India Longevity Retreat
Kerala Ayurveda Yoga Healing

​14 days with a focus on health and wellbeing. Once you arrive in India, we take care of everything, so you can relax and immerse yourself in 2 weeks of restorative healing.

10-24 March 2027 Our dreamy palatial Kerala retreat is nestled in a serene village on the Arabian sea, and deeply restorative with a focus on Ayurvedic cleansing and healing, Longevity medicine and lifestyle strategies, and is for anyone seeking rejuvenation & wellbeing through Ayurveda & Yoga. 
​ • Luxurious oceanfront Ayurveda Resort, Kerala
 • 12 full days of Ayurveda personalised therapies
• cleansing diet and Ayurvedic medicines
• daily meditation, pranayama and yoga
• boating on Kerala backwaters • temple visits
​ • Longevity Program - 6 longevity workshops
• Ayurveda talks and cooking classes 

the longevity retreat

Join Mandy from Kookaburra Yoga in South India on a life-changing Yoga, Meditation, Ayurveda Detox and Healing Retreat. We will stay in a Kerala-style palatial healing resort by the sea for 2 weeks for a complete reset of your health, energy and mindset to set yourself up for a long, healthy, abundant life.

It is never too late or too soon to prioritise your wellbeing, particularly if you have been in a caring or demanding role where you have given much of yourself, or have experienced a stressful or traumatic period in your life. Even if you are in good health, it is essential to take the time to rest and rejuvenate - and taking the time here in tropical Kerala is just magic! The soothing sounds of the ocean, the balmy warmth, and the personalised retreat program will leave you feeling restored and amazing.

Our powerful and unique Longevity retreat program sets you up to regain control and mastery of your vitality, health and life. What you’ll experience and learn on this retreat will set you up for a long, healthy and abundant life.

Mandy has decades experience leading transformational retreats in India, and ensures that your time in India is safe, enjoyable and supported. The Longevity Retreat is a small group retreat. You don’t need any experience in yoga or Ayurveda - it is for anyone wanting to live longer, healthier, happier.

Our 2 week retreat features a balance of relaxation, rejuvenative and detoxifying yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic therapies, and a personalised diet - all of which are tailored to YOU. No two people are the same and there is nothing generic about any aspect of this program. Your retreat and every element of the program is designed around your personal goals and needs, combined with assessment and analysis of your unique constitution and state of health.

This is a small group retreat and together we go through the retreat and detoxification process with the support of our Ayurvedic team of specialised doctors, therapists, chefs and support staff. The daily therapies include massages, steam, herbal, oil treatments, joint treatments, weight management, longaevity protocols, digestive support, and much more.

Can you picture yourself here in this heavenly setting - the most beautiful Ayurvedic resort you can imagine. All of the guests are here for healing, this is not a usual hotel. There are no distractions - other than the beauty of the sea and landscape, there is no alcohol, caffeine or refined foods - just the purest and most delicious vegetarian sattvic foods and herbal remedies - with many of the ingredients grown in the organic gardens onsite.

Our days begin with meditation and gentle yoga. Following a life-giving breakfast, you will see your doctor before your 2 hour therapies.

In the afternoon, we have our Lesson in Longevity, Cooking Class, an outing, or free time to explore, depending on the day (see our daily schedule below). 

After treatment you'll feel a deep need for rest. There is time for this and to swim, or shop in the nearby village and markets which have many treasures from all over India for sale. Early evening we gather for yoga, meditation, and then a light dinner often accompanied by traditional Indian entertainment.

Early in our retreat we take a leisurely afternoon traditional small boat trip through the most beautiful and otherworldly backwaters and lagoons where there are dozens of species of birds. We pass through tiny villages set along the waterways and enjoy sunset at the coast where 3 oceans meet. 

We also visit an incredible small Shiva Temple a short distance from our retreat centre for beautiful and powerful sunset aarati, blessings and ceremony.

As you become accustomed to the gentle rhythms of the days, stresses and tensions begin to fall away, and you become ready for the deep cellular healing and physical, mental and emotional transformation which comes about.

This retreat is part of your commitment to your self to improve daily choices, coping and stress-management strategies, and capacity to adapt and survive - all of which flows from within. Regardless of your biological age, there is a wellspring of vibrant vitality and life force within.

​What you learn on this retreat will increase and preserve this life force, decrease accumulated toxins, and replenish the digestive and physiological systems. The lightness, restored energy levels and knowledge acquired will literally change your life.

If this is your time to focus on your Longevity, and embark on a life-changing journey with us in India, a country we consider a spiritual home and place of deep healing, we welcome you to join us for this beautiful retreat.

