the French Frolic w/nikki vilella and me

For this late summer retreat, we’re heading to a majestic forested area only 1.5 hours Southwest of Paris. Our home for the week will be a 16th-18th Century private castle surrounded by over 100 hectares of deep woods. Classified as a National Monument, Château Bouthonvilliers’ grounds are complete with an organic vegetable garden, horse trails and stables, a chapel, a pool, and beautiful walking paths through the French forest. A chateau with no tourists. Just you and a group of Kulis taking over the estate. After yoga, you’ll find Nikki and Rebecca tasting the secret stash of wine hidden beneath the chateau’s chapel. 

What to Expect

A vigorous yoga practice in the morning and a more mellow practice in the evening. In between there is abundant time to peep the brilliant summer flora, swim in the pool, hang with the resident ponies, or taste some of the local wine and cider. Nestled between historic castles and wineries, we’ll be conveniently located for those looking to experience the iconic French country summer vibes as well as those interested in deep relaxation on the gorgeous private property. This retreat is all about embracing late summer and the French Art de Vivre. Think ripe tomatoes, cold ciders, dips in the pool and world class yoga.

A note on the lodging: The rooms of the chateau and surrounding buildings are all unique and whimsical. Choose an unfussy yet stunning room in the former artist studio with views of the surrounding forest, or an elegant chambre in the chateau with intricate moldings and giant oil paintings that harken back to Henry V’s rule. Either way, you’ll be transported to the land of Proust (whose home you can visit nearby), Jean d’arc, and beaucoup des croissants. 

What’s included

All prices are per person and include 7 nights of lodging, 7 days of yoga classes, and all the local and fresh summer food you can eat prepared by our supremely talented friend and chef Kiki.

What’s not included

Airfare to Paris, travel to and from the chateau (we can connect you with other guests who are carpooling or assist in arranging transport from the train station), excursions or alcohol (this is not a dry retreat - you are welcome to bring your own for our delicious dinners and fireside chats!). Yoga mats are not provided so please plan to bring your own.

EMAIL jen@kulayoga.com with any questions. You’ll find all pricing information here.

Looking for a glitz-free, rustic adventure that is sure to leave you feeling grounded and reconnected to both nature and yourself? We have your answer: Tiskita Jungle Lodge, a place you will be chuffed to call your home for the week! Tiskita is nestled between the tiny towns of Pavones and Punto Banco in the secluded southwest corner of Costa Rica, off the well-worn tourist paths. Think remote coastlines, black-sand beaches, hundreds of acres of private biological reserve, organic fruit orchards, and more. 

The wild southernmost peninsulas of Costa Rica are truly some of the most biodiverse places on earth, and we aren’t just saying that! Take it from those whose lives have been forever changed after spending even a short bit of time in this lush tropical rainforest. The rugged beauty of this place will transport you far from the upheaval of the past few years and leave you feeling inspired and illuminated. We cannot wait to explore with you! Nikki and Rebecca will offer two yoga classes a day. In between classes, you can rest, surf, hike, relax, partake in various activities, lounge by the pool, take a dip in the hot springs, and more. You can be as busy or as relaxed as you like.

Who this retreat is for: Those who gravitate toward the rustic. Anyone who jumps at the chance to spend a week in their bathing suit and bare feet. 

Who this retreat is not for: Anyone looking for fluffy white towels, air conditioning, or room service.

About your accommodations: Tiskita’s private cabins are tucked into the jungle overlooking the ocean. Each unit is shrouded in privacy by the natural landscape and only a short stroll away from the beach, jungle, or lodge. All rooms are well screened, have private bathrooms with solar hot water heaters, ceiling fans, wonderful porches, and outside showers. You can choose from single, double or triple occupancy.

Important to note! We only have twelve spots. They will go fast. Proceed accordingly!

Surf + other activities: You didn’t think we forgot about this, did you? While you are not required to be a surfer or even want to learn on this trip, keep in mind that Pavones is the third longest left break in the world, ideal for beginners and experts alike.  Lessons and boards are available for anyone interested. If you aren’t tempted by a gorgeous surf break, then hot springs, waterfalls, hiking trails, bird and wildlife watching, and cacao sampling await.

