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Back bends - yoga & health

Open up to back-bends

Backward bending asanas are energising and rejuvenating. They can be very exhilarating, bestow courage and bring lightness to the body and mind. There is an old adage: ‘you are as young as your spine is flexible’.

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Jane S. profile picture
Jane S.
1 week ago
Just back from a most fabulous yoga retreat at Vigla Village, Kefalonia. My third year there and I'm booking again for next year.
Sensational setting. Hosted by an incredible lady, Anna.
Yoga with Sinita is so powerful, enlightening, fulfilling, empowering, relaxing........wonderful!
The local Taverna, is so friendly and the food typical and fresh. You are welcomed with open arms.
The sea is a short path away......stunningly beautiful.
The "Other" beach is no further but on a small road and has a beach bar/ resturant for a sneaky beer!
I can't wait to go back!
Annaick F. profile picture
Annaick F.
1 week ago
Days after arriving home, I am still feeling so calm, balanced, well fed and happy after the retreat at Cocoon with YOAS. Wendy is such a calm, positive person whose organisation and discernment ensure that the retreats are balanced and considered; this is not a 'one size fits all' kind of endeavour, but rather a time away from the bustle of life where you are in excellent hands from start to finish. From the moment of arrival, we were looked after with care and warmth. The food was incredible; so much of it is grown on site, the chefs clearly love vegetarian meals and give new meaning to 'eat the rainbow', and every day, the whole group on retreat spoke about how tasty and nourishing the food was. The space was magical; an outdoors spot surrounded by trees to practice in the mornings and a serene, indoors space with all the materials you could need for the evenings. And the standard of yoga instruction was just superb; Amy led us in classes that somehow combined accessibility to a range of people and also simultaneously supported us in extending ourselves to deepen our practice. I particularly liked the reflective aspects of the practice and the philosophical elements, and Amy used some gorgeous essential oil blends that really grounded you in the practice. Suffice to say I came home blissfully happy and intent on booking my next retreat with YOAS asap! Highly recommend the organisation and Amy and the fabulous venue, Cocoon!
Collette H. profile picture
Collette H.
4 weeks ago
Just come back from a weeks yoga retreat in Andalusia with YOAS. Fabulous trip, great location, great hosts, great food and great company. Amy our lovely yoga teacher held the space for all of us during the week and shout out to Wendy for all her work leading up to the trip. Not a surprise that several of the other people on the retreat had also been to other YOAS venues.
Jenny C. profile picture
Jenny C.
1 month ago
The week in Kefalonia with Jess was truly magical. Her knowledge, wisdom and yoga practice is so deep, yet she carries and shares it so lightly and with such humour. A truly gifted teacher. Thank you Jess! And as for the location - simply dreamy with the perfect hosts, Anna and Anna 😊
Liz W. profile picture
Liz W.
1 month ago
This was my fourth visit to a YOAS retreat at Vigla Village. Each time I have been blown away by the beauty and tranquility of the location. The yoga with Jess was magical as always. Highly recommended. Thank you ❤️
E H. profile picture
E H.
2 months ago
I had a wonderful time at the Kefalonia retreat. I savoured every minute of it! The location is stunning and Lila was a really special teacher, I very much enjoyed her classes and grounding presence.
Sara P. profile picture
Sara P.
2 months ago
I had such a wonderful time on my first yoga retreat in Tigmi, Marrakech. I had never heard of YOAS before, but I was desperately looking for a retreat that matched the dates I had available. When I landed on their website, I was immediately drawn in by the variety of dates, stunning locations around the world, and a wide selection of yoga teachers.
I loved Amelia’s classes and her approach. The whole experience was relaxing, nurturing, and insightful. I’d definitely recommend it.
Sarah L. profile picture
Sarah L.
2 months ago
I simply magical week in Morocco with Amelia. I’ve left feeling completely nourished - mind, body and soul.
Tonia F. profile picture
Tonia F.
