Retreats with Ira
Kerala
Kerala backwaters and the Western Ghats, South India
Slow water, green hills, a softer breath.
Kerala is the land that knows how to rest. Here the backwaters move without hurry, coconut palms lean low over still green water, and the air carries the scent of rain on warm earth. Among these waterways and the cool folds of the Western Ghats, Ira holds a retreat shaped around one quiet intention, to come home to yourself.
Days unfold gently. Classical Hatha and pranayama at first light, long unhurried hours of stillness, Ayurveda woven into the rhythm of the week, and satvik South Indian food served warm from the kitchen. This is not a holiday to fill, it is a space to empty out, until what remains is steady, clear and your own.
In Kerala, rest is not something you take, it is something the land teaches you.
Retreat highlights
What lives here.
Hatha at first light
Classical Hatha yoga with Ira each morning, practised slowly as the backwaters wake and the mist lifts off the water.
Pranayama by the water
Daily breathwork beside still green channels, learning to lengthen and soften the breath until the mind settles with it.
A night on the backwaters
A slow drift through the palm-fringed waterways aboard a traditional Kerala houseboat, watching village life pass at the pace of the current.
Ayurveda and deep rest
Gentle Ayurvedic practices and unhurried hours of true rest, the kind this monsoon-green land has always known how to give.
Satvik South Indian table
Warm, plant-based meals on banana leaf, fresh from the kitchen, light spices, coconut, garden vegetables and clean South Indian cooking.
Evenings of sound
Sound healing and meditation as the light fades, letting the day dissolve into the quiet hum of the water and the hills.
A day on retreat
From first light.
The place
Where you will wake.
The film
Feel it before you go.
Held, end to end
What is included.
- Five nights of clean, beautiful stay across backwater and hillside settings
- All yoga, pranayama, meditation and sound healing sessions with Ira
- One night aboard a traditional Kerala houseboat
- Gentle Ayurvedic practices woven through the week
- All satvik vegetarian meals, herbal teas and fresh juices
- A guided backwater excursion and a quiet nature walk in the Western Ghats
- Airport transfers within Kerala and all in-programme travel
- A small welcome gift and your personal practice journal
From our travellers
Words from Kerala.
My experience at the Kerala retreat with Ira was extraordinary, thoughtfully designed, and deeply grounding from the first morning. I left lighter than I have felt in years.
The backwaters, the slow mornings, the food, all of it held me. By the houseboat night I had finally stopped rushing. Ira's presence made the whole week feel like a long, kind exhale.
My experience at the Kerala retreat with Ira was extraordinary, thoughtfully designed, and deeply grounding from the first morning. I left lighter than I have felt in years.
The backwaters, the slow mornings, the food, all of it held me. By the houseboat night I had finally stopped rushing. Ira's presence made the whole week feel like a long, kind exhale.
Good to know
Terms & details.
Booking and deposit
Your place is confirmed with a deposit, typically around 30 percent of the retreat fee, payable at the time of reserving.
Balance payment
The remaining balance is due approximately 45 days before the retreat begins, with exact dates shared on confirmation.
Cancellation
Cancellations made well in advance receive a partial refund, while the deposit and payments closer to departure are non-refundable, full terms are shared at booking.
What is not included
Flights to and from Kerala, visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses and any additional spa or Ayurvedic treatments beyond the programme are not included.
Health and insurance
Please share any health conditions in advance so the practice can be adapted, comprehensive travel and medical insurance is required for all guests.
Changes to the programme
The itinerary is offered in good faith and may be gently adjusted for weather, water levels or local conditions, always in keeping with the spirit of the retreat.
When you are ready to slow down, Kerala is waiting, write to us and let us hold a place for you.
Places are intimate and fill early. Tell us a little about yourself and we will be in touch with the next departure.
Enquire about Kerala