Moving Meditation Retreat 2027 with Judy Hirsh Sampath
Introducing guest teacher Fiona Marshall
Sun 10-Mon 18 Jan 2027 – 8 night yoga holiday in one of the best backwater resorts in Alleppey, Kerala + 7 night add on adventure
Step away from your everyday life, awaken your senses and settle your body, mind and soul. Twice daily yoga & meditation, breakfast and dinner buffets with delicious variety of Indian and European dishes. En-suite accommodation is in 4 star traditional keralan-style villas – choices of villa categories below. Set in a beautiful quiet resort with fully equipped yoga hall, on-site swimming pool and ayurvedic spa for massage and treatments – overlooking the backwaters/ See our Terms and Conditions
Intentions: This 8-night holiday includes physical practice, relaxation, mindfulness, meditation, restorative yoga, yoga nidra and some sharing of experiences to get to know each other in community. Listen and learn from India, the sun and the water, from connection with others, and deep inside your Self. This retreat holiday in India is time for you to step away from your everyday life, separate yourself from your daily routine, awaken your senses, re-set your body, refresh your mind and nourish your soul. Go home with the gift of new friends, a refilled deep reservoir of love and vibrant energy so you meet life with renewed vigour, as well as have resources to top up when reserves are low.
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The place: We are holding this retreat in Alleppey, Kerala – this charming 4 star category resort with pool, spa and yoga hall is one of our favourite places in south India.
Accommodation Options
- GARDEN VILLA SINGLE OCCUPANCY – £1415 single villa occupancy
- HERITAGE GARDEN VILLA SINGLE OCCUPANCY – £1515
- GARDEN VILLA DOUBLE/TWIN – £1195pp based on 2pp sharing
- HERITAGE GARDEN VILLA DOUBLE/TWIN – £1295 based on 2pp sharing per person
- Lake view villa – contact for availability adn rpices
The deposit (£350pp sharing, £570 single occupancy) is non-refundable and is the only way to confirm your place (t&c apply).
Please note: you will need to book single occupancy if you do not have a room share as we do not arrange shares with other guests.
Add to your cart and tell us what you need for your full package and we will collaborate on putting your whole trip together. We are always here to help you search for and advise on your flights, address any concerns about travel to India and visa requirements – just ask.
We love talking about our India holidays so feel free to email for more information to [email protected]
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NEW ADD ON extend your trip now you’ve come all this way! Let us know if you’d like more information on prices and options
Over the Ghats – Munnar – Madurai – Mamallapuram Mon 18 – Mon 25 Jan
following Judy’s holiday
£795 per person based on 2pp sharing, £350 single supp (book with Bharathi, our travel agent)
Day 01: ALLEPPY TO SURYANELLI – Into the Western Ghats
Scenic drive to Suryanelli a charming hill station nestled in the Western Ghats, known for its rolling tea gardens, misty hills, and cool climate. The drive itself is a visual treat with winding mountain roads, waterfalls, and lush greenery.
