Practical spirituality – Journey into Consciousness Retreats

Woke culture, wellness retreats, magic medicines and more – seeking spirituality in Ibiza can be a minefield of woo-woo if you don’t know where to look. Seek and ye shall find however, specifically in the peaceful and picturesque countryside of Santa Agnes this season, where a new series of grounding yoga retreats uses a practical approach to inspire, empower and transform those seeking greater meaning from life. Hosted by experienced international yoga teachers (and island residents) Blair Hughes and Malvina Kang Hughes, the Journey into Consciousness retreats at Es Cucons are based around a powerful-yet accessible vinyasa yoga practice, pranayama and mediation – tools you can take back into everyday life and live your true purpose.

“Journey Into Consciousness is a yoga retreat for people who are willing to explore their true nature,” explains Blair. “We’re capable of so much more than we are often doing, and we want to empower people to uncover, unfold and transform – to really get to know themselves, to question the narrative and to live consciously without being afraid.” It’s a retreat where you’ll delve deep into the physical, emotional and mental foundations of yoga in order to experience the spiritual benefits of observing the mind, the body and the breath. “I’m often mindful about using the word spirituality as it can make people feel un-grounded, when in fact, we use a very practical approach,” he continues. “But there’s still a lot of magic and insight in it as well.”

Highly accomplished yoga teachers Malvina Kang Hughes and Blair Hughes host a series of six-day immersive Ibiza yoga retreats at Es Cucons.

The intention behind Journey Into Consciousness is pure love and dedication – both Blair and Malvina are living, breathing examples of the benefits of their practice and lifestyle. They’ve long dreamt of sharing their experiences, expertise and knowledge with like-minded yogis in a special location like Es Cucons. It took just one gloomy, rainy yet joyous winter weekend to inspire the couple to relocate their young family to Ibiza in 2022 – originally the trip was meant to be a quick island hop from their former base in Mallorca to check out the neighbouring Balearic Island. From the minute they drove off the ferry however, there was no question that they’d found a new home. “I turned to Blair and said: ‘Can you feel that?’ We both agreed there was a beautiful energy here,” Malvina recalls. “It’s so still, grounding and centring, full of light and clarity. There’s no hype in winter – we saw it for its true nature.”

From that moment on, integration into island life was serendipitous – the dream house on thriving farmland appeared at the right time, usually hard-to-secure spaces at the right school opened up immediately for the kids, and they discovered the ideal location to host their dream yoga retreats just a few minutes away from their new home in Santa Agnes. “Running retreats has been in our field of consciousness for the last five years or so,” says Blair. “We knew when the time was right, we’d do it. And when we got to Ibiza, everything fell naturally into place.” Journey Into Consciousness found its home at Es Cucons, a gorgeous family-run Agroturismo hotel exuding a down-home luxury with a penchant for wellness that resonated perfectly.

Unlike other wellness retreats, there are no distractions like hikes, massages, beach trips or late-night cocktails throughout Journey Into Consciousness. “We’re going to practice, and we’re going to go deep with it – it’s very powerful,” says Blair. Groups are limited to a maximum of 20 guests to ensure personalised experiences. A typical day starts at sunrise with meditation and pranayama (breathwork), with two vinyasa yoga classes, workshops on yogic philosophy, holistic health, herbal medicine, hydration, sleep, soul guidance and much more taking place over the course of the day. An evening Satsang (a reflection circle) brings the night to a close before students retire to their beautiful single or double dwellings to reflect on the day’s learnings and observations.

The signature vinyasa classes at Journey Into Consciousness are described as dynamic, strong and transitional but also very accessible – you don’t need to be the most bendy or flexy student to get the most out of it, but you do need to have a determined mindset to give your best, along with the willingness to get to know yourself better. “The way we teach can challenge someone advanced, but can also encourage a beginner,” explains Blair. “We always make our vinyasa classes very inclusive, which comes from our many years of teaching experience.” Between them, Blair and Malvina (both E-RYT 500-hour certified yoga teacher trainers) have over three decades of practical teaching experience, crossing continents from Australia and Asia to Europe.

The spring and autumn retreats are designed to deepen your practice, connect you with your true self and uncover your unique gifts and talents.

