Embodied Awakening
Yoga and Ayurveda Adventure in Kerala, India
January 20-February 3, 2026 (14 nights, 15 days)
$3,499 for double occupancy (we can pair you with a roommate if needed), $4,499 for single occupancy. Sign up here.
Secure your space with a $1,000 non-refundable deposit. Easy payment plans available.
Save 10% until February 1, 2025 with our early bird special. Use coupon code STILLNESS10 at checkout!
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.
Kerala, India - January 20-February 3, 2026
Join us January 20-February 3, 2026 in Kerala, India!
🇮🇳 14 Nights of accommodation in some of Kerala’s best four and five star hotels.
🇮🇳 Daily yoga sessions (1-2 classes per day) taught by Jane Bloom, Lisa Riente, and Nancy Grzeszak, with live music accompaniment by Settle Into Stillness
🇮🇳 Ayurvedic consultation (Due to the individual nature of Ayurvedic protocols, Ayurvedic treatments are an additional cost not included in your retreat package.)
🇮🇳 Ayurvedic cooking class
🇮🇳 1 hour massage included at one of the Ayurvedic centers.
🇮🇳 An extensive tour of Kerala, showcasing all of the best that Kerala has to offer. Some of the highlights include a houseboat tour in the Kerala backwaters, a jeep safari in Munnar, tea plantation and factory tour, boating in Kumarakom and Thekkady, guided nature walk in Thekkady, village tour in Kumarakom, visit to the Sivananda Ashram, and more. View the full itinerary for more details!
🇮🇳Community Rhythm Workshop with Parker Horsch
🇮🇳 Vocal Healing and Embodiment Workshop with Kimberly Joy Rieli
Double occupancy packages - $3,499 per person (We can pair solo travelers with others for double occupancy).
Single occupancy packages - $4,499 per person
Save 10% with our early bird special until February 1, 2025. Enter discount code STILLNESS10 upon checkout!
Secure your space with a $1,000 down payment. Convenient payment plans available. Final payment is due by October 1, 2025. Retreat space is limited. All retreat payments are non-refundable. Travel insurance is highly recommended and advised.
This adventure is heavily inspired by our 2018 journey to Kerala for the Yoga Ambassador’s Tour
Included:
All activities listed in the retreat highlights above
Airport Transfers, as noted in the itinerary (Note: You will need a round trip ticket from the USA, plus domestic flights in India. The adventure starts in Kochi at Kochi International Airport. It finishes at a different airport, Trivandrum International Airport in Thiruvananthapuram.)
3 meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
An English speaking guide will accompany our adventure
All entry tickets, permits, taxes, and fees for excursions listed in the retreat itinerary.
Not Included:
Flights (Domestic and International)*
Extra meals, drinks, tips/gratuity
Activities not included in the retreat itinerary
Additional transportation outside of the retreat itinerary
Travel Insurance
Camera Fees - Some sites within India may require a fee for photography
Personal services such as Ayurvedic treatments, additional massages, etc. are not included unless listed in the trip itinerary
*Note: Multiple flights are needed for this retreat, including an international flight from your home country to your destination in India (ex:, Delhi, Kochi) as well as domestic flights within India (flying into Kochi/Chochin and out of Trivandrum/Thiruvananthapuram.
Note: When signing up, you will be taken to our payment processing partner, WeTravel. You can book and pay with a card (processing fee applies) or via ACH Transfer (no fees). Please let us know if you have any questions.
Itinerary
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January 20, 2026
-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
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.here
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January 21, 2026
-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. -
January 22, 2026
-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/ -
January 23, 2026
-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, Keralahttps://amberdalemunnar.com/cription
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January 24, 2026
-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/ -
January 25, 2026
-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.
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January 26, 2026
-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.
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January 27, 2026
-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/ -
January 28, 2026
-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/ -
January 29, 2026
-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
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January 30, 2025
-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
Beach activities such as jet skiing and paragliding are optional and an extra cost.
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January 31, 2026
-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/ -
February 1, 2026
-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:
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February 2, 2026
-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/
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February 3, 2026
Early morning Yoga Session
After breakfast check out from hotel and transfer to Trivandrum Airport for your departure.
Accommodations
Luxury Accommodations in some of the best 4 and 5 star hotels Kerala has to offer
Ananda Cherai
Ananda Cherai is a 4 star Ayurveda Resort in Kochi, Kerala:
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:
Green Woods Resort
Green Woods Resort is a 5 star resort in Thekkady, Kerala:
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:
Poovar Island Resort
Poovar Island Resort is a 4 star hotel near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: https://www.poovarislandresorts.com/
Why travel with us?
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.
Yoga and Wellness for EveryBODY
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. If you have any questions about whether our retreat is right for you, please send us a message using the contact form at the bottom of the page!
Live Music with the Settle Into Stillness Ensemble
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 - Luxury Yoga and Ayurveda Adventure in Kerala, you can expect that your journey will be infused with beautiful music from start to finish, whether it is with the entire 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, or exploring your own innate voice (whether you sing or not) with Kimberly Joy Rieli, of Singing for your Soul.
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.
Kerala 2026 Retreat Facilitation Team
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Nancy Grzeszak
Co-Founder - Settle Into Stillness
Retreat Facilitation. Restorative Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Yin Yoga, Live Music (Singing Bowls, Chimes, Gongs, and More)
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Jane Bloom
Founder of Dwell Yoga
Retreat Facilitation. Invigorating All-levels Yoga
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Lisa Riente
Founder of Blue Dog Yoga & Wellness
Retreat Facilitation, Kundalini Inspired All Levels Yoga -
Kimberly Joy Rieli
Settle Into Stillness Ensemble
Live Music (Vocalist), Vocal Healing and Embodiment Workshop
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Parker Horsch
Settle Into Stillness Ensemble
Live Music (Handpan, Percussion), Community Rhythm Workshops
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Jeremy Arndt
Co-Founder - Settle Into Stillness
Retreat Facilitation and Organization. Live Music (Handpan and More)
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Jaxon Casey
Settle Into Stillness Ensemble
Live Music (Harp, Strings)
Testimonials
There probably has not been a day go by without me reminiscing about our trip to Greece. What a wonderful adventure. I have no complaints, the trip was everything and more that I anticipated. I am very grateful for your guidance and leadership.
~Sarah (Greece Retreat Participant)
“There are not enough words to express how much I appreciate all the planning and work you and Nancy put into the Bali trip. It was magical and nourishing and life changing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”
~Pamela (Bali Retreat Participant)
I highly recommend everyone to add at least one sound journey with these amazingly talented and beautiful humans to their Bucket List. We had the pleasure of hosting them this past weekend and it was so wonderful! They were amazing with set up and making sure everyone was at optimum comfort levels to take in all of the healing vibrations. The sounds of sweet music they make is amplified with their healing touch and is beyond moving. Such a Gift.
~Nicole (Yoga Studio Owner)
Note: When signing up, you will be taken to our payment processing partner, WeTravel. You can book and pay with a card (processing fee applies) or via ACH Transfer (no fees). Please let us know if you have any questions.
Contact us.
Your journey begins with a spark of imagination and wonder, as well as the heartfelt call to go on an adventure of a lifetime. If you have any questions or would like to join us in Kerala, send us a message! We are here to support you during your entire journey from that initial spark, to your travels in India, and on your journey home.