On arrival, check in to your hotel and relax. The rest of the day is at leisure to acclimatize to the hill climate and enjoy the serene surroundings. Overnight: Munnar
DAY 02: Trek through cardamom trails
Get ready for a different kind of trekking experience. You’ll traverse through Cardamom plantations, walk amidst the serene beauty of Pappathy Shola, and even visit Muduvan tribal villages. This relatively easier 12-kilometer trek allows you to soak in the beauty of nature while immersing yourself in the local culture. Overnight: Munnar
DAY 03: Drive from Munnar to Madurai
Madurai is one of South India’s oldest living cities and a major cultural and spiritual center. The journey transitions from cool hills to the plains of Tamil Nadu. On arrival, check in to your hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight: Madurai
DAY 04: Madurai Sightseeing & Heritage Rickshaw Tour
After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing in Madurai, highlighted by the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture adorned with colourful gopurams (towers). Later, enjoy a guided heritage rickshaw tour, offering an immersive experience through Madurai’s old streets, traditional markets, and local life. Overnight: Madurai
DAY 05: Tanjore and Swamimalai
Depart for Tanjore, home to the renowned Brihadeeswarar Temple (Big Temple), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the grandeur of this Chola architectural masterpiece, a testament to South India’s rich cultural history. Continue to Swamimalai, surrounded by peaceful village landscapes, Overnight: Swamimalai
DAY 06: Swamimalai, Pondicherry and Mamallapuram
Depart forPondicherry. Discover the French & Tamil heritage of this charming city and Auroville, the experimental township known for its philosophy of unity and the iconic Matrimandir. Continue to the ancient UNESCO site of Mamallapuram, Overnight: Mamallapuram
DAY 07: Mamallapuram and Chennai
A guided sightseeing tour of Mamallapuram, the 7th-century coastal town renowned for its remarkable Dravidian architecture and UNESCO World Heritage monuments. Visit iconic sites including the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, the Five Rathas, and ancient cave temples, along with an opportunity to explore a local sculpture studio. Transfer to Chennai. Overnight: Chennai
DAY 08: Depart to Chennai airport to connect to your onward flight
Other Onward Travel Options & Bespoke Packages We can recommend our friendly Indian travel agent to offer bespoke tours – whether you want to pamper and relax in South India for longer tours, or fly up north for the Golden Triangle and Taj Mahal, tell us what you desire.
Email for more information to [email protected] or call 020 8361 1882 to speak to us.
Other Onward Travel Options & Bespoke Packages We can recommend our friendly Indian travel agent to offer bespoke tours – whether you want to pamper and relax in South India for longer tours, or fly up north for the Golden Triangle and Taj Mahal, tell us what you desire.
Email for more information to [email protected] or call 020 8361 1882 to speak to us.
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Onward Travel & Bespoke Packages
We can recommend our friendly Indian travel agent to offer bespoke tours – whether you want to pamper and relax in South India for longer tours, or fly up north for the Golden Triangle and Taj Mahal, tell us what you desire.
If you can’t get enough yoga, go for the authentic yoga home stay with our dear friend and yoga teacher Solaman and his family, stay in your own en-suite room with a middle-class Indian family.
Email for more information to [email protected] or call 020 8361 1882 to speak to us.
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About your teacher, Judy Hirsh Sampath – Judy has been teaching yoga since the turn of the century and has her own yoga therapy training school. As well as yoga and embodied mindfulness classes, she offers 1-2-1 yoga therapy, workshops and programmes to individuals and groups, and CPD courses to yoga teachers. She is always a learner and encourages people of all ages, abilities and sizes to take part in discovering the magic of yoga. No experience of yoga or meditation is necessary to join this retreat. To find out more about Judy, go to her teacher/therapist website HERE
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More Info
This special and magical area is steeped in Keralan history and away from the main tourist boat trips with walkways along the backwaters .
The resort staff with friendly staff happy to help, and a Yoga United rep on hand to support you, with welcome meeting and orientation walk, and help with planning days out and information on whats going on nearby.
On the banks of the backwaters, the views are spectacular and there is a peaceful sunset boat ride and optional tea on the lawn. The beach is a 20min tuktuk drive away – wonderful for walking and playing, and the warm sea is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, relaxing and becoming one with the water.
Ayurvedic massage is a wonderful companion to the yoga and the menu of treatments is always a talking point, as well as an opportunity for holistic healing. Set up some appropriate treatments during your stay.
We have been running magical retreats & groups in India since 2008 and it’s a smooth operation. Come with us to celebrate with all your senses! it’s a special place to experience yoga practice, and how it is woven through everyday life in its original place of birth. All around are powerful reminders to re-connect with your natural and loving state of being and joy. India is a special place to experience Yoga and sister science, Ayurveda.
See the Terms and Conditions