Yoga will take place in the shaded rooftop yoga shala where we have space and equipment for 24 yoga students - however most groups are limited to 18 or less.

There are cooling roof fans and bamboo blinds so that we may practice in comfort throughout the season.

We will have magnificent views of the Indian Ocean as we practice. During the evening practice we will see the sunset over the ocean.  

There will be two yoga classes daily, one in the mornimg before breakfast and one in the late afternoon.

We have allowed two days without yoga during your holiday. This is so you may wander further afield to explore India, take longer excursions, or just relax.

Yoga mats, bolsters, blocks and belts are provided. 

Yoga teacher Liz Lark at Palm Tree

This venue is nicely decorated with cool marble floors throughout.

All bedrooms have fitted wardrobes and en-suite facilities with solar heated shower, WC, basin and mirror, ceiling fans, wifi and mosquito nets on the windows.

Housekeeping service cleans the house daily and changes bed linen and towels every 4 days throughout your stay.

Palm Tree House (where the yoga shala is) has a communal lounge and a kitchen areas with a fridge, kettle, crockery and  cutlery in case you wish to create snacks. This area is available to all yoga students.

There are four bedrooms, two have balconies with a sea view and are available for a supplement, the ground floor bedroom has optional air conditioning.

Pavilion House is superior spacious accommodation split into two apartments each with three bedrooms and a shared private lounge area. All Pavilion bedrooms carry a supplement.

In each apartment two of these bedrooms have a balcony with a sea view, one fo these on each floor has optional air conditioning. The third bedroom can access the sea view balcony via Pavilion House's private lounge, this room also has optional air conditioning..

New Rooms, this year we have two large new bedrooms situated at the front of the complex. These both have sea view balconies

Air conditioning is available in some of the rooms and is expensive to run in India, £100 - 13 days, £75 - 10 days or £10 a day - payable on request.  It is available between 6pm and 8am only. We encourage you to use the ceiling fans as this is a more ecological option plus we have the sea breezes which keep rooms cool and airy. For most participants this is sufficient.

Because of time differences please book your outward flight to depart from the UK the day prior to the start date of your holiday and to return on the end date of your holiday.

Flights -  Fly to Trivandrum

Airlines  - Emirates, Qatar, Etihad, Sri Lankan Airways and Air India. Most airlines go from Heathrow, you can also fly from Gatwick and Manchester. All scheduled flights require changing planes once on route.

Transfers - are included in the cost of the holiday, you will be met from your flight and taken to the venue.

Includes - Accommodation, breakfast, evening meals on set nights (eight evening meals on13 night holiday, or six evening meals on 10 night holiday), yoga as scheduled and transfers.

Not Included - Flights, insurance, meals other than as specified above.

Air conditioning is available in a limited amount of rooms and is paid for on request.

Visas

Visas are required for this holiday, you must purchase your visa before you leave the UK. 

***** These are now available on line for UK citizens***     (they were  re-instated on 06.12.22)
Please check the web https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html. 

Alternatively you can use an agency, www.visagenie.co.uk  is the agency we use here in the officre

Passport

All passengers must have at least 6 months remaining on their passport upon arrival in India.

 Supplements:

 Superior Pavilion accommodation 13 night supplement is £150 per front bedroom and £50 per rear bedroom (acccess to balcony via the lounge) . Pavilion is more spacious, has a lounge, and front bedrooms have a sea view. For 10 nights this is £115 per front bedroom and £40 per rear bedroom

Standard rooms with a sea view balcony £50 per room for 13 nights / £40 per room for 10 nights.

Air conditioning is available between 6pm and 8am in four of the Pavilion bedrooms and downstairs Palm Tree for a supplement of £100 for 13 days, £75 for 10 days, or £10 a day. 

All rooms have traditional ceiling fans and are cooled by the sea breezes.

*Where detailed as available you may come for a shorter amount of time (off peak is April, November early December)

When the venue is fully booked it may be possible to have off-site accomodation subject to there being sufficient space in the yoga room for you to attend the yoga classes.

