Hi, I’m Dev! I am the founder of Bija Yoga Institute and an international yoga educator. For over a decade, I’ve had the privilege of teaching yoga across the globe, leading retreats, workshops, and teacher trainings where people connect deeply both with the practice and with themselves.
My own yoga journey began at seventeen, during a time of deep introspection and longing for clarity. Not long after I had left behind my college studies in religion and education to fully dedicate myself to yoga. What began as a personal passion grew into a lifelong calling to guide others on their paths of practice and self-discovery.
At Bija Yoga Institute, we honor the eight-limb system of Aṣṭāṅga Yoga and draw inspiration from the Ghosh and Iyengar lineages. Our programs bring traditional teachings to life in ways that are both practical and deeply transformative, helping students embody yoga as a way of life.
Pack your bags, we’re going to Mexico! Join Dev and Linda, long time friends and yoga teaching colleagues, on a 6 day all inclusive retreat in beautiful Akumal, Mexico. With daily sunrise yoga in the jungle shala along with two special workshops to take your practice to the next level, adventurous excursions to local cenotes and gorgeous beaches to soak up the sun, plus plenty of free time to kick back and relax in between... This is going to be the ultimate Mexico retreat week. Ekumal, our amazing venue, offers multiple styles of accommodation from more budget friendly shared room and eco dome options as well as more luxurious private eco domes for those who want an upgrade! Throughout the week we will be eating three deliciously prepared meals a day with options for vegetarian, pescatarian, and meat eating diets. We’ll see you in Mexico!
Upon arrival at the airport (you can arrive anytime but before 3pm is best), you're whisked away on a group transfer to your accommodation, Ekumal! As the warm breeze of the jungle welcomes you, your dream week begins with a relaxing arrival day as we all settle in and get oriented at our home for the week. As the evening unfolds, we will come together for a special welcome dinner, followed by an opening ceremony where your retreat leaders Dev and Linda will welcome you, give introductions, and answer any questions you may have about the week to come!
We kick off our morning with an invigorating sunrise morning practice, setting the tone for a perfect day ahead. After nourishing your body with a wholesome breakfast, we have a nice pocket of free time to rest, swim in the pool, book a massage or do whatever your heart desires! Later in the afternoon, we will immerse ourselves into a workshop all about inversions. Here we will overcome fears, explore how to advance and build upon inversion postures, and embrace the playful energy of trying new things. Conclude the day with a delicious dinner, followed by a cozy circle around the fire under the starlit sky.
It's a beach day! After our sunrise yoga session we will have breakfast and get ourselves ready to hit the beach for the rest of the day until dinner. Once we are at the beach you have the option to enjoy a packed lunch provided by the retreat or head out to explore a local restaurant and treat yourself to something else while we're in town! As we return to Ekumal in the evening, we will get settled and regroup for a delicious dinner together.
Prepare for a day of adventure as we journey to the breathtaking Cenote Dos Ojos! The name Dos Ojos translates to Two Eyes, which refers to the two connected sinkholes that form this cenote system. After an energizing morning practice and a tasty breakfast, we will be on our way to the crystal-clear waters of this natural wonder, surrounded by ancient limestone formations and lush jungle greenery. You can choose to swim and explore the glittering blue waters of the cenote or simply bask in the tranquility of this stunning sacred space. Return to Ekumal in the afternoon for a light lunch, followed by a flexibility workshop that will take your mobility to new spaces. After our workshop we will enjoy free time until dinner, and a circle around the fire to conclude our day.
Our final full day together begins with another fiery morning practice as the sunrises over us in the jungle. After breakfast, you have a choice to stay back and chill at the resort during free time, or opt to take a shuttle into downtown Tulum for some shopping, local restaurants, or a walk about town to admire the culture and local community. Then we gather for one last special dinner, where we celebrate the memories made and friendships created in our week together. The day ends with a closing ceremony around the fire pit.
As the final morning unfolds, we savor the final sunrise practice in our beautiful shala, centering our energy for the travels ahead. After a leisurely breakfast, take time to pack and prepare for departure. Once we check out of your accommodation, we bid farewell to our friends at Ekumal and give gratitude to Mexico for providing the retreat of our dreams. Safe travels!