2 months ago
Vigla was amazing. Ayesha was a brilliant teacher and the setting was beautiful. Wendy and Ayesha’s arrangements were perfect and the 2 Annas looked after us really well. We had a really great diverse group which made for a week of fun and lots of laughs as well. Will definitely be going back to Vigla
seamus K. profile picture
seamus K.
2 months ago
My third retreat booked with YOAS this time in Kefalonia at the Vigla village. Again the administration, booking procedures, transfers communication was professional and first class.
The venue managed by both Anna's was also excellent, warm welcome, clean well furnished rooms with air conditioning and kitchen facilities. Veggie buffet breakfast well presented and very tasty.
This combined with a gifted yoga teacher ‘Ayesha’ whose intuition and individual care for every single yogi, both at the practice sessions and outside those times combined for a very special week.
My one word of caution is be careful of over indulging in the feta.
Harry F. profile picture
Harry F.
2 months ago
We stayed the beautiful Vigla Village resort in Kefalonia, an amazing location right by the beach. Yoga practice took place on a bespoke platform overlooking the cliffs and Ionian sea. Our instructor Ayesha was a fantastic teacher and catered for all experience levels, she was also super helpful at arranging transport, meals and activities. I can highly recommend Yoas retreats and will definitely be returning again!
Charlotte F. profile picture
Charlotte F.
3 months ago
Wonderful week with YOAS at Tigmi on the outskirts of Marrakech. A lovely retreat with likeminded people, in a beautiful location, with nutritious food, amazing yoga morning and night, fabulous trips and all organised and hassle free. A perfect week to feed body and soul. Thank you YOAS.
Kate F. profile picture
Kate F.
3 months ago
Thank you YOAS for a perfectly organised trip to Morocco. Outstanding yoga teaching - Jaya managed the group of 20 seamlessly and created a calm, happy vibe. Wonderful hotel and setting, the whole thing was dreamy and I can't wait to repeat the experience.
Rachel S. profile picture
Rachel S.
4 months ago
Just returned from a magical Easter weekend retreat in Somerset with the amazing teacher Tania Brown. Everything about the weekend was special - the location, in the heart of nature, the food which was all grown on the land and cooked to perfection and of course the yoga practice in the beautiful yurt. With added extras like swimming in the lake, outdoor sauna, evening bonfire and a fabulous massage with Rhi, it was the perfect way to spend a weekend. Thanks to Wendy for making it all seamless - her retreats are the best. Planning my next one already! xxx
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ian L. profile picture
ian L.
4 months ago
Just returned from a fantastic week at Tigmi Marrakesh. The retreat was led by Jaya who was a joy to be with as was the group. Made some firm friends who we'll be seeing again soon . . Jaya's sessions were always different ,with innovative combinations of breath work and yoga . Great classes, great accommodation, great food and company. Thank you Jaya and classmates for a beautiful week 💕
Lucie C. profile picture
Lucie C.
4 months ago
I've been on two retreats with YOAS and I cannot recommend them highly enough. Wendy is super helpful, always responding to any questions before and after booking, as well as providing useful notes leading up to a retreat. Wendy has clearly tried and tested some of the world's most gorgeous yoga retreat venues and has connections with fabulous yoga instructors - I feel very fortunate to have discovered YOAS.
Anne profile picture
Anne
4 months ago
Another great Tigmi retreat with wonderful Jaya!
Suzanne D. profile picture
Suzanne D.
4 months ago
As a solo female traveller, I feel so lucky to have found YOAS to help me visit beautiful parts of the world, whilst meeting like-minded people and experiencing the teachings of wonderful Yoga teachers. After returning from my 4th retreat, this year to Marrakech, I'm reminded exactly why I book again and again: Special accommodation in a perfect location, with a warm welcome and delicious local cuisine. Our teacher Jaya Jaks created such a relaxed and friendly atmosphere for everyone to switch off and feel at ease. Her teaching was both dynamic and calming with flows and yoga nidra. Just what I needed to relax and feel invigorated, returning to daily life with a clear head and positive energy. Thank you Jaya, Wendy, the team at Tigmi and my inspirational fellow yogis x
Shannon M. profile picture
Shannon M.