The retreat was fantastic. Staff, food, accommodation was just perfect. Also the manager was exceptional just so so helpful friendly and professional . Massages were also fabulous x  Jenny  November 2024

Dear Debbie  - I’ve just returned from the Palm Tree  yoga retreat. I’m not usually one for sending feedback but, this time, it is hugely deserved, all round.  Great service from you guys, with practical information for travel and packing that was spot on. It was great to be on another retreat with Alex Reed, she’s so professional but fun too, a brilliant teacher.   I attended a yoga retreat, in Goa in 2020, so feel like I can make some informed comparisons to my previous experience (not with Alex). The Palm Tree Resort was a far superior experience, mostly due to the incredibly personal service the staff delivered. Very impressive. The food was delicious, nothing too much trouble and the Shala consistently pristine, with spotless mats and bolsters.  Hoping that Alex will be teaching on future retreats, you can count me in !
Kind regards Anjie - Alex Reed  November 2024

Hi Jilly Just to say I had a fabulous holiday in Kerala! 

The group was amazing and we all got on so well. Loved my room and the staff were so caring and attentive.
Dan was on top form and got rid of all our aches and pains. The location was great and the weather perfect.
Thank you for organising it. I think we all want to go back next year!
Regards
Lorraine - Daniel Gelblum March 2023

This holiday  has been very special indeed. I have been on 10 day Ayurvedic programme which is a completely new experience for me and has been really beneficial ... I have last treatment tomorrow. I can't believe how amazingly soft my skin feels and how great I feel compared to when I arrived. I have been swimming in sea in the calm bay by leela's  every morning early and one morning Rosie and I went out very early (6:30) on handmade  acacia boat... a couple of planks of wood tied together !!! 

Hilary - Liz Lark February 2023

Dear Debbie
I wanted to write and let you know that I had an amazing time in Kerala.  I loved Palm Tree Yoga Centre, the staff were wonderful and Halin was the perfect host.  Karen is a an inspirational yoga teacher: kind, knowledgeable and able to meet the needs of a diverse group of students. She is an exceptional person and teacher and I feel very lucky to have been there with her.  Thank you so much for organising the holiday.
Nicky - November 2022

Hi Jilly, I wanted to let you know what a fabulous 2 weeks I had with Andrea and the group in this great location at Palm Tree Lodge.
Her teaching and dedication to the group were outstanding. From our gift at the beginning of the first lesson, all the way through to the beautiful closing class with decorated yoga shala and personalised cards. I have been doing yoga for 20 years and still learnt so much from her teaching and her kind hearted way of being. That so many of the group have already rebooked with her for next year says it all ! Wow.
Thank you, Best wishes,
Melanie - January 2020

Hi Jilly, I would just like to say how much I enjoyed the retreat in Kerala run by Clare Gibson. The manager Halin and his staff were all very friendly, efficient and helpful.  The food was lovely, the accommodation clean and the view from our apartment was amazing.
I went on three trips,  Backwaters,  Tip of India and Trivandrum.  Halin organised transport for these which worked very well.  I would definitely like to try another retreat with you.
I have been a BWY Teacher for a good few years and have missed being a student in a class.  Thanks to you, Clare and Halin and his team for making the two weeks in Kovalam such a wonderful experience.
With best wishes Om Shanti
Sue - March 2019

Just wanted to say a huge thank you for an amazing Yoga holiday my daughter Ocean and I had literally the best holiday of our lives.
The location at Palm Tree was stunning the accommodation outstanding the food the best we’ve ever had and the service second to none.
We are desperate to return and so please let me know if any future holidays or longer stays as we’d love to explore the area more and go for 3 weeks next year
Once again thank you for all the advice and thoughtful suggestions you provided before we arrived, enabling us to settle in straight away and  have a stress free couple of weeks in paradise.
Best Wishes
Tanya & Ocean - February 2019

Dear Jilly and Debbie, a very delayed thank-you for persuading me (that was Jilly) to go to Kerala with Liz last month. I had such a lovely time. A wonderful group of people joined together for a delightful practice with the lovely liz. Kerala is truly magical. Palm Tree fed us incredibly well - I was in food heaven!
I hope all is well with you both in Brighton,
Lorna - February 2019

Hi Debbie  -  We leave Palm Tree in the morning and we wanted to let you know what a fabulous holiday this has been. Halin, Binoo and everyone at Palm Tree are fantastic. So kind and helpful. The food has been terrific. We really think this is the best venue we've been to on a yoga holiday. The area is wonderful as are the people in Kerala. We have truly enjoyed staying here and will definitely come backThank you so much.

