Align & Awaken: Ayurvedic Yoga Retreat in India
"This trip to India was truly life-changing. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the culture, history, and spirit of the country. It was an experience I will carry with me forever."
Together, we journeyed to Kerala, India, for 7 restorative nights centered around yoga, healing, and connection. Between daily yoga practices, Ayurvedic treatments, and meals designed to support each person’s dosha, we created space to recharge both body and mind.
We explored local culture through markets, excursions, music, and nature, while sacred circles and ceremony deepened our sense of community. Free time by the ocean and pool allowed for reflection, laughter, and meaningful connection.
This retreat was more than a getaway — it was a shared experience of wellness, culture, and renewal that left us feeling grounded, inspired, and deeply connected.
Deanna, Founder - Joya
Deanna discovered Yoga during one of the most challenging periods of her life. At the time, she and her husband were deeply involved in the real estate market—her husband working as a Real Estate Broker, while she worked for a mortgage bank. They owned multiple homes and several Real Estate offices across California. However, when the market crashed in 2008, they lost everything. It was the lowest point in her life. She was feeling deeply depressed after being laid off, just a few months after having a baby. She was also at her heaviest weight.
Years earlier, a close friend who had practiced Yoga for many years had encouraged her to try it. Two weeks after attending her first Hot Yoga class, she was completely hooked. Yoga became a lifeline, helping her through her darkest days. Within her first month of consistent practice, she realized she wanted to one day become a teacher and own her own studio. She felt compelled to share this transformative practice that had brought her so much love, peace, and confidence.
Today, she is fulfilling her dream as a successful Yoga & Wellness studio owner, with multiple thriving locations and plans for continued growth. She has transformed her life, achieving what once seemed like "impossible" dreams, and is deeply passionate about guiding others on their own spiritual fitness journeys. Through her teachings, she inspires others to harness the power of visualization to create the life they truly desire.
Deanna also leads transformative Yoga and Spiritual Awakening retreats around the world. Her spiritual journey has taken her to study with indigenous tribes in Brazil, Peru, Mexico, and the United States, immersing herself in their profound teachings. Her greatest joy lies in bringing healing and raising awareness of the powerful connection between the mind, body, and spirit.
Alison, Joya Yoga Lead Instructor E-RYT 500 and Yoga Alliance Registered Instructor
Alison loves everything about yoga! She's passionate about teaching yoga so that everyone can find the physical benefits, mental balance, and self-compassion they need to live a healthy life. Alison has over 10 years of experience teaching yoga around the world and is certified in a multitude of yoga disciplines: vinyasa, yin, aerial, SUP, sound healing and The Roll Model.
When not at the studio, Alison is in the Kindergarten classroom or supporting elementary teachers. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and being outdoors.
Lisa, Joya Instructor E-RYT 500 and Yoga Alliance Registered Instructor
Lisa is a yoga teacher with over 15 years of experience. She is certified in many different disciplines, including primary group fitness, functional anatomy, and pain care restorative yoga. Lisa loves to help her students connect with their own power and intuition, and she firmly believes that the practice of yoga can benefit everyone.
Lisa is also an E-RYT 500 and a Yoga Alliance registered teacher. She has taught all around the world, sharing her passion for the practice with people of all ages and backgrounds. When she's not on her mat or teaching a class, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves travelling and exploring new cultures, as well as tasting new dessert recipes and practicing Yin Yoga.
