Yoga Where Yoga Was Born

Join me on the southern coast of Kerala, where yoga and Ayurveda are part of the fabric of everyday life.

We'll stay at Soma Manaltheeram, an award-winning Ayurvedic retreat nestled in tropical gardens overlooking the Arabian Sea. The days unfold slowly here—warm air, ocean views, temple bells in the distance.

Morning and afternoon Rasa Yoga. Daily Ayurveda. Daily massage. Incredible food. Colorful markets. Warm ocean swims. Time to wander. Time to rest.

Yoga where yoga was born.

The Practice:

Each morning begins with an extended Rasa Yoga sadhana that weaves together mantra, mudra, meditation, pranayama, asana, mythology, philosophy, and ritual into an integrated practice. There is time to go deep. Time to listen. Time to let the teachings move from concept into lived experience.

We gather again each afternoon for quieter practices and Ayurvedic teachings that help us integrate what we're receiving throughout the retreat. Together, the rhythm of the days creates space to slow down, absorb, and reconnect.

The Experience:

Every guest receives a private consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor and a personalized treatment plan based on their unique constitution. Every day includes a personalized Ayurvedic treatment and massage—a rare opportunity to experience this remarkable healing tradition in the place where it has flourished for generations.

Between practices and treatments, some days offer time to walk the beach, browse local markets, relax by the pool, or simply enjoy the slower rhythm of Kerala. Other days include temple visits and cultural excursions that deepen our connection to this extraordinary place.

Meals are shared in an open-air dining room overlooking the sea. Fresh, seasonal Ayurvedic cuisine nourishes us throughout the retreat and becomes another beautiful part of the experience.

The Pilgrimage:

Our retreat center sits beside a Shiva temple, where we'll attend morning puja. We'll also visit sacred Devi temples in nearby Trivandrum and participate in a traditional Ganesha coconut offering, a ritual honoring new beginnings and the clearing of obstacles. Kerala's devotional life, beauty, and culture become part of our practice.

This year we're also including a special pilgrimage to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal meet. Revered as the home of Goddess Kanya Kumari, this sacred place has drawn pilgrims for centuries and offers a breathtaking conclusion to our journey together.

I first traveled to India in 2003 and have returned many times since. Every visit deepens my appreciation for this remarkable country, its people, and the traditions that continue to shape my life and teaching. It is always a joy to introduce students to a place that has given me so much.

Students of all levels are welcome. Practices are thoughtfully adapted for everyone, and no previous yoga experience is necessary.

This is not simply a vacation. It is an immersion into the living roots of yoga—in the place where it was born.

What is the payment schedule? 

A nonrefundable $900 deposit is required to save your spot, and all final payments are due by February 1, 2027. After we receive your deposit, we will contact you to set up a payment plan for the balance.

How are rooms assigned if I’m a solo traveler? 

Please let us know at sign-up if you are coming on the trip with a friend, partner, or family member and have a desired roommate. If you do not provide us with a roommate request, we will pair you with another solo traveler based on who we think is the best fit & what we have available. Private rooms are available for an additional fee on a first-come, first-served basis. 

What is the best flight itinerary for me to follow? 

Fly in and out of Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV). We will organize your shuttle to and from the airport. Our retreat is about a 40min (23km, 15mi) drive south of the airport, and airport transfer is provided.  Check-in begins on the first day at 2 pm, and check-out is at noon on the final day.

What is not included in the retreat fee? 

The retreat fee does not include your flights, tips (suggested $15-20/day), extra spending money ($300-$600 depending on your spending habits), or additional activities, transport, or spa services beyond what is already included in the retreat. Lunch and dinner are not included the last day during our trip to Kanyakumari.

What is the cancellation policy?

The $900 deposit is non-refundable.

If you need to cancel before November 13, 2026 (120 days before the retreat), any payments made beyond the non-refundable deposit will be refunded.

Because accommodations, transportation, and retreat expenses are committed well in advance, cancellations made on or after November 13, 2026 are non-refundable.

If your place is filled by another participant, I will refund any payments made beyond the non-refundable deposit, less any unrecoverable expenses.

I suggest purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and interruption coverage to protect your investment in the event of illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances.

What should I pack?

We'll send a detailed packing guide a few months before the retreat, including clothing recommendations, weather information, luggage, travel essentials, electronics, medications, and everything you'll need to feel well-prepared.

Kerala is warm and tropical year-round, so plan for lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. We'll also visit several temples, so please bring at least one outfit that covers your shoulders and knees.

Are there vaccines recommended for Kerala?

I recommend scheduling a visit with your healthcare provider or a travel medicine clinic several weeks before departure. They can review your health history, confirm you're up to date on any routine vaccinations, and advise you on any recommended vaccines or medications for travel to India.

I'll also send additional travel information, including health and safety recommendations, as our departure date gets closer.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, travel insurance is required. Our favorite provider is World Nomads.

How Should I Prepare?

As we get closer, I'll provide a more detailed packing list, travel tips, and everything you need to feel well prepared.

In the meantime, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond our travel dates, check with your bank, credit card, and mobile phone provider about international travel, and begin establishing a regular yoga and meditation practice if you don't already have one. Even two practices each week will help you arrive feeling more comfortable and ready to immerse yourself in the experience.

Are there any books I should read?

If you'd like to begin immersing yourself before we arrive, I highly recommend reading a few books about India. They offer a wonderful introduction to the country's history, culture, spirituality, and remarkable diversity.

If you're only going to read one, make it The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. Set in Kerala, it's a beautiful introduction to the landscape, people, and spirit of the place we'll soon experience together.

Other favorites include The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy, Maximum City by Suketu Mehta, and My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi.

If you'd like to deepen your understanding of yoga and Ayurveda before the retreat, I recommend The Heart of Yoga by T.K.V. Desikachar and Ayurveda Lifestyle Wisdom by Acharya Shunya.

Reading isn't required, of course, but many students enjoy arriving with a deeper appreciation for the place, traditions, and practices we'll be exploring together.

Will the venue have internet & wifi?

Yes. Wi-Fi is available in the reception area if you need to check in with family, work, or home. Internet access in the rooms is limited, and connections throughout India can sometimes be slow or unreliable.

One of the unexpected gifts of this retreat is the opportunity to unplug. Without the constant pull of emails, social media, and notifications, it's often much easier to settle into the slower rhythm of Kerala and be fully present for the experience. Whenever possible, I encourage you to take care of anything urgent before we leave and enjoy a little time offline.

Do I have to participate in the full schedule?

The retreat is thoughtfully designed as a complete experience, and I encourage you to participate as fully as you can. That said, this is your retreat. If you need to sleep in, skip a practice, linger by the ocean, or spend some quiet time alone, you have my full support.

All practices, workshops, and excursions are optional, and you're welcome to find the balance that feels right for you. Regardless of how you choose to participate, the retreat fee remains the same.

Is this retreat appropriate for practitioners of all levels?

Absolutely. Whether you're brand new to yoga or have been practicing for years, you'll feel right at home.

I've been teaching yoga since 1999, and one of my greatest joys is creating practices that are both accessible and engaging for a wide range of experience levels. Throughout the retreat, I'll offer options, modifications, and variations so everyone feels supported, challenged, and included.