retreat or work remotely from
yoga Academy International

includes your Oceanfront stay + meals
 
just $865/week

About us:

Yoga Academy International is a pristigious yoga school with  some core values. We believe in spending time in nature in order to feel enriched from the soul outward. We believe in living passionately, authentically and sharing the yoga tools we use in order to help our students live their best lives.

We aim to bring mindfulness, conscious communication and joy to everything we do. For us, yoga is not just an exercise, a philosophy or a fashion choice. It is our lifestyle. 

For the first time EVER we are opening our doors, even if you are NOT taking our YTT. Live in a conscious, mindful, but down-to-earth community. Be amongst other like-minded professionals also co-working and co-living at YAI.

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Highlights:

  • Gorgeous location
  • World famous surf break out front
  • Many teachers, many styles
  • Flow classes every day
  • Focus on personal growth
  • 3 amazing meals per day included
  • Fun community vibe

Get inspired again!

How it works:

You get to come stay and live with us at our gorgeous homebase here in Playa Maderas, with your meals included. You can enjoy morning flows with us if you want to. You can also come to our evening bonfires, Kirtans, Yin classes and lectures, but it’s all optional! 

Treat this as a co-work/co-living space, a yoga retreat reset or simply a vacation. We have plenty of desk and table spaces for working and co-working as well as quiet areas for meditation, yoga or just getting creative.

Daily Schedule:

  • 7:00 – 8:30am morning yoga flows + meditation
  • 9-10am Breakfast
  • 2pm lunch
  • 5:30-6:30pm sunset break
  • 6:30-8pm evening program (including bonfires, kirtan, yin classes)
  • 8pm dinner

 

Saturday is considered the day off. We do not provide meals on Saturdays but there are tons of inexpensive restaurant options closely and you’ll have access to a kitchen if you want to cook for yourself.

Other optional activities include: Surfing or surf lessons, visit volcanos, horseback riding, get a massage, visit historic towns or simply laze by the pool.

Your retreat (or new office spot) starts at just $865 per week

Awaken your intuition.
ignite your passion & creativity. 
Live in joy.

Location

Welcome to paradise...

Welcome to our completely private, oceanfront retreat centre overlooking the surf break at Maderas Beach. You’ll get sunset views every evening from the pool and the yoga shala boasts a 180 degree view of the ocean. We also have a jungle yoga deck, meditation platform, outdoor gym and 82 acres of hiking trails on this private property to explore.

Maderas Beach is a world famous surf spot, known for it’s beauty and peaceful environment. It is located 20-minutes outside of the lively beach town of San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua. Our retreat centre is private, gorgeous, secure and truly an experience of paradise!

Vaccinated travelers do not require any testing to get to Nicaragua or Costa Rica. 

 

Location highlights:

  • Nicaragua is THE SAFEST country in Central America
  • Oceanfront
  • 2.5hrs drive from either LIR (Costa Rica) airport or MGA (Nicaragua) airport
  • Totally private retreat centre
  • Oceanview infinity pool + 2 dipping pools
  • Outdoor gym

GETTING HERE: We are 2.5 hours from the Liberia, Costa Rica airport (LIR) and 2.5 hours from Managua Airport (MGA). You can fly in to either airport. We can have our partners at the retreat center organize your transfers to us in a private car.

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Reserve your space at $865 per week

Why we do it...

Yoga has given us the gift of greater happiness and understanding ourselves better. We want to give you the opportunity to get out of your head and into your heart too. We are here to offer you tools to live a more happy, passionate life and be surrounded by gorgeous nature every day! We believe in positive experiences with amazing people, working hard and spending time outdoors! 

Our team of yoga and health professionals share one common love: helping others achieve balance in their lives, finding inner-peace and contentment. They strive to see beauty in the everyday and appreciate life for all it has to offer. We want to pass on this way of interpreting the world to you. We want you to feel at ease in your body so you can get to know your soul.

Why you should do it...