Born into a family of healers, Malvina spent much of her life surrounded by ancient yogic practices (she began practicing herself at the age of 12), natural medicines and a general holistic way of living. She is the founder of the renowned Hom Yoga studios in Singapore and is also a certified herbalist, with natural supplementation, herbal medicine, flower essences and kinesiology all coming into play within her teachings. Her deep knowledge and understanding of her practices help her to connect with students on a soul level, helping identify their own purpose and meaning. “Malvina has a very impactful, influential and direct voice when teaching,” says Blair. “She’s a very, very clear and strong communicator and can command positions with clarity, whereas I bring a little more philosophy and feeling into the room.” Students at her trainings and classes are always very empowered by her – she really lives it.”

When asked to describe Blair’s teaching style, Malvina almost echoes his words – it’s clear their methods are complementary on the Journey Into Consciousness retreats. “Blair is very intuitive and impactful,” she says. “He weaves in this potent yoga philosophy into a very powerful, dynamic and rhythmic session—his classes are very influential. He gives people the space to grow and trust in themselves, to follow him as they transform and evolve.” Blair’s gentle nature and Scottish lilt create a commanding yet gentle presence – one honed over several decades of practicing sports visualisation, meditation and his true passion, yoga – that guides his students beyond the physical space and into the realm of transformational.

To keep guests fuelled up for each day’s practices, organic meals are provided three times a day by the beautiful in-house restaurant at Es Cucons – holistically curated by Blair and Malvina – with much of the produce used coming fresh from the fertile land of Ibiza. Expect cleansing, nourishing dishes filled with colour and real authentic flavours. “We see Journey Into Consciousness retreats as an extension of our lifestyle,” says Malvina of the menu, and additionally, the alcohol-free experience. “We’re sharing the way we live.” There’s plenty of me-time available plus the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with Blair and Malvina, alongside the fluid, organically led group sessions. “No retreat is ever the same,” says Blair. “Of course, we work from an outline but the flow is dependant on the dynamic and energy of each group.”

The first Journey Into Consciousness retreat at Es Cucons takes place from May 07 to 12, 2023 – coinciding with the beautiful warm spring weather in Ibiza, with further retreats slated for the autumn season. Immersed in the countryside, beneath Balearic blue skies and golden glow of the sun, it’s the perfect time to tap into your potential through the power of yoga, meditation and breathwork. You’ll emerge from your week in Ibiza filled with positivity, confidence, a settled mind and a strong sense of self-awareness. “We want people to leave the retreat feeling empowered,” says Blair. “And to have the tools to really implement a daily meditation and movement practice into their lives – it’s a compelling ritual they can bring into their day, wherever they are.” Your Journey Into Consciousness starts here…

Yoga on demand: Nourish & restore

Ibiza Retreats founder Larah Davis led a restorative and calming evening yoga practice live from Ibiza, in collaboration with White Ibiza and Transformation Station on Wednesday January 27, 20121. Now, tune into the grounding, laidback and relaxing 25-minute class at any time you like – magical Ibiza vibes streamed into your home on-demand. The perfect way to wind down after a long day.

If you’ve enjoyed practicing with Susie and would like to delve deeper into your practice, Ibiza Retreats are hosting HUMAN R’EVOLUTION: an online retreat from January 29 to 31, 2021 – a three-day deep dive into wellness that includes one-to-one wellness coaching, grounding morning practices, inspirational afternoon workshops and restorative evening sessions.

White Ibiza readers receive a special discounted rate of just 99€ (reduced from 295€) to take part in this very special, community minded experience – a chance to connect with your like-minded tribe, practice and learn live with experienced teachers and professionals and feel completely supported throughout your journey. Visit the link below to find out more and sign up – enter the code WHITE at checkout to receive your discount.

The best retreats in Ibiza in 2020

Everybody starts off the year with the best of intentions; to get fit, to get healthy, to practice yoga more, to eat less – whatever the plan, by the time spring comes around, it’s fair to say the struggle gets real. Fortunately, that is exactly when the Ibiza retreat season kicks in, and whatever you’re looking for in your life, you can be sure there’s an island escape that’s perfect for you. From fitness and fight clubs, to yoga and gong baths, plus feminine goddesses and nature hikes on mountain tops, now is exactly the time to make the most of the temperate weather and the tranquil island nature as you revive, reenergise, revitalise and regenerate with some well-deserved me-time.

