Al Fresco Yoga and Feel-Good Ayurveda at Shreyas Retreat

Shreyas Retreat is a modern yoga ashram in a picturesque setting, with a strong community feeling.

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Hotel Review: Shreyas Retreat, Bengaluru

A small pocket of bliss near Bengaluru that’s ideal for yogis looking for an immersive experience in an innately tranquil setting. In 2004, founder Pawan Malik, a London-based spiritual entrepreneur, decided he wanted to create a modern, upgraded ashram, suitable for high-achievers on the path to self-realisation. His concept is now a fully fledged but quietly grounded destination health retreat. Simple without being spartan, sleep in one of the 15 atmospheric tents, with bathrooms open to the elements, a little deck with campaign-style chairs, Indian herbal teas, fresh flowers and wi-fi. Rooms are cleaned seemingly whenever you step outside. What bliss to return after the dawn class and find your king-sized bed already made and your laundry taken care of. You will rest well here. The air is clean, the 25 acres of lush green grounds are a delightful exploration of aroma and exotica. Think jack fruits, fig trees, marigolds, coconuts.

Classes happen twice daily in the al fresco yoga pavilion with accompanying birdsong and smoking incense. In-house teachers work on rotation, all teaching pure Hatha style, slow but purposeful. Some, like Ramakhan, have been here since inception and guests relish his hands-on adjustments. ‘People say I have six pairs of eyes,’ he laughs. ‘I am all about alignment.’ The morning class is an hour-and-a-half long and sets you up for a delicious breakfast of tropical fruits and homemade granola. The shorter afternoon class at 4:30pm is less rigorous but no less effective. Peppered in between are optional chanting and meditation sessions. Or perhaps some time in the gym, library or by the sparkling swimming pool. The Anaha spa is equally alluring, a seriously lush addition with treatments as outstanding as the design and a scope that covers everything from beautifully delivered Ayurvedic therapies to crystal salt scrubs, coffee body masks and reviving facials.

Don’t miss a revelatory session with wise man Bala Sundar. ‘Have you seen him yet?’, guests whisper to each other, many sharing that he cracked them open and the tears came. The spell he weaves combines personalised meditations, visualisations and the sort of soul reading that leaves you feeling validated and renewed. ‘Every breath is a chance to start again,’ he shares. Insightful consultations with Ayurvedic practitioner Dr Manjula are equally inspiring, as is a visit to the nearby orphanage, built largely by donations from guests. A profound and life-enhancing experience .

Come here to move and strengthen the body, nourish your belly with abundant and lovingly prepared vegetarian food (no eggs, no alcohol either), unravel the mind and reflect on this journey called life. Just five days here will leave you lean and keen; many guests stay for two weeks annually. The whole team is something beyond and watching the staff practise yoga together gives a glimpse of the strong, heart-led community. The extraordinary level of care, humour and knowledge-sharing woven throughout is rare. DF

BOOK IT: From £1,959pp for seven nights full board, transfers, with Healing Holidays. healingholidays.com