4 months ago
I've been fortunate to go on two YOAS retreats - Morocco and Kerala. Both were outstanding. Every detail is taken care of - airport pick up, room, food, yoga and even entertainment. The teachers are outstanding and really help you grow in your practice. The hotels they choose are lovely - lots of character, great staff, and delicious food. Can't wait to book my next retreat with Wendy and team!
Sarah A. profile picture
Sarah A.
4 months ago
The BEST yoga retreat I have ever experienced. Incredible teaching from Lara and the most wonderful host, Shibu. Together they delivered such an immersive experience. I’m missing being in Kerala so v much. Cannot wait to return!
Philip C profile picture
Philip C
6 months ago
An amazing week of yoga with Jess Horn at Bamboo yoga retreat on Polem Beach in south Goa, India. The whole experience was wonderful, from the venue with its lovely, simple cabanas and huts nestled amongst the palm trees right on the beach to the superb food and friendly, attentive staff. Special thanks to Jess who taught such beautiful dynamic and restorative yoga sessions. It was very special and I would recommend this retreat to anyone.
Wendy K. profile picture
Wendy K.
6 months ago
I attended a retreat in Goa with Jess Horn as the instructor. I would not hesitate to recommend this retreat. The organisation by Yoas is always spot on and the retreat was amazing. Excellent food and comfortable accommodation. The yoga classes were excellent.
S Z profile picture
S Z
7 months ago
I did the yoga retreat in Marrakech over the new years period with Raquel as the instructor, and had the best week of my life. I learnt so much about yoga, I had the most delicious Moroccan food and met some incredible people. Also walking through the Atlas Mountains is something I'll never forget. If you're debating whether to go I highly recommend!!
Dianne C. profile picture
Dianne C.
8 months ago
This was the second visit to 42 Acres for my daughter and I. It was every bit as good as the last time. Emma is a wonderful calm and nurturing teacher. The yurt where the magic happens is beautiful and I loved the two dips in the lake followed by a sauna. Thoroughly relaxing and rejuvenating weekend
Lisa J. profile picture
Lisa J.
9 months ago
Beautiful, luxurious, relaxing and comfortable. Rebecca was the most wonderful yoga instructor and retreat host. Staff meets all wants and needs including arranging taxis to and from activities. Food was all delicious.
Lara O. profile picture
Lara O.
9 months ago
Such a wonderful retreating week, a fantastic teacher (Nancy Campbell) and a fabulous group to be on the journey with. Loved it plus we were superbly looked after by Anna and her team at Vigla Village. Thank uou all so much!
Ian H. profile picture
Ian H.
10 months ago
The yoga retreat in Kefalonia was great value . I enjoyed the varied yoga classes from the instructor , the ´village ´complex was peaceful and well equipped , the outdoor Shala was particularly cool. I would recommend it without hesitation. A big thank you to all the team for a successful week.
Ellie T. profile picture
Ellie T.
10 months ago
The perfect solo trip. Wendy from YOAS was so helpful at communicating availability, and my retreat with Will Wheeler in Kefalonia was so special. Will was my favourite instructor to date. The group were the perfect combination of solo travellers and small groups of friends, all with a lovely balance of relaxation and fun. I can't wait to book my next trip!
Lucy R. profile picture
Lucy R.
10 months ago
Always been amazing retreats!
Mandy C. profile picture
Mandy C.
10 months ago
I've just returned from my third visit to Tigmi and feel extremely grateful for yet another uniquely special experience.Our yoga this year was an eclectic mix of yoga, mantra, pilates and dance, we were spoiled with delicious feasts for breakfast, lunch & dinner, the hammam was as awesome as ever and meeting my fellow yogis was a joy. As a solo traveller, I love the opportunity to sit and share life stories with people who begin as strangers and end up as friends 🥰.

