The Essence Retreat at Krishna Village
The ESSENCE Retreat at Krishna Village
Imagine devoting four days to releasing stress, deep rest, and reconnecting with your true nature.
The Essence is an intimate immersive retreat, taking place in the lush subtropical beauty of Krishna Village, a peaceful eco-yoga community in the Byron Bay hinterland.
At the heart of The Essence is Vedic Rounding, a deeply restorative sequence of gentle yoga, pranayama (breath work), Vedic meditation and periods of rest and integration. Rounding allows the body and mind to release habitual tension and exhaustion, and rediscover the peace and wisdom within.
Movement and breath prepare the body, meditation quietens the mind, and periods of rest allow the experience to integrate.
Because Rounding is practiced repeatedly over several consecutive days, there is an opportunity to settle progressively deeper and become increasingly familiar with the quiet space beyond ingrained thought.
As you move through the Rounds, you'll be encouraged to notice your experience, physical sensations, thoughts, state of mind, emotions and the subtle shifts in awareness that arise during and between practices.
As the practice unfolds, you may experience elevated states of consciousness, blissful peace, greater mental clarity, deep stillness, or moments of expanded awareness. Everyone's experience is unique.
Vedic Rounding is described as industrial strength stress solvent. In fact, research has shown that a 3-4 day retreat that offers the specific protocol of Vedic Rounding that The Essence provides, equals 6 months of effective meditation.
The Essence offers the ideal balance between periods of focused practice and time to explore, relax and integrate.
Krishna Village
The Essence Retreat is held at Krishna Village Eco Yoga Community, nestled amongst the lush subtropical hinterland of Byron Bay, Australia, surrounded by pristine rainforest, and rolling green hills.
This unique permanent eco-yoga, accommodations and farm community is the idyllic setting designed to embrace and support your retreat journey.
Here, you can step away from the demands of everyday life and immerse yourself into your Essence journey.
Slow down, breathe deep and bask in nature, the sounds of birdsong, flowing waters and the gentle rhythms of an intentional community centred around simple living, high thinking.
Krishna Village is lovingly described as the Garden of Eden featuring organic gardens and a 1000 acre permaculture farm.
The Essence Retreat takes place in the Radha Hall, a peaceful and inspirational space ideal for your personal experience and growth.
Personal Guidance and Care from Experienced Facilitators
Your retreat is guided by two experienced and caring facilitators, Zilla Carina and Kalyan Darshan, who bring complementary expertise in yoga, meditation, breathwork and mantra. Together, they offer more than two decades of experience teaching spiritual practices and supporting personal growth and transformation.
With an intimate retreat environment, there is space for genuine connection, questions and individual support. Everyone is personally supported through their experience which will continue to unfold after you leave Krishna Village.
Space to soften, release and reconnect
To complement your Vedic Rounding journey, Zilla and Kalyan facilitate a variety of offerings that provide different pathways into relaxation, reflection, release and expanded awareness.
These include Yoga Nidra, inspiring Satsang evenings rich in practical knowledge and wisdom, and Ho'oponopono mantra meditation, creating a gentle and supportive space for forgiveness, release and letting go of what you no longer wish to carry.
As the days unfold, you may begin to notice that your mind is quieter, your body softer and your breathing more spacious. With less external stimulation and fewer demands competing for your attention, you have more opportunity to breathe, feel, listen and simply be.
The journey doesn't end when you leave
The most important part of The Essence is what you take home.
You'll leave with an experience of what deeper rest can feel like, a greater understanding of practices you can continue to explore, and the possibility of bringing more of that spaciousness, clarity and connection into everyday life.
Beyond the retreat, Zilla and Kalyan will provide post-retreat support to help you integrate your experience and continue building upon what you've discovered.
Nourish Your Body
Enjoy three delicious wholesome vegetarian and vegan meals prepared with fresh, organically grown produce from New Govardhana, the 1000-acre farm within Krishna Village. From warming breakfasts of porridge, fresh fruit and vegan kitchari to colourful plant-based meals and hearty Indian-inspired dishes. Enjoy vegetable curries, rice, flatbreads and home-cooked dishes for lunch and dinner.
Supporting you with simple, fresh, nourishing food prepared with care is an important aspect of the Essence Retreat and the Krishna Village experience — grounding, simple and lovingly prepared.
Space to rest, explore and reconnect
During your stay, you'll have the freedom to enjoy the many experiences Krishna Village has to offer. You can take a swim in the river or freshwater stream, meditate beside the beautiful Manasi Ganga lake, wander through the farm, meet the sacred cows, explore the surrounding landscape, share conversation with new friends from all over the world, or find a quiet place to be alone.