  • Adventure- say YES to a new you!
  • Live your yoga! Get time away at the beach
  • Meet like-minded people
  • Deepen your practice
  • Explore yoga philosophy
  • Understand the mind-body connection better
  • Lifelong friendships
  • Watch sunset every day…
Allow yourself the space to take an objective look at your life while immersing yourself in a truly healing and transformative retreat. We welcome yogis of all ages and levels. In short, our mission is to inspire you to BE the best version of YOU – on and off the yoga mat. Learn, explore and grow in a safe and supportive environment..

what our students are saying:

TEACHER TRAINING WITH YOGA ACADEMY INTERNATIONAL IS AN AMAZING AND POWERFUL EXPERIENCE. THERE ARE THE IMMEDIATE BENEFITS YOU EXPERIENCE WHILE IN TEACHER TRAINNG AND THEN THERE ARE THE BENEFITS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME AND INTEGRATE ALL THE INFORMATION AND EXPERIENCES.
Hari Khalsa
USA
I FEEL INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL TO HAVE SPENT FOUR WEEKS IN A BREATHTAKING PLACE WITH A GROUP OF SUCH BEAUTIFUL SOULS. ONE OF THE THINGS THAT SPOKE TO ME MOST DURING THIS EXPERIENCE WAS THE AUTHENTICITY WE WERE ENCOURAGED TO APPROACH OUR EXPERIENCE, PRACTICE, LEARNING, AND SHARING. THIS EXPERIENCE BROUGHT ME CLOSER TO MYSELF AND MY YOGA PRACTICE, FILLED ME WITH JOY, AND MADE ME EVEN MORE EAGER TO SHARE THIS PRACTICE WITH OTHERS. THIS TRAINING AND THE PEOPLE I MET WILL FOREVER HOLD A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART.
Nikki Symanovich
USA
This trip was simply life changing! Amazing community, such passionate teachers and the best atmosphere. I feel so refreshed and recharged after this trip and I feel it has really given me the tools to go into the yoga world. The food and accommodation was lovely and I would thoroughly recommend this experience to anyone. Thank you YAI for your love, your passion and for the most incredible month away.
Grace Colebrook
United Kingdom
Trying to describe this trip I am missing words. Starting with a unique, incredible location, a breathtaking view over the ocean and the horizon while doing, experiencing , practicing, feeling Yoga. The food - OMG the food was incredible. Charlotte cooks everything fresh. It was always plenty and so delicious. She is a little kitchengodess, promise. And last but not least our lessons, practice the whole YTT experience was so much more then I expected. I learned so much not only about Yoga but about myself and met not simply new friends but a new family 😀 I am very grateful for this experience and would recommend it to everyone.....
Nora Lüdersen
Germany
I had a great experience. The food, location and program were exceptional. Thank you for a wonderful program!
Lacey Payne
USA
AMAZING. Life changing experience in the middle of the jungle, surrounded by the most beautiful view and lovely people. Highly recommend!!
Lauren Evans
USA
It was absolutley magical and I would definetley recommend it for anyone!
Bryanna Pollack
USA
WHAT AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE! THE QUALITY OF THE TEACHING AND EDUCATION WAS TRULY FANTASTIC. THE STAFF ALONG WITH ALL OF THE EXPERT GUEST SPEAKERS WERE SUPER SUPPORTIVE AND KNOWLEDGEABLE. I FEEL WELL EQUIPPED AND EXCITED TO GO OUT INTO THE WORLD AND SHARE WHAT I HAVE LEARNED. I ESPECIALLY LOVED THAT WE WERE ENCOURAGED TO EMBRACE OUR OWN STYLE OF TEACHING. THE STUNNING AND MAGICAL LOCATION WAS THE CHERRY ON TOP!
Sonya H
Australia
THIS TRAINING ALLOWED ME TO LOVE MYSELF IN A WAY I’VE NEVER DONE BEFORE. THIS IS TRULY AN AMAZING COURSE THAT DIGS DEEP INTO YOUR EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL, AND SPIRITUAL SELF. I COULDN’T HAVE DONE ANY OF THIS WITHOUT THE AMAZING TEACHING TEAM. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TRAINING, NOT BECAUSE I TOOK IT (I LOVED IT), BUT BECAUSE YOGA ACADEMY INTERNATIONAL IS DETERMINED TO RAISE THE BAR OF YOGA TEACHER TRAINING! THANK YOU! NAMASTE
Sanna Paulsson
Sweden

Refund policy:

A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your space. Your initial deposit is not refundable under any circumstances. 

