Frequently Asked Questions
for International Sayuri Academy Retreats
What is the Mysore Vegan Chef Training 2026?
This is a Level 1 Cooked Vegan Chef Training offered by Sayuri Healing Food Academy in collaboration with Rasayana Mysore Kitchen. It’s an immersive 13-day program (12 nights) focused on hands-on plant-based cooking, blending culinary skills with yoga, nutrition talks, and community building. The training emphasizes cooked vegan cuisine from around the world, including Italian, Middle Eastern, Japanese, and South Indian dishes, while incorporating Eastern philosophies like Ayurveda and Chinese tonic herbs. It’s designed for beginners and experienced cooks alike, with a maximum group size of 16 participants divided into sub-groups of 4 for personalized learning.
When and where is the training held?
The retreat runs from 23 March to 4 April 2026 at Chitravana Resort Mysuru, a peaceful forest sanctuary just outside Mysore, India. Classes occur daily from approximately 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM (with a lunch break), leaving time for optional yoga. The first day is arrival and welcome (no classes), and the final day ends around 4 PM with a graduation party.
What if I want to come earlier / stay longer?
We encourage you to arrive a day early and leave a day after the course ends. This will give you more peace of mind and will allow you to settle in before we start. Contact us directly after you have booked your course and we will help you book.
Extra nights will be charged separately at $45 (Standard) or $55 (Cottage or Deluxe) per night. You can contact us after payment to arrange your extensions.
What should I know about arrival and departure?
Arrive at the Retreat well before 5 PM on 23 March for welcome circle and dinner. Plan flights after 4 PM on 4 April. Round-trip transfers from the airport are included. The drive from the retreat center to the airport is ~4 hours so please plan accordingly.
After booking, you can email or WhatsApp your flight details to us so we can arrange the Airport Transfer for you.
What accommodation options are available?
Choose from Standard (shared or private), Deluxe, or Cottage rooms, all with AC, hot water, and access to resort amenities like the common pool and resort facilities. Select your preference during booking.
What is included in the price?
The all-inclusive package covers 12 nights’ accommodation (Standard, Deluxe, or Cottage options: shared or private), all 100% plant-based vegan and gluten-free meals (including class lunches, welcome dinner, and graduation party), daily yoga sessions, the full chef training and certification (valued at $1,990), hands-on classes with manuals and apron, airport transfers (Bengaluru Airport round-trip), field trip, tastings, on-site amenities (WiFi, pool, AC, filtered water, doctor on call), and non-alcoholic beverages.
What is not included?
International or domestic flights, alcoholic beverages, extra massages or transport (available at additional cost), food orders outside included mealsand any VISA cost. Travel Insurance & medical expenses are also not included.
What is the daily schedule like?
On class days: 9:30 AM–12:00 PM (morning session with demos and hands-on practice), 12:00–1:00 PM (lunch break featuring class-made meals plus café buffet), and 1:00–3:30 PM (afternoon session). Mornings or evenings can include optional yoga led by an experienced instructor. There’s one day off for rest or an optional Balinese cultural excursion. The program includes live tastings, food evaluations, a field trip to a local vegan café, and a final project where you create your own dishes.
Do I need prior cooking experience to join?
No prior knowledge or experience in vegan or plant-based cooking is required. It’s suitable for beginners, health professionals, aspiring chefs, or seasoned cooks new to vegan methods.
What resources can I use to prepare for the training?
Start with documentaries like Forks Over Knives, Earthlings, Cowspiracy, or Dominion. Books such as David Wolfe’s Superfoods, Gabrielle Cousens’ Conscious Eating, Becoming Raw by Brenda Davis, or The China Study by T. Colin Campbell are great. Search YouTube for “Raw Food,” “Gabrielle Cousens,” or “David Wolfe,” and explore FoodMatters.com for inspiration.
Are children or babies allowed?
For safety reasons, children and babies are not permitted to attend this retreat.
Should I get travel insurance?
Yes. We recommend travel insurance for every attendee. Please find a suitable insurance based on your personal situation.
How much does the training cost?
Prices start at $2,610 for the all-inclusive package (accommodation, meals, yoga, transfers, and certification). Payment is secure via PayPal or credit card, with immediate confirmation upon checkout. Accommodation type selection follows on the booking page.
Are there any discounts available?
Yes, we offer an influencer discount program: up to 50% off for those with 100,000+ engaged followers in health, yoga, or food wellness. You can contact us to explore this option.
How do I book, and what is the capacity?
Book online until spots fill up. We confirm in order of payment receipt. Maximum capacity is 16 participants, so we recommend booking early. Once full, submissions close.
What certification do I receive, and is it recognized?
You’ll earn a Plant-Based Vegan Chef Level 1 certificate from Sayuri Healing Food Academy, detailing your skills in basic kitchen techniques, nutrition, and world cuisines. While there’s no global standard like Yoga Alliance, a Sayuri Certification is well known and very well-regarded in the plant-based culinary community and includes listing in our alumni Chef Directory for networking.
What equipment or items should I bring?
Bring your favorite knife (e.g., 18–21 cm blade like Global, Wüsthof, Shun, or Victorinox). Also bring comfortable clothing for yoga/cooking, reusable water bottle, and enthusiasm!
Manuals, aprons, and workstations are supplied.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations are allowed up to 30 days before the retreat starts. Refunds are calculated minus 10% transaction cost. Bookings are non-transferable without prior written approval.
Still have a question?
Please contact us on WhatsApp via the button on this page or email us at [email protected]
