Where mindfulness meets movement – A look at the Áshrama Tavira Yoga Centre

In this interview, Andreia Santos, director of the Áshrama Tavira Yoga Centre, shares her journey in yoga, her philosophy of conscious living and the role of the centre in the Tavira community. Her insights offer a look into the heart of a peaceful yoga sanctuary in the Algarve.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself?

The Tavira Yoga Center is an Ashrama that belongs to the Portuguese Yoga Confederation, exclusively dedicated to teaching the Traditional Yoga of India. This Yoga Center started in 2013, at the time, located in Conceição de Tavira and in 2015 we moved to the center of Tavira.

Q: What inspired you to start and how did you get involved?

In the summer of 2009, at Praia do Barril, I took my first Yoga class. I remember being pleasantly surprised by the class and, therefore, I went to look for a Yoga Center to continue the practice. Since then, I have never stopped practicing. In 2011 I went to take the Special Advanced Yoga Course – CAESYO, at the Portuguese Yoga Confederation and in September 2012 I started teaching Yoga classes.

Q: What do you think makes Tavira, and the region, such a unique place?

In the region I would say, the light, the blue of the sky and the sea and the gold of the sand. Tavira is a calm city, even when there are more people, it's calm and I appreciate that. The Roman bridge and the river that crosses the city are something unique, no matter how many times it passes, the beauty of the scenery always enchants me.

Q: Do you have a favorite place in this area that you think more people should know about?

I have a lot of places that I love, but the salt pans in Tavira, especially when they are pink, are very worth visiting.

Q: What's next for you in this project?

We believe in constant, continuous evolution through learning, so this will always be a priority, we aim for excellence in what we teach. We intend to continue to promote and disseminate Yoga Sámkhya, in order to reach more and more children, young people and adults.

Q: If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Determined, cheerful, playful

Q: What is your favorite order at a local restaurant or café?

Well, actually, what I like the most is to go to the best bakery ever, Mr. Portuguese, pick up my sourdough bread and eat the best artisanal ice cream at the Delizia ice cream parlor.

Q: If you had a free day to explore or enjoy the Eastern Algarve, how would you spend it?

Without a doubt, I would go to Castro Marim to visit the Castle and the Fort, then I would spend a few hours at Praia do Cabeço, my childhood beach, on the way back I would pass through Cacela Velha, which for me is one of the most beautiful places in the East Algarve and I would end in Tavira, visiting the Castle, enjoying the view from the top, finally, an ice cream, accompanied by a walk by the river.

Q: What is a hidden talent or a fun fact about you that most people don't know?

Perhaps the most curious fact about me is that, before being a Yoga teacher, I was a military woman for 6 years!

The conversation with Andreia Santos offers not only an insight into the Áshrama Tavira Yoga Centre, but also a reminder of the transformative power of mindful practice. Her journey inspires us to live with more presence, balance and purpose.

Contact Information

Áshrama Tavira - Yoga Center