Payment plans are available. The full remaining balance owing of the course is due 21-days prior to the start date of the program. 

A full refund, minus the deposit fee will be offered for cancellations made more than 60-days prior to the start date of the yoga teacher training program. 

Refunds will not be offered on cancellations made less than 60-days in advance. Refunds will not be given to students who fail to show up for the program for any reason. Refunds are not offered more than 60-days in advance for any reason. 

Once a participant arrives to our program location, your space in the program has been accounted for and therefore we cannot offer a refund for any reason. There will be no refunds offered for participants who leave our program after arrival. 

At Yoga Academy International we adhere to a Code of Conduct that we ask our students to follow in order to maintain a safe and loving environment. If a participant is in violation of our Code of Conduct and being particularly disruptive during our program (i.e. being rude to other students and staff, inviting guests in to his or her room from outside of the training, bringing drugs or alcohol on to our teacher training property, sexual harassment or sexual violence of any kind) the participant may be asked to leave our program. If a participant is asked to leave our program they will not be offered a refund. 

If a participant leaves our program after arrival for any reason, the participant is responsible for all arrangements and costs associated with travel and accommodation for their departure from our program. 

Chakra-VInyasa Yoga Retreat Brochure

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Yoga class in Playa Maderas

The class price is $12. Please check in and pay at reception on arrival. 

Interested in a private yoga retreat?

Fill out the form above and we will be in touch to chat about your dream yoga experience in paradise!

Learn everything there is to know about running international retreats. 
We’ll give you all of our contacts and connections!

 

Chakra Vinyasa Yoga Immersion

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Yoga Academy International Faculty:

Lauren Rudick

Lauren Rudick

Lead teacher and founder of Yoga Academy International, Lauren is a globally celebrated yoga instructor. She has been teaching yoga for over a decade and comes from a variety of lineages and traditions. Lauren has lead yoga retreats and workshops in over 2-dozen countries and continues to study with world-class instructors whenever possible. She has been featured in Women's health Magazine, YogiTimes, Optymyz and get out there to name a few as well as on countless podcasts and newspaper articles. Lauren has solid roots in Iyengar based Hatha yoga with continued studies in Vinyasa flow, Anusara, Ashtanga, Restorative, Bhakti and Yin Yoga. She is inspired by teachers who tell stories. She has studied under Seane Corn, Chris Chavez, MC Yogi, Susan Cohen, Mercy Ananda, Nancy Goodfellow and many others. Lauren is passionate about sharing yoga from an authentic and soulful point of view. She believes that yoga practice can help uncover the veils that hide us from achieving our full potential.  Lauren is E-RYT 500 registered with Yoga Alliance. 

Hatti Williams

Hatti Williams

Hatti Williams is an Astrologer, Sound Healer, Fashionista and Yoga instructor. She completed her 200hr yoga teacher training and Yin Yoga teacher training with Yoga Academy International in Greece. Hatti then went on to study Yoga Nidra and Sound Healing where she learned more about the energetic body and Traditional Chinese Medicine Meridians. Hatti has a gift for bringing the mystical to life through her lectures and teachings. She offers a digestible and soulful take on astrology and merges the ancient wisdom of yoga with our understanding of the celestial universe seamlessly.

Angie Pone

Hatti Williams

Originally from Argentina, Angie is now a beach babe and a Nicaraguan local. She teaches soulful yoga classes that include Whim Hoff style breath work and themes sprinkled throughout that really connect yoga philosophy with movement.

