Ashtanga Yoga and Bhagavad Gita Immersion

1 week retreat with Bianca Oliviera and Valentina Parmigiani

16 January - 23 January 2027

Course Description

A full week of practice exploring Tapas and Bhakti — discipline and devotion — both on and off the mat. Tapas is the steady effort and commitment we bring to our practice, while Bhakti invites us to practise with love, devotion and an open heart.

Each morning, we gather in the shala for Mysore practice with Bianca, welcoming practitioners of all levels. The morning Mysore sessions are taught in a traditional style, silently and quietly as Bianca will be guiding, leading and assisting where needed. Afternoons will start with a Q&A relevant to the morning practice followed by yoga philosophy, where Valentina will guide us through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.

Retreat Schedule

Morning Practice

Mornings will start with Japa Mala before moving into Mysore style (guided) self practice. 

Afternoon Workshop

Afternoon sessions will include in-depth teachings on the Bhagavad Gita with Valentina, time for questions and discussion.

A typical week, with subject to change

Saturday 16/01/27

Arrival after 3pm

5:30pm Introduction meeting

6.30pm Dinner

Sunday 17/01/27

7.30 Japa Mala

8.00 Mysore self practice

11am Brunch

Day Off

6.30pm Dinner

Monday 18/01/27

7.30 Japa Mala

8.00 Mysore self practice

11 am Brunch

4.00 Q&A related to morning Mysore

4.30 to 6:00pm Afternoon Workshop:

First part The Battlefield - Bhagavad Gita

6.30pm Dinner

Tuesday 19/01/27

7.30 Japa Mala

8.00 Mysore self practice

11 am Brunch

4.00 Q&A related to morning Mysore

4.30 -6:00pm Afternoon Workshop:

Second part The knowledge- Bhagavad Gita 

6.30pm Dinner

Wednesday 20/01/27

7.30 Japa Mala

8.00 Mysore self practice

11 am Brunch

4.00 Q&A related to morning Mysore

4.30 -6:00pm Afternoon Workshop:

Third part Bhakti Yoga - Bhagavad Gita

6.30pm Dinner

Thursday 21/01/27

7.30 Japa Mala

8.00 Mysore self practice

11 am Brunch

4.30 Q&A related to morning Mysore

4 -6:00pm Afternoon Workshop:

Closing Circle: Q & A and Kirtan

6.30pm Dinner

Friday 22/01/27

7.30 Japa Mala

8.00 Mysore self practice

11 am Brunch

Afternoon Off

6.30pm Dinner

Saturday 23/01/27

Check out at 9 am

9am Simple Breakfast

About the Teacher

Bianca Oliviera

Bianca is an Authorised Level II Ashtanga Yoga teacher, having received the blessing of Paramaguru R. Sharath Jois to teach the traditional method. She studied the Advanced A series and pranayama directly with him until his passing and had the opportunity to assist him during classes in Mysore. She now studies the Advanced B series with her Western teachers and continues to deepen her understanding of yoga philosophy.

Bianca first discovered yoga at the age of 18 in her home country of Brazil, where she felt a deep connection to the practice. In 2009, she moved to the United States to work as a circus performer with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. A few years later, her growing interest in yoga led her to complete her first teacher training in Boone, North Carolina.

Her first Ashtanga class was with Sharath Jois during his US tour in 2013. In 2015, she began travelling to Mysore, India, and has since dedicated herself to the practice and study of Ashtanga Yoga. Today, she teaches workshops and retreats internationally, sharing the practice and its spiritual foundations.

As a mother, Bianca understands how family life and a committed practice influence one another. Her approach values discipline, devotion and dedication, alongside learning to let go of expectations and attachment to results.

Bianca sees herself as a lifelong student. She finds joy in sharing how yoga can support people in their daily lives, both on and off the mat.

Today, Bianca runs an online and in-person shala in Katowice, Poland, where she lives with her husband and son. You can find out more about her classes here.

Valentina Parmigiani

Valentina Parmigiani studied at the University of Bologna, where she earned a degree in Literature, focusing on literature and art, followed by a second degree in Oriental Studies, Religions and Philosophies.

