With a Canadian-Portuguese background and a truly international outlook, Farrah Furtado brings depth, creativity, and lived experience to the world of yoga and wellness. She founded Bend it Like Buddha Yoga in Portugal and the Kaohsiung Yoga School in Taiwan, building spaces that reflect her commitment to meaningful practice and transformation.
An E-RYT 500 certified yoga instructor, Farrah teaches across Ashtanga Vinyasa, Hatha, and Vinyasa traditions. Her path has also included immersive study in the healing arts, from time spent in Buddhist monasteries in Taiwan to energy healing in Ubud, Bali, as well as intensive training in the traditional Ashtanga Vinyasa system in India. In Mysore, India, she studied under BNS Iyengar, from the direct lineage of Pattabhi Jois and Krishnamacharya.
Her work extends well beyond the studio. Farrah is the author of three spiritual best-selling, award-winning books and an award-winning filmmaker. Her documentary, Atha Gamma, explores the connection between yoga and mindfulness, reflecting her long-standing passion for both practices. She also holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Victoria and a certificate in International Development from the University of British Columbia, which contribute to her holistic approach to yoga and wellness.
As a third-degree Usui Reiki master, she weaves multiple healing modalities into her teaching, including trauma recovery processes through pranayama and work with the chakras to release unconscious blocks. Her voice has also reached wider audiences through features in leading yoga blogs and magazines. Since 2014, she has directed and taught RYT 200 and RYT 300 hour programs in Taiwan, Portugal, Bali, and India.
Her studio in Portugal was named Best Yoga Studio in 2019 by UK Luxury Travel magazine, and in 2025 it was recognized by Corporate Vision, UK as the Most Transformative Yoga Teacher training in Europe. Guided by compassion and a sincere dedication to inner peace, Farrah continues to share the wisdom of yoga as lead instructor and creative director of Bend it Like Buddha Yoga.