Authentic Ashtanga - Make the Tradition Work for You

1 week of Ashtanga with Adam Keen

03 April to 10 April 2027

The practice of modern yoga means understanding the basic foundations of the yoga method in order to authentically and effectively reappraise what we are doing now. This means how we authentically define and use terms like tapas, bandha, svadyaya (self-study) and even isvara pranidhana (devotion to god) in the modern context.

Expect to come away from this retreat having a clear road map for you to then use yourself, as to how you want to understand and use yoga going forward. Workshops will be clear, based on tradition translated into modern language, equally there will be room for debate and interaction.

If you find yourself on the plateau, whether injured, confused or simply bored, in your practice, this time should re-inspire and realign you on your own personal journey with yoga.

Adam is non-dogmatic and won’t hold you back unnecessarily. His Mysore self-practice classes follow the traditional Ashtanga sequences and it is asked that you have memorised at least up to the standing postures for you to get the most from your time and for the benefit of the group. It’s OK if you need practice sheets in class as a reminder, you can use props and modify asanas to suit your own needs and Adam will help with this too.

There will be 6 morning Mysore self-practice classes, 4 asana / teaching workshops and 5 yoga philosophy / history / breathwork sessions.

All physical levels and ages are welcome on this retreat, and we are known for being a friendly group without cliques, hierarchy or favourites.

Retreat Schedule

Mornings will focus on self-practice classes and asana workshops, and we will meet again in the afternoons for some breathwork, meditation and discussions.

Arrivals: Saturday 03 April - Check-in 2pm

Departures: Saturday 10 April - Check-out 9am

Meals

08.30am: Fruit and tea

10.30am Brunch

6.30pm: Dinner

Classes

Ashtanga Self-Practice

07:30 - 09:00am: Sunday to Friday,

A self-practice class following the traditional Ashtanga sequences with verbal instruction and light physical assistance. Adam does not believe in forcing people into postures and focuses on safe and non-intrusive assistance, he offers directions for you to experience asanas in a comfortable and stable way. All physical abilities are welcome and it’s OK if you need practice sheets, props or to modify asanas to suit your own needs. Please have most of the Ashtanga primary series sequence memorised.

Asana Workshops

09.15 – 10.30am: Sun, Mon, Wed & Fri

Sunday - An Introduction To The Week And Summary Of Fundamentals

What differentiates a 'yoga stretch' from a regular one? The answer is bandha. A term that has often been treated with too much ambiguity, it can be explained in simple language as how to hold the force of a posture effectively through the spine and its supporting muscles. Or, another simpler way to look at it, is

Monday - Working With Bandha in the Primary Series

A look at how to apply the principle of bandha to the familiar postures of the Primary Series one by one. Using the idea that we are playing with the use of pressure inside the body as opposed to simply trying to disperse it. This workshop is designed to be clear, practical and hands on.

Wednesday - Back Bends

It's often assumed that we should relax bandha altogether when performing these postures. But this only means we end up stretching into the area of the lower back that's already usually over-flexible. Instead, if we consider the technique of wrapping instead of bending, we start to feel comfortable and stable in these postures, whatever our natural ability with them

Friday - Jump Through and Jump Back & Strength in Yoga

There's not many opportunities to build strength in yoga practice. So, we shall take a look at how we can maximise this along with giving the basic tips and tricks for the jump through and back movement. Then, to conclude we will go through a strengthening sequence together that can be incorporated in your daily movement practices.

Breath Work, Meditation, Philosophy, history of yoga, Q&A

5:00 – 6.00pm: Sunday – Thursday

We come together for a varied and lively discussion on yoga philosophy, the history of yoga, and more. This is always followed by a breathing practice and short meditation to finish.

*This schedule is subject to slight changes due to attendees etc.

About the Teacher

Adam has been a yoga practitioner since 1999 and has taught Ashtanga yoga internationally for over twenty years. His style is open, non-dogmatic and eclectic while remaining rooted in an appreciation of the benefits of the method of Ashtanga as he learnt it in Mysore, India.

In 2012 he completed the Advanced A sequence with Sharath who granted him authorisation to teach.

