Sunset yoga overlooking the Arabian Sea. | Photography by Jamie Mitchell
It’s pretty magical practising yoga around sunrise or sunset in our treetop shala overlooking the shimmering Arabian Sea. We offer a range of classes for our guests and as a drop-in studio, from physically challenging yoga through to breathwork and meditations, see below for our favoured styles.
Due to the obvious restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic we have had to modify and reduce what we can offer. We’re always willing to be flexible and to offer whatever we feasibly can, when we can, but what we can guarantee to offer is less than usual. For now we are not able to run our regular class programme, but we are planning to restart it from 15th September.
We did want to give you a look at our ‘old-normal’ offer though - for a taste of things to come, and to give you something to frame your bespoke class request around too.
Yoga & Meditation in Kerala
We love our rooftop yoga shala above the trees in Varkala and want as many of you as possible to come and experience the magic that happens around our class times. We offer daily morning and evening yoga classes plus regular meditation and pranayama sessions. Check the class styles we offer further down this page.
Let’s not be too serious though. We are, of course, into healthy pursuits but perhaps that’s because we have also been known to enjoy some of the… ermmm… less healthy leisure options available to us. So what we’re trying to say is this: come and stay, surf, practice yoga, treat yourself to massages – heck, maybe even meditate – but we’re not going to lock you up if you also like to unwind with a few drinks in the evening.
Come and experience the magic that happens around our class times.
Our Yoga Styles
Vinyasa Flow
Vinyasa means “to move in a special way”, and that way is in linking the movement and breath together. Our flow sessions are physically energising, working with the breath and the movements in harmony to build heat in the body, and get to grips with the asana practice (physical postures).
Slow Flow
Our Slow Flow classes are deep and creative, slower-paced and more gentle than the Vinyasa classes. Postures are held for longer, and the transitions between postures are slower. The gentle nature of this class is great for beginners but is also wonderful for intermediate and advanced students who feel like slowing down and sinking more deeply into their practice.
Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga is a quiet and simple practice, but not necessarily an easy one. This style works deeply into our body. It targets our deepest tissues, our connective tissues — ligaments, joints, bones, and the deep fascial networks— rather than the muscles. The perfect balance for surf/travel/vinyasa-tired bodies.
Pranayama
While asana (postures) focus on our bodies, pranayama (breathing exercises) focuses on our minds and can even increase your lung capacity. During the pranayama classes you will be guided through specific breathing exercises to channel your “Prana” (or life force), resulting in a mind that is rejuvenated, stilled and uplifted. You can even check out an example of our work if you'd like...
Meditation
Though sometimes thought to be “boring” or “difficult”, our meditation classes will guide you through accessible techniques that help calm and organise our thoughts as well as explore a more mindful approach to our days. With the help of sound, light, and sometimes even movement the techniques used are designed to quieten the senses and bring a stillness to the mind.
Workshops
From time to time we like to put on special workshops. Often we hear of cool teachers passing through our area and we invite them to hang out and…perhaps, if they have the energy, put on a workshop for our guests. We can never really tell when this is going to happen, but we’ll give you as much notice as we can, so if you’re a keen yogi watch out for our workshop listings.
Find Out More
Check out our India prices and extras page for more details on our yoga packages. And maybe click that little Read More below for a bit of background on our teachers too...
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Your Yoga Teachers
Tara
Tara was drawn to yoga over 15 years ago, primarily as a way to improve her fitness, flexibility, and lung health. Through practising Ashtanga, Vinyasa, other styles of breath-oriented yoga and pranayama, as well as exploring the ancient Indian martial art, Kalaripayattu, her approach has evolved into one that seeks union in the experiences of strength and stillness, while developing an unwavering focus on the breath.
Tara is a 200 hour certified yoga teacher, and eager to continue helping herself and others benefit from the practice of yoga.
Paddleboard Yoga. Who knew. | Photography: Peter Chamberlain
We believe that yoga is best practised around sunrise or sunset and we pick the best teachers to inspire you in your yoga practice, whether you’re a beginner or a more seasoned yogi.
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Soul & Surf Yoga
Drop-In Yoga Studio
We are very much open for anyone staying elsewhere to join any of our classes. Over the years we’ve become one of the most popular yoga studios in town. Each of our classes is an ‘all levels’ ability class, they work for experienced yogis and beginners alike, so feel free to do as much or as little as you can… We’re creatives at Soul & Surf and we like our yoga to be too. Email us or just come along. Once you arrive at Soul & Surf please head to reception (the building in front of the gate as you walk in) to pay.
| SAMPLE YOGA TIMETABLE | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | |
| 08.30 | Slow Flow | Vinyasa | Slow Flow | Vinyasa | Slow Flow | Vinyasa | Slow Flow |
| 17.00 | Pranayama | Meditation | Pranayama | Meditation | |||
| 17.30 | Vinyasa | Slow Flow | Vinyasa | Slow Flow | Vinyasa | Slow Flow | Vinyasa |
| 19.00 | Yin Yoga | Yin Yoga | |||||
Yoga Prices
- Drop-in yoga class 700INR
- Drop-in meditation or pranayama class 550INR
- Yoga week 3800INR
- Yoga passes – ask us at reception
Along with your yoga class, you are more than welcome to use our beautiful clifftop garden, and cafe that is filled with delicious treats… post yoga cake anyone? It’s all about the balance isn’t it.
Who would benefit from our classes?
Both totally new and experienced yogis will take something away from our classes as you are encouraged to work to their own capabilities and what is needed in the moment.
What you will take home
A basic understanding of the fundamentals of a hatha-based yoga practice. Upon finishing your time with us you will have established a set of postures that can be put together into a sequence that suits your lifestyle at home. You will also have the tools to start a meditation and pranayama practice using breathing techniques.
If you're a seasoned yogi, take away a new perspective to your practice - and perhaps even some new 'challenge' asana to refine too. Above all though you will take home a relaxed, rejuvenated and revitalised body and mind (you can even take us home with you too if you fancy - via our on demand yoga subscription, At Home).
Read More below for class etiquette and what you'll need to bring...
Read More
Class Etiquette
Plan to arrive a bit early for class (10/15 minutes) so we can get you settled, take payments and have a chat to the teacher for any questions you might have. Classes are all 75 minutes and we ask that, afterwards, you clean up after yourself and give your mat a spray down with the cleaning spray provided before rolling it up and placing it back in the rack.
If life isn’t running as smoothly as you’d hoped and you do end up a little late, please understand that the class will have already started and the teacher, busy unveiling their wisdom upon the students, will not be there to meet you. Please make your way up the stairs and as quietly as you can… join the class. The teacher will approach you when they can.
What To Bring, What To Wear?
We provide mats and bolsters so no need to bring anything unless you are particularly attached to one and want to. Our studio is really rather cool and fully-fitted with fans so feel free to wear leggings or shorts though we would recommend leggings if you’re trying to work on slightly more advanced postures - just so you don’t slip around on your skin!
Our venue has a public toilet and free water points where you can grab a drink or refill your bottle.