Isabel is originally from Rio de Janeiro, where she discovered Ashtanga yoga in 1998.
After practising for over 15 years, she completed her teacher training at Yogacampus in London. She went on to deepen her studies with world-class teachers including Rod Stryker, Richard Freeman, and Tias Little. Over time, her teaching evolved into an Ashtanga-inspired Vinyasa practice, with a strong focus on breath-led movement, intelligent alignment, and yoga philosophy. Isabel now has a devoted following both in the UK and internationally. Her unique blend of styles – encompassing Yin and Mandala – has established her as one of London’s most popular and respected yoga teachers.
Isabel’s classes are dynamic yet inclusive, catering for all levels. She encourages her students to move with grace and awareness, so they can go deeper into their own practice. Through creative flow and self enquiry, Isabel weaves in yoga philosophy in a fun and lighthearted way. Music and dance remain huge passions for Isabel and she brings this awareness to all of her lessons teaching self-compassion, joy and loving kindness.
Typical Retreat Day
Available from 6.00am to 9.00am
Coffee, tea, matcha, coconut water and freshly pressed juices, fresh fruit and nuts. Opportunity to watch the sunrise, go for an early morning beach walk and swim.
Watch the exquisite early morning indigenous bird life at Mandacaru. There are two feeding tables and several nests of Bentivi birds at the house.
9.00am to 11.00am
Yoga session in the shala
11.30am
Buffet brunch
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.
12.00pm to 6.00pm
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.
6.00pm to 7.00pm
Yin yoga in the shala
7.30pm
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.
Highlights will include an indigenous blessing, fire pit and cacao ceremony on the final evening.
For all enquiries, please contact Jessica Smith at jess.smith2106@gmail.com or +44 7710 274661