Ashtanga Yoga, Buddhism and Meditation retreat with Ellen Johannesen and Minka Qvale
16th - 22nd August 2025
About the Retreat
This is a unique chance to meet Ellen Johannesen, a KPJAYI level 2 authorized Ashtangi, and study
Ashtanga Yoga, Buddhism and meditation with her. Ellen, who has more than 30 years of teaching
experience also holds a master’s degree in Tibetan Buddhism and Himalayan Languages. She will
share with us the wisdom of the Buddhas teachings and introduce us to some of the life-changing
meditation techniques that can be practiced by anyone.
Teaming up with Minka Qvale, this teacher -duo will make sure you receive the maximum assistance and attention in your personal Ashtanga practice. In the Mysore class we make plenty of room for individual assessment and facilitation- whether you are an advanced practitioner, new to Ashtanga or perhaps going through a rough patch in your practice: Ellen teaches Ashtanga in her characteristic way, supplying the terse Counted Vinyasa method with her playful approach to movement – drawing on dance and applied anatomy. Minka will help you facilitate functional movement patterns bringing depth and awareness to your practice.
In the afternoon, the workshop-style sessions alternate between Ashtanga technique, somatic exploration, and Buddhist philosophy and meditation. Having awakened the body through physical practice, we slow down to prepare for stillness and self-inquiry: Ellen and Minka will lead us through kinetic awareness and breathing techniques into mediation sessions focusing on compassion loving- kindness, joy and equanimity. These form a path towards a greater sense of resilience joy and connection with all living beings. The serene and quiet setting of Yogapulia and its surroundings form the perfect setting for retreat and inquiry
What's included?
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Six nights accommodation
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Two delicious plant based meals daily, to include breakfast/brunch and evening dinner
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Light snacks and refreshments including, a selection of teas, coffee, water & fruit
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Wi fi internet connection
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Six morning ashtanga sessions
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Morning ashtanga
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Afternoon workshops
What's not included?
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Flights
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Transport to/from the retreat centre ( YogApulia can help organise local taxis, this will be an additional cost paid direct to the taxi driver)
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Travel/medical insurance
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Massages - available upon request at additional cost
More about Ellen & Minka
Ellen Johannesen, originally a professional dancer, has practiced and taught Ashtanga yoga for more than 30 years. She first visited Mysore and Pattabhi Jois in 1997 and was later Authorized Ashtanga level 2 by Sharath Jois. Ellen also completed a two-year Teacher Training med John Scott and started the first Mysore programs in Norway and Nepal. An increasing interest in Buddhist practice brought her to Bylakuppe, South India, where she spent almost three years in a Tibetan Buddhist monastery.
She later moved to Nepal where she obtained a master’s degree in Buddhist studies and Himalayan Languages from Kathmandu University. Ellen presently teaches yoga and Buddhism retreats and workshops in Nepal and internationally. She has since 2020 run In-Depth Teacher trainings with her colleague Minka Qvale for Onyoga, Norway.
Minka is a long time Ashtanga Yoga practitioner and teacher, who has done extensive studies with Kia Naddermier, Richard freeman & Mary Taylor and David Keil. Her specialty is assessment of body patterns and finetuned adjustments. Minka is currently undergoing studies in Trauma informed Yoga with Josefin Wikström. She holds a master’s degree in Comparative Literature and is the co-founder of Onyoga. She has since 2020 run In-Depth Teacher trainings with her colleague Ellen Johannesen for Onyoga, Norway.
Accommodation and Facilities
Our retreat centre is set in 2.5 acres of grounds in a valley filled with olive and almond groves.
Accommodation consists of six twin rooms and one double room all with private ensuite bathroom. All rooms have been renovated to a high standard using locally sourced materials, to create a luxurious yet simple and understated feel. A large outdoor courtyard provides the main communal eating space, and several outdoor terraces offer a place to relax in the sun or the shade.
Situated at the heart of the complex, the swimming pool acts like a colourful meeting point – with the blue water combining with the green olive trees and the red soil.
Food plays a central role in both our yoga practice and life. We believe food should be varied, unprocessed and nourishing to promote energy and wellbeing. The food we serve is plant based. All produce we source and grow at YogApulia is local, seasonal and organic wherever possible.
Refreshments are also available throughout the day and include tea, coffee, water & fruit.
The international airport at Brindisi is approximately 40 minutes drive away and Bari is further to the north approximately 55 minutes drive. Hiring a car in Puglia is relatively inexpensive and provides a great way to explore the surrounding countryside, local historical towns and beaches. Both Bari and Brindisi airports have a large selection of hire car companies including Avis and Hertz. It is recommended to book a car before your arrival. Alternatively, we can arrange a taxi to collect you on your arrival.