Ashtanga Yoga Immersion & Yoga Teacher Training

Step into a world of transformation and tranquility with our Ashtanga Yoga Immersion & Teacher Training at Porto Santo. Set against the tranquil embrace of Porto Santo’s pristine shores, this is your opportunity to connect deeply with the ancient Ashtanga practice, whether you're embarking on a personal journey or seeking to become a certified yoga teacher.

For those who seek a soulful retreat

• Immerse Yourself in Ashtanga: Begin each day with the rhythmic flow of Mysore-style practice, guided by the sun’s first light. Explore the subtleties of the Ashtanga Vinyasa system, finding balance and inner peace amidst the island’s breathtaking beauty. Revel in workshops that delve into the philosophy and anatomy of yoga, and let the tranquil surroundings inspire your practice.

• Rejuvenate and Connect: Embrace the island’s serenity with optional excursions and beach time. Let your spirit roam freely, or share moments of connection with fellow practitioners, finding joy and inspiration in the collective experience. Whether you join us for one week, two, three, or the full month, this retreat promises to rejuvenate your soul and deepen your practice.

For those who dream of teaching

• Embark on Your Teacher Training Journey: Dive into a comprehensive 200-hour Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training designed to cultivate your skills as a yoga teacher. Traverse the depths of the AVY Primary and Intermediate Series, and explore the art of teaching with workshops that illuminate the path to effective and safe instruction. Complete your journey and become a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) with Yoga Alliance, opening doors to a world of teaching possibilities!

• Grow and Shine: Engage in personalised guidance and practice teaching, nurturing your growth as a teacher. Reflect on yoga philosophy and integrate your learning into practice, preparing to share the gift of yoga with others. Your training will be supported by a community that values authenticity and dedication.

About the Retreat/YTT

Week 1 | Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga

From October 26th to November 1st

Perfect for beginners and practitioners alike! Dive deep into the fundamentals of the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Primary Series over 6 intensive days. Learn each asana individually, understand its purpose, sequence, benefits, and modifications. Begin each day with a rejuvenating yoga session, followed by focused workshops and afternoon excursions. Evening talks on yoga philosophy and history await!

Program:

• Led Class /Mysore Style

• Brunch

• Yoga Nidra

• Workshop: Asana Alignment

• Yoga Discourse: Evolution of Yoga and Yoga Sutras

• Dinner

• Meditation

Weeks 2 & 3 | Embrace the Mysore Style

From November 3rd to November 8th & November 10th to November 15th

Developed in Mysore, India, this traditional practice style is personalised and profound. Practice in silence under the watchful eye of a teacher who offers individualised adjustments. Experience dynamic meditation as your body engages fully, allowing vital energy to flow. Sessions adapt to your rhythm, spanning 1 to 2.5 hours. Includes Primary, Intermediate, and Advanced Series. Week 2 focuses on Yoga Philosophy, and Week 3 delves into Yoga Anatomy and Physiology.

Program:

• Pranayama / Vipassana Meditation

• Mysore Style

• Brunch

• Yoga Nidra

• Discourse: Samkhya Philosophy & Ayurveda | Yoga Anatomy & Physiology

• Workshop: Asana Adjustment | Preparing for Intermediate Series | Teaching Methodology

• Dinner

• Meditation

Week 4 | Teacher Training Immersion

From November 18th to November 23rd

For the first time, enjoy another week of Mysore-style practice like Weeks 2 & 3. For those enrolled in the full month teacher training, Week 4 shifts focus to teaching practice and practical exams. Assist in Mysore sessions, lead guided classes, and master advanced adjustments of the Primary Series. Deepen your understanding of Yoga Philosophy, exploring the Yoga Sutras and Bhagavad Gita.

Program:

• Pranayama / Vipassana meditation

• Mysore Style

• Brunch

• Yoga Nidra

• Discourse: Bhagavad Gitta and Becoming Free

• Workshop: Asana Adjustment | Teaching Practice

• Dinner

• Meditation

The Teachers

Simon Loughlin

Born in 1971, Simon's profound journey into yoga commenced in 2000 upon completing a solitary bicycle expedition from his homeland in Ireland to India. His exploration of diverse yoga styles and traditions eventually led him to the transformative practice of Ashtanga Vinyasa. Initially drawn to its evident benefits for adventure sports such as surfing, biking, and rock climbing, Simon's connection with Ashtanga deepened as he recognized it as a pathway to meditation. Simon's commitment to yoga transcended personal practice; he authored a novel, "In Darkness the Seed of Light," rooted in yoga philosophy. Through his venture, Saoirse Yoga, Simon endeavors to share the profound insights and liberation offered by yoga, guiding students to develop their unique personal practice and unlock the transformative power of meditation.

