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Start - Mahabalipuram (near Chennai airport )

Finish - Tiruvannamalai (nearby airports - Chennai, Bangalore)

 

12 nights in comfortable hotels/retreat centres with

a number of single ensuite rooms

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About the Retreat...

 

Midlife and beyond can be a challenging time for women, with hormonal changes, children growing up, parents aging, and just dealing with aging as a woman in an ageist society, it can be overwhelming.

 

In February 2027, I invite you to take some time out for yourself to reset, to rebalance, to ask the big question ‘Who Am I’ and to remind yourself that midlife can be a time for celebration, not a time to withdraw but an opportunity to step into your full feminine power. 

 

Guided by Theresa from Better Life Yoga and another experienced teacher,  this small, intimate retreat journey offers the opportunity to dive deep into Yogic practices to support your midlife and beyond journey, whilst also experiencing the best of spiritual South India on route.

 

Our journey through the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu starts on the Bay of Bengal with two nights in the coastal UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE ancient town of Mahabalipuram. A guided tour of the stunning monolithic rock cut stone temples is included during our stay here. 

 

We will then transfer by private car/minibus (approximately 2 hours drive) to the City of Dawn, Auroville, for a five night stay at a retreat and healing centre right on the ocean. Auroville was designed in the 1960’s as an alternative society, a conscious community without the constraints of religion and ritual. It really is like nowhere else on earth for its ambition, size and incredible architectural design. Whilst here we will learn more about the city, and if we are lucky we may get the opportunity to meditate in the famous golden dome. We will also enjoy time in the French colonial city of Pondicherry with a guided tour and free time to explore. 

 

After leaving Auroville, we will transfer (approx 2 hrs 15 mins) via private vehicle to  Tiruvannamalia, the temple city. Here we will spend 5 nights in a brand new, very comfortable retreat centre, which has use of a swimming pool and just the most incredible view of Arunachala, the sacred mountain from our rooftop yoga space.

 

Tiruvannamalia is a sacred spiritual city, considered by some to be the spiritual heart of India. Arunachala hill is believed to be the physical form of the Hindu god Shiva. 

 

 Arriving in Tirivannamalia will offer us the opportunity to join other pilgrims circumnavigating the hill on the 14km Giripradakshina pilgrimage walk. Whilst in Tiruvannamalia, we will also spend time visiting and meditating at the Sri Ramana Maharshi ashram and cave, which is situated on the sacred hill. The energy there is really very transformative. Before leaving this special place, we will also visit the large and very impressive 9th century Arunachala temple with a local guide.

 

Alongside these amazing experiences, there will be plenty of time for yoga, meditation, pranayama, mantra, yoga philosophy and journaling to support your body and mind, helping you to see aging with new vitality and grace!  There will be daily sessions, time for reflection and there will also be time to relax around the pool or on the beach.

 

We aim to provide a fun, deep and transformative experience during our time together.

But for the retreat to have real lasting value, we will be sharing short simple practices you can

incorporate into your busy life on your return home.

This could be the step change you need to find balance in your everyday life too. ​​

 

WHO CAN COME?

 

This retreat is open to all women aged 45 years plus (There is no upper age limit! More mature ladies are very welcome to join us).

 

The yoga asana classes will be gentle, suitable for all levels including complete beginners. 

 

GROUP SIZE - ​To ensure an intimate experience, the group size will be a min of 6, max of 12.

 

ACCOMMODATION DETAILS 

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 Mahabalipurum  

 2 Nights comfortable hotel with swimming pool, in an single or twin ensuite room​​​​