Meals: Tiskita serves locally sourced food whenever possible, prepared by local staff. Jams, dressings, and juices are made using locally grown fruit; tortillas and chips are freshly made onsite. Coffee, juice, and snacks are available throughout the day. 

Arriving to Tiskita: Book a flight to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO). From there, book a 45-minute flight on Sansa to Golfito. We’ll pick you up in a taxi; it’s about a 90-minute ride to the lodge. Please take care when booking, as you’ll want to carefully coordinate your international flight with your local flight to Golfito. Ensure there are convenient departures on Sansa before you pull the trigger on your international flight. If you don’t find suitable options same-day, you can fly to SJO on Saturday, sleep overnight, and then fly to Golfito on Sunday morning. Apply the same logic to your departing flight itinerary. If you wish to stay overnight in San Jose, we can recommend the following hotels located adjacent to the SJO airport: Marriott Courtyard San Jose Airport Alajuela; or Marriott Hotel Costa Rica Hacienda Belen.

Price includes: accommodation; 2 yoga classes daily; meals.
Price does not include: airfare; taxis to and from Tiskita; extra activities; bodywork sessions; or alcoholic beverages purchased onsite.
Please note we are unable to offer refunds or credits for any payments made. No one books a retreat with the intention of cancelling—so we strongly advise you to purchase travel insurance to protect your investment. We use www.squaremouth.com, which is an aggregator site (similar to Skyscanner) you can use to book the most appropriate policy for your trip.
Pricing at a glance (all prices listed are per person):
Private Queen Bed Room, shared bed (must register together): $1750
Twin Bed in a Triple Room $1800 sold out
Private King Bed Room, shared bed (must register together): $1850
Twin Bed in a Double Room: $1900
Queen Bed in a Double Room: $2000 sold out
Private Queen Room for One Person: $3200
Private King Room for One Person: $3750 

Click here or email jen@kulayoga.com to book!

WHAT TO EXPECT

A vigorous yoga practice in the morning and a more mellow practice in the evening. In between there is abundant time to peep the late summer flora, swim in the natural swimming hole, shvitz in the sauna, or hike the many trails in the area. We’ll be nestled between the Shawangunk Mountains, Lake Minnewaska Preserve, and many orchards and wineries. You’re welcome to venture out and experience the surrounding upstate summer vibes or indulge in deep relaxation on the gorgeous private property. After dinner each night, we’ll gather around the outdoor fire pit and stargaze to our hearts content.  

WHAT’S INCLUDED

2 nights of lodging, 3 days of yoga classes, some optional yoga workshops, and all the late summer (tomatoes!!!!) local and fresh food prepared by our insanely talented friend and chef Paco Rodriguez. 

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Travel to and from the house (we can connect you with other guests who are driving to carpool or assist in arranging transport from the train/bus station), excursions or alcohol (this is not a dry retreat - you are welcome to bring your own for our delicious dinners and fireside chats!) 

EMAIL ME AT REBECCA@KETCHUMYOGA.COM WITH ANY QUESTIONS!

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300 HOUR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING- PORTUGAL April 2024

Study with me & the Sacred Fig

I'll be teaching with the tremendous brainiacs Anton Brandt, Matt Corker, and the rest of The Sacred Fig faculty. Please do come study with us. The Sacred Fig 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training is a highly-intensive program designed to educate & inspire the next generation of world-class yoga leaders.  We don’t provide answers (and we’re wary of any teacher or school who claims that they do). Instead, we welcome & provide different viewpoints, we stir lively discourse. We set the circumstances to challenge notions about what yoga is, what it might feel like or look like, and why we practice. We create an accelerated learning environment, where trainees gain the confidence to discover their own “truths” about yoga, about their bodies and their practice. There’s no memorization, no mimicry, and no script. From this place, trainees find their authentic voice… sharing their knowledge & their practice naturally.  Our rigorous program is approved by The Yoga Alliance, but it’s so much more than that.  In fact, it’s one of the most comprehensive available today.  Our teacher trainings attract students of all levels, from all around the globe. Here is where you can sign up and get more details.

Email me at rebecca@ketchumyoga.com or om@thesacredfig.com with any questions at all.

