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8-Day Yoga and Safari Retreat

February 24 - March 3, 2026

Malindi, Kenya

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Hosted By

Emily Gilchrist

2 followers

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7 nights, 8 days

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18 person retreat

Highlights

  • Six-night Kenya retreat with beach villa yoga, nourishing meals, coastal relaxation, plus Tsavo safari, wildlife, soulful connection, all levels.

Details

In the heart of Kenya’s Tsavo wilderness, where elephants roam and time slows to a breath, your luxury safari staying at the Hildana Lodge, and yoga retreat begins. Imagine waking up to the sound of the Indian Ocean, stepping onto soft golden sands, and beginning your day with yoga as the sun rises over the horizon. This six-night retreat unfolds on Kenya’s spectacular Watamu coast in a private, luxurious beach villa — your home for daily yoga, meditation, pranayama, and mindful workshops designed to nourish body, mind, and soul. Between practices, you’ll have time to swim in the turquoise sea, enjoy massages, sip fresh coconuts, or explore the charming towns of Malindi and Watamu. Midway through the week, the adventure deepens as you head inland to Tsavo National Park for an unforgettable safari. You’ll stay at an the authentic hildana safari lodge, embark on sunrise and sunset game drives, and witness elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and more in their natural habitat. Evenings bring star-filled skies and a sense of wonder that only the wild can offer. This all-inclusive retreat covers everything — accommodation, delicious locally inspired meals, transfers, internal flights, safari lodge stay, game drives, and yoga equipment — so all you need to do is arrive and let go. Whether you’re seeking deep rest, meaningful connection, or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, this retreat offers a perfect balance of luxury, nature, and soulful exploration that will leave you refreshed, inspired, and forever touched by Kenya’s beauty.

Location

Malindi, Kenya

Malindi is a vibrant coastal town located in southeastern Kenya, renowned for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and blend of cultures. Set along the Indian Ocean, Malindi offers stunning white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular destination for sunbathing, snorkeling, and diving. The Malindi Marine National Park is a highlight, featuring coral reefs teeming with marine life and opportunities for exploring underwater wonders. Historically, Malindi is significant as a former Swahili trading hub with influences from Arab, Portuguese, and British cultures, reflected in its architecture and local traditions. Visitors can explore historical sites such as the Vasco da Gama Pillar and the nearby Gede Ruins, an ancient Swahili village. The town's vibrant markets, diverse cuisine, and lively atmosphere add to its appeal, making Malindi a captivating destination that combines natural beauty with cultural richness.

Venue

The Beach Palace Kenya

3.8 49 Reviews

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One of the most glamorous and exciting houses on the East African Coast, a dramatic, luxurious, and expansive new private home set in three peaceful beachfront acres in Jacaranda Bay, between Malindi and Watamu, on Kenya’s north coast. The Beach Palace, also known as Beach Palazzo, features 9 air-conditioned ensuite bedrooms and a spectacular 40-meter elevated infinity pool. Cool, refined, secluded, versatile, and sophisticated accommodation.

A/C in Rooms

A/C in Rooms

Pool

Pool

Garden

Garden

Towels

Towels

Housekeeping

Housekeeping

Coffee / Tea

Coffee / Tea

Cafe

Cafe

Restaurant

Restaurant

Free Parking

Free Parking

Shower

Shower

Accommodation

Private Master En-Suite

1 Room Left

Private room for 2

$5,990 USD / person

Private Master En-Suite

1 Room Left

Private room for 1

$5,810 USD total

Shared Twin Master En-Suite

2 Spots Left

2-person shared room

$4,085 USD / person

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You’ll stay in a luxurious, private beachfront villa on Kenya’s sparkling Indian Ocean coast, set on peaceful beachfront grounds in Jacaranda Bay between Malindi and Watamu. The property — often referred to as The Beach Palace (or Beach Palazzo) — features nine air-conditioned ensuite bedrooms, many with private terraces or direct access to the grounds and ocean views. The style is cool, refined, and sophisticated with spacious living and lounging areas, a spectacular 40-metre infinity pool overlooking the sea, and a private stretch of white sandy beach where you can relax or take in sunrises and sunsets. A dedicated team, including chefs and staff, looks after guests, creating a welcoming and comfortable coastal retreat atmosphere. During the Safari you will be staying in the beautiful Hildana Lodge... Perched high above the vast, untamed plains of Kenya’s Tsavo, Hildana Lodge offers a truly once-in-a-lifetime safari experience where luxury and adventure collide. This is the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left — waking to endless horizons, moving through wild landscapes on unforgettable game drives, and returning each evening to refined comfort and breathtaking views. Every detail feels intentional, every moment extraordinary, creating an experience that is not just a stay, but a story you’ll tell for years to come. https://www.thehildanalodge.com/