Maggie Bellis and Jane Patterson - February 2019

Another wonderful yoga holiday with Daljit Kaur. I have been on several of Daljit's holidays now and they get better and better. There is always an inclusive, family feel to her holidays and we always enjoy satisfying yoga sessions in great locations where in between the yoga you can  investigate your location or just sit on the beach to recharge the body. If you have not tried a yoga holiday before i would thoroughly recommend it.

Lynda   - January 2019

Hi there, just wanted to say a big thank you for arranging the holiday.  It all went smoothly as normal.  On arriving at Palm Tree found the hill very daunting - but soon fell into the lovely vibes of the place. Everything about the place was gorgeous - Halin the Manager was great - friendly, knowledgeable and approachable.  Everyone was friendly, nothing was too much trouble - the food was fabulous and the rooms were great. The Pathya centre was an added bonus - the Dr was great as we're the lovely massage ladies - mine was called Ansty and she was delightful. I went out on 3 excursions that Halin had arranged - all very professional and very enjoyable. What more can I say - the hill was forgotten very soon and I had a wonderful time. Thank you

Lin - January 2019

The treatments with the ayurvedic doctors have been transformative. I highly recommend going to see them.

Kathryn December 2018

Attended a 10 day yoga retreat here and loved every second. The yoga shala is so pretty - practicing yoga with a view of the sea is so perfect.
The staff are lovely too - I have stayed in many 5* properties that could learn a lot from Halin and his team. They learned our names straight away and our personal preferences. By day 3 I was brought tea at breakfast without asking and everything is done with a Keralan smile.
I would recommend also the Ayurvedic treatments on site if you're looking for a holistic retreat for mind and body.
Thanks you Palm Tree Yoga - I feel new again  

Amy -  November 2018

I have run a yoga retreat at Palm Tree and I cant recommend it enough, Halim & his team are so friendly & helpful, the food is amazing & the Ayurvedic treatments are fantastic. The lady who comes into do beauty treatments is also very good. Such a beautiful place to be on a yoga retreat or even just come for a meal in their restaurant. Thank you!  I will be back.

Louise Gellespie Smith - Nobvember 2018

Hi Jilly/Debbie Just back from our retreat in Kerala. Myself and kitty had an amazing time.
Our rooms initially had no locks, but Joy promptly fixed this for us the next day.
Our rooms with balcony overlooking the beach was beautiful.
The food was truely amazing. The yoga was slow paced but still enjoyable.
 Joy, Barbara, Halin and all the staff were so friendly and helpful, especially organizing tours, trips to the tailors etc..
Kerala is such a special place. We met so many wonderful local people and can't wait to return.
Best wishes
Susan & Kitty. Palm Tree November 2018

Good Afternoon, I wanted to write and let you know what a great experience I had on a recent yoga retreat to Kovalam, Kerala.
The Yoga was superb. Varied on a daily basis covering every type of yoga, including yin, restorative, lots of meditation and some chanting. Brigitte was an excellent teacher making the classes fit every persons level.  We had some novices, right up to other yoga teachers. She was empathetic and sympathetic to everyones needs, and extremely understanding and flexible to the whole group.
The accommodation, although basic , was clean and served us well.  The staff were attentive at both breakfast and dinner.  Food was adequate and delicious. We attended a festival organized by Hallam, the manager which was a lot of fun, and also tried our hand at some Indian dancing.
Thank you for organizing such a great trip
Kind regards
Georgina - Palm Tree January 2018

Hi Jilly, I have just returned from Palm Tree and had a lovely time.  The staff were very attentive and provided an excellent service.  It was lovely meeting all the new and interesting people and Brigitte provided interesting and varied yoga sessions.  It was a wonderful experience and one I would do again.
Thank you
Karen - Palm Tree, January 2018

Dear Jilly, I would like to take this opportunity to compliment Free Spirit on our yoga holiday. It has been a wonderful experience.
Halin is wonderful, the hospitality great. We will be returning to Kerala as a result of this holiday. So thank you all.