But my highlight this year was finally meeting Wendy, the woman who single handedly runs, and makes YOAS what it is... and she was as lovely in person as her email persona led me to believe.

Thank you Wendy and YOAS for another fab retreat 😇
carolyn S. profile picture
carolyn S.
11 months ago
Bala Brook Retreat was calm , restful and a fabulous yoga retreat . Yoga teacher Jess was friendly , knowledgeable and a good teacher.
The food was delicious too . Thank you YOAS .
Anna C. profile picture
Anna C.
11 months ago
Thank you Wendy for all your wonderful organisation on our yoga retreat to Bala Brook. Feeling energized and relaxed after a long weekend with Jess. Loved the balance of dynamic and restorative sessions. Charlotte’s vegetarian food was fantastic, and even though it rained a lot, it was a perfect retreat.
Sophie G. profile picture
Sophie G.
11 months ago
What a magical week at this yoga retreat in Ithica, Greece. I have done a few yoga retreats, but this was my first with YOAS and it far exceeded my expectations. The location was stunning, the accommodation incredibly comfortable, and our yoga instructor Amy was brilliant. A perfect combination of yoga flow which challenged and relaxed us. I felt more supple, grounded, healthier and more myself by the end of the week. We also had the additional bonus of being within walking distance to beautiful quiet beaches. Thank you Wendy for all the flawless communication and arrangements. I will definitely book with YOAS again!
Elizabeth S. profile picture
Elizabeth S.
12 months ago
I very much like Catherine's forensic approach to yoga where she embodies her extensive knowledge about how the joints, muscles and all the other components of our bodies work. Over a retreat I feel I really understand some of her thoughts.
John C. profile picture
John C.
12 months ago
Had the pleasure of attending two yoga retreats with YOAS this summer and both were amazing and far exceeded my expectations. Both venues (Sicily and Turkey) were fantastic, the yoga programming and instruction were first class and general trip organization, logistics and communication were all exceptional. Highly recommend YOAS retreats and will definitely be back for another.
Helen A. profile picture
Helen A.
12 months ago
An excellent value trip to Villa Gokbel (Lagoon) in Turkey taught by the wonderful Tami. My first YOAS retreat and I was impressed by the stunning location, great food, generous host. There was an abundance of information about the location and opportunities around the retreat which made for a very full week whilst also plenty of time to relax. Group size was small enough to feel intimate. YOAS handled all the comms and trip planning really well. Will defo be coming back for another one.
Lesa K. profile picture
Lesa K.
12 months ago
What a specail experience ! This was my second retreat with YOAS and it was just perfect!! Wendy was in constant contact with us. Danena was simply beautiful, and Tami led the most appropriate classes. There is nothing not to like.
Sarah M. profile picture
Sarah M.
12 months ago
I enjoyed another beautiful retreat with yoga teacher Jodi Boone at Itha108 organised by YOAS. The retreat centre is beautifully designed in natural surroundings on the island of Ithaca where the sea is incredible. We had a great balance of dynamic yoga in the morning and yin in the afternoon lead by Jodi’s very gentle and reflective approach. The focus of the week being higher vibration that was greatly appreciated.
It was great sorting out booking the retreat - thank you for everyone making it possible.
Katherine H profile picture
Katherine H
1 year ago
Wonderful week with Amy on the stunning island of Ithica. The yoga classes were the perfect balance of challenging in the morning and relaxing in the evening. The accommodation was lovely with a short walk down to one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever been to.
Chris R. profile picture
Chris R.
1 year ago
I have just had 7 days at Suryalala in Andalusia organised by YOAS and taught by Jade Lizzie
From booking to departure YOAS were fantastic and approachable - a fab company
Jade the yoga teacher was awesome - taught with knowledge and compassion.She is an asset to YOAS
I strongly recommend Jade and YOAS at Suryilala - bring on the next time
Sure quality 🙏🏻
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