About this Retreat
Founder & Heart of Shine Yoga Retreats | Experienced Yoga Teacher (1000+ RYT) | Women’s Empowerment Coach | M.A. Intercultural Communication
She is the founder and a highly experienced teacher, coach, and retreat leader with over two decades dedicated to the study of yoga, mindfulness, personal development, and human potential.
Holding a Master’s Degree in Intercultural Communication alongside more than 850+ hours of advanced yoga teacher training, Anke brings a unique blend of academic knowledge, professional expertise, and embodied wisdom to her work. Her approach weaves together yoga, meditation, breathwork, nervous system regulation, and transformational coaching to create retreats that nourish the whole woman -body, mind, heart, and soul.
Known for her warmth, depth, and inspiring presence, Anke creates safe and supportive spaces where women can step away from the demands of everyday life, reconnect with themselves, and experience meaningful inner transformation. Rooted in heart-centered practices, her work supports deep remembering, reconnection, and embodied alignment. Her methods are designed to nourish emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing, guide transformation both on and off the mat, and empower you to see the bigger picture and live a more wholesome and liberated life -while gently reconnecting you with your innate beauty and power.
Holistic Yoga Education:
Continued eduction 2026: Intensive Immersion, Tantra Yoga Illuminated w. Rod Stryker. Bhakti Yoga Immersion, Harmonium Training w. Ellen Arthur. Immersion with Jivamukti Yoga Barcelona. Vocal Training with Nessi Gomes
Continued eduction, Masters Event at Oxford University. Europe’s largest trauma, mental health, and wellbeing conference with Gabor Maté, Bessel van der Kolk or Dan Siegel (2024).
300 hrs advanced Teacher Training, with the Association for Yoga and Meditation in Rishikesh. This authentic Indian Yoga Academy course includes both traditional and modern style Yoga. Hatha, Asthanga, Power, Vinyasa Flow, Restorative and Iyengar Yoga including Pranayama, Philosophy, Meditation, Mantra, Music and Anatomy. Focus is on Yoga Therapy (2018)
50 hrs, Tantra Shakti. The Power and Radiant Soul of Yoga – A Para Yoga Master Training with Yogarupa Rod Stryker in Bali / The Practice. Focus: Tantra, Bandha, Pranayama (2018)
50 hrs, Seat of the Teacher advanced training with Dr. Suzanne Faith in Ibiza. Focus – Sequencing and defining teaching techniques with a powerful Anusara approach (2018)
200 hrs, `Total Transformation Teacher Training´ with focus on the Anatomy of the Core (Core Strenght Vinyasa Yoga) with Sadie Nardini (2017)
Mantra workshops, therapeutic acro yoga training, more retreats, intensives, more teaching and practice, practice, practice (2016)
Reiki 1 + 2. Attuned and certified by Magic of Reiki with Catherine Wheeler in Bali (2016)
200 hrs Vinyasa Flow and Anusara inspired Yoga Teacher Training with Reflections Yoga / New York in Costa Rica (2015)
Meditation and Pranayama Intensive with Clive Sheridan (2015)
Pranayama and Philosophie Intensive with Philip E. Lempke / Inspya Yoga and Conscious Living (2015)
50 hrs Yin Yoga Teacher Training with Yoga Therapy Mallorca. A therapeutic intensive training. Focus: Anatomy, Facia, Meridian & Organ Theory (Chinese Medicine) using Yin Yoga as a healing approach for stress related illnesses (2014)
2003: My Yoga journey began when I was in university. I needed something that would help me to cope with stress and keep me sane. Something that would help me to find stability, clarity and connection. More important I needed something that would answer me a few questions that couldn´t be answered in uni. Questions about how to live a great connected life with integrity and thrive. I practiced regularly for 11 years and attended various workshops, Yoga conferences etc. before I started teaching and sharing the wisdom of yoga.
Details of this retreat
✨ Boutique women’s retreat with a personal touch
A small and intimate retreat for maximum 16 women, creating the perfect space for connection, meaningful conversations, and genuine friendships. Many women arrive solo and leave with a beautiful sense of belonging and community.
✨ A profound holistic yoga & embodiment journey
Experience 18+ hours of carefully curated practices guided by experienced teachers and facilitators who truly live and breathe what they teach. The programme weaves together Tantra-inspired Vinyasa Flow, Hatha & Anusara Yoga, Yin Yoga, meditation, Pranayama, Mantra, rituals, sound healing, and embodied practices.
✨ Wisdom, self-discovery & emotional wellbeing
Through thought-provoking workshops such as Wisdom of Emotions and #IamRemarkable, explore emotional awareness, self-expression, confidence, and practical tools to support a more balanced and empowered life.
✨ A beautiful charming coastal villa near Lisbon, Portugal
Stay in a beautiful boho-style villa surrounded by the nature of Sintra National Park, close to beaches, coastal hikes, Ericeira, Sintra, and the charming village of Azenhas do Mar. A peaceful sanctuary with grounding energy, beautiful yoga spaces, pool, sunset views, and plenty of space to relax and reconnect.
✨ Sound healing, rituals & spiritual connection
Immerse yourself in experiences such as Sound Journey, Gong Bath, Chakra Charge, ceremonies, and practices that invite deeper connection with yourself and the subtle energy around you.
✨ Nature, adventure & Portuguese magic
Beyond the retreat programme, enjoy time to explore the coastline, swim in the ocean, hike stunning trails, visit Sintra, Ericeira, and Azenhas do Mar, discover local gems, enjoy sea-view restaurants, or simply relax and soak up the beauty of Portugal.
✨ Nourishing food & thoughtful catering
Enjoy delicious, wholesome meals prepared with care, including excellent vegan options and catering for allergies and dietary needs.
✨ Optional surf adventure - ocean time without the surf camp experience
For women who feel called to learn surfing, this retreat offers the perfect introduction to the waves. Especially for women in their 30s and beyond who don’t want to join a typical surf camp, you can enjoy the fun and freedom of surfing while staying in the comfort of our beautiful villa. Learn in small groups with dedicated surf coaches, build confidence in the ocean, and combine adventure with the depth, connection, and relaxed atmosphere of a Shine Yoga Retreat in September, when Portugal is at it´s finest.
✨What you´ll leave with:
Recharged energy and nervous system balance: Less overwhelm, more vitality, a fitter body, and a feeling of being truly nourished.
A renewed connection to your body and femininity: More embodiment, self-trust, softness, and pleasure in being in your body again.
Emotional lightness and inner clarity: Releasing old layers, heartbreak, stress, or confusion and feeling clearer about what you want next.
A deeper connection to nature and beauty: Feeling re-wilded, grounded, and restored through the sea, the land, and sacred spaces.
A deep sense of belonging: Feeling held, seen, and part of a real sisterhood
More connected to awe, wonder and the spiritual side of life