Libby & Trevor - Palm Tree January 2017

Just before Christmas I went on my second solo Free Spirit holiday to India. I was supported by The Free Spirit team, no question is left unanswered no matter how silly especially if solo travel is not your norm. Booking flights visas etc Free Spirit Jilly and team are there to support right down to what to pack.
On arrival the hospitality of Halim and his team was exceptional also nothing was too much trouble and your safety is paramount very comforting.
The yoga delivered by Tracy Mulas was exceptional nothing was too much trouble she catered for advanced students, beginners and has extensive knowledge of all different types of yoga, dietary information and general all around experience of life and also is a fun person to be around and a caring individual. Tracy's yoga knowledge of Yin and Yang plus Reiki and relaxation was incorporated into the practice, plus yoga dancing and ohm bath not to be missed.
The group bonded from the beginning and was a fantastic experience.
Carolyn - Palm Tree December 2016

Hi Debbie

So finally, my feedback from the Kerala trip with Susannah…
What a special place Palm Tree is! Situated in such a gorgeous and peaceful location, I loved it from the minute I arrived and felt instantly at home. Nothing was too much trouble for Halin and his fantastic team and his local knowledge was very helpful for those of us new to the area. He is clearly very passionate about what he does and wants to ensure all his guests have an enjoyable time. He joined us for dinner a couple of times which was nice and again, just added to the sense of feeling welcome. The trips were well-organised and offered plenty of variety and the driver's were pleasant and drove safely.
I was especially impressed with all the staff remembering our names and greeting us each day. They were a pleasure to talk to and were always helpful and polite. Special thanks to Binu and Suneel, our waiters. We had such a laugh with them and they were always on hand to assist with the biggest smiles.
I am already missing the beautiful people, the food, the sunsets and of course the yoga shala where I spent many happy hours looking out across the palm tree-framed ocean.
I will definitely be recommending Palm Tree to others. In fact, I am currently training to be a yoga teacher and hope one day to return with my own group! Please pass on my thanks and gratitude to Halin.
Best wishes
Emma - Palm Tree January 2016
    

Dear Free-spirit Team,
Following my 2 week holiday to South India with Beverley Fox back in November last year, I just wanted to leave a few words about my experience.
This was my first time in India and I can confidently say, won't be my last. The venue itself was ideally suited for our needs. Amazing yoga studio with panoramic views. The beach, just a stones throw away, provided an omnipresent soothing soundtrack throughout  the yoga sessions each day.
Beverly was a fantastic teacher who's classes were always fun, varied and creative. I enjoyed the variety of Vinyasa, Kundalini and Yin Yoga (perfect for the evening classes). She brought a catalogue of yoga inspired music which always seemed to compliment the mood / energy levels perfectly. We had an intimate sized group which allowed for ample time to work on posture adjustments and realignment.
The staff, managed by Halim,at the nearby Curry Leaf Restaurant were always on hand to ensure our time was an enjoyable one. Food was amazing. Music nights were always good fun, many of them impromptu!  
I could go on........excursions, massages, beautiful sunsets etc. I've been to a few Free-spirit holidays and this has to rank up there with the best.
Many thanks
Simon  - Palm Tree Dec 2015
  

I just wanted to give some feedback for the Yoga retreat I was on with Beverly Fox 29/11-12/12.
I had a really wonderful time. The rooftop yoga with the sound of the sea was so therapeutic. Beverly is a fantastic, passionate teacher, she really helped me improve significantly. It opened my eyes to some different forms of yoga that I've never tried before.  Halim and all the staff were incredibly helpful, rooms were clean, food was wonderful. I made some great friends and felt very welcomed by everyone.  I hope to get the opportunity to go again very soon!

Joanne - Palm Tree Dec 2015

Jilly and Debbie
Have just returned from a wonderful yoga holiday with Lisa.  I loved India.. the beautiful people, the landscape, the food...
But I particularly wanted to tell you how excellent Halin and his team were.  We were treated so well.  Halin runs a very smooth operation at Palm Tree but he also smoothed our paths considerably at Sumadra Beach and in Kovallum with transport, restaurant bookings.
Good wishes

