Why We Created an Advanced Yoga Retreat in Varkala
- Nathalie for Kind
- May 11
- 4 min read
I don’t consider myself an advanced practitioner, even though my yoga journey started more than 15 years ago while I was living in London. For years, I struggled with a lack of flexibility and relied heavily on strength to compensate. Naturally, I was drawn toward dynamic practices such as Vinyasa, Power Yoga, Rocket, and Ashtanga. Hello crow pose, tripod headstands, jump-backs to chaturanga… and of course, I avoided Hatha and Yin Yoga at all costs.
Those slower practices came much later — after injuries, personal research, and meeting teachers who challenged my understanding of yoga in a completely different way. They helped me realize that progress is not always about pushing harder, but about learning to listen, soften, and practice with awareness.
When I started practicing with Pawan, I felt a deep shift in only ten days. After seven months of daily practice together at Kind Varkala, I can honestly say I have experienced a safer, more sustainable transformation in my body and mind.
For years, I would leave practice with knee pain, elbow pain, or some kind of strain. Since practicing here, there have been moments of discomfort, emotional releases during hip opening, and even panic while exploring new edges of the body — but no injuries. And that changes everything.
Why This Yoga Retreat Is Different
When searching for a yoga retreat in Varkala, most programs follow a similar structure: two yoga classes a day, beautiful accommodation, healthy food, and free time by the beach. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. These retreats can be perfect if you are starting your yoga journey, looking to reconnect with yourself, or simply wanting to combine travel and practice.
But many practitioners eventually reach a point where they want more depth.
Usually, the next option is to book a 200-hour yoga teacher training. Yet not everyone wants — or is able — to take an entire month away from work and daily life. We realized there was a missing space between a casual retreat and a full teacher training.
That is exactly why we created this 7- or 10-day immersive yoga retreat for curious and experienced practitioners.
This retreat is designed for students who want to deepen their understanding of yoga, refine their practice, explore advanced asanas safely, and better understand the body — without the pressure of a certification program.
A Retreat Designed for Deep Practice
Rather than simply attending classes, participants will move through a series of daily workshops and focused explorations. The goal is not performance; it is awareness, intelligence, and sustainability in practice.
Throughout the retreat, we will explore themes such as:
Backbends
Forward folds
Side bends
Front hip opening
Side hip opening
Inversions
Transitions and arm balances
Breathwork and meditation
Hands-on adjustments and body understanding
Each day focuses on one area of the body and one family of postures, allowing students to approach advanced asanas progressively and safely.
Our intention is simple: to deepen your relationship with yoga, refine your understanding of movement and alignment, and create space for clarity — both physically and mentally.
Daily Retreat Schedule
The retreat follows a structured yet balanced daily rhythm:
Morning pranayama and meditation
Hatha yoga practice
Large breakfast or brunch
Free time, beach time, or activities
Asana clinic and posture workshop
Yin Yoga during the hottest part of the day
Advanced asana practice (Level 2–3)
Dinner
Q&A, discussions, and integration time
We intentionally reduced the meal plan to two meals per day: a nourishing brunch and dinner. This allows participants to enjoy more freedom during their afternoons, explore Varkala at their own pace, and avoid the feeling of constantly rushing back to the shala.
Who Is This Retreat For?
You do not need a 200-hour, 300-hour, or 500-hour teacher training certificate to join this retreat.
What matters more is consistency, curiosity, and openness.
This retreat is for practitioners who already have a regular yoga practice and want to better understand asanas, movement patterns, and their own bodies. You do not need to be flexible. You do not need to master advanced postures. And you absolutely do not need to “perform.”
What you do need is honesty about your limitations, willingness to explore safely, and the ability to leave the ego aside.
Not every posture is accessible to every body, and that is perfectly okay. We want to create an environment where everyone feels safe to practice, learn, ask questions, and evolve at their own rhythm.
Because yoga is not a competition.
It is a journey — from the self, through the self, to the self.
A Yoga Retreat Adapted to Your Budget
We are also deeply aware that everyone travels with different financial realities. That is why accommodation at Kind Varkala can be tailored to your budget, while still allowing you to experience the quality, comfort, and depth this retreat is designed to offer.
Our goal is not to create a luxury escape disconnected from reality, but an authentic and accessible experience centered around practice, community, and personal growth.
More Than a Retreat
If you practiced with Pawan this season at Kind Varkala — or elsewhere — you probably felt that his teaching offers something different. Many students asked for more time, more workshops, more explanations, and more opportunities to explore beyond regular drop-in classes.
This retreat was created as an answer to that demand.
Not as a teacher training.Not as a holiday retreat.But as a dedicated space for practitioners who want to go deeper.
Do not hesitate to contact us on what's app, instagram or email if you have any questions- we always love hearing from you
Nathalie for Kind
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