She has a deep interest in mythology and the comparative study of spiritual traditions, particularly the Bhagavad Gita and its connections with other philosophical and spiritual teachings.

Valentina’s path to teaching yoga philosophy grew from her own yoga practice, mainly within the Ashtanga tradition. Her spiritual path is rooted in the Bhakti Vaishnava tradition.

When she is not travelling to teach yoga philosophy, Valentina lives in Fuerteventura, where she runs YogaVolt, a small, intimate shala. Here, she teaches and hosts small retreats with well-known teachers. You can read more about Valentina’s shala, YogaVolt, here.

Practical Information About The Retreat Centre:

Our retreat centre, Finca Naranjas (previously known as Cristoforo), is a simple yet deeply beautiful sanctuary nestled in the heart of South Tenerife. It was lovingly designed by architect Denis Devaris, who envisioned it as a meeting place for spiritual seekers. Built slowly over the course of 30 years using volcanic rock from the island, each room carries its own unique charm, full of character, thoughtful details, and personal touches.

The Meals:

Our meals are prepared with love by our wonderful retreat chefs, offering fresh, wholesome dishes that are entirely vegetarian and mostly vegan. Wherever possible, we use local and organic ingredients to support both your wellbeing and the surrounding environment. Occasionally, eggs or dairy may be included in some meals.

If you have any food allergies or sensitivities, please let us know in advance. Gluten-free options are available.

We also have a self-service tea and coffee station available throughout the day, and we do our best to provide fresh fruit for light snacking between meals. You’re welcome to enjoy your meals either indoors or outside in the peaceful beauty of our garden.

The Practice:

Our retreat offers an intimate practice setting, with a maximum of 25 students and morning classes limited to 16 participants for a more personal experience.

Sessions are held in our beautiful wooden garden Shala. During full retreats, Savasana is often enjoyed outdoors to create space in the Shala, and some afternoon workshops may also take place outside.

Please pack warm layers for practice, especially for Savasana, as mornings and evenings can be chilly.

Arrival & Departure:

Rooms will be ready from 3:00pm on arrival day. The retreat begins with a welcome meeting at 6:00pm, followed by dinner at 6:30pm. We kindly ask all students to arrive in time for the introduction.

Our first practice session takes place on Sunday morning, and the final practice is on Friday morning. Check-out is on Saturday at 9:00am.

Accommodation:

Please find below the available accommodation options, along with the pricing. You can find pictures of the rooms by following the link in room category titles below.

Premium Rooms

Premium Rooms are the most spacious and comfortable accommodation option at the retreat, featuring larger interiors and private indoor bathrooms.

Single: 1600 GBP/week

Available: Palmera, Casita 1, Casita 2, Tao

Shared: 1350 GBP/week

Available: Danae 1, Venus, Casa Blanca

Standard Rooms

Standard Rooms are more compact than the Premium Rooms while still offering a comfortable stay. Most include attached indoor bathrooms, while Bella Durmiente and Ficus feature outdoor bathrooms. La Granja consists of two rooms sharing one bathroom.

Single: 1500 GBP/week

Available: Pino de Oro, Bella Durmiente

Shared: 1250 GBP/week

Available: 5 Peldaños

Budget Rooms

Budget Rooms offer a simpler accommodation option with shared bathroom facilities and may experience some light noise from the nearby road.

Single: 1400 GBP/week

Available: Sold out!!

Shared: 1200 GBP/week

Available: Fuente 2

Community Rooms

Community Rooms accommodate up to three guests of the same sex in a shared space designed for a more social and affordable retreat experience.

Shared: 1100 GBP/week

Available: Danae 2 (2 female spots available)

Shared: 1000 GBP/week

Available: La Huerta (2 male spots available)

The accommodation price is all-inclusive, covering your stay, all meals, and yoga sessions. To secure your place, you can pay a 50% deposit of the total amount. Please note that the deposit is non-refundable, and the remaining balance must be paid at least 4 weeks before the start date.

Please note that single rooms are limited for this retreat. Before booking, kindly confirm availability by contacting us at info@yogagoa.com.

https://yogagoa.com/ashtanga-yoga-and-bhagavad-gita-immersion/