This retreat offers a rare opportunity to study Ashtanga Yoga, Buddhism, and meditation with Ellen Johannesen, a KPJAYI Level 2 authorized Ashtangi with more than 30 years of teaching experience. Alongside her master’s degree in Tibetan Buddhism and Himalayan Languages, Ellen brings a deep understanding of Buddhist wisdom and shares meditation techniques that are accessible to everyone.

She is joined by Minka Qvale, creating a teacher duo dedicated to giving each participant attentive support in their personal Ashtanga practice. During the Mysore sessions, there is ample space for individual assessment and guidance, whether you are an experienced practitioner, new to Ashtanga, or navigating a difficult phase in your practice. Ellen teaches in her distinctive style, blending the Counted Vinyasa method with a playful approach to movement inspired by dance and applied anatomy. Minka supports functional movement patterns, adding depth and awareness to the practice.

Afternoon workshop sessions move between Ashtanga technique, somatic exploration, Buddhist philosophy, and meditation. After awakening the body through physical practice, the pace softens to invite stillness and self-inquiry. Through kinetic awareness and breathwork, Ellen and Minka guide participants into meditation sessions centered on compassion, loving-kindness, joy, and equanimity. Together, these practices create a path toward greater resilience, joy, and connection with all living beings. The peaceful setting of Yogapulia and its surroundings provides an ideal environment for retreat and reflection.

Included in the retreat:

Six nights’ accommodation
Two plant-based meals daily, including breakfast/brunch and evening dinner
Light snacks and refreshments, including tea, coffee, water, and fruit
Wi-Fi internet connection
Six morning Ashtanga sessions
Morning Ashtanga practice
Afternoon workshops

Not included:

Flights
Transport to and from the retreat center; local taxis can be arranged at an additional cost paid directly to the driver
Travel and medical insurance
Massages, available on request at an additional cost

Ellen Johannesen began her path as a professional dancer and has practiced and taught Ashtanga Yoga for more than three decades. She first visited Mysore and Pattabhi Jois in 1997 and later received Authorized Ashtanga Level 2 from Sharath Jois. She also completed a two-year teacher training with John Scott and helped establish the first Mysore programs in Norway and Nepal. Her growing interest in Buddhist practice led her to Bylakuppe in South India, where she spent nearly three years in a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. She later moved to Nepal, where she earned a master’s degree in Buddhist studies and Himalayan Languages from Kathmandu University. Today, she teaches yoga and Buddhism retreats and workshops in Nepal and internationally. Since 2020, she has co-led in-depth teacher trainings with Minka Qvale for Onyoga in Norway.

Minka is a long-time Ashtanga Yoga practitioner and teacher with extensive studies under Kia Naddermier, Richard Freeman, Mary Taylor, and David Keil. Her specialty lies in assessing body patterns and offering finely tuned adjustments. She is currently studying trauma-informed yoga with Josefin Wikström. Minka holds a master’s degree in Comparative Literature and is the co-founder of Onyoga. Since 2020, she has co-led in-depth teacher trainings with Ellen Johannesen for Onyoga in Norway.

The retreat center is located on 2.5 acres in a valley surrounded by olive and almond groves. Accommodation includes six twin rooms and one double room, all with private ensuite bathrooms. Each room has been renovated to a high standard using locally sourced materials, creating a luxurious yet simple and understated atmosphere. A spacious outdoor courtyard serves as the main communal dining area, while several terraces offer places to relax in sun or shade.

At the heart of the property, the swimming pool creates a vibrant meeting point, where blue water, green olive trees, and red soil come together. Food is central to both yoga practice and daily life here, with a focus on variety, nourishment, and unprocessed ingredients. All meals are plant-based, and produce is local, seasonal, and organic whenever possible. Refreshments are available throughout the day.

The international airport in Brindisi is approximately 40 minutes away by car, while Bari is about 55 minutes farther north. Renting a car in Puglia is relatively inexpensive and is a great way to explore the surrounding countryside, historic towns, and beaches. Both Bari and Brindisi airports offer a wide choice of car rental companies. It is recommended to book in advance, or a taxi can be arranged for arrival.

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