Izumi Sato + Being Joy

February 23-March 6, 2026

If you've ever dreamed of traveling not just through a place—but into its living heartbeat—this retreat is for you.

South India is a land of vibrant rhythms, living traditions, and deep-rooted wisdom. After years immersed in its performing arts and rich cultural heritage, I’m excited to invite you on this unforgettable journey.

Join us for a one-of-a-kind immersive retreat that weaves together yoga, performing arts, and cultural exploration. From Kochi’s historic coastal charm and vibrant performance traditions, to Madurai’s sacred temple rituals, and the serene tea gardens of Munnar nestled in the Western Ghats—this journey is designed to awaken your senses, ground your practice, and immerse you in the living heritage of India.

Arrival & Departure:

Arrival day: February 23rd, 2026

- Welcome dinner 7 pm

Departure day: March 6th, 2026

What Typical Day looks like:

6:30-7:30 am Morning yoga

7:30-8:30 am Breakfast

9 am departure for group excursions

Lunch - Afternoon excursion, free, or massage, etc.

5:30-6:30 pm evening sangha/meditation, yoga for restore

7-8 pm dinner

How many practices of yoga & meditation?

9 Morning flow yoga
9 Evening Sangha /meditation/yoga for restore

What is included

Accommodation for 11 nights,
All Meals (including meals planned at local restaurants)
Airport escort from and to via air-conditioned vehicles
All road journeys via air-conditioned mini-bus and other transportations
An accompanying tour leader/naturalist for the entire tour
Local guides at Madurai, Cochin & Munnar
Entry fees and permits
UNESCO World Heritage site visit at Meenakshi Amman Temple
Kathakali and Mohiniattam performance at the theater (Classical theater and dance forms)
Kalaripayattu and Mohiniyattam workshop (Kalaripayattu=martial arts)
Cultural tours, nature walks, tea tours, tasting and excursions.
One complimentary Ayurveda massage (relaxation) at Kochi
In house activities such as farming, honey and rubber tapping
Gala dinner on last day
Gratuities for all staff, guides and drivers, except tour leader/coordinator.

What is NOT included:

Flights fare from home to Cochin International Airport (COK) *Kochi and Cochin are the same, terms used interchangeably.
Travel Insurance (required)
Tourist Visa fee to India (required)
Additional optional excursions
Additional ayurvedic massages
Expenses of a personal nature like beverages, laundry, in-room services.
meals/snacks and activities beyond what is mentioned in the itinerary.
Souvenirs
Tour leader/coordinator/naturalist gratuity.

Izumi Sato (Yoga instructor and Retreat leader)

A lifelong world traveler, Izumi has lived and studied across four countries, including seven years in India immersed in Bharatanatyam—the classical dance of South India—and the roots of yogic tradition. Driven by a deep interest in world history, she traveled to Egypt at 17 to see the Sphinx with her own eyes. During that trip, the pure joy she saw in people’s eyes awakened a desire to connect across cultures and opened her to the beauty, joy, and aliveness of human experience.

Izumi brings this global perspective into her teaching, blending decades of movement experience with the depth of her studies in India. An E-RYT 500-hour certified teacher, she has practiced yoga since 2000 and taught vinyasa, flow, yin, restorative yoga, and meditation since 2013. Her curiosity about people, culture, ritual, and life continues to shape her journey and deepen her connection to people around the world.

Tour Leader

Our tour leader is a naturalist and ecologist who teaches us how to spot and document flora and fauna, natural beauty and biodiversity, and lends us to nature hike.

*This yoga retreat is organized by Being Joy and is not affiliated with Breathe Together Yoga.