Meals

Meals provided

Brunch · Dinner

Diets catered

Vegan · Vegetarian · Nut Allergy Friendly

Healthy, nourishing meals designed to support your yoga and energy levels. Many dishes are vegan or vegetarian, with non-vegetarian options (especially fresh local fish) available so you can immerse in local cuisine while still keeping meals balanced and wholesome. Emily Gilchrist All-day hydration: water and fresh juices will be available throughout the day so you stay refreshed, especially in the warmer climate and after surf or safari activities. Emily Gilchrist Brunch, dinner, snacks are included in the schedule, so there’s always something to look forward to between yoga sessions and exploration. Emily Gilchrist Local & Flavourful Ingredients Meals will feature fresh, local produce from Kenya — expect vibrant fruits, seasonal vegetables, herbs, and spices that bring East African flavour. Fresh seafood is likely to feature, especially along the coast, given proximity to the ocean. This means fish and perhaps shellfish will show up in some of the non-vegetarian meals. Emily Gilchrist The menu balances yogic dietary sensibilities — sufficient protein, whole grains, clean ingredients — with joyful taste, texture and variety. Meal Timing & Atmosphere You’ll start days often with yoga or a morning practice, followed by a brunch that sets a nourishing, gentle tempo. Evening meals are times to gather, relax, share stories, enjoy celebration or winding down after the day, often paired with sunset views or calming ambiance. There will be snacks between sessions, which help maintain energy for afternoon activities and outings. Special Meals & Treats One evening will include a cacao ceremony, which may be paired with special foods or ceremonial treats. As you move into the safari lodge portion of the retreat, meals will continue to be included, with outdoor or lodge settings that bring in the surroundings (wildlife, nature) as part of the dining experience. Meals Provided: Snacks Dinner Brunch Diets Catered Dairy-free Egg-free Gluten Free Low fat Nut-allergy-friendly Organic Paleo-friendly Sugar conscious Vegan Vegetarian

Schedule

We’ll check out of the Beach Palace and embark on a scenic drive to Hildana Lodge on our penultimate morning. This journey will be like a game drive in itself, in safari jeeps, passing through the stunning landscapes of Tsavo National Park. Prepare yourself for breath-taking wildlife sightings and expansive vistas—this awe-inspiring experience will be one you won't soon forget. Once we arrive at the lodge, we will indulge in a sunset swim while being welcomed by elephants and exotic birds. If relaxation is on your agenda, a beautiful spa space awaits you to book a rejuvenating treatment. Yoga will continue that evening and conclude with a final session the following morning—an incredible opportunity to practice amid the breathtaking backdrop of nature and wildlife. On our final day, Lucy and I have arranged transportation for you back from the Safari lodge to Nairobi. For those of you who wish to extend your stay at the lodge and make your way back, you are very welcome and can do so by contacting Lucy or the lodge directly. We're also excited to share that a percentage of your trip cost will support the Africa Yoga Project, helping fund their remarkable initiatives by donating all our yoga equipment to assist trainees in launching their journeys of spreading the gift of yoga.

Testimonials

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Emily Gilchrist is a once-in-a-kind yoga teacher. Along with being an exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable yogi, she is also a deeply intuitive and empathetic teacher who knows how to gently guide her students wherever they are in their practice. Her classes are the perfect marriage of challenge and bliss. Whether beginning or long-practiced in yoga, it would be impossible not to love her classes and international retreats.

Jonah, Los Angles - USA

I just returned from the most peaceful and serene settings on Emily’s Wild Heart Retreat. It truly was the perfect amount of yoga, meditation, free time, good food, new friends, and relaxation, with the added bonus of massage and reiki. We all left with our hearts open, our minds free, and our bellies full. It was my first retreat and first time eating only plant-based meals, and any expectations were exceeded from the moment I arrived. Thank you for the most wholesome time, Emily.

Charlotte, United Kingdom

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Host

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Emily Gilchrist

Forest Row, UK

Emily Gilchrist is a mother, yoga teacher, energy healer, massage therapist, and mindfulness coach with over 20 years’ experience in the healing arts. She is devoted to creating sacred, safe, and nurt...

2 languages

English and Español

Teaching for 1 month

Joined Insight Timer in Dec 2025

What's Included

Airport Pickup & Drop-off

7 nights accommodation

Brunch and dinner

Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day

Welcome drink

Safari in Tsavo

Daily yoga, meditation, and pranayama classes

Group excursions/activities

Free excursions to sites of interest

Professional event photos

Transportation during the retreat

Domestic connecting flights

Wifi connection

Not Included

Airport transfers

International flights

Travel insurance

Visa fee

Additional treatments

Additional activities not included in the itinerary

FAQs

Cancellation policy

The remaining balance for the retreat is due 14 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 14 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 14 days before the retreat begins.