the enchanting didgeridoo, the angelic beauty of the harp, the gentle resonance of gongs, the ethereal tones of crystal singing bowls and setting it all to the backbeat of an eclectic variety of world percussion instruments, the ensemble has crafted a truly extraordinary experience. Each element is carefully chosen and delivered with intention, creating a symphony of soothing vibrations that nurture the mind, body, and soul. Their offerings create an immersive experience that transports participants towards a state of deep inner calm. Through carefully curated sessions, individuals are invited to release stress, let go of tension, and embark on a profound journey of self-exploration.

Each Sound Journey is a unique tapestry of sonic landscapes, woven together with love and a deep commitment to the individual's well-being. The purity of sound permeates every cell, evoking a sense of harmony that soothes the spirit and opens doors to personal transformation.  The Settle Into Stillness Ensemble invites you to come experience one of their Sound Journeys, where the transformative fusion of these enchanting instruments and mindfulness practices will open doors to your innermost self. 

About Nancy Grzeszak:
Nancy is inspired by the deep well of knowledge that exists within our own being. Since 2004, she has been exploring this internal wisdom through Yoga, meditation, and sound. Her love of Yoga and pursuit of inspiration has taken her across the world to 22 different countries.

Her passions within the timeless practice of Yoga include Gentle Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Yoga Nidra. She finds that the mind and body’s innate wisdom most often reveal themselves when residing in stillness. She completed her 200 hour Yoga teacher training certification with Prairie Yoga, based in Lisle (Chicago), Illinois in 2014, Relax and Renew® Level 1 Certification with Judith Hanson Lasater in 2017, and Lizzie Lasater’s 30 hour Restorative Yoga Training in 2019.

As one of the founders of Settle Into Stillness, Nancy shares the transcendent vibrations of Gongs, Crystal Singing Bowls, and more. She approaches these powerful vibrational instruments with a graceful mastery and deep listening, creating a soothing atmosphere that allows the listener to reconnect with themselves, their breath, and their true essence.

It is her deepest desire to create more love in this world by revealing the gift of stillness, and creating a soothing and nurturing space which facilitates healing for all.

About Jane Bloom:
Jane Bloom is the Director and Teacher at Dwellyoga Collective in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She is a dedicated yoga teacher with a background that combines a master’s degree in counseling and educational psychology with 17 years of experience as a therapist. She founded Dwellyoga nine years ago to unite her interests in healing and movement. With 14 years of teaching experience and two 200-hour registered yoga teacher certifications, Jane is passionate about fostering an inclusive community through her yoga studio. Her teaching style integrates creative sequencing, alignment, and embodied practices to enhance students’ awareness and personal growth. Jane also enjoys traveling and co-leading yoga retreats around the globe with Settle Into Stillness, this will be their fifth international retreat together. 

About Lisa Riente:

Lisa Riente brings over 30 years of yoga and healing experience, with 20+ years of teaching in diverse settings, including studios, prisons, hospitals, and schools worldwide. A graduate of the University of Georgia and former Air Force wife, Lisa began her yoga journey in Germany and has owned a wellness studio in South Carolina for 20 years.

She has led over 20 local and international retreats across Peru, Belize, Jamaica, Mexico, Europe, and the US, guiding participants in connecting mind, body, and energy. In 2018, Lisa was honored to be one of 52 yoga ambassadors on the Yoga Ambassadors Tour in Kerala, India.

As a beekeeper, animal rehabber, and outdoor enthusiast, Lisa finds joy in nature and adventure, incorporating these elements into her retreats. Her creatively-themed hatha and kundalini-inspired classes offer a unique and transformative experience.

Certifications:
        •       BA, University of Georgia
        •       IAYT Certified Yoga Therapist
        •       Yoga Alliance E-RYT 500, YACEP
        •       Certified Death Doula
        •       SC Certified Beekeeper

