Emma is an advanced certified Jivamukti Yoga teacher known for dynamic, music-led classes that blend playful choreography with mindful movement. With over 25 years of practice, her teaching is shaped by her background in dance, her love of music, and a deep commitment to yoga philosophy.
She began her journey in the mid-1990s studying Ashtanga Yoga in Mysore with Pattabhi Jois, later discovering Jivamukti Yoga in New York, where she trained directly with Sharon Gannon and David Life. Today, Emma teaches internationally and serves as a facilitator for the 300-hour Jivamukti teacher training, sharing a modern, uplifting practice rooted in tradition.
Retreat Schedule
Spa treatments and wellness rituals are available by appointment every day. A chauffeur service to town after dinner is included, up to midnight.
Monday 1 February: Arrival
- 2.00pm Welcome lunch
- 3.00pm Spa treatments or relaxation
- 5.00pm Yin yoga
- 7.30pm Drinks and orientation
- 8.00pm Dinner
Tuesday 2 February
- 8.00am Light breakfast
- 9.00am Lemanjá ceremony
- 12.00 to 2.00pm Light lunch and rest or spa treatments
- 5.00 to 7.00pm Yoga
- 7.30pm Drinks
- 8.00pm Dinner
Wednesday 3 February
- 8.00am Pre-yoga snacks
- 8.30 to 10.30am Morning yoga
- 11.00am Brunch
- 12.00pm Swimming or beach club
- 5.30pm Yin yoga and meditation with Natalia, and yoga with Emma
- 7.30pm Drinks
- 8.00pm Dinner
Thursday 4 February
- 8.00am Pre-yoga snacks
- 8.30 to 10.30am Morning yoga
- 11.30am Canoeing and a swim in the Trancoso river
- 1.00pm Lunch at the house or Tartaruga
- 2.00pm Swimming or beach club
- 5.30pm Yin yoga
- 7.30pm Drinks
- 8.00pm Dinner
Friday 5 February
- 8.00am Pre-yoga snacks
- 8.30 to 10.30am Morning yoga
- 11.00am Brunch
- 12.00 to 5.00pm Swimming or beach club
- 5.00 to 6.00pm Yin yoga
- 6.00 to 8.30pm Shopping trip into town
- 8.30pm Drinks
- 9.00pm Wood-fired pizza night at the house
Saturday 6 February
- 8.00am Pre-yoga snacks
- 8.30 to 10.30am Morning yoga
- 10.30am to 5.00pm Swimming or beach club
- 5.30pm Meditation with Natalia
- 6.00pm Cacao and chanting ceremony around the fire
- 7.30pm Drinks
- 8.00pm Dinner
Sunday 7 February
- 8.00am Pre-yoga snacks
- 8.30 to 10.30am Morning yoga
- All day Deserted beach brunch
- 5.30 to 6.30pm Yin yoga
- 7.00pm Class with a professional samba teacher
- 8.30pm Dinner with local guests
Monday 8 February: Departure
- 8.00am Pre-yoga snacks
- 9.00 to 10.00am Farewell yoga
- 11.00am Final brunch
- 12.00pm Departure
Watch the exquisite early morning indigenous bird life at Mandacaru. There are two feeding tables and several nests of Bentivi birds at the house.
A wonderful selection of freshly baked breads, gluten free available, traditional Brazilian cheese bread, homemade banana bread, tropical fruits, yoghurt, acai and granola. Artisanal cheeses and cold cuts.
À la carte menu for eggs, smashed avocado on sourdough toast and traditional Brazilian tapiocas.
Free time to enjoy the local beaches, relax at the house, indulge in one of the many spa treatments available at Mandacaru Villa Retreat. On certain afternoons there will be organised activities such as dune quad biking and swimming at a deserted beach, kayaking etc. Many activities are available for guests to book, from private surf lessons, horse riding on the beach or Buffalo Valley, or golfing at the Terravista Golf Course.
Cocktails, alcoholic and non alcoholic, and nibbles in the bar, followed by a delicious dinner prepared by the house chef Kelvin Saraiva. Vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes will be available. Special diets can be catered for.
Guests are welcome to go into the village at night to shop at the many boutiques and soak up the atmosphere on the Quadrado.
Download Terms and Conditions here.
For all enquiries, please contact Jessica Smith at jess.smith2106@gmail.com or +44 7710 274661