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Ashtanga Yoga Retreat

with Philippa Asher

28th June - 4th July  2025

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About the Retreat

This is a wonderful opportunity to practice  with Philippa Asher,  one of a few Ashtanga yoga practitioners in the world (and the only British woman), to be Certified to teach the traditional Ashtanga yoga method, by Sri K Pattabhi Jois. She has learned the Primary, Intermediate, Advanced A and Advanced B Series directly from Guruji and Sharath (at the Krishna Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore, India) and shares the Ashtanga system, internationally.

As well  enjoying daily Ashtanga guided self-practice, counted Primary Series classes and afternoon workshops,  guests can indulge in mouthwatering plant based food, luxury accommodation, stunning views,  some of the best Mediterranean beaches in Italy and charming historical towns. 

This retreat is limited to a maximum of 12 students to allow for a more personal and intimate experience. 

All levels of Ashtanga yoga practitioners are welcome.

What's included?

  • 6 nights accommodation

  • 2 delicious plant based meals daily, to include breakfast/brunch and evening dinner

  • Light snacks and refreshments including, a selection of teas, coffee, water & fruit

  • Wi fi internet connection

  • Daily guided Ashtanga self-practice 

  • Sanskrit counted led class

  • Technique / safe alignment workshop

  • Chanting, pranayama and  meditation

  • Yoga philosophy  and history 

What's not included?

  • Flights

  • Transport to/from the retreat centre ( YogApulia can help organise local taxis, this will be an additional cost paid direct to the taxi driver)

  • Travel/medical insurance

  • Massages - available upon request at additional cost

More about Philippa

From London, Philippa Asher is one of a few Ashtanga yoga practitioners in the world (and the only British woman), to be Certified by Sri K Pattabhi Jois, to teach the Ashtanga yoga method in his tradition.  She has learned the Primary, Intermediate, Advanced A and Advanced B Series directly from Pattabhi Jois and Sharath (at the Krishna Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore, India) and shares the Ashtanga yoga system Internationally. 

 

After completing a vocational ballet school training from age twelve (Bush Davies School of Theatre Arts), five years at Surrey University studying Dance Anthropology, History and Performance and then a Post Graduate degree in the Education of Adults, Philippa taught at universities and ballet companies all over the UK.

 

In the late Nineties (after moving into the media, film and music industries), she randomly walked into an Ashtanga yoga class in London. It was a life-changing incident, that made complete sense. Philippa began learning/practising the Ashtanga yoga system, daily before work.

 

For over twenty years she studied for several months each year at KPJAYI (now called Sharath Yoga Centre) in Mysore and on tour, practising under the guidance of guru Pattabhi Jois and his grandson Sharath Jois.

 

In 2006, Philippa established and ran Triyoga Soho’s Ashtanga self-practice programme in London. She taught there for five years before relocating to South India, to build her own shala (on a coffee estate in the Western Ghats). ASHTANGA NIRVRTA is a stunning homestay yoga retreat, which aims to bring Ashtanga yoga to all levels of practitioners, in nature, without distraction.

 

Philippa also leads workshops and self-practice residencies at studios in London, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia and on retreats worldwide.  ASHTANGA NIRVRTA LONDON is where Philippa holds her London Ashtanga Guided Self-Practice Weeks.  When not in the studio, she teaches Online One-to-Ones and Sanskrit Counted Primary, Intermediate and Advanced A Series classes and pranayama.

 

Her approach to sharing yoga asana (from beginners to more seasoned practitioners) is serious, yet light-hearted and joyful.  Her emphasis is on good technique, safe alignment, the synchronisation of vinyasa (Sanskrit-counted, coordinated moving/breathing sequences) with tristhana (alignment of breath, gaze points and movement), passing on the exact method as taught by Pattabhi Jois from the late 1990s and embracing the essence of Patanjali’s sutras on yoga and asana.

 

Philippa’s dedicated passion for Ashtanga yoga, background as a trained dancer and experience as a qualified teacher, gives her an intuitive and sound understanding of bodies, yoga asanas, people and how they learn.  www.ashtangaphilippa.com

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.

To book this retreat or if you have any questions please contact Mark at  mark@yogapulia.com or include your details in the form below.

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