Nature and Nurture Retreat: Heal Through Yoga
Upcoming Retreat:
- Dates: May 14 – May 17, 2026 , October 2 – October 4, 2026
- Location: Salt Spring Centre of Yoga, Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada
Relax, Reconnect, and Realign with Nature
About this Yoga Retreat
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced yogi, this weekend offers a safe, nurturing space to heal, reflect, and reconnect with yourself.
Step away from the demands of daily life and immerse yourself in a weekend dedicated to fostering your innate connection to Mother Nature. . Nestled within 69 acres of serene forest at the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga, this retreat with Ishwarya Chaitanya combines asana, pranayama, meditation, and restorative practices with the timeless wisdom of Vedic philosophy, Vedanta, and Hindu rituals.
This retreat is ideal for anyone seeking to:
- Relax, unwind and discover the healing power of reconnecting with one’s inner nature
- Deepen yoga practice beyond physical postures and unlock self-healing mechanisms
- Explore Vedic teachings and develop personal daily rituals for emotional equanimity and spiritual progress
- Connect with nature, within and outside, for stillness, and inner clarity
“…a well-curated and balanced yoga retreat that allowed for personal introspection, meditation and restorative exercise and free time to process all of the amazing things we were learning…”
~ Katie Stewart
What You’ll Experience in the 3 Day Yoga Retreat:
Restore, heal, and deepen your yoga practice with asana, meditation, and Vedic philosophy.
Iswarya has an amazing depth of yogic experience. She managed to lead this old eighty-year-old through hours of practice and not get hurt but challenged me to stretch and receive the benefit of her vast experience.
~ Howard Pattinson
Benefits of the Retreat
Ishwarya’s guidance- both on the mat and in the moments between sessions-created a space where we could truly connect with our bodies, quiet our mind, and open our hearts.
~ Sweeta
Who This Retreat is For
Nature and Nurture Yoga Retreat Daily Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Thursday | |
| 3:00 PM | Orientation |
| 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Asana class followed by Yoga Nidra |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:15 PM | Satsang |
| Friday & Saturday | |
| 6:30 am – 8:00 am | Asana, pranayama, meditation |
| 8:00 AM | Sankalpa and Arati |
| 8:30 AM | Breakfast |
| 10:00 AM | Learn to chant |
| 11:00 am – 12:30pm | Connect in Silence |
| 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm | Asana, pranayama, deep relaxation |
| 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm | Evening chant and Arati |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:15 PM | Satsang |
| Sunday | |
| 6:30 am – 8:00 am | Asana, pranayama, meditation |
| 8:00 AM | Sankalpa and Arati |
| 8:30 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:30 AM | Closing circle |
| 11:00 AM | Check-out |
* Abhyanga is a therapy from Ayurveda that includes application of an abundant amount of warm herb infused oil throughout the body. It not only nourishes the skin, it is a massage of your internal body systems and organs, it’s a journey we go on together to allow channels to open up and healing to begin or flourish.
** This event is optional though strongly encouraged as there will be a journaling exercise and group activation meditation. This hike is rated easy to accommodate the fitness level of all participants. The hike – and travel to and from the trail – are not insured as part of the retreat at the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga.
*** It is recommended (and deeply appreciated) to attend the closing circle to share out loud with the group your closing thoughts from the weekend, the ritual of ending something together and feeling complete.
The thoughtful balance of challenging practice, mindful rest, and nourishing teachings made each day feel both restorative and energizing.
~ Linda
Facilitator: Ishwarya Chaitanya
About Ishwarya Chaitanya
Ishwarya Chaitanya began her yoga journey under her father, Sri Prameya Chaitanya, in the Hatha yoga tradition of Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh. She traveled to India to deepen her study of Bharatanatyam and yoga, learning from renowned gurus and completing:
- Yoga teacher training & post-graduate diploma in yoga therapy at S-VYASA University, Bengaluru (specializing in yoga for psychosomatic disorders)
- Ashtanga Vinyasa Primary Series teacher training at Tattva Yogashala, Rishikesh
- Over 10 years of study under Iyengar teacher Sri H.S. Arun
- Disciple of Guru B. Bhanumati and Guru Sheela Chandrasekhar, member of Guru B. Bhanumati’s internationally renowned dance troupe, Bharatanjali
- Student of Sri Jai Govinda of Vancouver
Her practice is deeply influenced by Vedanta, having studied at Arsha Vidya Gurukulam under Pujya Sri Swami Dayananda Saraswati for 4.5 years. Ishwarya regularly teaches at retreats in Rishikesh and Pennsylvania.
Ishwarya also holds an MA in Bharatanatyam from Sastra University, Tanjavur, under Padma Vibhushan Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam a BSc in Environmental Science from UBC, and is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer, performing extensively in India and abroad. Her teachings integrate movement, breath, sound, and Vedic wisdom to offer a holistic path to self-healing, balance, and inspiration.
Take a step toward self-healing, balance, and inner peace. This weekend offers the perfect blend of traditional yoga, Vedic wisdom, and nature-based restoration.
Getting to Salt Spring Island
By Ferry: Check schedules and book in advance.
By Seaplane: Accessible from Vancouver International Airport or downtown Vancouver Harbour.
Reserve Your Spot Today
