Residential Yoga Teacher Training Course
Yoga & Ayurveda Retreat
200hr Yoga Alliance Registered Certification in
Hatha Vinyasa Yoga
June 1-30, 2024
Utuado, Puerto Rico
“True yoga is not about the shape of your body, but the shape of your life.
Yoga is not to be performed; yoga is to be lived.
Yoga doesn’t care about what you have been;
yoga cares about the person you are becoming.
Yoga is designed for a vast and profound purpose,
and for it to be truly called yoga, its essence must be embodied.”
-Aadil Palkhivala, Fire of Love
About the Course
This course is a comprehensive study and practice of Yoga. It has been designed to encourage a profound experience of Yoga.
The inspiration and focus of the training will be based on alignment and vinyasa Yoga.
As a part of the course electives you will be trained in the science of restorative Yoga and Ayurveda.
You will be inspired to create a lifestyle of holism and awareness.
Expect to mindfully, intelligently, and progressively practice postures and techniques that will give you meaningful insight into the human mind and body connection.
You will learn to cultivate discipline and commitment into your own practice and nourish those principles in the lives of those around you, as well. As a group we will encourage an uplifting and respectful learning environment.
You will receive resources and support to engage with the course requirements in a progressive and effective way.
On completion of the course you will be qualified to teach the fundamentals of Yoga.
Curriculum
This is an overview of our curriculum. To know more about the specific content to be covered please contact us.
– Fundamentals of Alignment
– Yoga Philosophy
– Historical & Cultural Perspectives of Yoga
– Anatomy & Physiology
– Variations & Modifications
– Teaching Methodology
– Principles of Vinyasa
– Ethics & Professionalism in Yoga
– Use of props for posture enhancement
– Principles of Ayurveda for Nutrition & Lifestyle
– Meditation
– Restorative practices
– Pranayama (breath expansion practices)
– Energetic Anatomy: Chakras & Nadis
– Cyclical Balance & Hormonal Health
– Accessibility & Inclusivity in Yoga
Intentions
– To expand our understanding of Yoga and meditation for personal & social wellness
– To explore the potential of our bodies and minds.
– To further dedicate ourselves to living a healthy and holistic lifestyle.
– To grow mindfully and professionally in the field of yoga teaching.
– To inspire others to be more aware of their health and spirituality.
– To create connections and community with people from different walks of life, finding a common thread through yoga.
Objectives
– To experience the holistic integration of yoga & mindfulness with ayurvedic nutrition & lifestyle.
– To explore the fundamentals of yoga theory, methodology, anatomy, philosophy, and more.
– To learn a functional and remedial approach to postural alignment and restoration for mobility, stability, and balance.
– To discover and embrace the potential to create inclusive teaching environments.
Schedule*
June 1st: Arrival, 3pm Check-in, Dinner & Opening Ceremony
29th of June: Closing Ceremony
30sth of June: Breakfast, 11am Check-out
We will study and practice 6 days a week for 4 weeks.
Daily Schedule
The schedule is designed to provide an intensive, experiential exploration of yoga philosophy, practice, and teaching techniques. Given Yoga Alliance requirements, all students are required to attend all sessions, without exception.
A typical daily schedule is as follows:
6:00–8:00 am Sadhana Morning yoga practice is your opportunity to go within and have a personal experience while gaining familiarity with the fundamental practices.
8:00–9:00 am Breakfast
9:00–- 12:30 pm Program Session
12:30 pm–2:30pm Lunch
2:30–6:00 pm Program Session
6:00–7:00 pm Dinner 9pm -9am Quiet Hours; Noble Silence
Program sessions include training in techniques for postures and pranayama; teaching methodology for leading a class; exposure to yogic philosophy; instruction in anatomy and physiology; ayurvedic lifestyle , practices to support your emerging skills as a teacher, and more.
* please note: this is a sample schedule, any changes will be communicated in advance.
"My essence is wordless."
~Thích Nhât Hanh
Teachers
Diego Baldi
Born and raised in South Africa into a mix of African, Italian, and Southeast Asian family. Diego is the founder and lead teacher of Inner Wellness Studio, a Yoga & holistic wellness school specializing in Yoga practices and teacher training.
