2026 Iyengar Yoga Retreats & Mentoring — Chann Jiva, Thailand
2026 Programs at CHANN JIVA

Four programs.
One quiet farm.

CHANN JIVA offers structured Iyengar Yoga retreats and mentoring programs in the peaceful rural setting of Maha Sarakham, Thailand — surrounded by rice fields, gardens, and nature.

All prices below are in U.S. dollars, per person.

Included with on-site retreats

Included with every on-site retreat.

MEALS
All on-site meals: a light breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
TRANSPORT
Round-trip transportation from Khon Kaen Airport (KKC).

Accommodation inclusion varies by programme and is confirmed before booking.

27 — 30 AUGUST 2026
Teacher study · 01

Mentoring Level 1 Study

An immersive four-day program for committed Iyengar Yoga students, aspiring teachers, teachers in training, and certified teachers who want to deepen their personal practice and develop greater clarity in observation, sequencing, demonstration, and teaching.

The program combines asana, pranayama, yoga philosophy, question-and-answer sessions, teaching skills, and preparation for assessment. Small-group study allows participants to receive focused guidance within a supportive retreat environment.

Length
4 days
Program themes
  • Deepen personal practice
  • Build strength, stability, and concentration
  • Study sequencing and teaching methodology
  • Develop observation and communication skills
  • Prepare for assessment where appropriate
  • Learn in a small and supportive environment
Daily schedule+
Thursday — Day 1
3:00 PM · Check-in at CHANN JIVA
4:00 – 6:00 PM · Evening asana and pranayama
6:30 PM · Dinner and relaxation
Friday — Day 2
7:30 – 8:15 AM · Sunrise pranayama and meditation
8:30 – 9:30 AM · Coffee, tea, yogurt, and fruit
9:30 – 11:30 AM · Morning asana for Practice Level 1
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM · Lunch and relaxation
3:30 PM · Yoga philosophy, questions, and teaching study
4:00 – 6:00 PM · Evening asana and teaching skills
6:30 – 7:30 PM · Dinner and relaxation
Saturday — Day 3
7:30 – 8:15 AM · Sunrise pranayama and meditation
8:30 – 9:30 AM · Coffee, tea, yogurt, and fruit
9:30 – 11:30 AM · Morning asana for Practice Level 2
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM · Lunch and relaxation
3:30 PM · Yoga philosophy, questions, and teaching study
4:00 – 6:00 PM · Teaching skills and preparation for assessment
6:30 – 7:30 PM · Dinner and relaxation
Sunday — Day 4
8:30 – 9:30 AM · Coffee, tea, yogurt, and fruit
9:30 – 11:30 AM · Morning asana
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM · Lunch and departure preparation
The final daily schedule may be adjusted according to the needs of the group, teacher guidance, weather, or operational considerations.
Registration note: when you inquire, please describe your current Iyengar Yoga experience and your teaching or mentoring status. The programme fee, the teaching team for your cohort, and accommodation arrangements are confirmed with you directly before you commit.
Inquire about August →
Wellness retreat · 02

Healthy Neck & Shoulders
Iyengar Yoga Retreat

A focused Iyengar Yoga program exploring alignment, mobility, stability, and the relationship between the neck, shoulders, shoulder blades, chest, arms, and upper back.

Through clear instruction and the intelligent use of props, participants will study ways to organize the upper body with greater awareness and reduce unnecessary strain during practice. Sessions include asana, pranayama, yoga philosophy, supportive movement, and pool-based movement and relaxation.

The retreat is educational and is not presented as medical treatment for neck pain, shoulder injuries, spinal conditions, or any other diagnosis. Please read the health & participation disclaimer ↓ before booking.

Retreat format
8 days / 7 nights, including a four-day guided workshop

The scheduled workshop forms the core of the retreat. Additional days allow time for arrival, settling in, rest, personal practice, integration, and departure. Exact check-in and check-out dates, accommodation arrangements, and activities outside the four-day workshop schedule will be confirmed before booking.

Core dates
Sep 17 – 20
Price
$2,200 USD
Program focus
  • Neck and shoulder alignment
  • Scapular awareness and upper-back support
  • Chest opening and arm work
  • Use of ropes, blocks, belts, and other props
  • Strength, mobility, and stability
  • Restorative practice and breath awareness
  • Yoga philosophy and questions
Four-day workshop schedule+
Thursday, September 17
3:00 PM · Check-in, then an introductory movement and practice review
4:00 – 6:00 PM · Evening asana and pranayama
6:30 PM · Dinner and free time
Friday, September 18
7:30 – 8:15 AM · Sunrise pranayama and meditation
8:30 – 9:30 AM · Coffee, tea, yogurt, and fruit
9:30 – 11:30 AM · Morning asana — neck and shoulder alignment
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM · Lunch and rest
3:30 PM · Yoga philosophy and questions
4:00 – 6:00 PM · Evening asana and pool-based movement and relaxation
6:30 – 7:30 PM · Dinner and free time
Saturday, September 19
7:30 – 8:15 AM · Sunrise pranayama and meditation
8:30 – 9:30 AM · Coffee, tea, yogurt, and fruit
9:30 – 11:30 AM · Morning asana using ropes, blocks, belts, and other props
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM · Lunch and rest
3:30 PM · Yoga philosophy and questions
4:00 – 6:00 PM · Strengthening asana, resistance exercise, and pool-based movement
6:30 – 7:30 PM · Dinner and free time
Sunday, September 20
8:00 – 9:00 AM · Coffee, tea, yogurt, and fruit
9:30 – 11:30 AM · Chest opening, scapular work, and shoulder support
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM · Lunch and departure preparation
The final daily schedule may be adjusted according to the needs of the group, teacher guidance, weather, or operational considerations.

