Nalanda Retreat

Mandrem, North Goa

Location

8 days / 7 nights

Duration

13 Feb – 20 Feb · English

February 2027

About This Retreat

Journey Through the Five Elements

What if yoga could become more than a practice on the mat?

What if it could become a way of reconnecting with yourself, with nature, and with the people around you?

Journey Through the Five Elements is a 7-night yoga retreat with Daphnée Ollivaud, inviting you to explore Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space through movement, breath, meditation, philosophy and presence.

Set in the peaceful coastal village of Mandrem, Goa, this retreat offers an opportunity to step away from the rhythm of everyday life and enter a slower, more intentional way of being.

Each day is dedicated to one of the Five Elements and its unique qualities.

Earth invites grounding, stability and connection.

Water encourages fluidity, adaptability and release.

Fire awakens vitality, transformation and inner strength.

Air brings movement, openness and freedom.

Space creates room for stillness, awareness and possibility.

Through daily Vinyasa and Prana Flow practices, participants explore these themes dynamically through the body, breath and energy.

Evenings offer a different rhythm, with Yin Yoga and meditation creating space for deep release, relaxation and integration.

Alongside the physical practices, philosophy sessions with Gaurav offer an opportunity to explore the deeper ideas behind yoga and connect the teachings to everyday life.

But the retreat is about more than structured sessions.

There is time to swim in the sea, walk along the beach, surf, enjoy a massage, share a meal, laugh with new friends, or simply do nothing at all.

Because rest is part of the practice too.

The retreat is intentionally welcoming and non-competitive. Whether you are stepping onto a yoga mat for the first time or have been practising for years, you are invited to honour your own rhythm and discover what feels right for you.

Daphnée's teaching brings together precision, fluidity and embodiment with a warmth and joy that makes the practice accessible and deeply human.

Her intention is not to create a perfect practice.

It is to create a space where you can breathe, explore, connect and feel more at home in yourself.

And perhaps, somewhere between the earth beneath your feet, the water around you, the warmth of the sun, the movement of the breeze and the spacious Goan sky, you will discover that the Five Elements are not simply something to study.

They are something you already carry within you.

Come to move.

Come to breathe.

Come to explore.

Come to reconnect.

Highlights

  • 7-night yoga retreat in Mandrem, Goa
  • Journey through the Five Elements
  • Daily 2.5-hour Vinyasa & Prana Flow practice
  • Daily 1.5-hour Yin Yoga & Meditation
  • Daily pranayama
  • Yoga philosophy sessions
  • French & English instruction
  • Opening & closing ceremonies
  • Free time for beach, swimming, surfing and rest
  • Supportive, non-competitive community
  • Daily brunch & dinner
  • Guided exploration of yoga beyond the physical practice

What’s included

  • Opening ceremony
  • 7 nights' accommodation at Nalanda Retreat, Mandrem, Goa
  • Daily 2.5-hour Vinyasa / Prana Flow Yoga practice
  • Daily 1.5-hour Yin Yoga and Meditation practice
  • Pranayama practices
  • Yoga philosophy sessions with Gaurav
  • Daily brunch
  • Daily dinner
  • French and English instruction
  • Time and space for personal practice, rest and exploration
  • Access to Nalanda Retreat's natural surroundings and beachside environment
  • Closing ceremony

Not included

  • International or domestic flights
  • Airport transfers
  • Travel insurance
  • Excursions and optional activities
  • Surf lessons
  • Massage and wellness treatments
  • Personal expenses
  • Additional meals, drinks, or services not mentioned under inclusions

Upcoming dates

Live availability

Availability updates in real time from our booking system. Secure your place online with a deposit or pay in full; confirmation is instant.

Your teacher

Daphnée Ollivaud

Daphnée Ollivaud is a yoga teacher and conscious movement guide based in Paris, France, with over 13 years of teaching experience. She teaches Vinyasa Yoga, Prana Flow, Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga through an approach that is precise, fluid and deeply embodied. Her teaching invites students to reconnect with the essential relationship between breath, movement and inner energy, while experiencing yoga as a living and accessible practice. Known for her warm energy and joyful approach, Daphnée creates spaces where depth and transformation naturally coexist with laughter, simplicity and genuine human connection. Her intention is simple: to care, guide, and support each student in cultivating greater freedom, ease, presence and joy; both on and beyond the mat.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need previous yoga experience?

No. The retreat welcomes beginners as well as experienced yoga practitioners. Variations and modifications will be offered throughout the practices.

Is this retreat suitable for beginners?

Yes. Beginners are welcome and encouraged to explore the practices at their own pace.

What language is the retreat taught in?

The retreat is bilingual and taught in French and English.

Is the retreat physically demanding?

Morning Vinyasa and Prana Flow practices are dynamic and energising, while evening Yin practices are slower and restorative. Participants are encouraged to adapt the practice according to their own body and experience.

Can I attend if I don't practice yoga regularly?

Absolutely. The retreat is designed for different experience levels and offers an opportunity to discover or reconnect with yoga in a supportive environment.

Can I come with a partner who doesn't practice yoga?

Yes. Accompanying guests are welcome. Please contact the Nalanda Retreat team regarding accommodation and package options for non-practicing guests.

What should I bring?

We recommend bringing comfortable yoga clothing, swimwear, a reusable water bottle, sun protection, comfortable walking clothes, a journal if you enjoy writing, and anything else you need to feel at home during your stay.

Will there be free time?

Yes. Free time is intentionally built into the retreat. You can use it to visit the beach, swim, surf, walk, enjoy a massage, explore Mandrem or simply rest.

Are meals included?

Brunch and dinner are included each day. Additional meals, snacks and drinks are not included unless specifically stated in the package.

Are airport transfers included?

Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your booking package.

Can I book spa treatments during the retreat?

Yes. Spa and wellness treatments can be booked separately, subject to availability.

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