Adam meets all students where they are, hopefully, with humour, kindness and inspiration, holding a safe and supportive space for personal enquiry. Equally at home teaching all levels, he gives all students attention and interest. He is democratic in his approach and kind and believes that the practice should not feel like a test. Coming from an academic background in philosophy and a professional one as a chef, he is knowledgeable, practical, and relatable in his approach. Many consider him humorous too.

Adam and his wife Theresa run the online yoga platform Keen on Yoga and he hosts the Keen on Yoga Podcast interviewing many of the world’s most renowned Ashtanga teachers and philosophical academics.

Instagram: @adam_keen_ashtanga & @keen_on_yoga

Practical Information About The Retreat Centre

Our retreat centre, Finca Naranjas (previously known as Cristoforo), is a simple yet deeply beautiful sanctuary nestled in the heart of South Tenerife. It was lovingly designed by architect Denis Devaris, who envisioned it as a meeting place for spiritual seekers. Built slowly over the course of 30 years using volcanic rock from the island, each room carries its own unique charm, full of character, thoughtful details, and personal touches.

The Meals

Our meals are prepared with love by our wonderful retreat chefs, offering fresh, wholesome dishes that are entirely vegetarian and mostly vegan. Wherever possible, we use local and organic ingredients to support both your wellbeing and the surrounding environment. Occasionally, eggs or dairy may be included in some meals.

If you have any food allergies or sensitivities, please let us know in advance. Gluten-free options are available.

We also have a self-service tea and coffee station available throughout the day, and we do our best to provide fresh fruit for light snacking between meals. You’re welcome to enjoy your meals either indoors or outside in the peaceful beauty of our garden.

The Practice

Our retreat offers an intimate practice setting, with a maximum of 25 students and morning classes limited to 16 participants for a more personal experience.

Sessions are held in our beautiful wooden garden Shala. During full retreats, Savasana is often enjoyed outdoors to create space in the Shala, and some afternoon workshops may also take place outside.

Please pack warm layers for practice, especially for Savasana, as mornings and evenings can be chilly.

Arrival & Departure

Rooms will be ready from 3:00pm on arrival day. The retreat begins with a welcome meeting at 6:00pm, followed by dinner at 6:30pm. We kindly ask all students to arrive in time for the introduction.

Our first practice session takes place on Sunday morning, and the final practice is on Friday morning. Check-out is on Saturday at 9:00am.

Accommodation

Please find below the available accommodation options, along with the pricing. You can find pictures of the rooms by following the link in room category titles below.

Premium Rooms

Premium Rooms are the most spacious and comfortable accommodation option at the retreat, featuring larger interiors and private indoor bathrooms.

Single: 1600 GBP/week
Available: Palmera

Shared: 1350 GBP/week

Available: Venus, Casa Blanca, Danae 1

Standard Rooms

Standard Rooms are more compact than the Premium Rooms while still offering a comfortable stay. Most include attached indoor bathrooms, while Bella Durmiente and Ficus feature outdoor bathrooms. La Granja consists of two rooms sharing one bathroom.

Single: 1500 GBP/week
Available: Pino de Oro, 6 Peldaños, Bella Durmiente

Shared: 1250 GBP/week
Available: La Granja, 5 Peldaños

Budget Rooms

Budget Rooms offer a simpler accommodation option with shared bathroom facilities and may experience some light noise from the nearby road.
Single: 1400 GBP/week
Available: Fuente 1

Shared: 1200 GBP/week

Available: Fuente 2

Community Rooms

Community Rooms accommodate up to three guests of the same sex in a shared space designed for a more social and affordable retreat experience.
Shared: 1100 GBP/week

Available: Danae 2 (3 spots)

Shared: 1000 GBP/week
Available: La Huerta (3 spots)

The accommodation price is all-inclusive, covering your stay, all meals, and yoga sessions. To secure your place, you can pay a 50% deposit of the total amount. Please note that the deposit is non-refundable, and the remaining balance must be paid at least 4 weeks before the start date.

Please note that single rooms are limited for this retreat. Before booking, kindly confirm availability by contacting us at info@yogagoa.com.

Please use the link below to reserve your spot for the retreat!

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