Study the relationship between alignment, movement, support, and ease through focused Iyengar Yoga practice.

Register interest →
CORE WORKSHOP · 17 — 20 SEP 2026
CORE WORKSHOP · 22 — 25 OCT 2026
Women's retreat · 03

Women's Iyengar Yoga
Wellness Retreat

For Strength, Balance, and Deep Restoration

The Women's Iyengar Yoga Wellness Retreat offers women time to practice, rest, and study in the quiet natural setting of CHANN JIVA.

The guided workshop explores strength, mobility, balance, restorative practice, breath awareness, and mindful self-observation through the method of Iyengar Yoga. Sessions are designed to help participants develop a clearer understanding of their bodies, work with appropriate support, and establish practical forms of self-care that can continue beyond the retreat.

The retreat does not promise to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure hormonal, reproductive, breast, neurological, musculoskeletal, or other medical conditions. Please read the health & participation disclaimer ↓ before booking.

Retreat format
8 days / 7 nights, including a four-day guided workshop

The scheduled workshop forms the core of the retreat. Additional days allow time for arrival, settling in, rest, personal practice, integration, and departure. Exact check-in and check-out dates, accommodation arrangements, and activities outside the four-day workshop schedule will be confirmed before booking.

Core dates
Oct 22 – 25
Price
$2,200 USD
Women's practice and self-awareness

Explore foundational and supported asana with attention to the pelvis, hips, spine, chest, shoulders, and breath. The emphasis is on intelligent movement, appropriate effort, and greater awareness of individual needs.

Restorative practice and quieting the mind

Pranayama, restorative yoga, meditation, and time in nature offer opportunities to slow down, observe patterns of effort and tension, and cultivate steadiness and rest.

Strength, stability, and sustainable practice

The retreat combines yoga, supportive movement, and periods of rest to help participants build a more balanced and sustainable relationship with practice.

Four-day workshop schedule+
Thursday, October 22
3:00 PM · Check-in, then an introductory movement and practice review
4:00 – 6:00 PM · Evening asana and pranayama
6:30 PM · Dinner and relaxation
Friday, October 23
7:30 – 8:15 AM · Sunrise pranayama and meditation
8:30 – 9:30 AM · Coffee, tea, yogurt, and fruit
9:30 – 11:30 AM · Foundational asana with pelvic-floor awareness and a hip-opening theme
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM · Lunch and free time
3:30 PM · Yoga philosophy and questions
4:00 – 6:00 PM · Evening asana and pool-based movement and relaxation
6:30 – 7:30 PM · Dinner and relaxation
Saturday, October 24
7:30 – 8:15 AM · Sunrise pranayama and meditation
8:30 – 9:30 AM · Coffee, tea, yogurt, and fruit
9:30 – 11:30 AM · Chest opening, upper-back awareness, and supported asana
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM · Lunch and free time
3:30 PM · Yoga philosophy and questions
4:00 – 6:00 PM · Strengthening asana, resistance exercise, and pool-based movement
6:30 – 7:30 PM · Dinner and relaxation
Sunday, October 25
8:00 – 9:00 AM · Coffee, tea, yogurt, and fruit
9:30 – 11:30 AM · Chest opening and upper-back support
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM · Lunch and preparation for departure
The final daily schedule may be adjusted according to the needs of the group, teacher guidance, weather, or operational considerations.

Move mindfully. Build lasting strength. Restore deeply.

Register interest →
Teacher study · 04

Mentoring Level 1 Study

Second cohort of 2026

A second four-day cohort of the Mentoring Level 1 Study program. Same curriculum as the August cohort — a full immersion in asana, pranayama, yoga philosophy, teaching skills, and preparation for assessment.

Recommended for participants who prefer the cooler November window. Both cohorts run identical content; you attend one. The programme fee and teaching team are confirmed with you directly when you inquire.

Dates
Nov 12 – 15
Same content as August. See the August cohort ↑ for the full program themes and daily schedule.
Inquire about November →
12 — 15 NOVEMBER 2026
Guest teacher · 05

Thailand Yoga Retreat
with James Murphy

Spend four days immersed in Iyengar Yoga with guest teacher James Murphy in the peaceful countryside of Maha Sarakham, Thailand.

The retreat combines asana, pranayama, teacher education, shared meals, and time to rest in the natural setting of CHANN JIVA. Careful instruction, thoughtful sequencing, and sustained observation will give participants an opportunity to refine their practice while experiencing the continuity that becomes possible in a residential-style retreat environment.

