Ashtanga Yoga + Nature | Monica Arellano

Immerse in nature, dive deeply into Ashtanga yoga, meditation and the philosophies supporting it, stay in a sustainably built and run off-grid retreat center, connect with community, carve out time to pause and reflect, swim in rivers, sleep under the stars.

During this week-long retreat, we will apply the techniques of Ashtanga Yoga with a therapeutic lens, so that it supports everything that’s uniquely present for you. We won’t force the practice to look any one particular way. Rather, we will work together to clear the path towards a practice that heals and reflects the process of knowing yourself more fully.  There will be dedicated time in the Mysore room and workshops to explore the practice and how we  can move through it with a compassionate and intelligent touch.

We limit sign ups to a small group offering each participant individualized attention so that we can create a practice that truly works for you, by not only using conventional Ashtanga but also by thinking outside the box to bring in other techniques where it’s helpful. We also enjoy the dynamic of a small group outside the yoga room, offering plenty of time and space to really get to know each other.

We’ll take time in nature, by immersing ourselves in its raw beauty and allowing our experiences to inspire and energize us. We settle in the mountains of Portugal for a week and live as close to nature as possible without sacrificing comfort. This isn’t a luxury retreat though, it’s one that will ask you to strip down to the essentials, because then it’s possible to truly settle into what nature wants us to experience… ourselves. The eco pods you’ll sleep in have comfortable warm beds during cool nights but are simple, so you’ll hear the sounds of nature and see the light from the stars. The foods you eat will be vegetarian and fresh from the local gardens so full of flavor and nourishment. The spa experience is spreading local clay all over your body before jumping into the cold rivers, spending nights in the sauna and swimming in the natural pool. Cara Creek is a little slice of paradise with quality where it matters - in its easy access to nature, cleanliness, well run facilities, and personal attention to each participant.

If you don’t have a lot of experience in the Mysore room, this is a great opportunity to ease into it with a welcoming space and intimate group. You’ll get plenty of one on one guidance so you’ll learn how to practice on your own with the support of community. After this week you’ll be ready to join any Mysore class or have a daily home practice, if you don’t already. If you aren’t sure if this retreat is for you, feel free to reach out and ask!

It would be an honor for you to join us for our second time at Cara Creek in the mountains of Portugal. The first time was magic and we can’t wait to see what the next trip brings us all.

July 20-27, 2024