Please read on for comprehensive details, then you may proceed to book following the link on this page to our booking site. We have three pages of details on our website to provide you with comprehensive information.

details at a glance

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Pre retreat workshop: Sat 13 February 2027 10am-2pm
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10-24 March 2027
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​Checkin time is from 12pm. Our Yoga & Ayurveda program is 11-22 March. Checkout time is 10am 24th March.
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​ earlybird $6200pp twin share. Single room $7600 (all inclusive)
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Book and pay your $1500 deposit. You'll receive a confirmation email with next steps.
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Book your place, then submit the 
​Intake Form

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See also:
 • Longevity, Ayurveda Info 
• Options & Costs 
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Longevity Retreat, Kerala, India. 10-24 March. 
We have reserved beautiful ocean facing deluxe rooms.
Earlybird: Single $7400, Twin share $6200. 


​Why this retreat is so unique and powerful

The Longevity Retreat includes the following components. The power of this program is in the unique integration of these 8 elements:
  • Pre-retreat Longevity Workshop. 1 month prior to the retreat we have a half day group info session and Ayurveda Workshop here at Kookaburra Yoga (or you can join online via Zoom if you don't live close by). This workshop will help you prepare for the process, and we introduce the Lessons on Longevity. This includes a light lunch of kitchari and chai made from a blend of longevity herbs grown here at Kookaburra Yoga.
  • Ayurvedic Medical Consultations. On arrival at the Ayurvedic Resort you will have an initial consultation and assessment with your Ayurvedic doctor who will design your treatment protocol, prescribe internal herbal formulas if required and a diet which is suitable for your unique constitution, state of health and to support your therapies. your assessment incorporates traditional Ayurvedic diagnostic methods combined with extensive blood testing (optional), and a review of any medical records/results you wish to bring. You will have shorter daily consults with your doctor. 
  • Daily Therapies your daily therapies are 2 hours, and will incorporate panchakarma (detox) and/or rasayana (rejuvenative) depending on your goals and capacity. The treatment and its intensity will be determined by your team of medical specialists. Details of therapies are outlined below.
  • Diet, Food, Fasting you will follow a diet best suited to your unique constitution while on retreat and receive guidelines for continuing this at home. The food is sattvic (pure and calming in effect), organic and fresh. There is nothing at all which is processed. On your purgation days you will have a light, nourishing fasting diet.
  • Longevity Lessons our unique Longevity Program features lessons in each of the 7 key components of living a longer, healthier, happier life - 1. Ayurveda and your unique constitution; 2 yoga and the breath; 3. diet, food, fasting; 4. meditation and the mind. 5. stress, trauma and healing from the past; 6. life rhythms, routines, sleep; 7. dharma, having a life plan, work and being of service. Our classroom is our beautiful open air shala by the sea. At the introductory workshop, you will receive a unique workbook developed by Mandy which we work through during the retreat.
  • Satsang satsang means keeping company with the wise, and is a facilitated discussion which relate to our lessons in longevity. These discussions are to support participants to identify and let go of internal resistances and obstacles to the process and to bring in new beneficial thoughts, patterns and behaviours. The understanding of the self, where our thoughts and emotions come from, what drives our everyday and life choices, and the empowerment and resolve which flows from inner reconciliation is profoundly transformative. 
  • Yoga, Meditation, Pranayama our daily rhythm includes morning and afternoon yoga and meditation sessions incorporating the yoga, meditation and breathwork longevity practices which support your short and longterm wellbeing, balance your nervous system and increase the body's pranic life force. These are not generic classes, but specific to the attendees and adapted throughout the retreat. Mornings are dynamic, focused, energising and balancing to prepare you for the day. Afternoons/evenings are gentle, calming, restorative yin, breathwork and meditation to lead your mind to quietness, calmness and body to deep restful sleep. 
  • Retreat Guidelines and Support  6 weeks prior to the retreat at the pre-retreat workshop you'll be given guidelines on how to prepare - this is mainly dietary and a gradual reduction of certain foods and activities - such as highly processed food, alcohol, caffeine, late nights, consumption of stressful media etc. At this time you'll be invited to a whatsapp group with retreat facilitators and participants where you can ask any questions, seek out support etc. ​​​

true wellbeing

True wellbeing always flows from within and begins with intention, respect and reverence for the natural changes to our bodies & minds through the stages of life. 

power of yoga + ayurveda

Yoga and Ayurveda are sister sciences, arising from the same root of knowledge in ancient India. Both have evolved over the millennia to be practical supports for a happy, healthy well balance life. When intelligently and purposefully combined, together they offer a complete, holistic approach to well-being, addressing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health and wellbeing.

