Come join me in Varkala, one of the most beautiful beach destinations in Kerala, India.
This short and sweet Yoga retreat is based on the Heart Chakra, so expect a lot of chest-openers, smooth backbends, heart-chakra-based meditation, chanting, pranayama, and ecstatic dance.
Apart from Yoga and meditation, this retreat also includes a sunrise picnic on Monroe Island, sunset kayaking to a hidden beach, ayurvedic massage, and optional add-ons for surfing or scuba lessons.
Anahata or the Heart Chakra is the bridge that connects the lower chakras with the upper ones. The heart chakra is associated with love, selflessness, and emotional imbalance.
Chakras are energy centers in our body. As per Sadhguru, we have more than 1000 chakras, but the main chakras are seven, starting from the base of our spine (the Root chakra) to the crown of the head (the crown chakra).
The heart chakra is the fourth chakra in the middle of the seven chakras. The Lower Yoga chakras are associated with primitive characteristics, and the upper chakras are related to spiritual enlightenment.
Varkala Retreat Dates
24-28 January 2025
How to Book
Interested to join this retreat? Email me at yoga with sonal @ gmail dot com (without space)
Varkala Retreat Day Wise Itinerary
24 Jan 2025
Day 0: Arrival & Introduction
1:00 PM: Check-in
Arrive at House of Surf, India’s first and only surf hostel for women, located near Odayam Beach. After settling into the air-conditioned dorm, take some time to relax by the shared pool or on the sea-view deck, the perfect spot to unwind and take in the views of both sunrise and sunset.
(Men & couples will be put up at partner properties)
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Meet and Greet
In the evening, join the group and meet your guide Sonal Paladini, and retreat host to introduce and set intentions at our sea view deck or a nearby beachside restaurant.
25 Jan 2025
Day 1: Immersion Begins
6:30 AM – 8.00 AM: “Heart Opening” Yoga Session
Begin your morning with your first Yoga session with Sonal Paladini watching the sunrise at our deck-one of the only spots to watch the sunrise at Varkala. You start Day 1 with a gentle yoga warm-up with backbends focusing on breath awareness and joint mobility.
9.00 AM – 4.00 PM: Ayurveda Massage Personal Slots
The afternoon is free to explore the offbeat Odayam beach, relax at the hostel, or book an Ayurvedic massage that’s customized for you.
4 PM – 8.00 PM: “Calm down” Yoga Session, Sunset Kayaking Pvt Island Picnic
End your day with a gentle calm down yoga session by Sonal Paladini at a small cosy private island stretch between a lagoon and secluded beach. Post that, we are free to swim, kayak, or boat around the lagoon on one side and watch the sunset and have a beach picnic and dip in the ocean or go for a surf adventure. We usually get back after long night swims :)
26 Jan 2025
Day 2: Building Strength & Healing
7:00 AM – 8.00 AM: “Leveling Up” Yoga Session
Your morning kicks off with another session with Sonal: you begin to take things up a notch and not physically – but in being more aware of your breath and body as the sun rises around you.
9.00 AM – 4.00 PM: Pool Time/ Ayurveda Massage
Take a break and enjoy the pool with your fellow women. This is a perfect opportunity to relax, have fun, and connect with others – you can also choose to go for your second Ayurveda massage session or another treatment of your preference.
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Ecstatic Dance
We catch the sunset with an ecstatic dance and open our heart chakra guided by Sonal, music, and the sea.
27 Jan 2025
Day 3: Exploration & Strength
5:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Munroe Island Picnic
Start your day early with a scenic boat ride to Munroe Island for a half-day picnic. Explore the hidden mangroves, swim in the tranquil lake, and savor a traditional Kerala breakfast served on a moving boat or hidden island and have toddy (traditional palm liquor) on the way back. This unique experience allows you to immerse yourself in Kerala’s natural beauty and local culture.
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM: “Savor and Strengthen” Yoga Session
In the evening, return to the hostel for your final yoga session. Here you find closure in your personal healing and bid goodbye to a collective circle of sisters to meet and walk the earth by.
28 Jan 2025
Day 4: Extra Day of Healing
7:00 AM – 11.00 AM: Surfing/ Watsu Water Therapy
Conclude the retreat with your choice of adrenaline to end your Varkala trip with.
11:00 AM: Check Out
It’s time for check-out. Enjoy a final beach dip with your group, share goodbyes, and leave with newfound strength and mindfulness from your time at the retreat.
Please note that as we are a women’s hostel primarily- only women can stay at the hostel. Men and couples are provided stay near the property and get to attend all group sessions and visit our pool and sea view deck for workshops and sessions.
You have these options for stay
- Ac dorm bed with pool: 1500-2500/bed
- Standard Ac Room: 2500-6000/room
- Pvt Plunge Pool Cottage: 6000-10,000/room
- Beach/Cliffside Villa: 9000-15,000/room
Retreat Packages
Starter Package
3 night AC dorm stay, 2 Yoga Sessions, 1 Massage, 1 Ecstatic Dance, 1 Munroe Picnic
Cost: 15,000 INR
Slow Traveler Package
3 night AC dorm stay, 3 Yoga Sessions, 1 Massage, 1 Ecstatic Dance, 1 Munroe Island Sunrise Picnic, 1 SurfingCost: 20,000 INR
Slow Traveler Package
3 night AC dorm stay, 4 Yoga Sessions, 2 Massage, 1 Ecstatic Dance, 1 Munroe Island Sunrise Picnic, 1 Surfing, 1 Watsu Water Therapy
Cost: 28,000 INR
Full Retreat Package
4 night AC dorm stay, 4 Yoga Sessions, 2 Massage, 1 Ecstatic Dance, 1 Munroe Island Sunrise Picnic, 1 Surfing, 1 Watsu Water Therapy, 1 Scuba DivingCost: 33,000 INR
Budget Food Options:
Breakfast:150 INR
Lunch:250 INR
Dinner:300 INR
Most people prefer eating outside at the beachside restaurants and cafes in Varkala which we can recommend. These budget meals can be provided if you pre book the same, as home cooked meals at a house where an elderly couple make healthy food with love as a means to support local business.
About Sonal Paladini
Sonal Paladini
Meet Sonal Paladini, an inspiring yoga instructor with roots in India and a home in Germany. Sonal’s yoga journey began in childhood, but it was in her 20s that she truly committed to a regular practice. Now in her 40s, she balances life as a mother, small business owner, and passionate yoga teacher, bringing a wealth of experience and understanding to her sessions.
Sonal’s dedication led her to complete an intensive 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in India, where she delved deeply into the ancient traditions, philosophy, and principles of yoga. Her teaching style beautifully blends these timeless practices with modern approaches, creating classes that are both accessible and transformative.
Known for her mindful movements, breathwork, and focus on self-love and gratitude, Sonal’s sessions cater to all levels, offering beginner-friendly flows with opportunities to explore challenges like inversions and backbends. Whether you’re new to yoga or an experienced practitioner, Sonal’s nurturing and energizing presence will leave you feeling empowered and connected.
Join Sonal on this retreat as she guides you on a journey of self-discovery, balance, and growth.