Book a Holistic Treatment at KV Wellness Centre
Support your journey further by booking a Massage, Ayurveda Treatment, LED Light Therapy Session, or Vedic astrology reading. Please note these incur an additional fee.
You will have free time on Thursday or Friday morning before lunch, and Saturday or Sunday afternoon after lunch. You will also have time on Saturday morning after breakfast if you opt out of the additional Vedic Rounds we are offering. Please note the schedule for specific times.
Everything has been chosen to support the same intention: less doing, deeper rest, greater presence and a renewed connection with yourself.
How to Book Your Essence Retreat
Step 1: Register for the Essence Retreat here at Humantix.
The Essence Retreat registration fee includes:
the scheduled retreat program
guided Vedic Rounding
complementary sessions with your facilitators
on-going weekly post-retreat support
Essence Goodie Bag, thoughtfully curated with surprises to support your personal journey.
Step 2: Book Your Accommodation with Krishna Village
Use this link to book your Essence Retreat Accommodation at Krishna Village.
The Krishna Village booking includes:
accommodation for 3-nights
all meals
access to Krishna Village grounds - gardens, farm, temple, study and meditation room and wifi. (please note KV Wellness Center offerings are not included in the booking fee and need to be booked separately)
There are accommodation options to suit every budget including cabins, cottages, guest houses, pods, share options, budget accommodations, tent campsites, and camper van sites.
If you live locally and wish to commute each day, then select the commuter option.
Retreat Outline
PLEASE NOTE that Krishna Village is located in NSW where Daylight Savings Time (AEDT) applies.
Check-in and receive your wristband on Thursday before lunch which begins at 12:15PM.
Please note that reception staff will be out for lunch between 1:00 - 1:30PM, so you won't be able to check in during that time.
After sharing our first delicious meal together, settle into your cabin, cottage, pod or tent.
Our first activity takes place at 2:45PM on Thursday in the Radhe Hall with a warm welcome, meet and greet.
Here, you'll meet your fellow retreaters, become familiar with your surroundings and receive everything you need to feel comfortable and at ease.
We'll introduce you to the Vedic Rounding sequence, explain how the practice unfolds, and answer any questions before you begin.
All meals take place at the Temple Area.
All retreat sessions take place at Radha Hall.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, begin your mornings surrounded by dew-covered greenery and birdsong, walking gently through the farm towards the Radha Hall. Practice Vedic Rounds before breakfast, when the body is rested and the mind is naturally quieter, then enjoy a nourishing breakfast and free time.
Each day we will guide you through schedule/s of Vedic Rounding whilst noting your personal process and progress. In between rounding sessions, your body and mind will be nourished with 3 wonderful meals, supporting workshops, rejuvenating deep rest, and plenty of time to enjoy Krishna Village's offerings and its naturescapes.
If you wish to book a treatment at the Krishna Wellness Centre, you will have time on Thursday or Friday morning before lunch, and Saturday or Sunday afternoon after lunch. You will also have time on Saturday morning after breakfast if you opt out of the additional Vedic Rounds we are offering. Please note the schedule for specific times.
Check-out is by 9:00AM on Sunday
The Integration session will be our final retreat activity at 10:30AM on Sunday, followed by lunch at 12:15PM.
Thursday
From 11:00AM - Check In
2:45PM - Welcome - Meet and Greet - Radha Hall
3:00PM - Retreat overview and Introduction to Vedic Rounding - Radha Hall -
5:30PM - Free Time
6:15PM - Dinner - Temple Area
7:45PM - Yoga Nidra - Radha Hall
9:00PM - Free Time and Sleep
Friday
6:00Am - Vedic Rounds x 2
8:30AM - Breakfast
Free Time
10:45AM - Vedic Round x 1
12:15PM - Lunch
Free Time
2:00PM - Workshop - The Healing Power of Human Connection
2:30pm - Vedic Rounds x 3
6:15PM - Dinner
8:00PM - Satsang and Ho’OponoPono Meditation
Free Time
Saturday
6:00AM - Vedic Rounds x 2
8:00AM - Additional Vedic Round/s (optional) followed by snacks since you will miss breakfast.
8:30AM - Breakfast
Free Time
10:45AM - Vedic Round x 1
12:15PM - Lunch
Free Time
2:30PM - Workshop (soothing sound bath)
3:15PM - Vedic Rounds x 2
6:15PM - Dinner
8:00PM - Satsang and Pranayama
Free Time
Sunday
6:30AM - Vedic Round x 1 and discussion
8:00AM - Additional Vedic Round (optional) followed by snacks since you will miss breakfast.
8:30AM - Breakfast
9:00AM - Unless you are staying in your Krishna Village accommodation beyond the retreat, please be checked out of your room by 9:00AM
Free Time
10:30AM - Integration and Guide for returning to regular life
12:15PM - Lunch and Farewell
Your Essence.