2 chances to study w/ The Sacred Fig & me - Bali, Fall2018

200 Hour Teacher Training Info Here - Nov 14 -Dec 9, 2018 OR 75 Hour Advanced Teacher Training Info Here - Dec 9-19, 2018

Here are more details:

I'll be teaching with the tremendous brainiacs Jules Mitchell Yoga, Anton Brandt, Matt Corker, and The Sacred Fig faculty. Please do come study with us. I've got lots I want to talk about. The Sacred Fig 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training is a highly-intensive program designed to educate & inspire the next generation of world-class yoga leaders.  We firmly believe that the strongest attribute any yoga teacher possesses is themselves.  And so we emphasize things like personal development, confidence, and speech (and don’t worry, you’ll still learn kick-ass alignment, too.)  Our rigorous program is approved by The Yoga Alliance, but it’s so much more than that.  In fact, it’s one of the most comprehensive available today.  Our teacher trainings attract students of all levels, from all around the globe. The Sacred Fig Yoga Teacher Trainings produce confident, knowledgeable, articulate, and empowered yoga teachers. 

Email me at rebecca@ketchumyoga.com or om@thesacredfig.com with any questions at all. 

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Study with me in Goa, India - Nov. 11th - Dec. 5th, 2016

I'm on the faculty of the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training of Sacred Fig Yoga in Goa, India. Here's some more information on the training:

The Sacred Fig 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training is a highly-intensive program designed to educate & inspire the next generation of world-class yoga leaders.  We firmly believe that the strongest attribute any yoga teacher possesses is themselves.  And so we emphasize things like personal development, confidence, and speech (and don’t worry, you’ll still learn kick-ass alignment, too.)  Our rigorous program is certified by The Yoga Alliance, but it’s so much more than that.  In fact, it’s one of the most comprehensive available today.  Our teacher trainings attract students of all levels, from literally all around the globe. The Sacred Fig Yoga Teacher Trainings produce confident, knowledgeable, articulate, and empowered yoga teachers.  Sign up here or Email rebecca@ketchumyoga.com with any questions. 

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Come see me in Montreal @  Le Studio de Yoga de Wanderlust from 10/7/15-10/11/15

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Contact 347-463-9886 to register...

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Red Cross Benefit Class for Nepal @ Kula Yoga Project Williamsburg

I'll be teaching a benefit/fund raiser Kula Hour class on Saturday, 5/2/15 - 9:30-10:35 a.m. All proceeds will benefit the Red Cross disaster relief for the Nepal earthquake. 

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Spine + Yoga Workshop

Join me in hometown of Warwick, NY 1 and 1/2 hours from NYC.  Saturday, May 9th, 10:30- 1 p.m. $45. Get to know your spine and how to move it in ways that heal. Bring your mom as a Mother's Day gift. Click here for more details.

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Special Class + Live Music

March 6th, 2015 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. I'm teaching Yoga Soundcapes at Kula Yoga in TriBeCa  More info here and below.

Yoga Teacher Rebecca Ketchum + Dan Kurfirst on frame drums // Tom Chess on Oud + Ney flute 


Make space inside and out with a sweet night of percussive flow,  energizing rhythms and inspiring music from around the world. Rebecca, a resident Kula yoga teacher in Brooklyn, believes our bodies are an accumulation of past experiences/actions/emotions/thoughts and sees yoga as a way to re-pattern our bodies so they return to their inherent nature of balance. As she leads tonight's yoga practice, her voice and sequence will encourage you to cultivate a balance between these polarities to create steadiness and ease. Guiding the musical component of the journey is percussionist/composer/improviser Dan Kurfirst on frame drums, and multi-instrumentalist/improviser/composer virtuoso Tomchess on Oud and Ney flute. Dan's music reflects his upbringing amongst a diverse and eclectic community, which sparked an interest in music from all corners of the world. His playing incorporates aspects of middle eastern, west African and Indian music, while clearly rooted in the jazz and rock traditions he grew up with. Tom Chess has played and recorded with some of the heaviest players in the improvisational scene (Dewey Redman, Butch Morris, Pharoah Sanders, Drew Gress, Ronald Shannon Jackson), performs globally, on NPR and PBS, and has played on Grammy Nominated recordings. Join this trio for a deep sonic movement journey full of spirit and a harmonizing sweaty yoga flow. 