Ibiza Retreats, Private Locations

With over 10 years’ experience in holistic yoga healing, and a series of three signature retreats taking place in some stunning mountain top locations across the island, Ibiza Retreats is the island’s original retreat company, facilitating holistic healing for hundreds of yogis and corporate clients over the years. GLOW works on deepening and expanding your yoga practice with a journey through the physical asanas; HARMONISE tunes into mindfulness, and sound healing, while NOURISH develops women’s empowerment, aligning with the natural cycles and rhythms of the feminine. Co-founders and teachers Larah Davies, and Susie Howell bring their life experiences and yoga teachings to the mat and beyond, joined by a selection of the best therapists in Ibiza to personalise your journey. Corporate clients include Hilary Clinton’s ‘Women in Leadership’ initiative and Vital Voices among others, and the team also design and host bespoke retreats within Agroturismos such as Can Lluc and Can Sastre. Ibiza Retreats photography (including main image) by Sofia Gomez Fonzo

Soul Adventures at Xuclar Beach House, North West

Offering a refreshing escape for the soul, Ibiza’s premier Kundalini yoga and healing experience, Soul Adventures, offers magical and intimate retreats in the far north of the island, just steps away from the bohemian beach cove of Cala Xuclar. With four, five and seven day retreats incorporating shamanic practices, transformational healing and plenty of Kundalini-led teachings, teacher Trish Whelan – who has been describe as a ‘shamanic fairy godmother’ – leads small groups of six to eight people in their quest to find inner peace and radiance.  Trish’s no-nonsense attitude combined with her rock and roll past brings humour, laughter and lightness to the profoundly personal healing going on during her retreats, while the eclectic and unique vibe of the Xuclar Beach House – also Trish’s home – where the retreats take place, vibrates with a powerful energy, helped along by some spectacular nightly sunsets, and a radiant soundtrack to all those kriyas.

Rockovery Retreat at Pikes, San Antonio

Proving that wellness is indeed the new rock and roll, Pikes Ibiza launches its inaugural three-night, four-day Rockovery Retreat within the laid-back boutique venue on Monday April 27, 2020. Designed for for rebels and Ibiza royalty, guests can expect a holiday of self-discovery, wild exploration and some professional training and nutrition, as the retreat aims to connect guests back to nature while re-establishing a healthy relationship with your body, mind and soul alike. Bringing fitness in the form of a Fight Club is Pikes resident personal trainer Franky Vincentio, while founder of Cosmic Pineapple Kim Booth hosts sound healing sessions.Tthere’s also yoga and breathwork classes from experienced teacher Ksenia Goryainova and guided mountain walks from Toby Clarke. Pikes head chef Lee Milne is joined by Professor James Brown to create nutritionally dense dishes for the duration of the retreat and of course, Pikes being Pikes, guests can also dip in and out of that famous Club Tropicana pool and vibe at will.

Birth of Venus with Kelly Morgan at Agroturismo Can Planells

Life coach and women’s activator Kelly Morgan offers 12 fortunate females the chance to give birth to the Venus within themselves at Agroturismo Can Planells in the rural and tranquil north of Ibiza from Saturday April 18, 2020. The Birth of Venus retreat offers a full week of delving into the feminine power to awaken and rebirth the goddess living inside. Through divine initiation ceremonies, massages, hikes, daily morning yoga to embody the changes and ritual dances to embrace the sensual, the retreat aims to liberate you from old traumas and teach trust in the female intuition, in addition to releasing whatever is holding you back in your life’s ultimate pursuit. Highlights include a trip to Es Vedra, Ibiza’s most mystical and iconic limestone rock formation, and a two-hour womb lift massage encompassing mind, body and soul.

Ananda Yoga Retreats Ibiza at Benirras

Ananda means happiness, joy and a state of bliss, which is how you’ll end up feeling after a stay in the north of the island with Ananda Yoga Retreats Ibiza. The brand’s traditional Ibicenco villa mixes the modern with the magical on top of the hillside just close to the legendary Benirras beach. Tastefully decorated with a home away from home atmosphere, the retreat experience is similarly relaxed, allowing you to dip into as much or as little as you need for your own personal experience. Retreats run regularly from May until September, with different teachers to suit every desire. From Jivamukti and classical Hatha, to Kundalini and Vinyasa Flow, there is something for everyone, while still giving guests the freedom to enjoy a holiday too. Chefs offer a tantalising and healing vegetarian menu of locally sourced produce to aid the journey to bliss.

