Ashtanga Retreat in Tenerife, 2027
ASHTANGA RETREAT IN TENERIFE
Authentic Ashtanga - Make the Tradition Work for You
APRIL 3 - 7, 2027 | AT PURPLE VALLEY YOGA
The practice of modern yoga means understanding the basic foundations of the yoga method in order to authentically and effectively reappraise what we are doing now. This means how we authentically define and use terms like tapas, bandha, svadyaya (self-study) and even isvara pranidhana (devotion to god) in the modern context.
Expect to come away from this retreat having a clear road map for you to then use yourself, as to how you want to understand and use yoga going forward. Workshops will be clear, based on tradition translated into modern language, equally there will be room for debate and interaction.
If you find yourself on the plateau, whether injured, confused or simply bored, in your practice, this time should re-inspire and realign you on your own personal journey with yoga.
The Yoga
Adam is non-dogmatic and won’t hold you back in the Mysore self-practice classes unnecessarily. The classes do follow the traditional Ashtanga sequences and it is asked that you have memorised at least up to the standing postures for you to get the most from your time and for the benefit of the group.
It’s OK if you need practice sheets in class as a reminder, you can use props and modify asanas to suit your own needs and Adam will help with this too.
The schedule includes:
- 6 morning Mysore self-practice Ashtanga classes, 4 asana / teaching workshops and 5 yoga philosophy / history / breathwork sessions.
- 4 asana workshops focusing on techniques and teaching methodology
- 4 afternoon sessions on history, philosophy, breath work and discussion
Expand below to see the full details of the schedule each day
Arrivals: Saturday 03 April - Check-in 2pm
Departures: Saturday 10 April - Check-out 9am
Meals
08.30am: Fruit and tea
10.30am Brunch
6.30pm: Dinner
Classes
Ashtanga Self-Practice - Sunday to Friday, 07:30 - 09:00am
A self-practice class following the traditional Ashtanga sequences with verbal instruction and light physical assistance. Adam does not believe in forcing people into postures and focuses on safe and non-intrusive assistance, he offers directions for you to experience asanas in a comfortable and stable way. All physical abilities are welcome and it’s OK if you need practice sheets, props or to modify asanas to suit your own needs. Please have most of the Ashtanga primary series sequence memorised.
Asana Workshops: Sun, Mon, Wed & Fri, 09.15 – 10.30am
Sunday - An Introduction To The Week And Summary Of Fundamentals
What differentiates a 'yoga stretch' from a regular one? The answer is bandha. A term that has often been treated with too much ambiguity, it can be explained in simple language as how to hold the force of a posture effectively through the spine and its supporting muscles. Or, another simpler way to look at it, is
Monday - Working With Bandha in the Primary Series
A look at how to apply the principle of bandha to the familiar postures of the Primary Series one by one. Using the idea that we are playing with the use of pressure inside the body as opposed to simply trying to disperse it. This workshop is designed to be clear, practical and hands on.
Wednesday - Back Bends
It's often assumed that we should relax bandha altogether when performing these postures. But this only means we end up stretching into the area of the lower back that's already usually over-flexible. Instead, if we consider the technique of wrapping instead of bending, we start to feel comfortable and stable in these postures, whatever our natural ability with them
Friday - Jump Through and Jump Back & Strength in Yoga
There's not many opportunities to build strength in yoga practice. So, we shall take a look at how we can maximise this along with giving the basic tips and tricks for the jump through and back movement. Then, to conclude we will go through a strengthening sequence together that can be incorporated in your daily movement practices.
Breath Work, Meditation, Philosophy, history of yoga, Q&A: Sunday – Thursday 5:00 – 6.00pm:
We come together for a varied and lively discussion on yoga philosophy, the history of yoga, and more. This is always followed by a breathing practice and short meditation to finish.
Venue
Purple Valley Tenerife is one of most special retreat centres we've been to. Built by hand over years starting in the 1970s by a Greek architect it is beyond charming. The shala itself has a magical energy and is a lovely place to practice and learn.
The houses and rooms are all totally unique, rustic and simple and close to nature. The view of the palm trees and mountains from the terrace is most enchanting. Meals are vegetarian, generous and shared over laughs while we bond together from all different backgrounds and experiences.
The sea is a 15 minute walk and there is more to explore on Tenerife than you might imagine. The nature is stunning and people have fallen in love with the place returning year after year.
THE FOOD
We have to mention that the food at Purple Valley Tenerife is truly a highlight. The team outdoes themselves on creativity and presentation whilst using the highest quality ingredients. Mainly vegetarian and vegan, they also cater to special requirements.
You will feel satiated and your practice will be supported by the energy of the meals.
BOOKINGS TAKEN AND MANAGED BY PURPLE VALLEY YOGA TENERIFE
CLICK BELOW TOO BOOK
EMAIL INFO@YOGAGOA.COM OR INFO@KEENONYOGA.COM FOR ENQUIRIES
About Adam
Adam has been a yoga practitioner since 1999 and has taught Ashtanga yoga internationally for over twenty years. His style is open, non-dogmatic and eclectic while remaining rooted in an appreciation of the benefits of the method of Ashtanga as he learnt it in Mysore, India. In 2012 he completed the Advanced A sequence with Sharath who granted him authorization to teach.
Adam meets all students where they are, hopefully, with humour, kindness and inspiration, holding a safe and supportive space for personal enquiry. Equally at home teaching all levels, he gives all students attention and interest. He is democratic in his approach and kind and believes that the practice should not feel like a test. Coming from an academic background in philosophy and a professional one as a chef, he is knowledgeable, practical, and relatable in his approach. Many consider him humorous too.
Adam and his wife Theresa run the online yoga platform Keen on Yoga and he hosts the Keen on Yoga Podcast interviewing many of the world's most renowned Ashtanga teachers and philosophical academics.
Instagram: @adam_keen_ashtanga & @keen_on_yoga