Nancy and Jeremy, the founders of Settle Into Stillness, have been traveling the world together since 2011, and before that, Jeremy was traveling solo since 2009. Our travel philosophy has always been to immerse ourselves in the local cultures as much as possible, to deeply connect with the local people and ways of life. In order to do so, we have committed to long-term, slow travel over the years, which involves traveling in the ways the locals do as much as possible. This includes taking local transportation when possible, eating the way the locals do, learning as much language as possible, and respecting the local customs as much as we can. In doing so, we have had amazing and deeply personal travel experiences that have taught us that no matter where you go in the world, we all hold similar goals, dreams, and desires of life, and share common values. In a little over a decade, we have each spent a cumulative 5+ years immersed in local cultures around the world, in Africa, India, Indonesia, SE Asia, Central America, South America, Australia, and Europe. This has given us a unique perspective on travel and what it can do for humanity. When we organize our retreats, we do our best to immerse you in authentic, local experiences as much as possible, and to organize our travel experiences in ways that enable you to respect local culture and customs, learn as much as possible, and connect with humans across the world on a deep, personal level, while doing so comfortable and safely. You may not have the time to immerse into another culture for months at a time like we have, but when you travel with us, you can expect a journey that will take you beyond the surface level of typical tourism and into the heart of a faraway land.  

On our retreats, we aim to make sure you are taken care of every step of the way. We offer travel advice free of charge to our retreat guests at any time during your booking process and retreat, to help you organize the journey of a lifetime. We also include services in our retreat packages that are not often included or are an extra charge on other retreats, such as your airport transfers, to ensure you get to your destination safely and reliably. Our excursions are designed to allow you to immerse and connect with the local customs, cultures, and landscapes in a deeply meaningful way. All activities on our retreats are optional, so if you want to take time away from group activities for your own personal reflection or a personal adventure, you are welcome to do so at any time. All participants will be invited to our retreat WhatsApp groups for communication before, during, and after the retreat, and to our private online community of adventurous travelers, to remain connected long after the jet lag disappears after your journey home.

About our offerings:

Yoga classes will be led by Jane Bloom of Dwell Yoga, Lisa Riente of Blue Dog Yoga & Wellness, and Nancy Grzeszak of Settle Into Stillness.

We strive to make our retreats accessible and supportive of everyone, regardless of where you are in your practice or in your life. On past retreats, we have had students ranging from complete beginners to seasoned, experienced teachers. Our teachers, Nancy, Lisa, and Jane have years of experience with the practice and teaching working with students of all ages, skill levels, and body types. Yoga practices offered on this retreat will include invigorating, all levels morning classes, deeply rejuvenating Restorative Yoga, Yoga Nidra, and Yin Yoga. They are an extension of the offerings from our Sound Journey events worldwide, as well as the classes found at Jane’s studio, Dwell Yoga, in Las Cruces, New Mexico and Lisa's studio in Camden, North Carolina. At our retreats, you are invited to practice at your pace, along with the guidance of our teachers, and grow from where you are in this moment. We also feel that this is your journey. You’re traveling all the way across the world to spend your time with us, and we like to remain flexible with our schedule. Activities are always optional, so if you want to slip away for a solo adventure, rest and recovery in your room, etc., you are free to do as you need. 

If you have any questions about whether our retreat is right for you, please send us a message.

US Citizens traveling to India need a current passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the date of visa application with at least 2 blank passport pages available for stamps. Check the expiration date to make sure that it does not expire within 6 months of your trip.

Visas are required for US Citizens traveling to India.

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India solely for tourist purposes for stays of less than 60 days may apply for an eVisa at least four days before their arrival. Please visit the Indian government's website for electronic travel authorization.

For up to date information about travel to India from the US State Department, visit:

US State Department - India

For attendees from other countries, please visit your local embassy or consulate site for traveling to India.

Your credit card charges will show up as 'WeTravel'.

Please do not forget that your payment charges show up as WeTravel. For any disputed charges that are accidental or that go against our Payment Plan Terms and Conditions there will be a $300 admin fee to cover the cost of the administrative work that will required to resolve this error.

A credit card processing fee applies for card payments. Want to skip the fees? Choose ACH transfer upon checkout!

(Please read. These terms are binding with the purchase of your package)

Settle Into Stillness Retreats are non-refundable and exceptions cannot be made.

All payments are non-refundable. Payment reminders will be sent for each monthly payment. If a payment is 7 business days late without prior authorization, the package is subject to a $50 admin fee. Should a payment be more than 10 days late, the organizer has the right to cancel the package. If you need to adjust a payment date, please speak with the organizer one week or more before the payment due date. 

By confirming this spot, you have agreed and confirmed that the payment is non-refundable. Package may only be transferred to another name. You are also confirming that the terms and conditions have been read. If for any reason you believe there may be a circumstance that might affect your ability to attend after purchasing your package please purchase travel insurance. We are unable to refund package under any circumstance.

We will email our travel agreement/contract upon sign up. This contract must be signed in order for you to attend the retreat. If you wish to see our travel contract prior to signing up, please send us a message.