This is a focused and supportive program for experienced practitioners, dedicated students, teachers, and trainees interested in deepening their understanding of the Iyengar method. The schedule includes a teacher education session; any prerequisites for that session should be confirmed during registration.

About James Murphy

James Murphy is a senior Iyengar Yoga teacher and Level 4 Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher. He began practicing Iyengar Yoga in 1988 and was a founding member of the first Iyengar Yoga Institute of New York in 1992. He has made more than 25 extended trips to India to study with B.K.S. Iyengar, Geeta Iyengar, and Prashant Iyengar. His teaching is known for precision, intelligence, depth, and close observation of students. James joins CHANN JIVA as a guest teacher.

Dates
Dec 24 – 27
Length
4 days / 3 nights
Price
$2,200 USD
Extended stay & December dates
·Additional nights: $160 per night — full-board accommodation, meals, and daily yoga.
·8-day / 7-night package, Dec 23 – 29: $2,700 — includes the James Murphy workshop plus time to rest, practice, and see the surrounding area.
·James will be staying at the farm from December 23 – 30.
Experience level

Less than two years of Iyengar experience is not a problem. Pom Cayeiro (CIYT Level III) assists throughout the workshop, and Thai students at a similar stage will be practising alongside you.

Places are limited — there are four accommodations on the property. Ask Pom what is open for your dates.

Arrival recommendation

We recommend arriving in Thailand at least two nights before coming to the farm, so you have time to rest and adjust to the time change in Bangkok. Arriving at CHANN JIVA on December 23 works well. You are also welcome to stay on after the workshop. Guests arrange their own flights and any accommodation away from the farm; send Pom your arrival details and she will confirm your Khon Kaen pick-up.

Four-day schedule+
Thursday, December 24, 2026
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Foundation asana class
12:30 – 2:00 PM · Lunch
2:00 – 4:00 PM · Rest and personal time
4:00 – 6:00 PM · Evening yoga session
6:30 – 8:00 PM · Christmas Eve dinner
Friday, December 25, 2026
7:00 – 8:00 AM · Coffee and tea
8:00 – 8:45 AM · Pranayama
8:45 – 9:30 AM · Tea and fruit break
9:30 – 11:30 AM · Asana: hip opening
12:00 – 1:30 PM · Lunch
3:00 – 6:00 PM · Teacher education
6:30 – 9:30 PM · Christmas dinner
Saturday, December 26, 2026
7:00 – 8:00 AM · Coffee and tea
8:00 – 8:45 AM · Pranayama
8:45 – 9:30 AM · Tea and fruit break
9:30 – 11:30 AM · Asana: arm balances and abdominal work
12:00 – 1:30 PM · Lunch
4:00 – 6:00 PM · Restorative evening practice
6:30 – 8:00 PM · Dinner
Sunday, December 27, 2026
7:00 – 8:00 AM · Coffee, tea, fruit, and yogurt
9:30 – 11:30 AM · Backbends and inversions
12:00 – 1:30 PM · Lunch and departure preparation
The final daily schedule may be adjusted according to the needs of the group, teacher guidance, weather, or operational considerations.

Celebrate the holiday season with a focused Iyengar Yoga immersion shaped by practice, nature, shared meals, and community.

Reserve a place →
24 — 27 DECEMBER 2026
Level 4 Certified
Iyengar Yoga Teacher
Practising since1988
Study trips to India25+
Role hereGuest teacher
At the farmDec 23 — 30

Precision, intelligence, depth, and close observation of students.

Year-round · Full board

Yoga Holiday packages.

Outside the scheduled retreats, you can come and stay for a week, a fortnight, or a month. Daily yoga, the shared inclusions above, and the life of the farm — at your own pace. Prices are per person in U.S. dollars.

SHORT STAY
5 days
4 nights
$1,500
per person
MOST POPULAR
8 days
7 nights
$2,200
per person
LONG STAY
30 days
29 nights
$3,700
per person
Full board also includes
Daily yoga & exercise
Forest bathing
Bike riding
Cooking class
Local bike tour
Local temple tour
Extending your stay

$160 per night beyond the 8-day / 7-night package — in Chann One, Chann Two, Chann Three, or the Pool Pavilion.

An additional person sharing a guesthouse is $160 per night.

Ask about a Yoga Holiday →
Health & Participation

Before you register.

CHANN JIVA yoga retreats and wellness activities are offered for education, general well-being, and personal practice. They are not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment, and no specific health result is promised.

Participants should consult an appropriate healthcare professional before attending if they are pregnant, recovering from injury or surgery, living with a medical condition, or unsure whether a practice is suitable for them. Please inform the teaching team of relevant injuries, conditions, medications, pregnancy, or mobility limitations before participating.

Traditional Thai massage, when requested, is arranged with trusted independent local practitioners rather than provided by Chann Jiva staff, and is not part of the retreat price.

Read the full health & participation notes →

Unsure which retreat is right?

Tell Pom a little about your practice and what you're looking for. She'll help you choose — and answer any question about travel, level, or what to expect.

Message Pom on WhatsApp →