Written by Lindsey, yoga teacher and masseuse from Belgium, this is an account of her weeklong stay at Engel Ayurpura in the Dolomites, South Tyrol. Lindsey won this trip to the Ayurvedic boutique hotel through Manduka’s Yoga Teacher Appreciation giveaway in September. We asked Lindsey to tell us about her transformative experience there and this is her story:
Hi there, I’m Lindsey, a yoga teacher and masseuse from Belgium. As a 29 year old I have come to the realisation that yoga is the anchor I needed when I was younger. Hence why I started yoga as a nanny in Australia to give me some peace of mind. Yoga changed my whole life around. Looking back 8 years ago I dipped my toes in an ocean that is now my lifestyle. It’s found in the little things in my life like waking up and getting natural sunlight on my face first thing, to spending time on my mat moving and breathing. Giving and receiving, growing and living life with purpose and gratitude.
Last September I just celebrated my fourth summer of teaching. I told myself in 2025 I will gift myself a retreat. I have hosted over seven retreats myself so I felt like it was time. I saw the Manduka x Engel Ayurpura Teacher Appreciation Giveaway pop up in my emails and sent it straight away to my lovely students. My best friend, who has been my biggest support in all I have created with my business Flowlinds, wrote a heartwarming comment and we joked about “imagine winning this” it would be so amazing.
A few weeks later, I was doing some work on my computer and saw that Manduka messaged me via Instagram. With a tag “you have won the Yoga Teacher Appreciation Giveaway.” I cried first. Could not believe it. Called my best friend and told her straight away. She was in disbelief as much as I was. I manifested this. After giving so much of myself the past few years I felt even more grateful for yoga in my life. This would have never happened otherwise.
First Impressions of Engel Ayurpura
As we were driving up the mountain, Engel Ayurpura popped up. We were in awe of its amazing structure and once we arrived inside, a very calm and healing energy welcomed us.
Once walking into the hotel we both looked at each other and shed a little tear of gratitude and awe of the luxury and tranquillity. The cleanliness and grounding energy that was present went straight to our hearts.
The way the hotel is designed brings zen straight away. From the views to the overall interior and the taps for warm water everywhere, everything was just so well thought out. The woman at the reception was so kind and professional. She made us feel very welcome and held.
Daily Rhythm and Ayurvedic Treatments
Every day we woke up with a 7 am pranayama and yoga flow by a very grounded teacher. Followed by a nourishing breakfast buffet. The best in the world for a health girlie like me!
We both had our own schedule and had some time to read, swim, spend time in the sauna or creative room. In between treatments that were described for our needs by the Ayurvedic doctor we got to see on the first day of our arrival.
On mornings when we both didn’t have any treatments, we went hiking. Truly best of both worlds as we love hiking. In the afternoon we would make our way to the shala for a meditation just before dinner. Nights were chill, quiet and early bedtimes to fully recharge and reset.
Every treatment felt like a deep dive into becoming. Receiving fully of the present moment.
Some of my favourites were:
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Abhyangam: a warm oil full-body massage that brought me back into my body
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Shirodhara: a stream of warm oil poured over my forehead, melting mental tension
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Churna Pinda Sweda: a massage using warm herbal stamps that re-energized my entire system
I’ve loved Ayurveda since my yoga teacher training and even took a course specifically for yoga teachers. Being at Engel Ayurpura made me realise how I can improve my approach in the right direction for new seasons in my life.
Deepening My Practice
The constant change in the mountains surrounding the hotel gave us both a new pair of glasses to see things in our personal life from a different perspective. As the mountains and sky were constantly playing with each other. The stillness everywhere and the ability to take a nap or chill in the infrared space was just a whole other level of zen.
During my time at Engel Ayurpura I came to the realisation that it’s okay to forgive people. That love will pay us back in a way that hate never will. Without forgiveness there’s no future. After the final consultation I felt so ready to implement all the tips the doctor gave me. As I’ve been struggling since I was a kid with psoriasis it gave me new energy to heal that part of me. A pain in my right shoulder that I have been struggling with since last summer slowly started to fade away. As a yoga teacher I feel like my cup is overflowing. Learning to not hold on to everyone else’s energy and making more time to let go and forgive.
During a mountain meditation my tears started streaming. A big release. A beautiful shift towards my future. Followed by a very meaningful chat with my best friend. Last year around the same time I hosted a yoga retreat where my best friend was with me as co host to dive into the astrology part. We wrote a letter to our future self “one year from now.” We read the letters. Cried and burned them after. Wrote a new one and burned it straight away. We both wanted to leave it there. No need to take it back home.
Why I’d Recommend Engel Ayurpura to Anyone Seeking Reconnection
This retreat is for anyone ready to push the reset button. Whether you’re a yoga teacher, a busy parent, or simply someone craving stillness — Engel Ayurpura will welcome you home to yourself.
It’s perfect for those seeking:
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Rest and healing
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Time alone or deep connection with a partner or best friend
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A break from hustle culture
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Guidance from experienced Ayurvedic professionals
What makes Engel Ayurpura so unique is the harmony between ancient wisdom and modern luxury. The location, the food, the Ayurvedic support — it all felt so personal. After our stay, we even received a full document with food and lifestyle recommendations tailored to us.
It’s not just a retreat... it’s a new beginning.
Gratitude and Closing Thoughts
Sometimes life throws us unbelievably beautiful gifts and this is surely one that I will never forget. It’s a week that I will cherish in my heart forever. Being able to spend this time with my best friend. Receiving this. Has been the greatest gift I have ever received.
A massive thanks for the warm hands from all the therapists we got to receive, the chefs for cooking us nourishing foods, the doctors, all the staff for helping us out when we needed direction on hikes or anything else. Special thanks to the owner for making this possible and creating such an astonishing experience for us.
I’m never not taking anything in life for granted. My health is my responsibility and I love taking everything I learned into my life. As a blanket of trust has covered this new season in my life.
Connect
- Lindsey, yoga teacher and masseuse: Instagram
- Engel Ayurpura: Instagram, website & Hotel Spotlight