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Benefit Class @ Loom Yoga

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Happy New Year. Added classes for winter of 2014:

I'm honored to sub for my teacher, Schuyler Grant, at Kula Yoga Project in Williamsburg every Tues. and Thurs. from 12:30-1:35 until mid-March. I'll be frequently subbing the Weds. 5:45-6:50 p.m. class for Ariel Karass as well. 

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Join my  200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training at House of Jai in Manhattan from January 11th - April 4th, 2015. Here is all of the information you'll need. The registration is still open. Email me with any questions.

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Absolute Beginner Workshop

Come to my beginner (or curious yogi) workshop series either at Loom Yoga Center or Kula Yoga Project - Williamsburg. My dreams have come true (no exaggeration!) and life has allowed me to share my ideas about yoga with my community. This will be a workshop with room for questions and discussion about alignment, breathing, and the shift that yoga can bring to your life. Please join me. Tell your friends. Ask me any questions. All details are below for both workshop series. 

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Absolute Beginner Series in January @ Loom Yoga

 Date: Jan 10, 2015 to Feb 01, 2015 From: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Week 1 - Jan. 10, 2015 - Sun Salutations
Week 2 - Jan. 17, 2015 - Standing postures
Week 3 - Jan 24, 2015 - Seated postures
Week 4 - Jan 31, 2015 - Inversions and arm balances

This hands-on workshop breaks down yoga poses through precise instruction on alignment, anatomy, and breathing. This is not a typical group flow class; instead, it's workshop setting complete with time for you to ask questions. While this is designed for brand new yoga students looking to learn the basics, it's is also the perfect workshop for seasoned yogis looking to refine their practice. After the workshop you'll feel confident going to group classes.

Participation in the full series is recommended, but drop ins for single sessions are possible too. Series is $70 or Single classes are $20. Email me at rebecca@ketchumyoga.com for more information.

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I am honored to be part of the Loom Yoga Center 200 Hour Teacher Training Staff this fall and winter 2014-15. I can't wait to share all that continually intrigues me about this complex practice. If you are interested, contact me at rebecca@ketchumyoga.com. More information about the training here. 

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Schedule Changes in Fall 2014:

I'll being teaching at Equinox Gyms and Pure Yoga throughout NYC. Keep an eye on my calendar for classes.

I'm adding 2 new classes at Kula Yoga Project in Williamsburg. Watch my schedule page for updates. 

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YOGA & AYURVEDA RETREAT - June 6-8 2014

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• at the wildly beautiful Outlier Inn located 2 hours NW of NYC

• fiery, expansive vinyasa yoga in the mornings and sweet, restorative practice in the evenings

• hike, forage for foods, and learn to cook with Ayurvedic principles. Or, just sit under a tree and meditate...

• prices TBD - check this website for the exact itinerary

• here's the Facebook invite with more info

TEACHERS

• Margherita Tisato - soulful, wise, and philosophical wonder of the yoga world who will be leading some of the yoga classes.

• Hira Lesea - Ayurvedic genius chef who will be mindfully preparing all of our food and teaching us about Ayurveda. She may even lead some sweet yin yoga classes.

• Rebecca Ketchum - you know me

Please let me know if you are interested -  rebecca@ketchumyoga.com - Space is limited. I would be so grateful to have you there. 

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I am honored to be part of the Loom Yoga Center 200 Hour Teacher Training Staff. I can't wait to share all that continually intrigues me about this complex practice. If you are interested, contact me at rebecca@ketchumyoga.com. More information about the training here. 

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Schedule change in 2014 - I'm teaching a new intermediate class at Loom Studios on Wednesday nights from 7-8:15 p.m. Hope to see you there. 

New Class! - This fall I've added a Vinyasa 2 class at House of Jai on Tuesday nights from 7-8:15. Come and join us.

Summer Subbing - Teaching for Ariel at Kula Williamsburg from 7/17/13 until 9/4/13 on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:05. 

Teaching Sunday Salutations @ lululemon (Madison Ave) June 30th, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Teaching Sunday Salutations @ lululemon (Madison Ave) April 21st, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Teaching Sunday Rising @ Athleta, UES March 24th, 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Teaching on March 6th and 13th, 2013 @ 8:30 for this

Charity Event for The Rockaways: