About this article

Kia ora, I’m Jeanette—a householder yogini, mother of two, and the heart of Ida Yoga. I live on an organic farm in Aotearoa New Zealand with my husband, surrounded by the rhythms of nature that continue to teach me what real balance feels like. My path with yoga began in my teens, but it truly deepened when I experienced its power to heal—not just the body, but the whole self. With over 30 years of experience across the UK, NZ, Canada, and the USA as a Yoga and Meditation Teacher, Level 3 Yoga NZ Teacher, Physiotherapist, Well Woman Yoga Therapist, and Teacher Trainer, I’ve come to see yoga and Ayurveda not as separate practices, but as everyday medicine for a life lived with more ease and joy.

I first experienced a 14 day Ayurvedic and Yoga Retreat in Kerala when I was 49.  I was in the midst of a midlife burnout.  A frazzled, deeply exhausted ball of nerves, I made my way from New Zealand to Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) airport.  I was led by the International Yoga Teacher Shiva Rea, who has conducted seasonal retreats there for the last 10-15 years.

It was a dream to go, and there I was, in heaven.  The lush landscape of Kerala, the sound of the waves of the Arabian Sea, the surrounding temples, daily Yoga and Ayurveda treatments, amazing tropical fruits and food tailored to my dosha.  There I was in the land of the Yogis and Yoginis, home to the practice of Yoga that I so deeply love.  I literally felt my bliss body come alive.  

After an assessment from the Ayurvedic Doctors, a treatment plan was drawn up, and all I needed to do was relax and let the medicine do its work.  Hatha Yoga, Meditation and Pranayama assisted in the nervous system reset, as did heart opening daily prayers and rituals at local Shiva, Ganesha and Kali temples.  Ma India herself, welcomed me with open arms, to heal and nourish me deeply.  There is something about this land that calls you back, each time allowing for deep spiritual and this time physical and mental growth too.

Of course, the local Keralan smiles and hospitality deeply touch my heart, and now having travelled to Kerala 5 times, I have my Indian family of brothers and sisters there to welcome me back.  

The somatic realisation of how stress had completely derailed me was stark.  It had robbed me of my health and inner peace.  Sure enough, my symptoms settled, and even in the short 2 week course of treatment, I began to feel like myself again.  I vowed to myself to come back every year.  To make this a priority reset in my life.  And since then, I have been back to this Ayurvedic center 4 times over 4 years.  And, I have never looked back.

Of course, it isn’t just the time spent there that has transformed my health.  It was learning and implementing the daily routines (Dinah Charya), diet, lifestyle and most importantly watching and noticing when I am out of balance, and quickly changing course, so as not to let stress and overwhelm ever snowball me again.

When your cup is empty, there is nothing to share.  Each time away in Kerala has brought me back a better person, mother, wife, friend and colleague.  Now, my cup is full, and I want to share this experience with others.  

There is great power in pausing, getting away from the everyday, and deeply reflecting, healing and nourishing both the body, mind and spirit.  I am forever grateful to the science and practice of Ayurveda.   This ancient medicine, more important than ever in today’s busy, 24/7 lifestyle.  Stress related illness is on the rise, and stress and inflammation is the root cause of disease from cancers, arthritis, gut dysfunction, to neurological conditions, and premature ageing.

Ayurvedic treatments Includes therapeutic body massages and beauty treatments for skin, hair and face.  Special treatments also:

• Shirodharara - warm oil rhythmically poured over your forehead to balance vata conditions and deeply nourish your nervous system.
• Panchakarma - a system of deep detoxification.  Can be done in a shorter time of 2 weeks, but it is recommended to allow for 4 weeks minimum for this.

I am taking a group to Kerala May 1-9th, 2026 for an all-inclusive 5 star wellness retreat.  It is at the award-winning Somatheeram Ayurvedic Group Resort and Hospital. 

The joy and healing I’ve discovered through Ayurveda and yoga in Kerala is something I truly want to share with others. It’s a gift of deep rest, renewed energy, and inner peace that has transformed my life—and I believe it can do the same for you. If you feel called to experience this kind of reset, to nourish your body and soul in a beautiful, supportive space, I warmly invite you to join me on a wellness trip of a lifetime. Together, we can explore these ancient practices and find the balance and joy that sometimes feels just out of reach. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’d love to connect, share stories, and support your own journey toward wellbeing.