Janet November 2015

WOW what a fabulous holiday we had. I am still on a high  I describe our retreat as one of the most beautiful experiences of my life so far, cocooned in a little retreat of Love Positivity and Kindness J
It was so lovely to meet you all!!  I tell everyone I meet about your fabulous Yoga Holidays Gilly and of course the Legend that is Mr Sye !!
I have wonderful photos of you all on my phone and uploaded to Facebook not sure how to e mail them though I will find out !!
Just want to share this beautiful moment … on returning from India I went to my mums to give my nieces and step daughter their gifts, Ruby looks beautiful in her Sari !! They wanted to know all about India and what we did, I told them about the circle of love, where you all hold hands and send the person on your right all the love in the world !!! AMAZING !!!   The energy was beautiful… a little circle of innocent, eager little people wishing with all of their heart to  send all  of the love in the world to each other… I don't think I have ever felt anything so powerful. I am going to use this within my work,  it's such a simple yet beautiful thing to do ! Thank you David !
I hope this finds you all well and happy I send with it All my love
Namaste

Kristy XXX  Feb 2015
 

it seems a distant far memory now the heat of india,and those intense vibrant temple festivals  what a great experience..
Kathry Feb 2015
   

"It was one of the most exciting places I have ever visited. It was a great balance between learning yoga and experiencing some of India. The location is superb. The beach is beautiful as well as being a real working beach. One of my favourite mornings was watching the fishermen bring in the nets, singing and cooperating as a whole group together.
The staff were fantastic, right from the top down. Halen is a great Manager. He was so quietly efficient, gentle and kind. He organised the various trips we wanted as well as organising us to go to see a temple celebration which was so different from any carnival I have ever seen. It was so full of colour, music, elephants and performers. It is something I will remember for life.
The food provided was superb, exactly what I wanted. They were so obliging that when we asked for Dosers for breakfast they provided several days of tasty new Indian breakfasts. The staff went well beyond the call of duty.
I would recommend it highly to my friends."

Alison Feb 2015

Hi Jilly So I am back from Kovalam and I loved it!!!! I am back for two weeks now but it is still not easy to reconnect to London.
I enjoyed my stay in Kovalam, nice location, great great yoga and fabulous food, yes, you were right, it was a real feast every day! people were really nice and it was a pleasure to spend time chatting around the big table at breakfast or dinner... The Curry Leaf staff was amazingly nice, Halin too, very good manager... friendly and relaxed 'atmosphere'.
I would like to book for the February 2016 retreat with Liz...
hope you are well all the best
Michèle Feb 2015

Just wanted to stay thank you for a great holiday in Palm Tree with liz lark.  I have been going to India on yoga holidays for the last 9 years and this venue, their food and staff were really excellent.  The view from the yoga shala was stunning.  Halin and his team were great, nothing was too much trouble. Sue Feb 2015

Thanks Jilly, yes I had a wonderful time. The yoga shala must have one of the best views of any yoga studio in the world, plus there's the sound of the ocean, the feel of the breeze and the smell of incense - wonderful. It's a great location . Sasha  Feb 2015

Good Morning Jilly,
We all had an amazing holiday in Kerala so thank you for sorting out the apartment and all the arrangements.  Sara, Art and myself are  still missing the yoga, sea and energy we found in India on this visit, very special indeed! Lesley Feb 2015

Hi Jilly,
Just back from a fabulous time in Kerala. It was probably one of my best retreats so far, the group were really wonderful, everyone gelled so well and that inspired my teachings so much. We had the most amazing memorable time and left on such a magical high   Brigitte Rooney (yoga teacher)  Jan 2015

Hi Jilly & Debbie
Had the most AMAZING time and all the students are raving, raving, raving.

Caroline Wickham (yoga teacher) Dec 2014

Yes I love the centre I love the staff I love the position I love how welcome we were all made to feel and would recommend it to anyone .... Its a veritable Shangrila on the Indian Ocean !!! Pure Bliss can't wait to return next year the place ROCKS !!!! David Sye (yoga teacher) April 2014

Hi Jilly,
I hope you are well. Some quick feedback from kovalum. Everything is going well. It's a beautiful and inspiring place. The yoga studio is fab. The bolsters are in gorgeous silk! The staff are all friendly and helpful - Halin in particular really knows his stuff and is very reliable. The food in the restaurant is wonderful and generous portions. We are getting in lots of yoga, massages, swims in the sea and absorbing keralan culture. Sarah Jan 2014