Happy International Yoga Day

I don’t know whose job it is to officially declare these days (to whom it may concern – may I suggest an international Ibiza day please?), and I’m not sure I understand the relevance of the particular date to its selected theme, if you know what I mean. Anyway, let’s just go with it and let me take this opportunity to wish you a happy International Yoga Day! So why am I writing about International Yoga Day in my Ibiza blog? Well, yoga and Ibiza seem to go hand in hand these days. Vogue recently wrote about the magical ‘other’ side to our island, citing yoga as a major element within the island’s overall healing energy – and you know if it’s in Vogue or on the internet (better yet, like in this case: both) it must be true. And one of the things you may not know about me, dear readers (and if you’ve been reading for as long as I’ve been writing, you certainly know a lot), is that I like to consider myself a bit of a yogi. Now let’s hold up a second. Before your mind runs away with you and you start thinking I’m a twisty, flexy, bendy, stretchy, skinny little unicorn-legging clad, glitter-faced person, let me set you straight. I’m definitely not. Nor am I the beautiful yogi you see in the silhouettes of these photos – that’s the gorgeous Miss Y, whose own yogic journey you can read all about in the most recent edition of WHITE Ibiza Magazine – though we could just pretend it is and move right along! You could think of me a little more like the leopard print legging clad Bridget Jones of yoga…

I first discovered yoga, as many girls (and gays) my age did, through our lady of yoga, Madonna. I was working in glossy magazines and had to write more than a few articles about how she got those amazingly toned arms. As it turned out, one of her teachers was based in the city where I was living, and had opened up a beginner’s yoga course so of course, I knew I had to try it as yoga would be the key to toned triceps. And maybe then enlightenment. My friend Miss G and I went to class and learned the foundations of Ashtanga, and then on the way home we’d pass through the drive-thru window of our local KFC or McDonald’s. Clearly, we were learning the physical basics, but the deeper roots and philosophy were not to come to me for many, many more years. My next big intro to yoga came about three summers ago, when I was feeling at my mental and physical rock bottom, and Chief White, aka Miss N, suggested I try yoga to help restore balance in my life – yep, mind, body and soul. I admired her own yogic lifestyle and principles and thought it would be worth taking a leaf out of her book. At this point, I began practicing under the tutelage of the amazing Sebastien Carincotte at Hot Yoga Ibiza, who you can see looking all bendy, flexy and smiley in this picture below. He’s awesome. You should all try a class (or three) there while you’re on the island (don’t let the name fool you – there are classes without sweaty heat if that’s not your thing). Tell him Miss W sent you!

At the same time, I was also commissioned to write a series of blogs for the studio, which allowed me to delve deeper into the philosophies of the practice, and with what felt like unlimited access into Sebastien’s deeply educated yogic brain and the wonders of my friend Google to draw upon, plus my own experience based on my oh-so-slowly evolving practice, I started to feel a connection to the world of yoga. I couldn’t put my finger on the root of the connection. I must admit it wasn’t immediately physical – I hurt every time I did a class. I am not a naturally flexible person and I do anything to avoid physical exercise. But it was the buzz I felt after leaving the class – and perhaps even more interestingly, the buzz I felt after writing these blogs about yoga, that really got me hooked – so thank you, Miss N and Sebastien, for contributing to something that I still feel has the potential to change my life. It was almost addictive (I am feeling it right now as I type). Every time I filed my blog copy, I’d find myself smiling. I mean, really smiling. And not in an ego way (well maybe a little – I mean, let’s face it, I haven’t gone ‘full yogi’ just yet). But I just felt so happy to have researched and learned about these amazing ancient philosophies, techniques and concepts, and I felt even happier to be sharing them with others. I thought, if even one of my blogs could get someone on the mat, then I could make a difference in someone’s life. Wow (oops, there’s the ego again!).

