Welcome to the ultimate pilgrimage into the heart and soul of yoga. This is a journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation on the beautiful coast of Kerala, India - where the ancient practices of yoga and Ayurveda blend to create a transformative experience you will never forget. Through Rasa Yoga practices and an immersion into the magic of India, we reconnect with and celebrate our inner radiance while inviting time for rest, exploration, nourishment, rejuvenation, community, and connection.  

Join me for an exclusive Rasa Yoga and Ayurveda Retreat in the heart of Kerala at Soma Manaltheeram, an award-winning Ayurvedic Spa set in lush tropical gardens at a serene beachfront location. This retreat is carefully curated for yoga and Ayurveda enthusiasts seeking profound inner harmony, inspiration, and integrated wellness.

Each day will begin with morning sadhana, an extended Rasa Yoga practice of mantra, mudra, meditation, pranayama, asana, myth, philosophy, and ritual.  We will unite again each afternoon for Ayurvedic workshops and rejuvenating Rasa Yoga nectar practices. Each session is an integrated, carefully crafted experience to help each person embody the Yoga and Ayurvedic teachings and bring more radiance into every aspect of life.  

After yoga and breakfast, the days are spent exploring temples, lounging by the pool, walking on the sand, or visiting the local shops and markets. You’ll receive a consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor and daily massages and treatments tailored to your unique constitution to restore balance and vitality to your body, mind, and spirit. 

We share our meals in a gorgeous open-air dining room that faces the ocean and eat delicious, authentic Ayurvedic cuisine prepared with love and mindfulness to nourish you from the inside out.

Our retreat is next to a nearby Shiva temple, where we will go for morning puja. We’ll also visit two beautiful Devi temples in nearby Trivandrum and break coconuts in a Ganesha temple ritual to clear obstacles and create auspicious new beginnings. There are vibrant markets to explore filled with colors, aromas, and treasures as you embrace Kerala's rich culture and traditions. 

This year, we are including a special one-day pilgrimage to Kanyakumari - the southernmost tip of India, where the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal converge; this town holds spiritual importance as the dwelling of the virgin Goddess Kanya Kumari, an embodiment of Goddess Parvati, the divine Mother. This pilgrimage will happen at the end of our stay on Saturday, March 20th.

This retreat is more than a vacation; it is a transformative journey of self-discovery, inner peace, and radiant well-being. It is a sacred invitation to journey to the motherland of yoga and reconnect with your true essence, awaken your spirit, and embrace a life of balance, vitality, and inspiration. 

I made my first trip to India in 2003 and have been back several times since. India holds a special place in my heart, and I am so excited to lead you on a journey to this sacred land. A trip to India is like no other and will live on in your heart forever. 

Students of all levels are welcome. Practices will be tailored to and appropriate for all who attend! No prior experience is required. This is more than a trip; it's a pilgrimage to the depths of your innermost being. Are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime?

What is the payment schedule? 

A nonrefundable $900 deposit is required to secure your spot, and all final payments are due by February 20th, 2027. Once you make your deposit, Greta will reach out to customize your payment schedule. 

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 the first day at 2 pm and checkout is at noon 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, food, transport, spa services, and treatments beyond what is already included in the retreat. Lunch and dinner during the pilgrimage day to Kanyakumari are also not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

• The retreat fee (minus your $900 deposit) is refundable until October 1, 2026.

• 50% of the retreat fee, minus your $900 deposit, is refundable if you cancel by January 1, 2027.

• For cancellations made after January 1st, 2027, payment is non-refundable; however, you may transfer your spot to a friend or family member who wishes to take it.

What should I pack?

• Travel yoga mat

• Enough yoga wear for 1-2 practices per day

• Bathing suit

• Apparel appropriate for weather between 74-90℉ (we recommend loose-fitting breathable clothing)

• At least one outfit that covers shoulders & knees for visiting temples

• A Lightweight Scarf

• Comfortable closed-toed walking shoes

• Flip-flops or comfortable walking sandals

• Day pack 

• Journal & writing tool

• Water bottle 

• Sunscreen

• Bugspray

• Electrolytes

• Charcoal Tablets

• Familiar snacks that you like to have on hand & that you know work for your diet

• Emergency medication specific for you + over-the-counter remedies for upset stomach, headaches & cold 

• Outlet adaptor

• Phone charger

Are there vaccines recommended for Kerala?

Whether or not you get vaccines is a very personal choice; please consult your travel doctor before our trip to ensure you have the right vaccines and any necessary emergency medication. Personally, we think it is a good idea to have up-to-date vaccines for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus, as well as a Covid booster.

Do I need any special supplements or medications?

Again, this is very personal. Our retreat is hosted at a world-famous, award-winning Ayurveda Spa and Treatment Facility. Many natural Ayurvedic remedies will be readily available. Please bring any medications you normally take. I personally like to travel with Grapefruit Seed Extract (helpful if you suspect you ate something bad), Advil (there is no glory in suffering from a headache while traveling), Emergen-C or Airborne (it is a long flight!), Melatonin (helpful for jet lag), and a couple of tablets of Ciprofloxacin (strong antibiotic for emergencies only). 

Do I need travel insurance?

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

How Should I Prepare?

Start by calling all of your financial & phone providers to let them know you’ll be out of the country and set up the most appropriate travel plans for you. Once you’ve gotten logistics out of the way, we recommend reducing processed foods and alcohol from your diet one week before departure. This will make your transition to an Ayurvedic diet much more pleasant. We also suggest setting up a consistent yoga & meditation practice for yourself, at least 2-3x a week if possible.

Are there any books I should read?

Reading is a great way to familiarize yourself with India! This is an incredible country with such rich history and tradition. Some books about India written by Indian authors that we recommend include The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy,  My Experiments with Truth by M.K. Gandhi, and Maximum City by Suketu Mehta.  A few books on Yoga and Ayurveda include Yoga & Ayurveda by David Frawley, Ayurveda Lifestyle Wisdom by Acharya Shunya, and Happy, Healthy, Sexy by Katie Silcox.

Will the venue have internet & wifi?

The venue has wifi in the reception area if needed. The retreat center does not have strong Wi-Fi in the rooms because they hope we can unplug and bathe in the healing energies of Kerala without too many distractions.  When traveling in countries such as India, the Wi-Fi can be very slow or spotty, so we recommend taking care of all your important internet matters before our trip. In addition, you’ll get a lot more out of the experience if you’re able to unplug!

Do I have to participate in the full schedule?

Everything offered is optional. You are encouraged to make the most out of this experience by attending as much as possible, but we also understand and respect that you may need moments of rest & solitude. Regardless of how many practices & excursions you choose to attend, the retreat fee will remain the same.  

Is this retreat appropriate for practitioners of all levels?

Yes! I have been teaching yoga for 25+ years. I teach to all levels, beginner to advanced, and will find a way to make the practice accessible & interesting for you.