Ayurveda is very much about restoring balance and health to the body, yoga primarily is about restoring balance and wellbeing to the mind. By integrating these ancient practices, you will embark on a profound journey of self-discovery, spiritual growth, and inner transformation.

Our Longevity Retreat is unique in that we don't only bring together yoga and Ayurveda, we also include counselling, satsang (facilitated group sessions), along with 6 focussed lessons on the key areas of longevity, lectures on Ayurveda, and the Ayurvedic diet, cooking classes, pre- and post- retreat support to connect with the source of empowerment within.

Importantly, the environment and distance from home is conducive to the healing and detoxification process. Our tranquil, palatial 5 star Ayurvedic Resort is high on hill and right by the sea, surrounded by the gardens in which much of our food and the herbs included in the medicines are grown.

Knowledge is true power. Through learning and living the 6 lessons of Longevity, the focussed yoga and self-enquiry practices, facilitated group and individual sessions we come to know our self well – what drives us, the obstacles to change, where the resistance to doing what is good for us comes from, and the tendency to default to unhelpful thinking and behavioural patterns.

​With this knowledge comes empowerment, and what flows from empowerment is kindness, acceptance, and then gentle, sustainable, realistic  commitment and change.

deep transformative healing

The synthesis of yoga and meditation practice along with the ancient wisdoms of Ayurvedic medicine provide a unique opportunity to reset the body and mind, to reclaim one’s power and discover or return to one’s true direction. Life in precious, time is passing and the moment is now. Join us for this transformative deeply healing and finally joyful process. 

our daily routine

Dinacharya, or daily routine, is a fundamental concept in Ayurvedic medicine aimed at enhancing overall health and wellness. Each of our days on retreat incorporates the key elements of dinacharya. We have designed a program which is most conducive to the cleansing and rejuvenation process you will undertake on retreat:
  • 6am Morning Selfcare Rituals wake before sunrise, cleanse the body, oil pulling to cleanse the mouth, ensure there is proper elimination to rid the body of toxins. Drinking warm water to stimulate digestion and detoxification.
  • 7.00am Meditation we merge the mind with the Divine, before going into the activities of the day. Morning meditation includes powerful cleansing breathing practices, mantra, stillness, healing practices.
  • 7.30am Hatha Yoga our mornings are energising yet gentle and respectful, sensitive to our energy levels and the stage of the detoxification and rejuvenation process which we are at. Morning yoga is dynamic yet suitable for all levels. 
  • 8.30am Breakfast a nourishing breakfast. Breakfast and all meals are buffet style, where you will be guided to select from the foods best suited for your body type and as prescribed by your doctor.
  • 9am-11am or 12pm-2pm Daily Consults and treatments You will see your doctor everyday prior to therapies. Treatments take approximately 2 hours. Rest, read, journal, relax on the premises in your beautiful room, balcony, by the pool, sea, or under the trees, before or after your treatments. There are many nearby shops for tourists so you may choose to go out.
  • 3.30pm Lessons in Longevity 6 afternoons will be dedicated to workshops going deeply into the Lessons and applying them. These integrate Satsang -  facilitated discussions to support you as you move through the detoxification process. The conversations flow from the lessons on longevity and together we explore the obstacles, resistances to change, and helpful inner solutions and strategies to find the energy and resolve to do what is best for ourselves. (afternoons of 12 March, 14 March, 16 March, 18 March, 20 March, 22 March)
  • 3.30pm Ayurveda and Cooking Classes on 3 afternoons (24, 26, 30 Oct) there will be Ayurvedic Lectures or Cooking Classes in the restaurant. Our amazing doctors will talk for 1 mornings on Ayurveda and Food. On 2 mornings there will be cooking demonstrations with our Chef. 
  • 9.30am Outings we explore Kovalam Beach and stop at FabIndia for shopping (11 March).
  • Midday Lunch will depend upon your treatment timings so you will have lunch when it suits your schedule. A buffet style choice of amazing, fresh and plentiful foods to match your constitution and also your personalised regime.
  • 3.30pm Outings We go out for a boating excursion to the Poover backwaters and experience sunset where the river and ocean meets (15 March). We go to the Shiva temple for puja and a beautiful sunset meditation by the sea. (13 March). 
  • 5.30pm Restorative Yin Yoga & Yoganidra. The sun sets early here at around 5.30pm. Our evening yoga session with Mandy incorporates slow, gentle practices harnessing the energy of the setting sun. Incorporates restorative yin yoga and pranayama, and mantra. We wind down and quieten the mind with guided yoga nidra tailored to the process and the group's needs. This is to balance the nervous system and lead you to deep restorative sleep. These sessions follow our Lessons on Longevity. Some evenings we instead take a walk on the beach and do our practices by the sea.
  • 7.00pm Dinner  We enjoy amazing dinners in the beautiful restaurant, selecting food from the Ayurvedic vegetarian buffet or eating according to the prescribed diet. There is often classical music and cultural performances accompanying dinner. On one evening we will enjoy a special Kerala dinner and cultural night under the stars.
  • 9.00pm Silent rest we go into silence until after dinner. We withdraw from the noise of the world and our own mind to become deeply quiet. This is an essential component of the Longevity program, and is essential if you are sharing a room.​​​