Which leads me to now. Over the past few months, I’ve been fortunate slash lucky (and maybe even hashtag blessed) enough to have interviewed Ibiza’s top ten yoga teachers for White Ibiza, and I have been more inspired by these amazing human beings than by anyone else I’ve ever interviewed before (and I’ve interviewed J.Lo, Kylie and SJP – the aforementioned girls and gays my age will understand the significance of this). You can read all about them in our upcoming Top 10 Yoga Teacher special – watch this space in the next few weeks. We have discussed the ins and outs of Ashtanga, Yoga Therapy, Sivananda, Bikram, CORE 40, Kundalini, Tantra and Jivamukti among other styles, plus what gets these teachers onto the mat in the mornings and what led them to share the practice with others. What I have discovered is each and every one of these teachers is very different, but what they all have in common is a deep love for this island we all call home, or a home away from home if you don’t live here all year round. There is a yoga for everyone in Ibiza. You might have to be a bit like Goldilocks in the beginning, trying them all out until you find the one that is j-u-u-s-t right. But when you find it, and when you get that buzz – you’ll know. You’ll feel it. Practicing yoga in Ibiza is – just like Vogue and the internet told us so – a magical experience. And so today, on International Yoga Day, I hope my own little yogi blog encourages at least one person to get on the mat. Whether you want to come over and enrol in a transformational retreat, try a drop-in class at a studio or even study to become a teacher – if you’re reading this blog right now this minute, take it as a sign and just do it!

Hmm, perhaps I should practice what I preach. At this time of year – you know the score, Ibiza summer, busy busy busy – I have not entered my favourite yoga studio for over two months (I’m sorry! I still love you! I’m coming!), my beloved collection of yoga pants and mats (all the gear, no idea) are gathering dust in a corner and the only cat position that’s happening for me is bending down to give my kitties biscuits in the morning. But as all you yogis out there know, this doesn’t have to make me a non-practicing yogi. Not in the slightest. I still think about the practice every day – and not in a sense that ‘oh, I really should make time for class’ (though that also does cross my mind often). It’s the sense that a true yogi should live their practice. Each and every day, I do my best to do no harm to others (even mosquitos!). I now try to minimise all waste (something I was never very good at doing in the past). I set intentions in the morning and try my best to be a better person. I now try (and this is hard!) not to react instantly to things, but to give them space and time. You know, the physical practice is just one element after all… Oh, would you look at the time? I’ve just missed the 6.30pm class AGAIN. Oh well, I’m going to listen to my favourite Yoga Girl podcast (like 2.1 million other wannabe yogis in the world, I am totally obsessed with Rachel Brathen) and feed the cats some more biscuits and consider my practice done for the day with the signing off (and consequent buzz) of yet another yoga blog. And maybe get some McD’s on the way home (some things never change). Happy International Yoga Day, wherever in the world you may be practicing (or thinking about practicing). Namaste… Yogayda photography by Ana Lui

Jacqueline Purnell

Jacqueline Purnell’s yoga journey has seen her traverse the globe, educating and training yogis and teachers alike. Today she is the Regional Training Officer for the renowned British Wheel of Yoga in London, and she is passionate about constantly updating her own education and skillset in addition to those of her students. Most recently, Jacqueline was invited to teach yoga classes in the iconic V&A Museum in Knightsbridge, London and she is currently supporting a movement lobbying the houses of Parliament to include yoga in the NHS throughout the UK – a move she believes will be successful due to the powerful nature of the research surrounding its health and wellness benefits. Here in Ibiza, she is the founder of Yogashala Ibiza, a beautiful retreat centre on the east coast of the island where she regularly hosts teacher training courses in a variety of techniques including pre and post-natal yoga and SUP yoga.

When did you first discover yoga and what attracted you to the practice? I first discovered yoga at a young age, my mother practiced and would encourage me to join her when she practiced movements and postures at home. My curiosity continued into my teens as I learnt more about yoga, however as a young adult working in the City I found that my work life balance didn’t allow for it. It was during my first pregnancy that I really started to focus on my practice and renew my passion for yoga.

Did you feel an instant connection to the practice? I felt the strongest connection when I was pregnant, which is probably why today I specialise in pre and post-natal yoga. When I was teaching in Egypt, a female obstetrician came to one of the yoga holidays and she said she could tell if women had been practicing yoga when they came the delivery suite. This struck a chord with me as I could see the importance, especially having given birth to two children, in improving the experience of pregnancy, childbirth and the time following the baby’s arrival.

