Emergence: A Journey Through Practice
1 week retreat with Donna Southwell
16 January - 23 January 2027
As we emerge from the depths of winter - it’s a time to start looking to the year ahead, feeling what’s stirring within us, looking at where we want to direct our energy. This is the perfect time of year for a retreat, using the beautiful practice of Ashtanga yoga as a framework to encourage self-inquiry and gaining a better understanding of ourselves. During this week you will use the ashtanga sequences to create our own personal practice that works for you, based on where you are at this time in your life
Course Description
A week spent on a retreat, away from the stresses of everyday life, really gives us the opportunity to take a deep dive into our practice, to have the space, time and energy to explore whatever this throws up. The commitment of showing up on the mat every day, however we are feeling, brings us face to face with ourselves, all our patterns and resistances.
Practising with the same group every day also allows us to work on a much deeper level, we get to know each other, to trust each other, which sends signals to our nervous systems that we are safe. This helps us to further break down barriers, open up and allow ourselves to be vulnerable which is when we can allow transformation to occur.
We live in a world where people feel increasingly isolated and separate, this week is about connection - connection to ourselves, to others and to the world around us. Working in harmony with nature and the seasons we will balance the active practice with deep rest. The aim is for the practice to help support our lives, to challenge us without exhausting us, to replenish rather than deplete us.
Deep rest - most of us live busy chaotic lives, trying to juggle many plates at the same time. Time our for ourselves is essential as is getting enough rest, especially in the depths of winter. Each day will include a session of deep rest. Giving ourselves permission to spend this short time every day in which to fully surrender with absolutely nothing being expected of us. The benefits of this are huge and will also balance the strength of the ashtanga practice.
Retreat Schedule
Mornings will start with silence and stillness before moving into Mysore style (guided) self practice. The final class of the week will be a led Primary series
Afternoon sessions will balance active practice with deep rest. We will focus at looking at asana in detail - focusing on alignment, key actions and energetic principles as well as techniques. There will be chanting and pranayama on alternate days. Each session will end with deeply restorative yoga nidra.
Journaling
I encourage journaling throughout the retreat. Time will be given for this in some of the afternoon sessions but you may also like to take time for this either first thing in the morning, after practice or in the evenings. I will give questions to encourage reflection and there will be the opportunity to discuss what comes up in small groups.
A typical week, with subject to change
Saturday
Arrival after 3pm
5:30pm Introduction meeting
6.30pm Dinner
8-10am Silence and Stillness / Mysore self practice
10:30am Brunch
4 -6:15pm Afternoon Workshop:
- Journaling: Where we are | What we need | Where we want to go
- Pranayama or Chanting
- Foundations - looking at the standing postures in detail - alignment and hands on . assistance to encourage understanding
- Yoga Nidra
6.30pm Dinner
10:30am Brunch
4 -6:15pm Afternoon Workshop:
- Pranayama or Chanting
- Seated postures - Techniques, alignment and assisting
- Yoga Nidra
6.30pm Dinner
8-10am Silence and Stillness / Mysore self practice
10:30am Brunch
6.30pm Dinner
8pm Yoga Nidra
Wednesday
8-10am Silence and Stillness / Mysore self practice
10:30am Brunch
4 -6:15pm Afternoon Workshop:
- Journaling, Pranayama or Chanting
- Play - Handstands, Arm balances, Jumping forwards and back - having fun!
6.30pm Dinner
10:30am Brunch
4 -6:15pm Afternoon Workshop:
- Journaling, Pranayama or Chanting
- Opening the front of the body - Backbends.
- Yoga Nidra
6.30pm Dinner
10:30am Brunch
6.30pm Dinner
8pm Evening Fire Ritual
Saturday
Check out at 9 am
9am Simple Breakfast
About the Teacher
Donna Southwell has been practising Ashtanga yoga since 1999 when she first discovered a teacher in Rishikesh, North India. She made her first visit to Mysore in 2002 and started to teach full time in London in 2003 where she practised with, and assisted, her teacher, Hamish Hendry, at Ashtanga Yoga London. In 2012 she received her level 2 Authorisation, to teach the Ashtanga primary and intermediates series, form R. Sharath Jois.
Donna has gained a wealth of experience in her 20 plus years of teaching - she had the luxury of being able to devote her life to practice whilst living in London in her 20s and early 30s, making long trips to Mysore. However she also understands the challenges of keeping up a consistent, inspired practice whilst having a busy family life.
This practice sustained her through two pregnancies, bringing up young children and teenagers (who went to Mysore with her on a number of trips), becoming a single mum and through and beyond menopause and all that throws at you. She understands that it is not always possible to get up at the crack of dawn, or earlier, and commit yourself to two hours on the mat - that practice has to support your life, not become it.
Her style of teaching very much reflects all of her life experience. She teaches an alignment based style of Ashtanga in a very open, light hearted way whilst still respecting the roots of Ashtanga as she learnt it.
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.
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.
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.
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, Casita 1, Casita 2, Tao
Shared: 1350 GBP/week
Available: Danae 1, Venus, Casa Blanca
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, Bella Durmiente
Shared: 1250 GBP/week
Available: 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: Sold out!!
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 (2 male 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!
Book this retreat
To book this retreat, complete the form on our Make A Payment page