Prema Shanti is a small yoga and meditation retreat in the Daintree Rainforest of far north Queensland, run by its founders since the 1990s. It's open 365 days a year with flexible arrival dates, so it suits solo travelers and couples who want quiet, daily practice and no phone signal.
What it's like
Prema Shanti is a small, personal yoga and meditation retreat in the Daintree Rainforest of far north Queensland. It's the kind of place where the teachers live on site and have done for decades: co-founder Janardhan McIntosh has been the resident yoga and meditation teacher here since 1997, and co-founder Mara Staffieri runs the retreat as director. The official website now lives at a .com.au address, and the retreat says it's open 365 days a year.
The rooms are boutique-style with shared bathrooms, set directly below the yoga and meditation temple, and each one looks out into the rainforest. There's no wifi in the rooms or the yoga center and no mobile reception on the property, so this is a real chance to switch off. Family can reach you through the main reception line if they need to. The retreat is alcohol-free and smoke-free.
The programs
You choose your own arrival day, which is unusual and handy. Stays come as:
- 3 nights, billed as a rainforest immersion
- 5 nights, a balance of practice and rest
- 7 nights, a deeper, quieter week
- Flexible nightly stays if none of those fit
The FAQ says guests stay about 5 nights on average, and longer is recommended. Check-in runs from 2pm to 5pm.
A typical day starts at 7am with meditation in the Rainforest Temple, opening with chanting and held in silence, followed by time for questions and a dharma talk. Breakfast is simple: tropical fruit, nuts, muesli and yogurt. The middle of the day is yours. Lunch isn't included, and the retreat points you to local cafes. You can read in the library, rest in a balcony hammock, book a massage, or head out to Thornton Beach, Cape Tribulation, rainforest walks and swimming holes. Evening yoga is at 6pm and is shaped to the group, from a lively flow to restorative work, sometimes ending with chanting, breathwork or sound. A communal vegetarian dinner follows at 7:30pm.
The teaching isn't tied to one style. Janardhan has drawn on Ashtanga, Iyengar, Vinyasa and Yin over the years, and classes focus on alignment, posture and breath, adjusted to each person's body. Both beginners and experienced students are welcome.
Who it suits (and who it doesn't)
Prema Shanti is a good match for:
- Solo travelers wanting a gentle, structured routine without a fixed group start date
- Couples looking for a quiet rainforest break with daily practice
- Beginners who want small, personal classes
It's probably not for you if you need constant connectivity, want a big resort with a full spa menu, or prefer a packed daily schedule. Shared bathrooms also won't suit everyone.
Getting there
The retreat is at 103 Turpentine Road, Diwan, in the Daintree region of Queensland. The website doesn't publish detailed directions, so contact the team on +61 7 4098 9006 when planning your route and arrival time.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to arrive on a set day?
No. The retreat operates year-round and lets you check in on the day that suits you, between 2pm and 5pm.
Is it suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. Classes are designed for everyone from beginners to advanced students and are adapted to each person.
Which meals are included?
Breakfast and a communal vegetarian dinner are part of the daily schedule. Lunch isn't included.
Is there wifi or phone signal?
There's no wifi in rooms or the yoga center and no mobile reception on the property.
Can I drink alcohol there?
No. Prema Shanti is alcohol-free and smoke-free, with smoking allowed only in the car park.
