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From Sunday 8th February to Friday 20th February 2026

 

Start - Mahabalipuram (near Chennai airport )

Finish - Tiruvannamalai (nearby airports - Chennai, Bangalore)

 

12 nights in comfortable hotels/retreat centres with single ensuite rooms for everyone! 

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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 2026, 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, with support from Beccy from Tranquil Roots Ayurveda this small, intimate retreat journey offers the opportunity to dive deep into Yogic and Ayurvedic 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. 

 

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 comfortable retreat centre, which has 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. 

 

Very auspiciously, we will arrive during the festival of Maha Shivaratri, a festival dedicated to Shiva and knowledge of the self. Arriving on these dates will offer us the opportunity to join thousands of pilgrims circumnavigating the hill on the 14km Giripradakshina pilgrimage walk.

 

Whilst in Tiruvannamalia, we will 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, journaling and learning about how Ayurveda, (the science of life and the sister science to yoga) can support you as you age with vitality and grace!  There will be daily sessions, time for reflection and there will also be time to relax around the pool!

 

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. 

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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

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To ensure an intimate experience, the group size will be a min of 5, max of 10. 

 

ACCOMMODATION DETAILS 

 

Mahabalipurum  

2 Nights comfortable hotel with swimming pool, in a single ensuite room

 

Auroville/Pondicherry 

5 Nights comfortable retreat and healing centre on the ocean in a single ensuite room 

 

Tiruvannamalia

5 Nights comfortable retreat centre with a swimming pool, in a single ensuite room

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FOOD INCLUDED (ALL VEGETARIAN)

If you have other dietary requirements please let me know when booking

 

12 breakfasts

10 dinners

3 lunches ​

 

INVESTMENT

Please note there is no single supplement.

This price includes your own comfortable AC ensuite room throughout the trip.

 

Early bird - £2,250 (pay your £500 deposit by 1st March 2025, to secure this price)

 

Regular price - From 1st March 2025, the price rises to £2,500

 

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

 

Non refundable deposit to secure your place - £500

 

Second payment

£750 due 1st August 2025

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Third payment

£1,000 (early bird price) 

£1,250 (regular price) due 1st November 2025

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NEXT STEPS 

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Please email betterlifeyoga@yahoo.com for more detailed trip notes, these list the full inclusions/exclusions and further details, and if you are ready to book, please ask for the booking form and payment details when making contact.

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We can also schedule a what's app chat if you would like to find out more. 

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I am working with a UK Travel Counseller who can help you book your flights and can also offer any add ons you might like. If you have more time, you might consider extending your stay in south India. The Western Ghats, Ooty and the famous toy train, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Mysore, Kerala, and the other temple towns of Tamil Nadu are all accessible from our finishing point. 

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Please note, it is a prerequisite of booking this trip that you have comprehensive travel insurance in place. 

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