At what point did you make the decision to become a teacher? It was in 1995 when I decided to do my first teacher training. I was attracted to the vocation and I did an initial Yoga Teacher Training with the British Wheel of Yoga. The course was comprehensive spanning  three years andwas a spaced learning course that took place over the weekends. I knew early on I wanted to be a teacher, however no one ever told me you had to jump through so many hoops to get into the course!

Have you done any other trainings? At the same time, I was completing that course, I went to India and worked with Derek Ireland, who was one of the first non-Indian students to go to Sri. Pattabhi Jois and learn Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga . He was amazing – I did an intensive teacher training with him, and then I carried on going up the ranks within  the British Wheel of Yoga, in doing so I qualified to teach the BWY Foundation Course 1 and Foundation Course 2.I also studied with David Life and Sharon Gannon to become a certified Jivamukti yoga instructor.

Tell us about some of the work you do today? I am the Regional Training Officer for the British Wheel of Yoga and I event manage and host  the Continuous Professional Development events each year throughout London . I seek out experts to share their knowledge with existing teachers. I also try to bring this to Yogashala Ibiza, so that the teacher training courses here are really cutting edge and up to date.

Who do your students tend to be? They come from all over the world. We’ve had students from the USA, Austria, Switzerland, Holland, Germany, France and England – the courses are all taught in English. We’ve had surfers, snowboarders, a lot of fitness people, ‘Iron Man’ champions, doctors, medical students, anesthetists, midwives, vets and even neuroscientists. They may not all end up teaching as a full-time profession, but we are evolving into people who are keen to gain insight into human anatomy and physiology in an accessible way.

What is your relationship with them like? I enjoy spending time with my students, seeing them grow throughout the course, which will differ depending on the level of their course. Though for all students,it’s an opportunity for them to shine and the best education is when people’s strengths come to fruition and they really come into their own. Also, seeing the wide array of benefits taking effect throughout the course.

How do you describe your teaching methods? I am quite eclectic and very responsive. I want to incorporate everyone, so that whatever people’s strengths are, there is evidence that learning is taking place. Identifying these strengths is part of the training I’ve had. It’s an observational practice.

What is your own yoga philosophy? My philosophy focuses on the breath. The breath and movement can form a gateway to relief from everyday stress, enabling people to improve their quality of life. I think a healthy work life balance is really important for people. When teaching, I find it fundamental to highlight to my students the effect stress can have on a person’s wellbeing, so that they can take this into consideration when teaching and practicing themselves. Whilst we need a certain amount of stress to get up in the morning, it’s also about balancing the systems of the body, such as the central nervous system. We need to balance stress at work with rest and play – with fitness, flexibility, breathing and yet again the connection to the breath.

What is your own personal practice like? I practice every day except on Sundays, I believe that it is important to give your body a break. Ashtanga Vinyasa was my first love, so it does have an influence on what I do. My practice is quite dynamic and I do enjoy going upside down! It’s quite empowering – when times are tough, to be able to lift away from the earth and make your perspective become completely topsy turvy. I also love the breath work and my practice is full of flowing Vinyasa style sequences. I continue to learn all the time and I am very open to learning new styles of practice.

How do you stay up to date with new research and teaching methods? I stay informed because I’m always on the lookout for experts in their field for the British Wheel of Yoga Continued Professional Development events. I initiate and help to develop new days with various providers of education.These can consist of top osteopaths, teachers, med students, scientists, neuroscientists, midwives and other various health professionals – it’s a two-way learning process, as they apply their knowledge in a way that can be filtered down to help numerous people. Things change all the time and it’s important to be as based in fact as much as we can be.

Tell us about your connection with Ibiza? It’s funny, because I was teaching all over the world – in Thailand, Egypt, Turkey, New Zealand and Hawaii –and I remember people used to say to me that they couldn’t believe I hadn’t been to Ibiza. They always said I would love it, that it was one of those places that once you go there, you will absolutely love it and you won’t go anywhere else. And that’s kind of what’s happened! I came here in 2007 on a retreat with the students who were completing my British Wheel of Yoga Teacher Training and then the next year, the Yogashala Ibiza space came into my hands and I’ve been teaching here ever since. I am always back and forth to the UK with my work.

Where can people practice with you on the island? I host weekly dynamic drop-in classes at La Galeria Elefante on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am until 11am. I also do a lot of one-to-one sessions.