Settle Into Stillness Retreats will not be held responsible for any costs or lost days due to travel days. Settle Into Stillness Retreats will also not able to refund packages related to illness or injury prior to travel. Travel insurance protect against financial loss. Should the retreat not be able to take place due to travel restrictions, the retreat will be moved and all packages will be transferred to a new date. No refunds will be issued.

We recommend that all guests travel with health insurance and travel insurance (or travel insurance with health coverage), be well informed of their coverage and also know their 24hr contact line. Settle Into Stillness will not be liable for any medical costs.

Welcome to Kerala!

-Arrival in Cochin
-Meet and greet and transfer to Ananda Cherai

-Check in to hotel and relax

-Optional : Ayurveda – Massages 

-Consultation session with an Ayurveda Doctor. Ayurveda & Yoga life. (Ayurvedic consultation is included with your retreat package)

-Enjoy the beautiful sunset at Cherai Beach

-Evening yoga session

Overnight stay at Ananda Cherai

Ananda Cherai is a 4 star Ayurveda Resort

https://www.anandacherai.com/

Note: Due to the individual nature of Ayurvedic protocols, Ayurvedic treatments are an additional cost not included in your retreat package. One 60 minute massage is included with your retreat.

CHERAI – ATHIRAPPILLY - CHERAI

-Early morning Yoga session

-Day trip to Athirappilly waterfall, Kerala's most famous and largest waterfall at over 80 ft high. You can walk down the stone slabs that lead to the base of the Athirappilly waterfalls. 

-Back to Ananda Cherai

-Ayurveda Session 

-Evening Yoga Session

Overnight stay at Ananda Cherai

Ananda Cherai is a 4 star Ayurveda Resort

https://www.anandacherai.com/

Note: Due to the individual nature of Ayurvedic protocols, Ayurvedic treatments are an additional cost not included in your retreat package. One 60 minute massage is included with your retreat.

CHERAI - COCHIN

-Early morning yoga session

-After breakfast check out from hotel and proceed to Cochin

-Check into Hotel - Rest

-Sightseeing in Cochin, which includes the Dutch Palace, the Jew Street in

Mattancherry, the Santa Cruz Cathedral, and the Chinese Fishing Nets in Fort Cochin.

-Evening yoga session

Overnight Stay at Fragrant Nature

Fragrant Nature is a 5 Star Resort in Munnar, Kerala:
https://www.fragrantnature.com/pothamedu-munnar/

COCHIN – MUNNAR

-Early morning yoga session

-After breakfast check out and drive to Munnar in the High Ranges of Western Ghats of Kerala. This terrain offers the perfect opportunities for walking, cycling, riding or boating, something for everyone.

Munnar is famous for its exotic birdlife and plantation crops of cardamom, tea and coffee and is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. The word ‘Munnar’ means three rivers in the language of Malayalam. Munnar is situated about 1600m above sea level.

-Check into Resort - Rest

-Visit tea plantation and museum. Learn how the tea is extracted from its raw stage to final product. 

-Back to Resort

-Indian Cooking Class

-Evening Yoga Session

Overnight at Amber Dale

Amber Dale is a 5 star luxury hotel and spa in Munnar, Kerala
https://amberdalemunnar.com/

MUNNAR

-Morning yoga session

-After breakfast, proceed for a tour to Kolukkumalai [Jeep Safari] (Around 35 KM).

Kolukkumalai is about 7,900 ft above sea level and you can have some excellent views of the far off plains in the bordering state of Tamilnadu. The distant hills slipping in and out of the mist are a captivating sight. The rolling acres of tea are a beautiful experience for the visitors. Take a lovely stroll on the pathways in the plantations.

-Back to hotel

-Evening yoga session

Overnight stay at Amber Dale

Amber Dale is a 5 star luxury hotel and spa in Munnar, Kerala https://amberdalemunnar.com/

MUNNAR - THEKKADY

-Morning Yoga Session

-After breakfast, proceed to Thekkady, home of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. 

Here, herds of elephants are often seen moving towards the lake against the backdrop of picturesque mountain ranges with thick greenery - if you come across such a photograph in Kerala, it will likely be one of the Periyar Valley. Periyar valley is tucked in the southern region of the Western Ghats. The Periyar Tiger Reserve sprawls over an area of 777 sq. km of forest land and is home to thousands of different species of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered ones.

