8 Day Yoga Retreat with Deepak and Emely in Akyaka, Turkey
Peaceful Yoga Retreat in Turkey
This is one of the most popular yoga retreats offered in Turkey.
Travel with Deepak from India and Emely from Denmark on a unique yoga retreat to Emely’s home village on the Turkish coast. This retreat is all about real, heartfelt yoga in beautiful and peaceful surroundings — a place where you can slow down, reconnect, and truly feel the energy of nature. Nestled between mountains and sea, our small village offers a unique atmosphere: quiet, genuine, and full of life. Far from mass tourism and close to the elements and nature.
Meet the instructors
Highlights
- Daily yoga sessions
- Pranayama, meditation, and yoga Nidra
- Excursions to hidden local gems
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Transfer to yoga shalas/restaurants
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Yoga styles
6 days with instruction in English
Average daily hours of activity: 4
Accommodation
Facilities
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
- Lounge
- Parking lot
Welcome to Elif Hotel – OceanSoul's beautiful home base during your retreats in Akyaka.
The hotel is uniquely located right by the crystal-clear Azmak River, where you can start your day with a refreshing swim or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings with views of the water and nearby mountains. The atmosphere is calm, grounding, and perfect for settling into the retreat experience.
The rooms are bright and spacious, many with private balconies and views. Comfort is a priority here, with air conditioning, quiet surroundings, and sound-isolated rooms to ensure deep rest and relaxation.
The hotel also offers a large pool area with sunbeds, a breakfast buffet, a gym, and a 24-hour reception. At the same time, everything you need is within walking distance – the kite beach, swimming beach, and the charming town center of Akyaka with its cafés, restaurants, and small shops.
Here, you get the best of both worlds – peaceful nature just outside your door, and vibrant local life only minutes away.
Program
Throughout the week, you’ll experience authentic yoga guided by Deepak, who brings traditional Indian teachings, and Emely, who blends grounding practices with her deep love for this place she now calls home. Expect a mix of yoga, meditation, pranayama (breathwork), yoga nidra, community, and meaningful living as we share the best of what Akyaka has to offer!
Each morning begins with yoga by the beautiful freshwater river, and the evening classes will be next to the sea, in a village yoga shala, and at a sunset viewpoint of the whole bay. Throughout the week, we’ll take you on excursions to hidden gems in the area – including a sunset viewpoint overlooking the bay, a local market, a boat trip, and more.
All levels are welcome, but be aware that it will require a lot physically as well as mentally. This retreat is especially for you who want more than just a holiday — you want to connect, breathe, learn, and experience yoga in its pure form.
Daily schedule
Day 1
- 18:00 Welcome meeting at the hotel + welcome dinner
Day 2
- 08:00 - 09:30 Morning yoga next to the river
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Short walk to show the area
- 16:00 Afternoon yoga with a view of the bay + sunset
- Dinner at the beach (sunset view + feet in the sand)
Day 3
- 07:30 - 08:00 Pranayama
- 08:00 - 09:30 Morning pranayama + asana
- Breakfast at the hotel
- 11:30 - 12:30 Azmak River boat trip
- Free time
- 16:00 departure with taxi to yoga in a cute shala + dinner to the nearby village
Day 4
- 08:00 - 09:30 Morning yoga next to the river
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Boat trip to amazing surrounding bays
- Dinner in town
Day 5:
- 07:30 - 08:00 Pranayama next to the river
- 08:00 - 09:30 Yoga next to the river
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Free time
- 16:00 Departure to viewpoint - sunset yoga with view of the whole bay + local Turkish pancakes for dinner
Day 6
- 08:00 - 09:30 Yoga next to the river
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Trip to local Turkish food market (walking distance)
- Yoga free afternoon
- Dinner in town
- 20:00 Yoga Nidra at the hotel
Day 7
- 07:30 - 08:00 Meditation next to the river
- 08:00 - 09:30 Yoga next to the river
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Free time
- 16:30 Yoga
- Closing circle
- Dinner in town
Day 8
- No yoga
- Breakfast and goodbye hugs
OceanSoul reserves the right to make adjustments to the program if needed, while always ensuring the best possible experience for their guests.
Included excursions
Excursions to hidden local gems, including a stunning sunset viewpoint, local market, and boat trip.
Instructors
Emely Freja
Emely Freja acts as tour guide, yoga instructor and kite coach on our kitesurfing & yoga camp. Emely has been living in Akyaka, Turkey since 2019. Since 2010, Emely has lived her dream around the world, where she has trained and taught both kitesurfing and yoga. Emely is 2 x Danish & 2 x Turkish champion in kitesurfing (2019, 2020 & 2021). She has several kitesurfing instructor trainings behind her. Both of Emely's parents are yoga teachers and she has grown up with the lifestyle. In 2015, she was trained 500RYT through Yoga Alliance and has since shared her great knowledge with yoga students
Retreat location
Nestled along the serene shores of the Aegean Sea, Akyaka is a tranquil village that embodies the essence of the Cittaslow movement. Recognized as a member of this global network, Akyaka embraces a slower pace of life, focusing on sustainability, local traditions, and an unspoiled natural environment.
Here, life is about savoring the moment—whether strolling through lush pine forests, enjoying the calming flow of the Azmak River, or indulging in delicious farm-to-table cuisine. The village’s unique architecture, blending traditional Ottoman and Mediterranean styles, adds to its charm, making Akyaka a haven for those seeking peace and authenticity.
In Akyaka, every detail invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with what truly matters. It’s not just a destination; it’s a way of life.
Food
Daily breakfast is included in the price.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Organic
- Pescatarian
- Whole food
Things to do (optional)
If you’d like to add a touch of adventure to your yoga holiday, you can also book kitesurfing lessons during your stay. Akyaka is known as one of the best places in the world to learn, thanks to its steady, reliable wind and shallow, beginner-friendly spot. OceanSoul collaborates with skilled local instructors who know the conditions inside and out, so whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to progress, you can explore the magic of kitesurfing safely alongside your yoga practice.
- Option to rent SUP and Kayak.
Spa treatments
Turkish hammam and massages are available at an additional cost.
What's included
- 10 yoga sessions with Deepak and Emely
- Pranayama, meditation, and yoga Nidra
- Participation in group dinners and community activities with Deepak and Emely
- Excursions to hidden local gems, including a stunning sunset viewpoint, a local market, and a boat trip
- 7 nights accommodation in a shared double room at a lovely hotel by the beautiful Azmak River
- A large traditional Turkish breakfast every morning
- Transfer to yoga shalas/restaurants
- Member of the Danish Travel Guarantee Fund
What's not included
- Travel insurance
- Flight ticket
- Remaining meals
- Beverages
- Private room option
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Transfer available for additional US$ 116 per person
Dalaman Airport
56 km away from your destination
Transfer available for additional US$ 175 per person
Milas–Bodrum Airport
62 km away from your destination
Arrival by airplane
You can fly to either Dalaman airport (approx 1 hour away from Akyaka or Bodrum approx 1.5 hours away from Akyaka.
Direct flights are also available from most major cities both in Europe and the rest of the world.
It is recommended that you check out Turkish Airlines or Pegasus (more budget-friendly)
-Arrival by taxi
OceanSoul cannot provide a fixed taxi price at the moment, as rates fluctuate due to inflation. They do not take any commission from the taxi company. The prices will be approx 100 EUR from Dalaman and 150 EUR from Bodrum.
If you are a few people who will arrive at the same time, OceanSoul will manage it so you can share a taxi. A driver will be waiting with a sign with your name on it upon arrival.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
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