Or what other services do you offer? At Yogashala Ibiza we host 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training courses that are Yoga Alliance certified. I’m hoping to do more throughout the winter as there is a high demand for people wanting to come away in the off-season. We cover quite a broad spectrum, look at poses in great detail, study different philosophies and fundamental anatomy and physiology, plus teach students how to teach classes. There is also Pre Natal and Post Natal Yoga Teacher Training courses and classes and SUP Yoga Teacher Training courses. Being so close to the Med, it’s amazing to have an excuse to be out on the water.

Tell us about one of your most profound yoga experiences? There have been so many. As I’ve gone along the pathway of my career, it’s interesting that I have always somehow recognised my teachers before having met them formally. I have seen people in the street and felt some kind of recognition, and then they turn out to be the teacher I am doing a training with.

How do you feel about the commercialisation of the yoga industry? I don’t know if it really is commercialised. If you underestimate your students, you won’t be going for very long – people know if it is authentic or not. People are incredibly sophisticated and there are so many different styles and traditions that appeal to different people on parts of their journeys. I think most of the people who practice and teach yoga are quite genuine and it comes from their hearts.

What do you find most rewarding about teaching? Seeing students get stronger and really progress. The transformational aspect when you see people’s mood lifting, to see the looks on their faces at the end of a class. I mean, what fabulous work: I totally love my work, it takes me to amazing places and I meet inspiring people – it’s such a journey.

What do you find most challenging? I love the challenge of keeping up to date with new trends and ways of enhancing peoples lives. I think it’s really crucial and that’s why it’s important to have a connection to a big city, wherever that may be, if you teach on a smaller island, like I do. Otherwise it can be hard to update your knowledge and keep learning. Whilst you can read and research new hot topics, it’s not the same as connecting and collaborating with other people, learning from different perspectives and developing friendships. The most vital way for me to harvest knowledge and information is by continuing to teach across a number of countries and capital cities.

Awa Baidi

It was not love at first downward dog but her natural curiosity was piqued and she continued to find out more until the stars aligned to create a chance encounter in Thailand where her life was changed forever. Awa moved to Ibiza in 2001 after many years of visiting the island for summer holidays. She recently created a yoga temple on the grounds of the luxury Hotel Xereca in Puig d’en Valls from which she lives, breathes and loves yoga.

What can you say about that very first yoga class you attended? I was already doing a lot of sport. I liked to climb, go hiking and do cardio. A friend of mine was teaching yoga. She talked to me about it so I went one day. But I wont lie, I didn’t like it at all. I didn’t connect to it. During the class I was looking at all the people, so relaxed and I just wanted to run! I didn’t understand it and I left the class early. But I decided to keep trying. This was around 20 years ago.

What made you persevere? I was thinking, if people are talking about yoga so much there must be something to it. In Africa, it’s still a new thing. Our traditions are very strong. I like to learn about new things so I started reading about yoga and then I was coming to Ibiza on holiday and I went to different classes but I still wasn’t feeling connected to it. It didn’t make me feel like ‘wow, this is for me’. I was happy to do classes, but I was thinking there was something missing. I needed something more. And I never give up. I have to find that thing.

At what point did you find ‘that thing’ that finally connected you to yoga? I was in Thailand travelling alone. I went to Chang Mai to do a massage course. One day I was walking after the massage school and I looked up and there was a yoga room on the other side of the street. I went in and all the people were Thai – there were no foreigners and no one spoke English. When the teacher arrived, she said would be very difficult for her to teach in English. And I said, ‘that’s ok, don’t teach me in English’. Yoga has no language. I stayed in the class. I was able to look at her to correct myself. When she noticed me having difficulties, she would come to me. We finished the class she asked if I would come back. She was the first teacher who made me understand what yoga was. We didn’t share a language but I was connected. It was a very special moment that day, just being human, no cares about language or colour; the yoga was for everyone.

How did you come to teaching yoga? I wanted to go to India, then I saw that the same teachers there and around the world were coming to teach in London, so I thought ‘why not to do it there?’. For me, it was a wonderful opportunity to speak in English every day, to better in one of my favourite languages. I knew that one day, if I didn’t want to limit sharing my love of yoga, I would have to speak English as I spoke mostly Spanish. I spent a month there, and I am now teaching in both languages. I do not need to translate in Spanish sometimes, as most of my yoga lovers speak English.