Beneath the busyness, responsibilities and accumulated tension of everyday life, there can be a quiet part of yourself that has become overlooked or forgotten. For many people, this can open the door to something they may have been missing without even realising it.
The Essence creates space to reconnect with that part of you, and perhaps reclaim something you thought you had lost.
By the time you prepare to leave, you may find a renewed connection with the quiet, clear and peaceful place within you.
Come to rest. Come to release. Come home to yourself.
How to get to Krishna Village
Krishna Village is located in the beautiful Tweed Valley hinterland, roughly halfway between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, and about 30 minutes inland.
The closest town is Murwillumbah, where several bus services stop on their way through the region.
Flights
Book your flight to Gold Coast Airport (OOL) in Bilinga, Australia, or Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK) in Ballina, Australia.
The closest airport is the Gold Coast Airport, approximately 33km to the north-east. Other airports nearby include Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (75km), Lismore Regional Airport (87 km) and Brisbane Airport (149km).
Transfers
Krishna Village offers transfers to & from Murwillumbah, Gold Coast Airport, Brisbane Airport or Ballina Airport.
Using the Krishna Village transport service offers the most competitive rates and supports our community.
To organize a transfer, contact Krishna Village 3 days in advance:
SMS Carana at least 3 days in advance on 0429 725 165 or email at info@krishnavillage-retreat.com
to enquire about pricing and make your booking. Bookings on shorter notice are possible but can't be guaranteed.
If you are arriving as a couple, family or group, or are carrying oversized luggage, please let them know upon booking so they can see which car is available and at what rate.
For transport connections from Gold Coast Airport, we recommend Surfside Buses on route 761 to Tweed Heads, then route 605 to Murwillumbah.
For connections from other airports, we recommend the use of a hire car, as the bus routes become complicated and expensive.
Arrival by train
Getting to Murwillumbah by Train
Murwillumbah itself doesn't have an operating train station anymore. The nearest interchange is located in the township of Casino, approximately 100km away, from where you can take a bus to Murwillumbah.
NSW Trainlink
Has train services that operate to Casino from Sydney and Brisbane (stopping at most towns and cities in between), with a connecting bus service to Murwillumbah.
Translink
Operates public transport services in South East Queensland
Arrival by bus
Getting a bus to Murwillumbah
There are a number of companies operating bus services to and from Murwillumbah. Below you will find information about some of these companies.
Premier Motor Service
Operates north of Murwillumbah to Brisbane, although not to the airport, and south to Byron Bay and on to Sydney, stopping at most towns and cities in between.
Surfside Buslines
Operates between Murwillumbah and the Gold Coast, including Gold Coast Airport.
Greyhound
Operates north to Brisbane and south to Sydney, stopping at most towns and cities in between. Doesn't stop in Murwillumbah, but in Tweed and Byron Bay - could be a convenient option for transfer to/from Brisbane Airport.
Arrival by taxi
There are two local taxi companies. The cost is approximately $30-35 from Murwillumbah or $110-140 from the Gold Coast Airport.
Tweed Taxis and Tweed Valley Taxis.
What to Bring
A piece of fruit or a flower
Comfortable clothing suitable for yoga with layers to accommodate weather
Light blanket for evenings
Your favourite yoga or exercise mat
Pillow or cushion for your comfort
Toiletries and bath towel.
Swim Suit and towel
Hat/Cap and sunscreen
Walking Shoes (for exploring the grounds and the farm)
Thongs, sandals or slides
Fridge available if you wish to bring your own snacks or special foods.
Medications you require
Please note, this is an alcohol free retreat.
For specific food requirements, please contact Krishna Village for more details.
As per Krishna values, fish, eggs, and meat aren't available on the menu.
FAQs
- Do I need previous experience with yoga or meditation?
No previous experience is necessary. The Essence welcomes beginners as well as those who already have an established yoga or meditation practice. The retreat is designed to meet you where you are, with guidance and support throughout. An open mind and a willingness to give yourself time to rest are all you need.
- What is Vedic Rounding, and what makes it different from other meditation practices?
Vedic Rounding is a structured practice combining specific yoga postures, pranayama (breathwork), Vedic meditation and periods of deep rest. Rather than relying on sitting meditation alone, it brings movement, breath, meditation and rest together in a repeated sequence. Practiced over several consecutive days, it offers an opportunity to become more familiar with stillness, relaxation and the experience of settling beyond habitual mental activity. Your facilitators will guide you through the process.
- What if I'm not sure this retreat is for me?
Schedule a call with Zilla at the following link.
https://scheduler.zoom.us/zilla-carina/introduction-to-personal-coachingBring any concerns or questions you have to your scheduled zoom call, and Zilla will have your answers.
