A week of yoga, culture,
and soulful connection
Next February, embark on an extraordinary journey with Maxine and Charla as they lead you through a once-in-a-lifetime Indian yoga retreat experience. Nestled in the landscapes of Kerala, South India, this isn't just any yoga retreat. With Maxine's deep-rooted connection to India, spanning generations through her mother and grandmother, this retreat promises to delve into the true essence and significance of yoga. Join her as she unveils the heart and soul of yoga amidst the rich cultural tapestry of her ancestral land.
A Day in the Life at the Retreat
This is your time. You’re free to do as much or as little as you like — every offering is an invitation, never an obligation. One special morning, we’ll rise early for beach blessings at sunrise, followed by a gentle oceanfront yoga practice — grounding, spacious and quietly magical. Mornings include meditation, breathwork mantra and slow, nourishing movement. Afternoons are for relaxing by the pool, journalling, exploring, shopping, receiving a treatment, or simply doing nothing at all. Early evenings guide us back inward with restorative yoga, yin, or deeply soothing sound baths. Woven into the week are two Find Your Bliss workshops to help you reconnect with your self-care, self-love and joy, alongside guest teachers sharing inspiring yogic philosophy and wisdom. You’ll also experience temple visits, a traditional Pooja ceremony, a serene backwater river cruise, and a joyful Bollywood-style celebration evening.
7:45 AM
Gentle Awakening
10:15 AM
Mid-Morning Ease
11:15 AM
Rest & Free Time
4:30 PM
Gentle Reconnection
7:30 PM
Evening Connection
10:00 PM
Nightfall Rest
Begin the day with soft breathing practices to clear the breath and awaken the senses, followed by a grounding ritual of meditation, mantra, and asana.
Gather together for a nourishing breakfast made with fresh, local ingredients, including fresh fruit and coconuts, enjoyed slowly and in good company.
Spend the afternoon exactly as you wish — resting, swimming in the sea, wandering along the beach, exploring locally, or indulging in a soothing massage.
Come back together over fresh fruit before easing into a deeply restorative evening practice of yin yoga, meditation, and occasional guest-led sessions.
Share a wholesome evening meal in community, followed by quiet time to unwind and reflect.
Settle into peaceful sleep, held by the gentle calm of nature.
Our home for the week
We will be staying at Miracle by the Bay in Varkala. Nestled along the pristine shores of Varkala, Trivandrum, our story is one of timeless elegance and charm. We will leisurely sip from coconuts, relax in the gardens, enjoy pool time laughter and community.
Where Every Meal Becomes a Moment of Connection
Food is an essential part of the Find Your Bliss experience, not simply sustenance, but pleasure, connection, and care. Throughout the retreat, nourishment is thoughtfully curated to support both your practice and your rest. Our in-house private chef will prepare vibrant, nutritious meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including three special dinners during the week.
One particularly special meal will be shared with a welcoming host family on Munroe Island, and three additional evenings will be spent dining at some of our favourite hidden restaurant gems, allowing you to experience the rich and diverse flavours of Kerala.
This is food designed to nourish the body, delight the senses, and bring people together around the table.
Step Into Sacred Rituals and the Soul of Kerala
This retreat extends far beyond the mat. You will visit sacred temples steeped in devotion and history and receive a traditional Pooja blessing from a local priest, an intimate ceremonial experience that honours the spiritual roots of the land.
The Pooja ceremony is a sacred ritual of devotion, gratitude, and renewal. Surrounded by the gentle sounds of nature and the soft flicker of candlelight, you will be guided by local practitioners through prayers, intention setting, ancient mantras, and sacred fire. This beautiful practice invites you to release what no longer serves you and welcome clarity, peace, and deeper connection, a powerful way to honour your journey and return to yourself.
As part of our retreat, we will also embark on a journey to the secluded Great Backwaters, where Max discovered a hidden gem during her first visit to Kerala. Nestled amidst a serene expanse of lakes, canals, and lagoons running parallel to the Arabian Sea coast, we will spend a full day here as it unfolds gently, with opportunities to swim in the rivers, witness local craftsmanship, and watch the mesmerising sunset. It is a rare and authentic glimpse into Kerala’s heritage, offering both stillness and discovery.
What's Included
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7 nights accommodation
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Breakfast or bruch and evening meals, plus tea, water, and fruit
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Morning & evening yoga, meditation, and breathwork
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Welcoming goodie bag
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2 find your bliss workshops led by Charla
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Temple visit
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Private Pooja ceremony
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Private river cruise
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Local visits: coconut farm and tailor (bring a garment to replicate)
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Early morning beach yoga session
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Sunset Beach yoga session
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Guest teachers
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Sound bath session
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Bollywood evening of dance, colour, and sari dress up
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Swimming pool, tropical gardens, beach 100m away, shops 10-min walk
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Support with Visa Application
Not Included
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Flights to Kerala
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Visas (£25 estimate)
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Alcoholic drinks
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Additional massage treatments
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Tranfers to and from TRV airport estimated at £20-£25 per taxi (we always do our best to pair people up to keep the cost down to Kerala)
Travel & Practical Info
Meet your Hosts
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Begin Your
Find Your Bliss Journey
To secure your spot, a £500 non-refundable deposit is required.
A second payment of £694 is due by 1 October, and the final balance will be due by 1 December.
Find your Bliss Deposit
500£This is not the full retreat price
Payment in full or alternative monthly instalment plans may be available. Please contact Maxine to discuss availability: maxine@themaxeffect.com
"The biggest adventure you can take
is to live the life of your dreams."
Oprah Winfrey
Contact Us
Have a question or just want to connect before booking?
We’re here to help make your journey smooth and easy.