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Deepen your Ashtanga Yoga sadhana with two immersive weeks of study, practice, and self-inquiry with David Robson and Jelena Vesić.  

Whether you are new to Ashtanga or have been practicing for years and wish to refine your understanding, this retreat offers expert guidance, thoughtful alignment, and in-depth exploration of the method — all in the inspiring setting of Purple Valley, Goa.

Course Description

Join David and Jelena for two transformative weeks of morning practice and afternoon workshops designed to support both personal growth and technical understanding of Ashtanga Yoga.

This retreat is an opportunity to step fully into the rhythm of daily practice while studying with teachers who are deeply committed to preserving the tradition and making it accessible to modern practitioners. Together, we will explore how the practice supports the body, steadies the mind, and deepens our connection to ourselves.

All students are welcome — from complete beginners to experienced practitioners. Classes and workshops are structured to be accessible, supportive, and appropriately challenging for all levels.

The focus of the retreat is deepening your sadhana through the seated practices of Pranayama and Mindfulness, and the moving meditation of Ashtanga’s vinyasa system. Come prepared to immerse yourself in the subtle details of breath, movement, and attention that make this practice so powerful.

Daily Schedule

Saturday 27 February 2027
Arrival Day
Students will have access to the rooms after 2pm.
6pm Welcoming meeting followed by dinner. All students should try to participate in this first get together.

Sunday 28 February to Saturday 13 March 2027
*Please note that the timings of classes may be changed and adjusted to best nourish the teaching environment and the student. Additional activities not mentioned on the schedule may be added.

Morning Practice

  • Sunday to Thursday
     Each morning begins with led pranayama and guided mindfulness, followed by Mysore-style practice.
     Mysore is the traditional method of learning Ashtanga, where students of all levels receive individualized guidance and support.
  • Fridays
     Morning practice will be a Led Primary Series, taught in the traditional Sanskrit vinyasa count.

The workshops are on Sunday/Monday/Wednesday/Thursday.Morning Practice

Afternoon Workshops

Each week includes four in-depth workshops designed to refine your technique, expand your understanding, and bring greater intelligence to your practice.

Workshop themes include:

  • The Yoga in Vinyasa
  • Sun Salutations 101
  • Assisting Fundamentals
  • Conference/Q&A
  • Forward Folds & Backbends
  • Unique Vinyasas
  • Twists & Open Hips
  • Shapes & Patterns

David and Jelena bring decades of combined teaching experience and a passion for helping students develop practices that are sustainable, intelligent, and deeply personal.

About The Teachers

David Robson

David Robson is a Certified teacher of Ashtanga Yoga in the tradition of Sharath Yoga Centre (SYC) and the director of the Ashtanga Yoga Centre of Toronto, home to one of the largest Mysore programs outside of India.

David began his daily practice in 1998 while studying Comparative Religion at university. In 2002, he made his first journey to Mysore, India, where he began his studies with his teacher Sharath Jois. He has returned regularly since, deepening his practice and teaching through ongoing study.

Widely known for his educational and engaging yes/no tutorials on social media, David has become one of the most recognizable voices in the global Ashtanga community. He teaches the morning Mysore program in Toronto and leads workshops and retreats worldwide with his wife, Jelena.

Jelena Vesić

After completing four years of doctoral studies in Political Science at York University, Jelena chose to dedicate herself fully to teaching Ashtanga Yoga. She has been teaching since 2014 and now leads the evening Mysore program at the Ashtanga Yoga Centre of Toronto.

Jelena first discovered yoga through dance. As a former ballet dancer of sixteen years, the structure, discipline, and precision of Ashtanga felt immediately familiar. Drawn to the mindfulness of movement and the centrality of breath, she made Ashtanga her sole focus in 2009.

Jelena has maintained a daily practice for over a decade and holds Level 2 Authoriazation from the Sharath Yoga Centre. She is also deeply influenced by Buddhist teacher and clinical psychologist Jack Kornfield, and she has completed his two-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program.

Outside of yoga, Jelena is passionate about animal rescue and adoption advocacy. She often shares her love for #adoptdontshop and the joys of life with her two rescue dogs, Goku and Khani.

Booking Information

Please read the Terms & Conditions before booking a retreat.

Accommodation Options

Take a look at our accommodation options: