
Set beside the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches of Paradise Island, this immersive retreat invites you to embrace the restorative pace of island life, where mindfulness arises naturally through quiet moments, meaningful reflection, and connection with the beauty all around you.
Together, gentle beach walks become opportunities for moving meditation, while mindful mandala creation using shells and natural treasures offers a contemplative expression of creativity and gratitude. Reflective journaling, periods of quiet observation, and guided relaxation practices deepen your connection with the present moment.
Mindfulness comes alive through a thoughtfully curated blend of meditation practices, including sitting, walking, and deeply restorative relaxation meditation, loving-kindness meditation, breath awareness, and other contemplative practices that gently awaken clarity, compassion, and joy. As the spaciousness of the island begins to quiet the mind, you’ll reconnect with your own steady presence and the simple joy of being fully here.
Surrounded by the peaceful rhythm of the ocean and the uplifting atmosphere of the Sivananda Ashram, you’ll cultivate steadiness, compassion, and inner peace while learning practical mindfulness skills you can carry home. These self-soothing rituals support both your daily life and your formal meditation practice.
Whether you’re establishing a meditation practice or deepening an existing one, this retreat offers a nourishing opportunity to experience greater presence, joy, and ease through the simple practice of mindful awareness.
We suggest you arrive at least one day prior to the start of this course and stay until at least one day after the course ends for the optimal experience.

With over 25 years of teaching experience, Larissa Hall Carlson is a renowned expert in mindful living, Ayurveda, and yoga, specializing in enhancing performance and well-being for elite musicians, executives, teachers, artists, and athletes. She is a certified Ayurvedic Practitioner and Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist, accredited by the National Ayurvedic Medical Association and Yoga Alliance.
As a Lead Faculty member for the Kripalu Schools of Yoga & Ayurveda, Larissa plays a pivotal role in training teachers worldwide. She previously served as Dean of the Kripalu School of Ayurveda and co-created the highly regarded Ayurveda 101 and 201 online courses with Yoga Journal. Her expertise blends traditional wisdom with modern application, making Ayurveda and mindfulness accessible and impactful for a wide audience.
Larissa’s teaching résumé includes esteemed institutions such as The Juilliard School, Tanglewood Music Center, The Boston Conservatory, and the Nashville Ballet, as well as students from Harvard, Princeton, Western Illinois State University’s Music School, and the Cleveland Institute of Music.
A passionate writer and thought leader, Larissa’s insights on yoga, Ayurveda, and mindfulness have been featured in Yoga Journal, The Washington Post, Men’s Journal, Shape, More, Elephant Journal, InStyle, Prevention, and MindBodyGreen. Her mindfulness teachings can also be found on Insight Timer.
Through her dynamic teaching, writing, and leadership, Larissa continues to inspire and empower individuals to cultivate balance, resilience, and excellence in all aspects of life.
Daily Schedule (subject to change):
Your course schedule has been designed by the presenter to provide a holistic educational experience, and includes course presentation time, meal times, and free time for you to enjoy the beach and the grounds and participate in the ashram’s daily programs.
Morning and Evening Satsang: community gatherings for meditation, chanting & teachings; sometimes a silent beach walk.
Yoga Asana & Pranayama Classes: available on outdoor ocean and bayfront platforms (beginner and intermediate levels offered twice daily).
Lines in bold type indicate required course times. Other ashram offerings are optional.
DAY 1:
6:00-8:00am Morning Satsang
8:00am Yoga Asana & Pranayama Classes
10:00am Brunch
11:00am Ashram Welcome & History Tour (meets at Reception)
11:30am Inauguration Ceremony
12:00-3:00pm Course session
4:00pm Yoga Asana & Pranayama Classes
6:00pm Dinner
8:00 to 9:45pm Evening Satsang
DAY 2 – DAY 3:
6:00-8:00am Morning Satsang
8:00am Yoga Asana & Pranayama Classes
10:00am Brunch
12pm-3pm Course session
4:00pm Yoga Asana & Pranayama Classes
6:00 pm Dinner
8:00 to 9:45pm Evening Satsang
DAY 4 (Last Day):
6:00-8:00 am Morning Satsang
8:00 am Yoga Asana &Pranayama Classes
10:00am Brunch
12pm-3:00pm Course session
3:00pm Graduation Ceremony
4:00pm Yoga Asana & Pranayama Classes
6:00pm Dinner
8:00 to 9:45pm Evening Satsang
Please plan on arriving at least one day prior to Day 1 of the course and departing at least one day after the last day.
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