what's a chinmayi retreat really like?

we have listed some of the facts here for you to get an idea about what we're all about at a chinmayi retreat and to ensure there are no surprises (except maybe good ones!) when you are here.....

all our retreats are 'small and friendly' and present excellent value for money - they have a maximum of 10-15 guests depending on location - accommodation and bathrooms, whilst always clean and comfortable, are usually shared, anything between 1 and 5 persons (ashram style) depending on how many visitors we have so it is good to chat over when showers are preferred - there is however always another, separate w.c

this has never been an issue for previous guests and is part of the ethos of sharing in a yoga ashram-style retreat

 a huge selection of herbal teas, water and fruit are available all day for you to enjoy - all water is purified (even for washing) so is ideal for those with allergic conditions

if there's anything you'd like that we don't have, we'll try and get it for you if we can

on kirtan evenings (usually wednesday and sometimes fridays), silence (mouna) is requested until after the following morning's yoga class - this is an ideal, profound opportunity to 'go inside' and 'be with yourself'

 karma yoga is an integral part of yogic life - it is 'the yoga of selfless service' but is also a powerful practice where you can carry out simple tasks mindfully and a great meditative way to practice yoga away from your mat 

this is usually done for a short time after breakfast and after supper

 yogic space is considered sacred and external shoes are not permitted indoors unless you are working in the kitchen - we ask you to please walk through the house in socks or barefoot, mindful of others in the room below and around you

we do our best to be eco-friendly and ask you to use recycling facilities available at the house

we also ask you to save water and electricity wherever possible/practical

 your health and safety are the most important part of your stay with us and we'll go through health and safety precautions with you on arrival

smoking, drugs (except those prescribed) and alcohol are absolutely prohibited in and around the house - if this an issue for you, please be honest in advance

most people visit the retreat to escape the sound of their mobile phones and their emails

if you simply cannot escape yours whilst you are here, we ask you to kindly return calls outside the building respecting others' desire for silence