Alternatively, send Zilla an email at hello@zillacarina.com
- Is Vedic Rounding physically demanding?
The yoga postures used in Rounding are beginner-friendly, and the practice includes periods of rest and meditation. You don't need to be flexible or particularly fit to attend. Let your facilitators know about any injuries, mobility limitations or health considerations beforehand so they can discuss whether the practice is appropriate for you and what modifications may be needed.
- What can I expect to experience during the retreat?
Everyone's experience is different. You may experience deep relaxation, greater stillness, fresh perspectives, expanded states of consciousness, or a renewed connection with yourself. You may also notice thoughts, emotions or physical sensations as you slow down and become more self aware and attentive. There is no particular experience you need to achieve, and no pressure to share anything personal. The invitation is to practice, rest and notice what unfolds for you.
- What is included in the retreat price?
Your retreat price includes:
the scheduled retreat program
guided Vedic Rounding
complementary sessions with your facilitators
on-going weekly post-retreat support
Essence Goodie Bag, thoughtfully curated with surprises to support your personal journey, with an approximate value of $400.
- How do I select and book my accommodation?
Once you have registered for the retreat, visit this link to select and book your accommodation.
The accommodation options are listed below. Price includes 3 nights accommodation and 3 wholesome delicious meals.
Budget Room w/ Shared Bathroom – AUD $375.00
Budget Double Room w/ Shared Bathroom – AUD $405.00
Lotus Pod Room w/ Shared Bathroom – AUD $435.00
Private Cabin w/ Ensuite – AUD $597.00
Bhakti Guest House King Room (With Ensuite) – AUD $597.00
Bhakti Guest House Twin Room (With Ensuite) – AUD $807.00
Bhakti Guest House 3-Share Room (With Ensuite) – AUD $807.00
Cottages – AUD $435.00
Tent Campsite – AUD $264.00
CamperVan Site – AUD $285.00
Commuter – AUD $195.00 (meals only)
- What food is provided?
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?Krishna Village serves wholesome vegetarian and vegan meals, with fresh produce from its farm where available. Please advise us of any allergies, intolerances or dietary requirements before the retreat so we can clarify what can be accommodated. If you have a severe allergy or a medically necessary dietary restriction, please discuss this with us before booking.
- Will there be free time, or is the program structured all day?
The retreat balances guided practice with spacious time for rest, reflection and exploring the natural surroundings. Between sessions, you may enjoy a walk through the farm, time by the freshwater stream, quiet reading, journalling or simply doing very little. Optional on-site offerings may also be available at an additional cost.
- Do I need to participate in every activity?
The program is an invitation rather than a performance. We encourage you to engage with the scheduled practices while listening to your own needs and respecting your personal limits. If something feels uncomfortable or you need a break, please speak with your facilitators. You are not expected to share personal experiences or participate in any exercise that doesn't feel right for you.
- Will I need to share personal information or emotions with the group?
No. Some sessions may invite reflection, connection or optional group sharing, but you always choose what you wish to disclose. We aim to create a respectful, compassionate environment where participants can connect at their own pace. Confidentiality within the group will be discussed at the beginning of the retreat, with the understanding that everyone helps protect one another's privacy.
- What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing for yoga and meditation, layers for changing weather, walking shoes, swimwear and a towel if you'd like to enjoy the stream, personal toiletries, any medication you need, and a reusable water bottle. A light shawl or blanket may be useful for meditation and relaxation. A complimentary journal will be provided, so you can use it to capture reflections and insights throughout your stay.
- What is the weather likely to be like?
The Essence Retreat takes place during late Spring in Australia's subtropics.
Perfect Swimming Conditions: November brings warm, sunny days with average daytime temperatures sitting comfortably in the mid-to-high 20s°C (high 70s to low 80s°F). This makes it the absolute prime season to utilize the property's natural freshwater swimming spots and creek, or take day trips out to Cabarita and Kingscliff beaches before the intense mid-summer humidity peaks.
Afternoon Showers: As summer approaches, the region begins to see occasional late-afternoon subtropical downpours. The rain keeps the massive permaculture gardens looking incredibly lush and vibrant, but it is smart to pack a light rain jacket.
- What happens after the retreat?
The intention is for your experience to continue supporting you after you return home. Weekly online gatherings will continue, helping you integrate your experience and stay connected with the insights and practices that resonated most deeply.
- Can I attend on my own?
Yes. Solo travellers are welcome and our small group offers opportunities to connect without pressure.
- What is the group size?
The maximum number of retreaters is 12. This ensures an intimate setting, and allows us to provide you with personal attention.
- What is the cancellation and refund policy?
100% refund is available up to October 29 directly through Humantix.
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