Our retreat begins in Kochi, a laid-back harbour city on India’s southwest coast. We’ll spend an afternoon exploring the old fort and soaking up the atmosphere before staying overnight at a beautiful boutique hotel. The next morning, we journey into the hills to spend two nights in the tea plantations of Munnar.
Our destination is a traditional tea and coffee estate, where you’ll enjoy daily yoga, rambling walks through the plantations, or a dip in the pool with spectacular views. We’ll walk the tea trails, enjoy a tasting session, and settle into the stillness of this lush, elevated landscape.
Next, we head to Lake Vembanad for three nights at a peaceful Ayurvedic retreat on the water’s edge. Here, you can unwind with daily yoga and book traditional Ayurvedic treatments. We’ll explore the backwaters by boat with a local guide, visit the Kuttanad community, and take a slow walk through coconut groves to see toddy tapping and glimpse the gentle rhythm of village life.
After six days of rest and immersion in Kerala’s natural beauty, we shift gear. A short flight takes us to the sacred city of Varanasi — vibrant, intense, and unlike anywhere else on Earth. One of the world’s oldest inhabited cities and a place of deep spiritual significance, Varanasi is not for the faint-hearted. Rituals of life and death unfold openly along the ghats of the Ganges, and the city’s sensory intensity can be as moving as it is unforgettable.
We’ll be staying at BrijRama Palace — the most iconic place to stay in Varanasi. This beautifully restored 18th-century palace sits right on the banks of the Ganges, rising above the Darbhanga Ghat with sweeping rooftop views. During Diwali, it’s lit with thousands of flickering lamps. We’ll practise yoga as the sun rises over the river and soak up the quiet, timeless beauty of this extraordinary place — a peaceful haven from the city’s intensity.
During our three days in Varanasi, we’ll explore the city on a guided tour, witness the evening Aarti ceremony, and enjoy a little shopping — bargaining for silk scarves or shawls in the lanes of the old town is an experience not to be missed. On our final evening, we’ll board the sleeper train for a night journey north to Delhi.
Our last 24 hours will be spent in Old Delhi, staying in a beautifully restored heritage haveli. We’ll take an epic walking and rickshaw tour through the narrow lanes, guided by Street Connections in support of the Salaam Baalak Trust. Highlights include visiting Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, and flying kites from the rooftop at sunset before sitting down to a 7-course farewell feast.
Alison Nutall –
A Reclaim Yourself retreat is the best kind of adventure, community + self-love. I always learn something new + ground breaking that alters me for the better.
Thank you! You are amazing xx
Catherine –
My heart rate dropped to 57, it was +70 the days before the retreat started; definitely feel healthier!
Kay Parker –
Anticipate a great retreat, and experienced something even better.
Nick Hasell –
It was precisely the experience I was looking for — the opportunity to feel the simple animal pleasure of being alive in a perfectly chosen spot.
Penny Robinson –
It felt like I was being wrapped in a warm blanket of support and friendship.
Sally Courtyard –
This retreat was beautiful. I loved the place + feel it’s where I can be my true self — heaven on earth.
Sally Crawford –
Reclaim Yourself retreat has been an incredible experience. Every thing has been carefully planned to get the most out of your experience and make sure you have everything you need, even if you didn’t know you needed it! Loved it!
Sarah Leaman –
I highly recommend Reclaim Yourself. You are looked after really well and the yoga is excellent!
Emma del Monaco –
My trip to India was the very first time I have experienced yoga. It was the perfect mix of travel/adventure with yoga to compliment. Jean and Jools looked after us every moment.
Gwyn Turness –
If you’re looking for a yoga holiday with a group of like-minded people, you are in the very best hands with Jools and Reclaim Yourself.
Hellen Campbell –
We felt extremely well cared for – India can be a confusing place and we were able to enjoy the atmosphere because we knew everything had been care of. A wonderful, creative and great itinerary, thank you!
Paul Campwell –
An amazing journey with a mix of hilarity and insights into India. Thank you!
Pippa Martin –
I loved the combination of adventure and yoga – Feeling out of my comfort zone at times, but felt supported.
Sara Wilcox –
Reclaim Yourself really did give me the taste of India that I had hoped for – the “assault on the senses”. Perfect. Thank you!
Sarah Leaman –
What a fabulous trip. The sights, flavours and surroundings were amazing! What a place to celebrate life. Loved every part of the trip to India.
Sue Macdonald –
If you want the best quality yoga, cultural dive, adventure, and to be totally cared for, choose Reclaim Yourself!