Ashtanga Yoga
with Philippa Asher
RetreatsAshtanga Yoga with Philippa Asher
This two-week Ashtanga Yoga retreat is a rare chance to practise traditional Ashtanga Yoga in a small group with one of the few KPJAYI Certified teachers, surrounded by the beauty of Ulpotha. Days unfold without distraction, supported by nourishing plant-based Ayurvedic meals, optional massages and Ayurveda treatments.
Afternoons and evenings include workshops on key aspects of the Ashtanga method: asana technique, safe adjustments, body opening, philosophy, pranayama, meditation and Q&A.
This yoga retreat is designed for practitioners who already have a regular Ashtanga practice, with at least the Standing Sequence and closing asanas. All levels from Standing Sequence to Advanced B Series are welcome, and the small group format ensures close attention and guidance throughout.
Ashtanga Yoga with Philippa Asher KPJAYI at Ulpotha
What's included:
Accommodation on a twin-sharing basis in comfortable beautifully designed huts open to the surrounding nature
Yoga classes twice daily (No yoga on Thursday afternoons and Sunday mornings)
A yoga-friendly breakfast and two sumptuous vegetarian meals, plus snacks, juices, and teas
Indulge in a free massage/week from one of our visiting therapists
Transport for 1 excursion (half or full day) per week to nearby cultural heritage sites (entrance fees not included)
A Typical day at Ulpotha:
07:00 - 07:30: Tea and fruit
07:30 - 09:00: Yoga
09:00-09:30: Breakfast
09:45-12:30: Massages/Ayurveda/ swimming/relaxing
12:30-13:30: Lunch
14:00-16:00: Massages/Ayurveda/swimming/relaxing
16:00 - 17:00: Tea and snacks
17:00 - 18:30Yoga/Meditation/Sunset walks
19:00 - 20:00: Dinner
Transport to and from Ulpotha and travel insurance is not included.
Ayurveda treatments are not included in the price, please see prices on our booking page.
Your Teachers & Therapists
Philippa Asher
Yoga TeacherFrom London, Philippa is one of the very few Ashtanga practitioners worldwide and the only British woman to be certified by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois to teach the method in his tradition. She learned the Primary, Intermediate, Advanced A and Advanced B series directly with Pattabhi Jois and Sharath Jois at the Krishna Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore. Today she shares the system internationally in studios, on retreats and online with Sanskrit-counted led classes and one-to-ones.
A vocational ballet training from the age of twelve led to twenty-five years studying and teaching dance at universities and companies across the UK. A chance Ashtanga class in London changed everything. From the late 1990s, Philippa practised daily before work in film, media and music, returning to Mysore for several months each year to study with her teachers.
In 2006 she established and ran Triyoga Soho’s Ashtanga self-practice programme, teaching there for five years before moving to South India to build her own shala, ASHTANGA NIRVRTA, on a coffee estate in the Western Ghats. Alongside Mysore-style guided self-practice and led classes at her shala, she leads workshops and residencies across London, Europe and the Middle East, plus retreats worldwide. When she is not in the studio, Philippa teaches online one-to-ones, Sanskrit-counted Primary, Intermediate and Advanced A, and pranayama.
Expect clarity, precision and warmth. Philippa teaches the method as it was given to her - steady, attentive and rooted in breath so you can practise safely, refine technique and feel progress that is both grounded and sustainable.
What you’ll experience with Philippa:
- Traditional Mysore-style guided self-practice
- Sanskrit-counted led classes with clear pacing
- Practical adjustments and technique for all levels
- Breath-centred focus, simple pranayama and quiet rest
- New to Advanced B Series Ashtanga yoga practitioners welcome
Boris Gonzalez
Visiting TherapistBoris is from Santiago, Chile, and first started practising Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga in 2000. In 2002 he began training in different massage therapies, studying Ayurvedic massage in Mysore (India). He returned to India many more times to continue specialising in Ayurvedic massage and for additional yoga training.
Florentina Lam Clark
Visiting TherapistFlo has over 30 years of experience in holistic health and healing. Her journey began with Reiki and Aromatherapy, and she is passionate about using essential and Ayurvedic oils in her treatments. She is also a yoga and Reiki teacher and sound healer and offers consultations in Clinical Ayurveda.
Flo draws on extensive knowledge of the mind-body connection to combine functional expertise with energy healing, providing a personalised, intuitive approach for every individual.
With three decades of experience, Flo supports clients in both injury recovery and deep relaxation with a healing touch, holding space where clients feel nourished, nurtured and restored.