-On arrival check in hotel and relax

-Later proceed to elephant watch, Kathakali show, and herbal garden visit

-Evening Yoga Session

Overnight stay at Green Woods Resort

Green Woods Resort is a 5 star resort in Thekkady.

https://www.greenwoods.in/

THEKKADY

-Morning Yoga Session.

-After breakfast, we will depart for a  two and half hour trekking program that starts from the famous Periyar Lake. Trekking will be accompanied by a local tribal guide. 

-In the afternoon proceed for a boat ride on Lake Periyar in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The Periyar Tiger Reserve offers 1.5-hour boating trips on the lake situated near the sanctuary. It's common to encounter herds of elephants or groups of sambar deer in the vicinity. The grasslands bordering the shores often host sightings of gaur and wild boars, while avian fauna such as darters, egrets, and kingfishers rest on protruding dead tree trunks. 

-Evening yoga session

Overnight stay at Green Woods Resort

Green Woods Resort is a 5 star resort in Thekkady.

https://www.greenwoods.in/

THEKKADY – KUMARAKOM

-Morning yoga session

-After breakfast check out and drive to Kumarakom, set in the backdrop of the     

Vembanad Lake known for its backwaters. 

-Check in hotel and relax 

-Later in the afternoon proceed for a village tour (Responsible Tourism Initiative) in a country boat where you get to see toddy tapping, mat waving, coir making, fishing and a lot more. Here you will get a chance to have a hands on experience with various village activities, along with the interaction with the local people. This tour is part of the responsible tourism imitative to support the local people.

-Evening yoga session

Overnight stay at Rhythm Kumarakom

Rhythm Kumarakom is a 5 star hotel
https://www.rhythmhospitality.com/resorts/rhythm-kumarakom/

KUMARAKOM

-Morning yoga session

-After breakfast proceed for a houseboat cruise through the Vembanad Lake. Vembanad Lake offers you sights of the rustic backwater village life. 

-Evening yoga session

Overnight stay at Rhythm Kumarakom

Rhythm Kumarakom is a 5 star hotel https://www.rhythmhospitality.com/resorts/rhythm-kumarakom/

KUMARAKOM – VARKALA

-Early morning yoga session

-After breakfast check out from hotel and transfer to Varkala. 

Varkala, a calm and quiet hamlet, lies on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram. The beach is famous for its serene atmosphere, golden sands, and dramatic cliffs. 

Overnight stay at Elixir Beach Resort

Elixir Beach Resort is a 5 star resort

https://www.elixircliff.com/

VARKALA

-Early morning yoga session

-Relax … Explore …Adventure

Varkala is the only place in South India where you can witness the confluence of hills with the sea. Adventure seekers will find themselves completely at home enjoying activities such as jet skiing, paragliding, etc.

Overnight stay at Elixir Beach Resort

Elixir Beach Resort is a 5 star resort

https://www.elixircliff.com/

Beach activities such as jet skiing and paragliding are optional and an extra cost.

VARKALA – POOVAR

-Early morning Yoga session.

-After breakfast check out from hotel and transfer to Poovar. 

The crowning glory of Poovar is its serene backwaters and the mangroves flourishing in them. Dotted with islands, the backwaters are rich in flora and fauna. Apart from witnessing a slice of life in a coastal village, the cruise through the backwaters can bring you sightings of a variety of birds such as Kingfisher, Brahminy Kite, Night Heron, Sea Egret, Black Darter and Indian Cormorant eagle. The friendly fishing community residing in the village is unique from the rest because of its customs, cultures and traditions.

-Evening yoga session.

Overnight stay at Poovar Island Resort in the land cottages

Poovar Island Resort is a 4 star hotel:
https://www.poovarislandresorts.com/

POOVAR

-Early morning yoga session

-After breakfast proceed to Sivandanda Ashram (30 KM – 1 hr)

Discover classical yoga and meditation in a traditional ashram setting, nestled in the tropical splendour of south India. The Sivananda Yoga Ashram propagates the authentic teaching of yoga and Vedanta, continuing the family of the two great yoga masters, preserving its purity and tradition.

-Evening yoga session

Overnight stay at Poovar Island Resort

Poovar Island Resort is a 4 star hotel: 

https://www.poovarislandresorts.com/

POOVAR

-Early morning yoga session

-Relax ….

-Evening yoga session

Overnight stay at Poovar Island Resort

Poovar Island Resort is a 4 star hotel:
https://www.poovarislandresorts.com/

Early morning Yoga Session

After breakfast check out from hotel and transfer to Trivandrum Airport for your departure.