Yoga Holidays

WINTER SUN YOGA RETREAT HOLIDAYS IN INDIA

Yoga United have been running yoga retreats & holidays in India since 2008. We aim to host magical, special, safe, fun and authentic experiences of south India. Apart from the yoga or facilitated sessions, you can explore, relax, and make your holiday your own depending on what retreat means to you. 

Watch sunrises over the backwaters and sunsets over the sea, enjoy ayurvedic massage, and meeting local people, your senses will be awakened, a reminder of this precious life. 

With our passion, local knowledge and personal touches, these magical and popular retreat holidays attract people from all over the world with returning guests year after year...are you ready to come and make new friends, enjoy the beauty and magnificence of India and top of your energy reservoirs ready for the year ahead? 

With wide horizons and clear water, these stunning natural surroundings are the perfect place to relax, reflect, adventure, explore, do nothing or jump in a tuktuk or private car and set off on adventures further afield. 

At Yoga United, we know and love south India, it's our winter home. Over the years, we have built great relationships with local tour operators, resort managers, and local people and teachers so you can leave your guidebook at home.

NEW DATES FOR WINTER 2025

We will release more details soon - please contact us to be the first to book at the early bird rate.

This year was completely sold out so book your winter sun retreat early to avoid disappointment!

ADDONS

Want to see more of India? If 8 nights is not enough time in India, we have organised some great add ons for you. We are adding some new and exciting add-ons so if you've always wanted to do the Golden Triangle, see the Taj Mahal, see some of the earliest and most beautiful temples, or pamper yourself with Ayurvedic massage, let us know...we can help put together a package that works with your own dates and budget.

TAMIL NADU TASTER TOUR

An excting add on to compliment your yoga holiday - stay in a beautiful resort in Mamallapuram, famous for its unrivalled UNESCO protected stone carved temple sites. You will be taken on a guided tour of the village itself, and some of the UNESCO protected monuments which are dotted around the village. You will return back to the resort to relax by the stunning swimming pool. The second day will be a visit further into Tamil Nadu and the temples of Kancheepuram, capital of the Pallava Kingdom.  There will be time for relaxing, walking, shopping, and suggested extra local trips.

£590 for 4 nights, £285 single supp. 

This trip includes an extra night half board in Cherai Beach after the yoga retreat to relax and savour the atmosphere before your internal flight the following day.

Fly to Chennai (MAA) for three nights in Mamallapuram about an hour south of Chennai on the cost. (inc. breakfast, airport transfers on recommended flights, private driver and guide for arranged trips, momument entrance fees). This trip does not include internal flight to/from Cochin (around £35-45 for 1hour flight).

CLASSIC GOLDEN TRIANGLE TOUR

Unlocking India's Rich Tapestry, this tour takes you on a tour of sandstone forts & opulent palaces, steeped in history of north India & breathtaking views - the best of Delhi, Agra with Taj Mahal and Jaipur

SOUTH & NORTH INDIAN TOURS

We can organise bespoke trips with a private driver - tell us your dreams, your taste and your budget and we will support you in making it happen.

THE RESORTS

Visiting our Cherai Beach 3* venue is like a home-coming. Retaining its Indian charm, it is nestled between the Keralan backwaters and the Arabian sea about an hour from Cochin, it is beautifully landscaped with banana trees, coconut palms, lagoons and thatched villas. The swimming pool is a recent and welcome addition, the spa offers ayurvedic treatments and massage so you can stay at the resort to retreat or venture out into this unspoilt area of Kerala.

Watch sunrises over the serene backwaters and sunsets on the beach. The sea is warm, inviting and suitable for swimming. You may be lucky enough to spot kingfishers on the backwaters and dolphins in the sea.

Tamil Nadu - Mamallapuram - This resort is a beautiful beach delight - its a great place to relax. The UNESCO protected monuments are second to none and take your mind on a journey into art, history and mythical times with guided tours on your doorstep. Plenty of shopping and eating places.

THE AREA

South India is slow-paced and friendly. We use stunning venues in Kerala and Tamil Nadu who know us well and treat us like family.

1. Blessed with a unique blend of warm sea and backwater corridors edged with coconut palms, Kerala is an exotic mixture of nature and culture at its best. Known locally as God's own country, the fertile land and natural beauty is truly magical. As Kerala is the wealthiest state in India with extremely high literacy and education, the welcome is very warm, most people speak English, the whole ambience is soft and slow-paced, a perfect introduction to India.

