An Exclusive Inside Look at this 25-Acre Yoga Retreat

Step into an ocean of tranquility as you drive through the gates of the world class Shreyas Yoga Retreat. Spread across 25 acres, the plush green surroundings have an immediate calming effect as you make your way to the living room. Yes, you heard that right! Shreyas doesn’t have a lobby and the commotion one observes at the bustling lobbies of a resort or hotel - making it a sanctuary of pure serenity.

Before heading for this wellness break, my first of a kind, I had felt a pressing need to rejuvenate and cut away from the hustle bustle of daily life. But, I was also skeptical about taking the holistic route in a strict manner. However, from the moment I entered Shreyas I was at ease with myself. The sense of being cut off didn’t feel daunting, in fact it was more welcoming than I could ever imagine and the serenity of the place was no less than blissful.

The Living Room

At Shreyas, guests are welcomed at the living room/library - an open, breezy room with windows and ample place to sit comfortably and read a book. The living room is a small haven of peace. As I sat there after being greeted with a warm traditional Indian welcome and sipped on a glass of tender coconut water, I felt more relaxed than I had in a while. Delicately decorated with great care and thought - the room is adorned with books, sculptures, flowers, and artefacts.

The Rooms

The rooms at Shreyas are well appointed with a minimalistic decor. Fresh flowers add a holistic character to the rooms. The rooms are equipped with all amenities that you’ll find at any deluxe property and are modestly designed to provide for all your needs. The simplicity, elegance and open layout make it a comfortable space to live in.

Dining

Meals here are served in a dining room, where they encourage all guests to sit together and eat. This allows for easy banter, laughter-filled conversations, and exchange of stories with people from different walks of life. I was fortunate enough to meet and interact with some amazing people, which just made this trip even more memorable.

Coming to the food, the food here is crafted and designed taking in consideration the guests’ preferences. Strictly vegetarian, and prepared with great care and love - you’ll see a different menu for each meal, offering a reasonable variety of dishes. Dinners are usually set outdoors, giving the guests a unique ambience.

Typical day at Shreyas

Unlike other resort holidays, where you head out for sightseeing or laze by the pool, a wellness break is all about following a routine. The in-house doctor suggests a schedule for you that typically looks like:

Timing	Activity
6:30 am - 8:00 am	Yoga
8:30 am - 9:30 am	Breakfast
9:30 am - 10:00 am	Sound Meditation/Chanting
10:00 am - 1:00 pm	Free Time/Massage/Steam
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm	Lunch
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm	Free Time/Swim
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm	Yoga
5:00 pm - 7:30 pm	Free Time/ Nature Walk/ Massage
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm	Dinner
9:00 pm	Movie (Optional)

Doctor Shahuja is the in-house naturopathy doctor at Shreyas. She holds a wellness counselling session with guests on their first day, taking note of any restrictions or problems that need to be taken care of or addressed in terms of exercise, food, or other requirements. I had the chance to ask her a few quick questions.

From Dr Shahuja's Desk 

Q: What would you recommend to someone visiting a yoga retreat for the first time?

 A: I would suggest them to go for a 7-day wellness or yoga package – this will give them an idea about what to expect in a yoga retreat as well as provide them with a routine that provides for flexibility.

Q: Is such a package advisable for someone with a specific medical condition?

 A: Everyone can undertake all activities offered in the wellness or yoga package, as our experts accommodate lessons and classes based on the needs of the clients. Specific arrangements are made as per requirement. You can also get a customized package if required.

Q: In terms of food, is there any specific menu or system you follow?

 A: The food served at Shreyas is all grown organically at the resort itself. We have around 4 acres of land where farming is done. We have also kept 4-5 cows that provide for the dairy requirements of Shreyas. The food is prepared keeping in consideration the palate choices of our guests, including any allergies that the guests may have. We even have specially designed menus for guests with specific diet requirements like gluten intolerance, vegan diet, non-dairy diet, etc. as well as detox plans.

To sum up, what I loved about Shreyas Yoga Retreat:

• The personalised meditation classes are great! These classes were truly refreshing and everyone must try it out.
• I have to mention the courtesy and warmth of the staff; I have rarely come across so much care and attention at any resort. Most hotels I have stayed at offer great service, but the service at Shreyas was par excellence.
• Sipping on coconut water, while reading a book by the poolside or the various comfortable corners around the resort was truly enjoyable.
• A walk to the farming area and taking in the smell of freshly growing herbs and vegetables is a must-do.
• Dinners were a highlight - after a busy day, walking down candle-lit paths to a beautifully adorned spot outdoors was just delightful.
• Amazing conversations and endless laughter with strangers who became friends over meals and after classes.

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