Teresa Edmilao

Teresa Edmilao

Teresa has been practicing massage therapy since 2006. She has a 3000hr diploma in Massage Therapy from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Vancouver, BC. Teresa has a passion for helping people connect with their bodies. She lives by example, inspiring people to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. Teresa spent 7 years practicing massage therapy in Canada to people from all walks of life; students, athletes, desk workers, labourers, youth, elderly, dancers, and accident victims. Teresa is also a fire dancer and hula hoop dancer. She has experienced numerous injuries has personally been through the rehabilitation process many times. It was these experiences that have lead her to delve deeply into the study and application of anatomy and movement. Teresa offers anatomy classes at Yoga Academy International. Her teachings are thorough, meticulous but fun, drawing on every day life experience to help yogis understand their bodies better. 

Will Peters

Will Peters

Making yoga accessible and enjoyable, regardless of who you are and how strong or flexible you are, is his priority. With a passion for all things health and wellbeing, Will’s aim is to inspire anyone and everyone to step on the mat to gain the physical and mental benefits that yoga can provide.Born in the UK, Will is a qualified and registered yoga teacher with over 250 hours of training. Will places an emphasis on alignment and safety. Outside of teaching, Will is an enthusiastic yoga student, constantly pushing his body and mind to new limits. Whether it’s learning to handstand, progressing towards the splits or practicing mindfulness exercises, Will loves to learn new things and grow. This provides continuous evolution to Will’s teaching as he brings new-found energy and knowledge from my personal practice into class.

Nancy Goodfellow

Nancy Goodfellow

Yoga director and co-owner of Pranamar Villas and Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica, Nancy is extremely well known for her inspiring and creative daily classes, workshops,and retreats, with students both locally and internationally. Her twenty years of committed practice, thousands of hours of trainings, and continual curiosity towards life’s most mysterious aspects are all part of why she has so many devoted students. She began her Yogic studies in the Ashtanga Vinyasa tradition under the guidance of her first teachers, Dominic Corigliano, Tim  Miller and Pattabhi Jois. Nancy has completed over 500 hours of Yoga Alliance teacher trainings and began teaching in 1998. Nancy dedicated many years of study to the Anusara method with its amazing principles of alignment, Tantric philosophy and Bhakti filled practice. She completed over 500 hours of certified Anusara teachings and traditional non-dualistic Tantra studies.

Charlotte Mason

Charlotte Mason

Chef Charlotte Mason hails from Boston where she used work in high end restaurant kitchens and then later opened up her own catering company. Burnt out and needing a break, Charlotte went on a surf vacation to Nicaragua and 3 weeks later moved cross continents and has been there ever since. Charlotte's love of sourcing locally, creating exceptional plant-based dishes and combining flavours makes her food loved by everyone. Charlotte is passionate about health and wellness and is also a certified yoga instructor. Giving back not only with flavours, Charlotte frequently teaches yoga classes in Spanish for local women and helps empower local women to follow their dreams and speak their minds. In joining Yoga Academy International, Charlotte has added so much to the experience by creating comfort and family feelings found only when gathering around a table to share delicious meals together. When not on Yoga Academy International's trainings, Charlotte creates gourmet pop up dinners around Nicaragua and chefs at yoga retreats around the world.  

Sanne Hofman

Sanne Hofman

Sanne is a ray of sunshine! Before joining the Yoga Academy International team, Sanne was a neuropsychologist in Holland. On her path, she felt that her chosen field was not quite the right fit. So Sanne set off on a journey through Central America to get to know herself better. Along the way she met her partner Toby in Panama. Together they worked and traveled through Central America eventually finding their way to Maderas Beach, Nicaragua. They loved the spot so much that they decided to move there and eventually got jobs managing a boutique hotel. Wanting to expand her offerings at the hotel, Sanne took Yoga Academy International's 200hr teacher training in 2018. She then furthered her studies in the Chakra-Vinyasa Training and went back to Europe to take Thai Yoga Massage training. Sanne is compassionate, loving and kind. She is an example of how to live yoga ethics while still being true to who you are. Sanne offers YAI students endless encouragement and love as well as unwavering support on their journeys. She can always be counted on for a listening ear, a compassionate friend, a glowing smile or a warm hug when you need it most.