Cristiano Pestana

Cristiano's teachings seamlessly blend his love for movement with a deep understanding of the human body. His Yoga journey commenced in 2010, marked by triumph over hernias and disc issues through dedicated practice. After delving into Ashtanga Yoga and learning from renowned teachers in India, he certified as a Yoga teacher in 2018, where he reignited his exploration of human anatomy - previously acquired during university - through hands-on investigation of musculature and biomechanics. Cristiano's dedication extends to Yoga Therapy, deepened during an immersive experience observing and assisting a Yoga therapist in Goa, aiding those with injuries and illnesses. His approach harmonizes scientific precision with holistic well-being, drawing from a diverse background in sports and martial arts to foster a profound mind-body-spirit connection among his students, unlocking the transformative potential of Ashtanga Yoga.

Alyson Simeone

Alyson teaches Ashtanga Vinyasa through the framework of bringing breath and movement into union, fostering a somatic experience of grace and harmony within the body-mind complex. Before immersing herself in Ashtanga, Alyson dedicated years to the study of classical piano and ballet, performing in both disciplines for over a decade. Her academic journey led her to a Bachelor's degree in Ayurvedic Medicine, laying a foundation for her holistic approach to Yoga. Alyson's devotion to the practice and teaching of Ashtanga has been unwavering, even amidst life's challenges. After a near-fatal car accident resulting in a complete femur break and surgery, she found solace and healing through modifying and practicing the 1st and 2nd Series. Alyson continues to share her passion for Ashtanga through teaching and adjustments. Her current academic research focuses on the concepts of the soul and methods of liberation within Sanskrit texts, particularly Āyurveda’s Carakasaṃhitā and the Sāṃkhya-kārikā.

Matilde Silva

Matilde’s Ashtanga Yoga journey began unexpectedly in April 2023, quickly capturing her heart and leading her to Cristiano Yoga School. Immersing herself fully, she adopted a rigorous early morning practice and advanced her training at Asturias Yoga, where she engaged deeply in study and personal growth. Her path included observing and assisting at Cristiano Yoga School, enriching her understanding of Yoga Therapy and adjustments. Completing her 200-hour YTT at Asturias, she was awarded a scholarship for further advanced training, marking a significant milestone. In just a year of sea churning, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga has transformed Matilde’s life, teaching her to embrace impermanence, cultivate equanimity, and find contentment in every moment. Through this journey, she has confronted and transcended deep-seated samskaras, the hala hala of her past that surfaced in her physical body. She has learned to embrace both the challenges and the blessings of the practice, understanding that the journey is as important as the destination. The practice has not only been a physical discipline but a profound inner exploration, revealing both light and shadow. Committed to sharing the profound gifts of Ashtanga Yoga, Matilde seeks to spread love, light, and healing within her community and beyond, inspiring others to discover their own paths of transformation.

Location

A Casa do Góis. Nestled in Barroca, Vila Baleira, on Porto Santo Island, the house is just a 10-minute stroll from pristine beach and a quick 5-minute walk to the town center and supermarket. You can enjoy the island breeze in the house’s gardens, rinse off under the outdoor shower with heated water, and savour mouthwatering vegetarian BBQ delights. Complete with cozy bed linens, plush bath towels, and provided WiFi, our house ensures your comfort as you immerse yourself in the tranquility of Porto Santo.

Nutrition

Cristiano and Matilde, our vegetarian cooks, work their magic with simplicity and creativity. In their kitchen, they believe in making the most of what's available, blending our combined knowledge and experiences to find harmony in every dish. Their down-to-earth approach, using local ingredients, herbs, and spices to craft colourful and delicious meals, shines through in every bite. On this retreat you will savour the results of their passion for cooking, where each bite tells a story of synergy, creativity, and a love for the culinary art.

Prices & Payment Plans

Pricing Options

Retreat

Full Month | 28 nights, 29 days

• Retreat (without accommodation): 2,750€

• Retreat + Shared Room: 3,000€

• Retreat + Private Room (1 guest): 3,750€

• Retreat + Private Room (2 guests): 6,450€

Week | 5 nights, 6 days

• Retreat (without accommodation): 700€

• Retreat + Shared Room: 850€

• Retreat + Private Room (1 guest): 1050€

• Retreat + Private Room (2 guests): 1800€

Drop-ins

Full Morning

• Day: 15€

• Week (5 days): 60€

Morning Practice & Brunch

• Day: 30€

• Week (5 days): 125€

Payment Plans

1x: full payment until October 12th

3x: 1/3 payment in 3 times

• 1st instalment: June 12th

• 2nd instalment: August 12th

• 3rd instalment: October 12th

5x: 1/5 payment in 5 times:

• 1st instalment: June 12th

• 2nd instalment: July 12th

• 3rd instalment: August 12th

• 4th instalment: September 12th

• 5th instalment: October 12th

Deposit of 250€ required to reserve your spot.

Refund Policies

• Full Refund until the 26th of September 2024.

• Partial Refund (50%) after the 26th of September 2024 until 2 weeks before the Retreat.

• No Refund within two week before the retreat, no refund will be provided.