Diego’s first encounter with Yoga practices was at 13 years of age when he began to integrate his love for dance with conscious movements. Since then he has continued to advance both as a learner and a teacher.
He has completed Yoga teacher training programs and continued education in India & South Africa including Iyengar Yoga, Hatha Vinyasa Yoga, and Kundalini Yoga
and Meditation.
“My experience as a Yoga teacher over the years has empowered me to integrate with the healing potential of Yoga at multiple levels. Yoga has cultivated a more conscious and compassionate way of life within me. It is my intention to promote the holistic practice of Yoga as a lifestyle, to maintain health and balance and promote optimum wellness.”
Diego draws from his background in holistic health coaching and integrative nutrition to encourage a comprehensive and sustainable lifestyle approach.
Certifications
Certification in Iyengar Yoga with the Iyengar Yoga Institute in South Africa
Certification in Kundalini Yoga with Pritam Hari Kaur Khalsa & Har Bhajan in South Africa
200hr Certification in Vinyasa Yoga with Shades of Yoga in South Africa
300hr Certification in Vinyasa Yoga with the Kailash Tribal School of Yoga in Dharamshala, India
Art of Living Certification in South Africa
Integrative Nutrition Holistic Health Coach Certification
Maria Victoria la Tanamá
Born and raised in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico into a multi-generational boricua family. Tanamá is an educator dedicated to supporting others in achieving their intentions for health and wellness.
She initiated her formal studies of Hatha Yoga in Rishikesh Yog Peeth, northern India, where she completed her first 200 hours of Yoga Teacher Training. From there her passion for natural healing led her south to Kerala where she gained profound insights into the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. She went on to travel to South Africa where she completed an additional 500-hours of training focusing on alignment based vinyasa, restoratives, and the ayurvedic integration of yoga. She is also certified to teach yoga for pregnancy and children.
María Victoria draws from her academic background in research, education, and social sciences to help create a supportive and engaging learning environment for all. Her personal experience recovering from chronic pain and developing menstrual cycle awareness inspire a compassionate and holistic approach to wellness & recovery.
For the last 5 years she has been co-creating an leading Yoga Teacher Training courses in South Africa and Puerto Rico.
Certifications
Masters in Education from National-Louis University in Chicago, Illinois
Masters Studies in Race, Ethnicity & Gender from the University of Illinois at Chicago
Bachelors in Social Sciences from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez
200hr Yoga Teacher Training in Hatha Yoga with Rishikesh Yoga Peeth in Rishikesh, India
200hr Yoga Teacher Training in Alignment Based Vinyasa & Restorative Yoga with Inner Wellness Studio in Durban, South Africa
300hr Yoga Teacher Training in Yoga & Ayurveda with Inner Wellness Studio in Johannesburg, South Africa
Registered Pregnancy Yoga Teacher with Mamata Yoga
Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher with YogaEd
Ayurvedic Consultant Certification with Dr. David Frawley
The Venue
Set in a stunning valley on 105 lush tropical acres, Casa Grande Mountain Retreat is an oasis of peace and tranquility.
The former coffee plantation, now exquisitely landscaped, has 20 rooms scattered up the mountainside with a beautiful river as the lower border. Follow the hiking trails up the mountain and down the waterfall.
Each room has its own en-suite bathroom, private porch and hammock.
A salt-water swimming pool is cradled beneath a green mountain vista.
Our restaurant is completely plant-based and we source most of our ingredients from local farmers and our own land as much as possible.
“El Templo,” where most of the yoga training will take place, is a spacious, fully equipped studio surrounded by windows and mountain views.
The Lifestyle
Ayurveda is a sister science to yoga – they are meant to be complimentary. The course is designed to align with ayurvedic principles of daily routine, practices, and nutrition. As part of the course you will learn more about how to identify and manage your unique constitution on a day to day basis.
Our restaurant will nourish you with well balanced, nourishing plant-based meals, teas, juices, and snacks. You will be grounded and replenished throughout the day, supporting your practice and learning.
