New Year Yoga Retreat

Join Jane Macpherson Yoga for a week-long yoga retreat at the sublime Dewalokam in Kerala, India. The retreat will take place from January 3 to January 10, 2025. Start 2025 with a week of yoga, relaxation, meditation, sun, good company, and incomparable Keralan food at the Dewalokam organic Farm Stay and yoga retreat. Jane has hosted retreats at Dewalokam five times now, and our wonderful hosts and their delightful team always make us feel like part of their family.

Dewalokam is a retreat venue like no other. The main house and three cottage rooms are surrounded by lush tropical gardens growing all varieties of tropical plants and fruits. Additionally, Dewalokam is a 100% organic farm, growing its own fruit and vegetables free of fertilisers and pesticides. The paneer cheese made from Dewalokam's own buffalo has to be sampled to be believed. All rooms are air-conditioned with ensuite facilities, tea and coffee making facilities, and a fridge with bottled water that is replenished daily. The rooms are cleaned daily and lead out onto a large verandah overlooking the gardens and the river.

During the retreat, Jane will be teaching three classes a day with a mixture of dynamic and restorative asanas (poses), pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation. An Indian yoga master will also lead a few sessions. There will be a variety of yoga styles taught, based on Jane's 20 years of experience as a yoga teacher and 10 years as a certified Yoga Therapist. Each morning will start with a gentle stretch and breathing class, followed by a more dynamic practice to harmonise the breath, mind, and body. In the late afternoon, a mellower and nurturing practice will be offered, exploring areas such as yin yoga, restorative practices, pranayama, chakras, yoga nidra, and guided meditation.

The food at Dewalokam is simply divine. Prepared by an excellent in-house professional chef, you will enjoy the best of Keralan cuisine made with Dewalokam's own organic vegetables, spices, and dairy produce. Three meals will be served each day, and all dietary preferences are catered for, including vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, and omnivore meals. Cookery demonstrations are offered on most days.

Aside from the yoga retreat, there are plenty of other experiences to enjoy. You can swim in the river, take a guided walk in the tropical forest, go cycling to the nearby village, shop in nearby Thodupuzha, or simply relax in a hammock and look forward to your next Ayurvedic massage!

Accommodation options include eight spacious air-conditioned rooms in the main guest house overlooking the river and forest, or three cottage rooms in the Nalukettu with private open-air showers in an inner courtyard. Whichever option you choose, you will be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the forest and wake up to the singing of tropical birds.

Please note that the schedule may change depending on the group's requirements. However, a rough guide of the daily program includes morning yoga asana and pranayama, followed by breakfast. Guided meditation practices and lunch will be provided, and the afternoons are free for rest, swimming, treatments, walks, or trips to the local area. In the evening, there will be a variety of yoga sessions such as restorative, workshops, meditation, and Yoga Nidra.