India is something of a pilgrimage site for hardened yogis: aside from being the origin of the ancient practice, it’s now also home to some of the best yoga retreats in the world. If you’re ready to embrace the heat, then CompareRetreats.com has just the place for you.
A haven for self-reflection and relaxation, Shreyas is a boutique retreat offering high-quality yoga instruction and authentic Ayurvedic experiences.
Location
Set in 25 acres of leafy greenery and fragrant frangipani gardens, Shreyas is an idyllic environment to unwind in. Located one hour from Bengaluru International Airport, the retreat is situated on the outskirts of Bangalore near Nelamangala, India.
Accommodation
With the capacity to accommodate a maximum of 20 guests, Shreya’s is the definition of boutique. Rooms include poolside cottages (with king-size beds), garden ‘tented’ cottages (one-bedroom dwellings with canopied roofs and private courtyards), and an exclusive three-bedroom cottage (which can accommodate five people in two double/twin rooms and a single occupancy room). Décor is simple but tasteful and furnishings are minimal but modern.
Food Programme
Tailor made for each guest after a detailed consultation with the retreat’s in-house Ayurvedic or Naturopathy doctors, the cuisine at Shreyas is inspired by yogic principles. Fresh, light, nutritious vegetarian meals are favoured and many of the ingredients are sourced seasonally from the retreat’s expansive organic gardens.
All allergies can be catered to, as with all dietary preferences (including vegan, high-protein and raw food requests). Specific medical issues such as diabetes and hypertension are also accommodated.
The retreat’s most notable dining detail is its sacred preparation practices. Shreya supports the belief of ‘Athithi Devo Bhava’ (serving the guest as the divine), so before preparing any of the food, the kitchen staff chant a prayer to enhance the positive effects of the food on the body. As well as gourmet vegetarian cuisine, Shreyas serves Indian, Continental, Mexican and Oriental meals, and has its own cookbook, ‘Soul Food’, which is available for guests who are interested in recreating the retreat’s recipes at home.
Important to note: if you like a little tipple while on holiday be warned, Shreyas has a no alcohol policy and alcohol is neither served or permitted on the property.
Treatment Programme
Guiding guests on a journey of self-discovery, Shreyas offers the opportunity to nourish body, mind and spirit by connecting guests with their ‘inner self’. Using yoga to heal and strengthen the body, the retreat offers various retreats in the form of Ashtanga Vinyasa retreats, Hatha yoga retreats and spiritual meditation retreats.
They also offer a number of themed packages including ‘Silent’, ‘Ayurvedic Rejuvenation’, ‘The Joy of Giving’, ‘Wellness for the Soul’, ‘Weight Management’ and ‘Culinary’.
Shreyas encourages reflection and introspection so offers ‘yoga process’ programmes including yogic ‘kriyas’ (cleansing techniques), ‘pranayama’ (yogic breath), ‘pratyahara’ (withdrawal of the senses), ‘trataka’ (focused concentration), yoga ‘nidra’ (yogic sleep), ‘dhyana’ (meditation), ‘mouna’ (silent contemplation) and mantra chanting. The retreat’s spa also offers a wide range of Ayurvedic therapies, relaxing massages and organic scrubs and masks that have been freshly prepared using herbal ingredients from Shreya’s organic gardens.
Results
Expect to feel…motivated to practice yoga and meditation when you get back home.