2. Tamil Nadu is a cultural experience not to be missed - It's vibrant, spicy and exciting. With tourists attracted to the temple sites and fine arts tradition, it's like a dream in a faraway land full of surprises and vitality.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

Daily group sessions with your chosen teachers with one full day off in the middle.

Air conditioned/fan detached villa accommodation with en-suite bathroom, fridge, kettle and private verandah. Please note check in and check out times as there may be extra costs if you arrive in the middle of the night. You can add extra nights to recover from your long haul journey, acclimatise and take advantage of the warm sea, and book in some ayurvedic treatments.

HALF board means TWO delicious buffet-style meals a day. See 'The Food' section below and check your individual holiday for a definitive guide

Airport transfers on recommended flights and dates only (see recommended flight section below)

There are yoga mats and props at the resort but you may want to bring your own or buy one to bring with you

We will advise you on flight bookings and recommended flights, tourist visas, and onward travel - email holidays@yogaunited.com or phone customer services on 020 8361 1882

Food

On the retreat, the restaurant serves breakfast and dinner buffets every day with the option to eat lunch elsewhere if you're out. Breakfast has a choice of fresh juice, cereal, toast, butter and honey as well as local south Indian delights like idli, dosa and puttu. Dinner consists of a huge array of delicious lightly spiced vegetarian curries, traditional authentic cuisine, complemented by less spicy options, and western dishes, soups, salads, and fruit – just divine.  Speak to Saz for any special requests, and dietary requirements. As all food is freshley prepared with natural and mostly local ingredients, there's always a great choice, and the resorts we choose know how to cater for western tastes so the salads and ice is safe. Our guests often say it's the best food they've had in India so we like to aim high each year.

Accommodation

All accommodation is in detached villa with veranda and is based on two people sharing twin or doubles. Please add a single supplement to your order if you prefer your own space or are traveling alone - please note that we do not put singles together if they do not know each other. You can upgrade accommodation for garden views, pool side or sunrise villas Spacious villas are all air-conditioned, but also have fans so you can adjust the temperature to suit you. All rooms have their own fridge, kettle, towels, television, air conditioning, and veranda.

Beaches

Beaches are long and clean and good for swimming and walking. All venues have swimming pools for those who prefer to stay cool within the privacy of the resort. Sea levels are rising and some areas have some tidal flooding in the mornings but disappears during the day.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?

Excursions may vary - check what's available on your individual holiday and are not included in the cost of your retreat holiday, and are often determined by availability with our contacts so may vary from holiday to holiday but to give you a taste: Orientation local walk to the nearest town to get your bearings - with your Yogaunited guide usually included on Day 2. Alleppey backwater trip is a highlight - ask captain to keep your beer chilled and the boat slow for a chance to re-set and slow down.This day trip is extra. Local ashram (Cherai Beach only) - if the Swami is in residence and available, he may have time to show us the Ayurvedic apothecary and discuss philosophy, Ayurveda, yoga and life. Day trips for sightseeing and shopping. Lovely Indian crafts, spices and clothes to buy! Arranged individually and pay the driver Tuk tuk ride around the local area, bicylcle rides, to take in local life - great photo opportunity as well as a taste of the local culture and spice market. Muzuris Heritage sites - the ancient Muzuris port was taken by floods in the 14th century - filled with historical and cultural historic temples, churches, forts and synagogues. Arranged individually and pay the driver

Flights, travel insurance and ayurvedic treatments

CHECK whether your holiday starts in Cochin or Chennai before you book and make sure your ARRIVAL DATE matches Day 1 of your holiday - this means you often leave the day before! Please check the recommended flights and dates with us before you book and also email a copy of your booking confirmation to us so we can confirm arrangements and book your transfer.

Your transfer is included on the recommended flights and dates only or can be added to your booking if you are including extra nights  - your driver will pick you up from just outside the terminal building and transfer you to your retreat resort. Good connections from all UK, European and US airports are aplenty. When you leave, if you have to...is up to you. 

Visas

You will need a tourist visa for India - https://services.vfsglobal.com/gbr/en/ind/apply-visa – this will take you through the application process. You can apply for a Tourist Visa 3 months in advance and we always recommend you apply early in case of any issue.  If you prefer, you can get an agent to apply and do all the paperwork for you – we recommend Visa Genie www.visagenie.co.uk Call: 0208 571 0883. Quote your Yogaunited code for a discounted service (you will receive the code after booking). Please note that your deposit is non-refundable and check t&cs for transfers and advance refunds.