compassionate and wise

The Longevity Retreat and Longevity Program is a unique offering which has flowed from the sankalpa of retreat leader Mandy Knox, who has taught and guided thousands of people in yoga and meditation over decades. Through her work and integration of yoga and Ayurveda in life, Mandy has a deep understanding of what it takes to live a long, purposeful, healthy, happy life. 

retreat creator and guide

The Longevity Retreat is hosted by Mandy Knox, of Kookaburra Yoga. Mandy is the owner of Kookaburra Yoga Centre in the Perth hills. Mandy has 30+ years acquired and applied yogic and Ayurvedic knowledge and expertise, and has led many retreats and transformational programs in India. The Longevity Program is unique to Kookaburra Yoga and brings together Mandy's expertise as a yoga and meditation teacher, and her work and knowledge in other fields.

Mandy has studied Ayurveda at the Australian Institute Holistic Medicine, Art & Design through Perth Tafe, and has a BA in English with a major in Creative and Professional Writing from Curtin University. She has also studied and practiced Reiki, and spent many years immersed in learning within the meditative, yogic and tantric traditions of India under the tutelage of remarkable teachers. Mandy learnt to implement Ayurvedic principles into cooking and a yogic lifestyle during her time in India, and became renowned as a vegan cook and food educator. She was the Editor of the Wellness magazine for over 10 years where she published many articles on lifestyle and both medical and non-medical wellness strategies for people living with chronic illness or wanting to prevent it. Mandy was the CEO of Cancer Support WA and learnt much about illness and what it takes to become well, despite the odds, and the true meaning of wellness and healing from her work and the many hundreds of people with cancer she met during her time there. Mandy has been a yoga and meditation teacher for over 30 years and has taught many thousands of people over these years. Mandy has much empathy and is a kind, astute and intuitive educator, leader and guide.
For more information, please navigate to the Longevity, Ayurveda Info page and then the Options & Costs page, or if you're ready, click BOOK NOW button to book now. 

Why join this retreat...

Professional, caring facilitation​

Mandy Knox leads Kookaburra Yoga Journeys in India. She has visited India many times and has led international retreats for over a decade. She has decades experience teaching yoga and meditation and is a skilful group facilitator. She has worked in senior leadership positions and knows how to respectfully and intuitively guide and support people to realise their full potential.
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Transformational program

This retreat is a cultural and spiritual immersion. The program is focussed on the transformational and healing practices of yoga, meditation and Ayurveda. You will learn and practice methods from these disciplines everyday and will be guided and supported to identify and release inner obstacles and past karma, creating an inner freedom and peace - reflected in the magical landscapes.

Attention to detail

Kookaburra Yoga works closely with local organisers, venues and licensed travel agents at our destinations to ensure that every practicality is considered and taken care of and that any local assistance is on hand should we need it. This means we can focus on delivering a powerful, transformative retreat program and you can relax knowing that everything is taken care of.

Rhythm and routine

We establish a rhythm and routine to bring calmness to your body, mind and soul - even in the midst of the movement and activity of India. The schedule, your food and all practicalities are taken care of, allowing you to immerse yourself in the program and the retreat process. 

Morning and Afternoon Yoga

Morning and late afternoon Yoga sessions are holistic and beneficial on every level of being. Asanas are of 4 types: those which bring inner quiet; those which bring focus and body awareness; those which bring humility and detachment; and those which increase confidence and vitality. 

Meditation

We start each day at sunrise with a powerful healing meditation practice.  At sunset we practice Raja Yoga meditation and pranayama.  In the evenings you'll be lulled into a deep, blissful state of relaxation during guided healing meditation. 

Ayurveda

Ayurvedic medicine is one of the world's oldest holistic healing systems. It was developed more than 3,000 years ago in India. It is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit. 

