As soon as we arrived at 113 Carrer del Vicari Joaquim Fuster we took off our shoes. Upon entering, the mats now gathered in the corners gave us the unmistakable sign that we were in the main room of Yoga del mar, a unique studio where the users of the center meet to receive classes of different modalities (ying yoga, ashtanga, prenatal, children's yoga...) as well as group and private meditations. However, and we understand this immediately, this is a place where, in addition to practicing asanas and meditating, connection is inspired and you can breathe community.
The idea of founding the center was born two years ago. Yasmin and Nina were at the same school with their children and also worked in the same studio.They forged a friendship until Yasmin told Nina about her dream: to create her own studio near the sea. "Es Portitxol was the perfect combination: in Palma, but without the hustle and bustle of the center. And right in front of the sea we found this place very quickly. It was as if the universe had said 'yes'," the two say with a knowing smile.
Since then, the concept of the center has been taking shape in an organic evolution, unhurried, but in which both, they explain, "have put a lot of love in every detail". Now, only two years after its opening, they already have 10 teachers and 6 masseurs, in addition to the karma yogis, who make sure that everything is ready for the practice. Over time, other activities such as full moon circles, sound baths -with the voice, gongs and Tibetan bowls-, essential oil sessions and retreats have also been added to their calendar.
"The idea was to create a boutique studio, offer an experience and form a community. Here we know each other by name".
Its public, which makes up this large family, has also been growing and diversifying. Neighborhood residents, residents of the island, tourists passing through, people from here and there are always welcome at Yoga del mar, a center that adapts to the users and not the other way around: "We try to make everyone feel at ease.The idea was to create a boutique studio, offer an experience and form a community. Here we know each other by name, we have tea together," Yasmin and Nina tell us, as we chat in the center of the room, sitting on zafus.
The concept of wellness that both Nina and Yasmin practice in their daily lives and pass on to their students is key because it is evidence that yoga, for them, is a way of life. "Practicing yoga in daily life involves a change in your habits, in how you sleep, how you eat... gradually. We understand it as a process and at Yoga del mar we give you the tools to get you on the right path," explains Yasmin. "Meditation, practice, massage... when you put it all together it's like coming back to your own home, taking care of that connection with yourself that helps you find your inner peace and makes you feel good," Nina adds.
The sea, of course, is also part of the essence of the center. Backdrop to our talk, we asked why it was so important for them to find a location with these views."For us the sea is fundamental. We want Mallorca to remain as beautiful as it is and it is everyone's job to preserve it, both residents and tourists. That's why we want to attract the slow traveler, the tourist who appreciates the environment and nature," explains Yasmin.
"When you put your love, your strength and your energy into it, things usually turn out well".
Either by the connection they manage to create, by the proposals they offer or by the wonderful neighborhood in which they have settled, the truth is that 1,700 people have already passed through here and, of course, both feel that they have fulfilled their purpose: "to create a home, not just a yoga center". And there is more, much more. The desire to expand this community is such that in September Yoga del mar will celebrate its first festival in Can Torna, Esporles: four days of ceremonies, workshops, healthy food, art, meditation and yoga, of course, a lot of yoga.
For the Spirit Festival line-up they have brought together renowned teachers such as Sam Garrett, Mose, Kevin James Carroll and David Lurey, among others, as well as instructors and artists residing on the island. The mission of the meeting is twofold: on the one hand, to promote the connection between people and between people and nature; on the other hand, to support the conservation and regeneration of the Mediterranean Sea.To this end, part of the proceeds from the tickets will go to the MedGardens project, which cares for the seabed around the island.
The festival is the next objective. An exciting challenge in which they have invested a lot of time and infinite desire, but these two restless souls already have new ideas in mind, such as starting to provide training for future teachers. Something tells us that it will work out well. Because of the delicacy with which they work and the joy they radiate.They also believe it and they say so, with the same transparency and honesty with which we have shared this time, they say: "we are very positive and visionary. When you put your love, your strength and your energy into it, things usually turn out well". Best wishes, girls. Long live Yoga del mar.