LIVING YOGA: FORT KOCHI RETREAT
Thu 10 Dec to Tue 15 Dec 2026
"The dream – the goal – of a cultural traveler is to be steeped in the local traditions, history, and utter timelessness of a place and people other than your own." Dawn Drew, former VP of Nat Geo Travel
Six months into my first job as a journalist, I saved up enough for a year-end holiday and decided to spend all my savings on a two-week holiday in Kerala. It was 15 years ago, but the memories are fresh: reading in a hammock by the sleepy backwaters, experiencing my first Ayurvedic massage, hitching a ride across town in a rickety car to get my Vedic chart read (that's a story for another day!)... and spending my last three days in Kerala in Fort Kochi, and being utterly charmed by the colonial architecture, the array of smells and colours in the spice market, the laidback coastal vibe, the early morning bustle by the Chinese fishing nets, and the way the evening light cast golden shadows across the streets.
I should be honest and share that I did not at all intend to host a retreat in Kochi this year. While Kerala's always been on my mind, I have always assumed that when I do something, it will be an Ayurveda-forward programme. But as with how most of my retreats are born, it all began when I found the right venue.
I'd texted the owner a simple enquiry (about her small island retreat). She replied almost immediately, asking if I was free for a phone call. I would've normally said no, but I ended up calling her while I was on the road, thinking it'd be a two-minute conversation. It turned out to be a long, inspiring chat, during which she told me about this Fort Kochi property. The moment I saw the pictures she sent through, I knew. "Let's do it," I texted her shortly after our chat. That was this afternoon. And here I am at my laptop on the same night, putting together this retreat programme while my blood hums in excitement and alignment.
Itinerary
Our journey begins on Thursday, 10 December, where you will be picked up from Cochin International airport. It is about an hour's drive to our Fort Kochi retreat home. It will be late, so you're encouraged to freshen up and sleep well, before we meet for a late breakfast the next morning (Fri), followed by an opening circle. We'll take some time to settle in and find our bearings in the afternoon. Maybe you'd like a nap, or to take a wander around the Fort's many shops, cafes and art galleries, before we gather for a grounding evening practice and group dinner.
Our next few days will be anchored by daily Yoga practice (once a day, either morning or evening depending on the day's itinerary), and our itinerary is planned in such a way that we will enjoy time together in a group, but also have ample time to unwind by ourselves. The property is for our private usage and there are plenty of nooks and crannies to relax in, whether it's to read, journal, or daydream over a cup of coffee. All lunches (except for one, when we head to the backwaters) are free and easy (restaurants and shops are walking distance from our property, or you can choose to lunch at the in-house cafe), and we will gather every evening for dinner, so we can sit together and talk about our day.
On one of the mornings, we will head out to the backwaters for a sumptuous banana leaf lunch, a walk through a local village, and a boat ride. Instead of a touristy houseboat tour that offers only fleeting glimpses of backwater life, our programme encourages us to get up close and personal. We may pause to watch a toddy tapper up the tree, or make a stop at the local tea shop for a chai break. On another morning, we'll go on a walking tour of Fort Kochi, led by an expert local guide whose family history is intertwined with the town’s progression.
Our time together ends after breakfast and checkout on Tuesday, 15 December. If you're flying out on the night flight to Singapore, you can stow your luggage at the property and spend a leisurely last day at the Fort (there are a ton of boutiques and cafes to keep you busy). A van will be arranged to pick you from the property at 6:30pm to go to Cochin International Airport. Or you can continue on your adventures through Kerala. ◡̈
A note on rooms
We are staying in a gorgeous eight-room historical boutique property, lovingly restored. It was once home to the Dutch East India Company, and later, an English plantation manager's bungalow. Rooms are assigned on a first sign-up first served basis; all gorgeous and with ensuite bath and toilet. Because of limited rooms, the retreat group size will be small (minimum 7 pax, maximum 11 pax).
A note on the Yoga practices
You do not need to be a seasoned practitioner in order to join this retreat. Our Yoga practices are designed to be inclusive for all levels of asana experience, and also holistic, incorporating elements like pranayama and meditation.
A note on arrival and departure timings
If you are already in Kochi prior to our retreat, feel free to check into the property on 10 Dec (Thu) any time from 3pm. Dinner will be at your own expense, as group meals and activities only begin the next morning (11 Dec). Similarly, our time together ends after breakfast on 15 Dec (Tue). The group transfer to the airport at 6:30pm is included in your retreat fee. If you have plans to catch a different flight, or to travel to another part of Kerala, please make transportation arrangements on your own (or via our property concierge).
A note on Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi is a historic seaside neighbourhood in Kerala, known for its bustling spice markets, Chinese fishing nets and colonial architecture that reflects it multilayered history of rulership by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. Today, the town is an important centre for both traditional and contemporary Keralan arts, and its cobbled streets are peppered with bookstores, galleries, shops and restaurants. December is one of the best months to visit, with clear skies and gentle coastal breezes. Nights can be a little chilly (around 23 degrees) so bring a shawl or light jacket. If you're keen to read more about Fort Kochi and/or Kerala, consider reading The Moor's Last Sigh by Salman Rushdie, The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese, and The Better Man by Anita Nair.
Fee (early bird until 9 August)
Twin-share: S$2000 (it is peak tourist season in Kerala, but I've tried my best to keep the costs low without compromising on the experience!)
Single occupancy top-up: S$800
After early bird: +S$400
Inclusions
-
Five nights of accommodation in our retreat venue
-
Two-way airport transfers (if flying in and out on recommended flights below)
-
All meals (vegetarian) except for three free-and-easy lunches (budget S$10-S$15 for a generous meal in a cafe)
-
Daily Yoga practice and/or evening satsang to reflect on and digest what we have experienced in the day
-
All expenses (transport, tickets) for group activities
Exclusions
-
Air tickets
-
Visa fees if your passport requires a visa to visit India (currently costs USD25 for Singaporeans)
-
Compulsory travel insurance
-
Expenses incurred should you fall ill. Please make sure your travel insurance adequately covers this.
- All other personal expenses eg. shopping, laundry
Recommended flights
Thu 10 Dec 2026: Singapore Airlines flight (SQ 534) departing Singapore at 20:20 hrs, arriving in Kochi at 22:15 hrs
Tue 15 Dec 2026: Singapore Airlines flight (SQ 535) departing Kochi at 23:05 hrs, arriving in Singapore (+1 day) at 06:10 hrs
If you plan to fly in a day earlier on the same flight timing, I can get you a preferential rate at Taj Cochin International Airport hotel (just 5 minutes' from the airport, so you can rest asap). You can arrange with the Taj concierge for a car to take you to our retreat venue in Fort Kochi (about an hour's drive depending on daytime traffic) to check-in any time from 3pm the next day (10 Dec).
Booking and cancellation policy
The retreat will go on so long as international travel regulations allow quarantine-free travel between India and Singapore. Please stay updated with the latest information on the ICA website here.
A non-refundable S$500 deposit will be required to secure your spot. Your participation is not confirmed until I confirm that I have received your deposit. The remaining fee is to be paid in full by Fri 9 October 2026. (If you need a payment instalment plan, let me know.)
-
Cancellations communicated in writing by 10 November 2026 will receive a 25% refund. No refunds will be made thereafter. To avoid paying the cancellation fee, you can get someone else to take your place on the retreat.
-
The policy above will remain in place regardless of your reason for cancellation, including global political and healthcare shifts, and acts beyond our control. This is a risk you assume upon registration. Please purchase adequate travel insurance upon confirmation of your spot on the retreat.