Spectacular landscapes

Kerala, historically known as Keralam, is often referred to as 'God's Own Country' and is India's most relaxed and beautiful state - with its serene beaches, tranquil stretches of backwaters, exotic wildlife and waterfalls. We spend a peaceful afternoon boating on the beautiful Poovar backwaters.

Stunning venue

You will stay in a 5 star beautiful purpose built Ayurvedic Resort hospital. The architecture features traditional wooden carving and details and natural stone. All of the rooms face the sea and treatments are to the sound of the waves. Our resort is connected to Somatheram Ayurveda Resort and Manaltheeram and you are invited to use the pools, restaurants and facilities and all these amazing venues during your stay.

Lessons in Longevity

You'll enjoy our unique Longevity Lessons, along with talks on Ayurvedic healing, the Ayurvedic diet and two cooking demonstrations with the resort chefs. Mandy shares her knowledge of Ayurveda and the Longevity Program she developed, after many years of study, practice, teaching and integration. The Ayursoma doctors and our remarkable chefs also share their profound knowledge.

Vegetarian cuisine

All food on this retreat is fresh, mainly organic, sattvic and vegetarian. You'll receive a personalised diet plan from your Ayurvedic doctor and can eat specifically for your unique constitution. The choices are extensive. And the food is absolutely delicious. You will be amazed by each meal, and also have the opportunity to learn to make some of the local dishes.

Deep rest & time to explore

At our Ayurvedic Resort you'll have time and space to rest deeply. The resort is set overlooking herbal gardens with a path meandering down to a private beach with dedicated lifeguards. Within walking distance is a traditional fishing village, marketplaces and temples.

join us in South India March 2027

 If you are ready for a complete reset and transformation of your whole self we welcome you to join us. Once you have the read the information on this page, please click through to the Longevity, Ayurveda Info page and the Options & Costs page

What people say...

the PERFECT introduction to India

I have been practicing yoga on and off for 8 years and in the last few years my interest in going to India to visit the source of yoga had peaked. Having looked around at lots of different retreats, I knew this one was the one for me. Initially, I was going to go alone, but once my husband (who had never done any yoga!) saw the itinerary he wasn't going to let me have it all to myself! 

The retreat was more than we ever could have wished for.  It is hard to put into words - there were so many moments that will stay with me forever, that have deepened my connection to myself, my husband and my yoga practice - the silent walks and morning meditations by the Dam at the Ashram, watching the world go by on houseboat in Alleppey, the sound of India! chanting and music everywhere, dipping in the 3 oceans, the gentle daily rhythm of morning and evening yoga and meditation. 

I was apprehensive about the Ashram, especially after the luxury and comfort of all the accommodation we had experienced so far, but it was actually one of my favourite parts - and a whole lot more comfortable than I expected!  I was also super nervous about being with a group of people that I didn't know (even though my husband was with me) but there was plenty of time and space to myself and actually I LOVED being part of the group and it broke down a lot of fears for me.

Mandy and Robert were the perfect hosts - they shared so openly, and were flexible to the groups needs. I feel very lucky to have been guided by teachers with a life long practice and deep connection and understanding of India. As for my husband - he loved every minute too - he threw himself into the yoga and took from it what felt right for him - the fact that he had not done any yoga did not matter, the retreat is definitely appropriate for total beginners and long term practitioners alike - I think you have to go in with an open mind and just embrace every opportunity. It was such a special experience for us to share as a couple and we are already saving for the next one. 

This was the PERFECT introduction to India - I can literally not speak highly enough of our experience and I am so glad I chose Mandy and Robert to guide us.  We came back to Perth nourished, relaxed, wanting more and excited for further retreats with Kookaburra. All I can say is thank you, thank you thank you! We had the best time ever! 

​Heather

India Longevity Retreat 10-24 March 2027

​Next, please go to the Longevity, Ayurveda Info page and then the Options & Costs page. Or, if you're ready, click thorugh to our booking site.
yoga at its source...
You may have practiced or even taught yoga for many years in your home country and be ready to take the next step - to experience yoga at its source. ​We'd love you to join our retreat for an immersive, fully supported Indian experience. Yoga in India has changed over recent years with a proliferation of 200hr yoga teacher trainings and retreats varying in quality and authenticity. We encourage you to be discerning, to be safe, and select a program and organisation which nurtures and supports every aspect of who you are. Even if you don't travel with Kookaburra Yoga, we are happy to share our knowledge and experience to assist you to enrich your travels and yoga education - just be in touch! 

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