Ashtanga with Inna and Ian 

13 January to 20 January 2024
A retreat with Inna Costantini and Ian Cheney

Join Inna and Ian for a week of Ashtanga and Yin Yoga

Each morning will begin with traditional Mysore style self practice. Here we allow each student to follow their own pace, welcoming everyone from complete beginners to advanced series practitioners. In the afternoon sessions, we allow space for a more in depth exploration of Yoga as a whole.

The teachers, Ian and Inna, have a combined 25 years of experience in teaching classes and workshops across Europe and Asia. Their integrated backgrounds in practice and teaching will offer an inspiring perspective on Ashtanga  as we understand it today.

Retreat schedule

Retreat schedule
7am-9.30am: Mysore Classes (6 days)

Ian & Inna teach traditionally as they have themselves learnt Ashtanga yoga. A balance between the strength and structure of the system with the flexibility of the individual needs of each student.

All are welcome to the Mysore class. This is a great way to begin an Ashtanga practice, for it is only natural in the self-practice scenario that a person may start to grasp the power of their experience of breath and deeper embodiment in a way that feels right for them.
 
Workshops: TIME TBA

Binds and twists
Finding the subtle spaces. How to use the body in ways to limit the need for overstretching while maintaining better balance. Mixing core anatomy with practical trigonometry, Ian helps develop understanding of how to get deeper into poses even where students are less flexible.

Spine and hips
An exploration of the intermediate series: an insight into the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the practice. Taking time to explore possibilities, individual modifications and alignment, whilst adapting some poses to our unique selves, we will seek to free up pathways that help us find greater ease and space in our body.

Yin Yoga and meditation
A time to slow down and turn inwards. In Yin Yoga, there is space to go within, pause, observe, and simply ‘do’ less. Here, postures are held for longer periods of time, to allow a deep release of tension, encourage greater awareness and soothe the nervous system.

The Eight Limbs
How we can incorporate Patanjali’s eight steps into our practice and everyday life. 


Teachers

Inna Costantini

Inna has been teaching Astanga yoga in London for over 15 years, and has led classes and retreats in Goa, Berlin, Paris, Italy and Scotland.

Inna first discovered yoga in London in 2000. With a background in media, anthropology and a stint in PR, she swiftly chose to trade her desk for a yoga mat, to study yoga at its source. She practiced, as well as assisted, for over ten years under the guidance of Hamish Hendry at Astanga Yoga London. In Mysore, she received the Authorisation from R.Sharath Jois in 2014.

Inna is grateful for all the teachers and students she has shared the practice with, to Rolf Naujokat for his continuous inspiration, and to Norman Blair for his teachings of Yin Yoga.

Inna is fascinated by yoga in all its forms, its effects, and the intricate links between physical and mental well-being. She loves helping and watching students develop, and believes yoga is a lifelong learning process: a dedicated, regular – and yet non dogmatic– practice can only bring forth increased energy and happiness.


Ian Cheney
Ian was first introduced to Ashtanga Yoga in the early 2000’s by a friend at University and has been hooked on the practice ever since. After working in the City for many years, he began teaching in 2012, serving an apprenticeship with Gingi Lee as well as completing teacher training with the world renowned John Scott. He travelled to Mysore to the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute for the first time in 2014. After returning each year, Ian was granted Authorisation to teach by Sharath in 2017.

Ian left the UK in 2016 and began teaching internationally including Australia, Bali, China, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and Thailand. Ian is now settled in Berlin, where he runs Free Breathing Ashtanga Yoga. Ian brings with his teaching the dedication and enthusiasm he has within his own practice. He believes that yoga is a deeply personal experience and encourages students to find their own space, in balance with the wisdom of the tradition. Fundamentally though, while yoga can be challenging on many levels, first and foremost it should be a loving, warm and fun experience for all.


Practical details about the retreat center

Currently the internet at the retreat is not reliable. If you are dependent on internet for work, we ask you to bring your own data on your phone, to which you can connect your laptop, if needed. Phones work very well. There is also a cafe 10 minutes from the retreat with good internet, however, it is a busy cafe and not very suitable for work. 

Finca Naranjas, (previously Cristoforo), our retreat centre, is a very simple yet beautiful place, built by an architect named Denis Devaris, who had an intention to create a meeting point for Spiritual seekers. Built slowly over 30 years using volcanic rocks from the island, the rooms are all unique with their own distinct personalities featuring beautiful details and personal touches. Given the nature of these types of buildings, imperfection is to be expected with a plumbing system not quite up to modern standards! However, set right into the land with a wonderfully lush garden, Finca Naranjas, really is an oasis in South Tenerife. When packing for your retreat, make sure you add warmer clothes. From December till March the mornings and evenings can be quite chilly. The rooms are not heated, but are equipped with cozy duvets and hot water bottles for the beds. All rooms are equipped with a water kettle.

The meals
The food served at the retreat will be mainly vegan and completely vegetarian, prepared freshly everyday by our wonderful retreat chefs. We try were possible to use local and organic products. We sometimes use eggs or dairy in the kitchen. If you have food allergies/sensitivities, please let us know. Gluten free options are available. We have a self service tea & coffee station for guest use and try to provide fruit for snacking during the day.
You have the option to enjoy your food either inside or outside in the beautiful garden.

The practice
Maximum number of students is 25.
Morning classes will be taught with maximum 16 students in each class.

Practice will take place inside the beautiful wooden garden Shala. Savasana is usually taken outside to make space in the Shala, especially during full retreats and occasionally afternoon workshops will take place outside. Make sure you pack warm practice clothes for Savasana.

Arrival day and check out. 
The rooms are available after 3pm. The retreat starts with an introduction meeting at 5pm, followed by dinner at 6.30pm. All students should aim to arrive for the introduction meeting. The first practice is on Sunday morning and the last practice is on Friday in the morning. The check out is on Saturday at 9am. 

Accommodation
We have 4 different accommodation options. The list below shows the rooms that are available to book. 

Premium rooms
The premium rooms are the largest rooms at the retreat. These rooms have attached indoor bathrooms.
Shared: 1250 GBP
Currently available: Venus, Casa Blanca, Danae 1

Single:  1550 GBP
Currently available: Bella Vista, Casita 1, Casita 2, Palmera

Standard
The standard rooms are smaller than the premium rooms. These rooms have attached, indoor bathrooms.
Shared: 1050 GBP
Currently available: Ficus, 5 Peldanos,

Single: 1350 GBP
Currently available: La Granja 1, La Granja 2

Budget
The budget rooms are the smallest rooms at the retreat. Some of the rooms share bathrooms, a few of them are outdoors bathrooms. In a few of the rooms there may have disturbance from the road.
Shared: 900 GBP
Currently available: Fuente 2, Pino de Oro, Bella Dormiente (1 female spot available)

Single: 1200 GBP
Currently available: Fuente 1

Dormitory ( 3 persons sharing)
The dormitory is a spacious room for 3 persons. It has an attached bathroom. 
Shared: 780 GBP
Currently available: Danae 2 (2 female spots available)

The accommodation price is all-inclusive (includes accommodation, all meals and yoga). There is an option to pay a deposit of 50% of the full amount to secure your place. The deposit is non-refundable and the balance must be paid at least 4 weeks prior to the start date.

Please note that we have a limited amount of single rooms for this retreat. Before booking a single room confirm availability with us on info@yogagoa.com.

To book this retreat, follow the link below and complete the form to make your payment. 

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