Testimonials
Your investment
Regular: $5,995 | Early Bird: $5,495
Inclusive of:
Private accommodation
En-suite bathroom, private balcony with hammock
Daily meals
3 Ayurvedic inspired vegan meals + snacks & refreshments
Yoga training manual
Theory & practice
Certificate of completion*
Registered with Yoga Alliance
Taxes
A deposit of $1,000 is required to reserve your space.**
Flexible payment options available.
*upon completion of all required hours and assignments
** deposit is non-refundable
Frequently Asked Questions
This course offers you the opportunity to study and practice yoga in an idyllic natural environment, removed from the distractions and stressors of every day life. The integration of Ayurvedic lifestyle and the peaceful, natural setting are completely supportive for this experience. We have chosen to go with a full month so that we can comfortably cover the content and the minimum 200 hours required by Yoga Alliance – all in person. This course is for those who what to have a fully in-person immersion. Additionally, the course includes all acocomodation, food, and beverage expenses in the beautiful and unique Casa Grande Mountain Retreat.
The course will be bilingual. We will provide translations for both languages as needed.
We strongly believe that everyone learns at their own pace in their own way. For this reason, there is not a formal / traditional “test” per se. We support your learning through assignments and practices. The assignments and practices are not assessed in the traditional way of “right vs. wrong.” We are not evaluating anyone to determine whether they are a good or bad student / teacher. Instead, the assignments and practices help us determine where we need to refine our own teaching so you can better integrate the process. In addition to the assignments there will be teaching practicals where you will practice sharing the teachings with others.
The main course requirements for certification are: attend all required hours/sessions, complete all required assignments, complete all teaching practicals.
You will receive a course certificate upon completion of all course requirements. Our Yoga School is registered with Yoga Alliance, one of the world’s leading and most internationally recognized organizations for Yoga Teacher Trainings. Yoga Alliance has gone through great lengths over the years to ensure schools and teachers registered with them meet particular standards. You can read more about the standards and registration process on their website (www.yogaalliance.org). Although it is not necessary to be registered, or even certified, to teach yoga, a certificate and registration are often required by corporations and employers. Our course certificate would meet the qualifications required by most potential employers. Additionally, your certificate will be eligible for registration with the Yoga Alliance directory which is internationally renowned. To learn more about the registration standards and process visit www.yogaalliance.org
Yes. The course is suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners alike. We have had people with 0 experience as well as people that have already been teaching for years. The course mostly covers the fundamentals of alignment and restoratives, which is beneficial for everyone.
Yes. This course will give you a solid foundation of the principles of yoga in its multiple dimensions. Once you start learning and practicing you may be more inspired to simply share it with others, so don’t be surprised if you end up sort of teaching it anyway. In fact, learning to share/teach yoga is a great tool for better understanding the practice for oneself. Do keep in mind, because it’s a teacher training we do make time specifically for teaching practice, which you would be inspired and required to do for certification. Our teaching methodology is very supportive and meant to inspire you to inspire others, not to pressure or test anyone, so that it can be the relaxing and enjoyable process we believe yoga should be.
This course is for new and experienced practitioners as well as certified teachers.
New Yoga practitioners will be immersed and established in the understanding and practice of Yoga. Experienced Yoga practitioners will learn Yoga essentials to deepen and refine their Yoga practice, that cannot be fully explored in Yoga classes.
Qualified teachers will enrich their existing Yoga practice and knowledge to gain continuous education credits.
We believe that with proper guidance, commitment to the process, and an open mind, beginners and experienced students alike can benefit from this experience and learn to be excellent teachers of the fundamentals of yoga.
Complete the application form for further confirmation of your eligibility.
We advise that students take the entire month off from any other work / family responsibilities so that they can totally immerse in the experience. We have a full schedule and although there is reset time where other things could get done it would be best to use that time to rest, study, and integrate.
Once your application is approved you are required to make a deposit of $1,000 to secure your space. After that you may pay off the balance in installments at your comfort. The full balance must be paid by May 1st.
Wi-fi will be available for a limited time in shared spaces, as needed.
How to apply
1. Complete the online application form.
2. Schedule a phone call with the course teachers to go over your application.
3. One your application is accepted you can make your deposit and secure your space.