What kind of yoga do you teach? At the temple we have different styles, but I really love Vinyasa. I respect all types of yoga but Vinyasa is more creative. There is more flexibility to make your own structure. Here in Ibiza it’s not easy to make people disconnect. I think Vinyasa makes it easier to take them to another dimension and keep them on their mat and present. My opinion is based on different conversations with my students – most of them like Vinyasa because as they say, the sequences are never the same, but they also to try other classes and then make their one choice.

Tell us about the development of your yoga temple? When I discovered yoga, I was doing classes on the beach or in a gym, where in the next room there was a spinning class. I wanted something special. My husband said you always complain about the yoga spaces and I told him my dream. A few days later he came to me with a drawing of the temple. He had drawn my temple! When he brought it to me I started crying and said, ‘That’s my temple! How did you know?’. We went to Bali and started buying things. I bought the first mats, even before we bought the wood. Then we started to build it. It was a dream for nine years and it was finally built two years ago. Now I want to share it with more and more people. We have weekly classes and I also host two retreats a year.

How would you describe your teaching style? My style is based on respect, humility, equality and patience. I like to take my students to that point when one feels strong and free in the asanas. My classes are generally considered strong. We are all strong but we don’t have the same limits and limitations – there’s always someone who seems to be better but at the end you will realise that you are better just the way you are. I am also very good with the final relaxation – it’s not easy to lay down and just let it be.

How would you describe your relationship with your students? One of the reasons I really wanted to follow this dream was because many of my students first met me in the gym and discovered yoga with me there. There is a lot of trust. There is a lot of love in the temple. All the people that come are part of my dream. I want them to feel at home. They are part of my family. I think it has a lot to do with my tradition. Here in Europe the word family means something different than in Africa. When you spend time with people you are family. For me, the relationship is very easy and I hope they feel that way too. There is a strong emotional connection with my students. The temple is a beautiful place but without them, their energy and their smiles it makes no sense for me. They are powerful people. When I am giving a class I forget about myself. When I am on the mat I am only there for my students.

How does your tradition and faith influence your yoga? Being so far away from my family, I have learned to value the little things. My tradition is with me every day. I’ve been in Europe longer than I was in Africa now. But my base comes from Africa and I hope I will never change. I am Muslim and I love yoga. I am living in Europe, my mum is Catholic, and my dad went to Mecca and is Muslim. Yoga for me is one more thing that completes me. I can combine it with all those things. Yoga helps me through Ramadan and Ramadan helps me through yoga. There is a connection between my Muslim traditions and my yoga. In yoga and in the Muslim tradition, they talk a lot about sharing, peace and love, tolerance, humility – this is the kind of Islam my dad taught to me. I think about it a lot. When I pray, it’s the same as yoga. I put all these things I have received in life together.

What is your personal yoga philosophy? It comes from deep inside me. Yoga is a powerful gift for the world. I want everyone to try because it 100-percent changes lives. I wish I could make people understand there is no perfect body for yoga – it’s for everyone. I want yoga to be everywhere in our lives, in schools, in sports. I want it to get everywhere. This is my next dream. One day I also want to create my own place for children in Cameroon – at the moment I support an orphanage. I want them to eat and to pay for their schooling. Without education, there is only violence.

Tell us more about this idea? When I was little in my neighbourhood there was a woman with lots of children and I asked my mother, ‘Why does that woman have so many children?’ She explained to me they had no mother. I was always thinking how can I help? Then when I created the yoga temple I had another idea. We do picnic yoga by donation and all the money goes to an orphanage not far from my village. With just 10€, a child can eat for a week or go to the doctor. I have to tell the kids ‘do not think just because Sister Awa is in Europe that she has a tree growing with money!’ I do yoga and they ask about it. I show them pictures and do it with them and they tell me ‘Oh that’s hard.’ And I tell them ‘Yes it’s hard, but your life here in Africa is hard.’

What do you find most rewarding in your work? When I go to the temple, I still get that little thing inside, excitement, a bit nervous, but in a good way. I still have that before class then in the final relaxation with teatime I look into my student’s eyes – it is the best thing. They say thank you and I tell them, ‘no thank you!’ I thank them. Every day. They are the reason that every day, something special happens in my life. In class, they are my world. I love yoga because I think yoga loves all of us.