WHAT IS YOGA

'Yoga' - derived from Sanskrit, meaning 'unity'. 
Yoga is an ancient Indian spiritual practice which, amongst many things, has been described as 'the science and the art of perfect health' - uniting the body, mind and spirit.

At Chaya, yoga isn’t just something we do, we see it as a way of life.

On retreat, we weave together movement, mindfulness, and nourishment with the aim to create real and lasting wellbeing. We collaborate with world-class practitioners across a range of movement and healing modalities, offering a variety of yoga styles, breathwork, sound, dance, and other therapeutic practices.

Whatever we turn to, our mission is always the same: to help people feel more connected, to themselves, to nature, and to the beauty of life.

THE FOUNDATIONS OF YOGA

We see yoga at Chaya as much more than a practice; it’s a way of living with greater awareness, balance, and connection. We honour the classical principles of yoga in everything we offer, making them accessible, nourishing, and deeply relevant for modern life.

Proper Breathing
Learn how to breathe fully and naturally, and use the breath as a powerful tool for relaxation, presence and meditation.

Proper Relaxation
Discover techniques that encourage total rest - calming the mind, releasing the body, and softening the nervous system.

Proper Diet
Receive gentle, supportive guidance around food - how to eat in a way that uplifts your energy, mood, and overall wellbeing.

Positive Thinking & Meditation
Through visualisations, mindfulness practices and guided meditations, we help cultivate a more compassionate and spacious inner world.

Yoga Nidra
Also known as yogic sleep, Yoga Nidra is one of the deepest forms of rest available. Practised on every Chaya retreat, this guided meditation promotes conscious deep sleep, soothing the nervous system and inviting profound healing.
One hour of Yoga Nidra is said to offer the equivalent rest of four hours of regular sleep; supporting not just relaxation, but subtle spiritual renewal.