Covid 

In the event we need to cancel the holiday due to restrictions in India, you will receive a voucher for your deposit payment to use on another Yoga United holiday the following year. Check with your travel agent and airline for their policies.

Jabs

For Kerala and Tamil Nadu, please check that your typhoid, Hep A, and tetanus are up-to-date. We advise you to check with your health care practitioner for the latest information. At dusk, it is advised to cover yourself in mosquito repellent - you can anoint your mat with some of the local repellent Ododmos or mix it with your after-sun.

TESTIMONIALS

Thank you so much Judy for your inspirational teaching as always. Loved it! Loved it! Loved it! And Saz, you’re a star - a superb organiser!

An enlightening and uplifting retreat. Just what I needed and I return to the UK with renewed energy

Thank you so much for a truly fantastic introduction to India. Your care and loving kindness have made the week an unforgettable experience.

Thank you for helping me restore my ‘hopefulness’. I can now accept where I am.

I want to say thank you to Judy, Saz and Amy for such a fabulous week in Cherai. You 3 were so hands on, and so involved, which it was such a lovely surprise. Very reassuring actually to know that you were there the whole time.

The staff all worked hard to make sure we had a good experience, from the moment we arrived, they were ready and waiting with those lovely garlands, right through to the last day.

The yoga studio was above and beyond. Not only with our mats and bolsters neatly tidied up each morning and evening but those wonderful floral displays. Just jaw dropping really.

I loved the whole thing, the hotel, the people, the colours, the massages, the beach, the sunsets, the sunrises. and the colours, everything was so colourful. I loved the food, my huge bed, oh and the hammocks. I had no idea hammocks were so comfortable!

The trips were fantastic, again a total surprise that you would organise these. The personal touch was very much evident and it made a big impression on me.

To you all, thank you again, Namaste Charlotte O 

Thank you for organising such a wonderful trip to Kerala and Tamil Nadu. I would never have ventured to these areas without the opportunity to do so through Yoga United and my Yoga teacher. It was an unforgettable experience!. Claire L

I just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed the Indian yoga holiday. It was certainly an adventure not to be missed and I discovered a part of India I hadn’t been to before, which was magical. Liz C8

The perfect place for a relaxing and restorative yoga week with Yoga United. If this had been my first trip to India I would certainly choose to do one or more of the add-ons suggested. It’s a good and safe way of getting to know India. The day trip organized by Saz to the temple/palace was lovely. Well organized, everything seemed to run smoothly, including the thali lunch and it was quite exciting being the only ‘tourists’ around. Sharon 

I came last year and will be coming again next year. A rich and exotic week with Yoga United feeling love, warmth, gentleness, calm, sun, sea sand, sights, insights. Excellent food and great coming together and connecting with a wonderful group of people. And of course…yoga…yoga..yoga Chris T

It was such a brilliant holiday in all aspects, the yoga, weather, people, food, and the wonderful relaxed feeling – a real holiday. Everyone was very helpful wherever we went. I can’t stop thinking about India, it had a great impact on me. Christina C 

My first holiday with Judy was also my first experience of India. I travelled with my mother, in her late seventies, and we were both made very welcome. I loved it so much, I returned the following year to join the holiday again. Judy's teaching was both inspirational and interesting, with her skills and experience shining through in her classes. The balance of Yoga, sight-seeing and relaxation were perfect. The Ayurvedic massages of Kerala are so restorative that you can see the tension in the group members being massaged away as the days go by. Yoga, God's Own Country and massage all in one perfectly wrapped holiday - what more could you want Del

Terrific holiday – wonderful yoga, sunrise meditations over the backwaters and sunset meditation on the seashore. Sunshine, delicious food, interesting trips, range of ayurvedic massages to try, great company and the flexibility to spend your time however you chose – what could be better? Hazel H 

The most wonderful way to do yoga & meditation in the home of yoga - It felt timeless and it couldn’t get any better than that! Judy & Saz are the most wonderful hosts – thank you! Judy M 

YOGA TEACHERS AND GROUP FACILITATORS

Why not take your group to India? Let us take care of everything while you concentrate on the teaching - apply early as we only have a few dates!

We run yearly yoga holidays in India and have lots of experience and contacts to ensure your holiday is special and successful – come with us for a magical experience where everything is taken care of.

GALLERY