appleyoga's Keralan retreat will be an unforgettable adventure that will allow you to experience the richness of Southern India with its wealth of culture and natural beauty.
Whether you have experienced yoga before or indeed if this will be your first time, Somatheeram could not be a more perfect setting in which to indulge in the transformational, fun and rejuvenating pleasures to be enjoyed in this week of celebration with appleyoga.
On this trip there are opportunities to make pilgrimages to Indian temples and sites, watch cultural events, learn to cook the delicious Keralan cuisine, treat yourself to some incredible Ayurvedic massages and treatments, to shop, to rest on the beach, swing in a hammock or simply time spent alone relaxing at your own pace.
Retreat includes
- 7 transformational Vinyasa flow yoga sessions with Katy – one each morning
- 5 evening Lunar yoga practices with Katy
- 7 nights accommodation at Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort, Kerala
- Delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Transfer to and from Trivandrum airport
- Half day back water cruise
Retreat doesn't include
- Flights
- Extra food and beverages other than stated
- Excursions and extra trips other than stated
- Any Ayurvedic treaments or Massages
- Taxis to and from places
Sample Daily Schedule:
Mornings: applefusion – lovingly developed through Katy's life experience as a ballet dancer, yoga teacher and pilates instructor.
What to expect: Transformational solar vinyasa flow yoga: a variety of active asana practices for all levels: dynamic prana vinyasa flow, energetic and alignment-based hatha yoga, liberation creative dance, Pilates core inspiration, body prayer, invocations, heart practices to liberate body and mind – are you ready?
Bring it on!
Suitable for everyone – just bring a smile, your heart and your spirit!
Afternoons: Luxuriate in some of the many spa treatments on offer, explore the sacred cultural surroundings, relax and enjoy the beautiful nearby beaches and take advantage of the many local excursions on offer.
Late afternoon: Introspective and lunar yoga practices consisting of various techniques such as pranayama, meditation, mantra, yoga nidra and discussions and insights within yoga to bring you home to yourself.
More fun stuff:
The final evening will be a celebration and reflection of the time spent together with a closing dinner. Elephant rides, boating trips along the famous Keralan backwaters and Mehndi designing are all popular activities and local shopping tours can be arranged from the resort.
Kerala is often referred to as “God's own country” due to its outstanding natural beauty. It is tropical paradise located in South West India and wherever you look there are paddy fields, lakes, rivers, coconuts trees and greenery.
Somatheeram is located 21 kms from Trivandrum International airport and about 9 kms from the famous Kovalam beach.
The resort itself rests on the slopes of a hill facing the endless expanse of the sea and an infinite beach. With a perfect climate all year long, it is the perfect spot to enjoy the sun, sea and sand.
Garden Cottages: appleyoga have chosen the cottages for the retreat, as they have a cozy and homely atmosphere. Rectangular or circular in shape, they have been built with local materials and ventilated for maximum airflow.
There are beautiful gardens in front of the cottages, and many have excellent views of the sea, which is the perfect place to spend a lazy few hours close to nature swinging in your hammock.
Facilities: There is an outdoor swimming pool, an outdoor yoga platform, spa and ayurvedic centre, restaurant, gift shop, currency exchange, 24 hour room service, Internet, telephone and fax, tour and travel assistance, safe lockers and provision of beach umbrellas and towels.
Food: Traditionally in Kerala, rice and curry are often served out of local plantain leaves and the variety of local ingredients and spices make for a unique cuisine bursting with flavour! Coconut, vegetables, spices, salads, exotic fruits and juices will be just part of the vegetarian and non-vegetarian food on offer.
Spa: There are a variety of Ayurvedic treatments on offer for short-term guests such as Marma massage or medicated steam baths and herbal face packs. All Ayurvedic treatments use natural ingredients that are considered curative for many ailments. A consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor is available on request.
Beauty Clinic: A variety of pedicures, manicures, Ayurvedic hair conditioning treatments, cutting and styling, a wide range of facials eyebrow threading and waxing.
Activities: Backwater boat trips, cultural evenings of music, dance and cultural art forms, mehndi designing, tailoring shop in resort, local tours and excursions, shopping tours to local markets, spa and Ayurvedic treatments and Ayurvedic cooking classes.
Flights to Kerala
The closest airport is Trivandrum International Airport.
Here are some links to different travel companies but do shop around for the best deals.
Joelle is an independent travel agent, an excellent service that takes the hassle out of booking flights.
Tel: 0845 058 7311
Mob: 07747 133457
email:
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Website:
www.travelcounsellors.co.uk
/joelle.salomone
www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/
www.travelzoo.co.uk
www.southalltravel.co.uk
www.book.flythomascook.com
Transfers:
Transfers are included in this retreat from Trivandrum International Airport only.
Once you have booked your flight please send your details to:
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with the dates of the retreat and my name: Katy Appleton as a reference for them.
Arrival and departure at Somatheeram
Please arrive on Friday 31st March from midday in order to settle before we begin yoga the next morning 1st of April. Departure is on 7th April after the morning yoga class and breakfast.
It may be a great idea to arrive a few days before or stay a few days after either to help to adjust to the new time zone or to maximize the benefits of your revitalising week!
If you do wish to do extend your retreat then please contact
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to make your additional booking.
Please bring with you
Yoga mat
2 firm blocks
1 strap
You can buy these and more from:
www.theyogashop.co.uk
Other suggestions
Sun cream and block
Sunhat
Journal and pens
Torch
Plug adaptors
Earplugs
Alarm clock
Camera
Passports
You must have a valid passport and visa to enter India, which you will need to apply for before you leave the UK. It is advisable to apply several weeks in advance, as they can be slow to process. Please read about visa requirements at
www.in.vfsglobal.co.uk
Banking
The exchange rate is around 79 Rupees to the pound. There is a currency exchange at the resort and ATM's at the airport in at Trivandrum.
Live exchange rates >>
What to wear
On average the temperature at this time of year will be in the high 20's / low 30's so you will need cool, comfortable clothing. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended to allow you to enjoy the beautiful nearby hillsides and beach walks. If visiting religious sites it is recommended that suitable attire is worn.
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Total investment, of which £200 is a non-refundable deposit
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Garden Cottage - £750 pp
Twin/Double - sharing
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 £750 |
Garden Cottage - £975 pp
Single room accomodation
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£975 |
Terms & Conditions:
In the event of cancellation:
60 days or more prior to the retreat: Your entire payment will be refunded, less £200 which is your deposit.
59-30 days prior to the retreat: Payments are not refundable, but are
transferable (less £200 deposit) to a future appleyoga retreat.
29 days or less prior to the retreat: Payments are not refundable.
