This month, we’re shining a light on Leela Lisboa in Portugal, a beautifully designed yoga studio rooted in community, intention, and transformation. Founded by long-time teacher, Anton Brandt, whose journey began with training in India and mentorship under Katonah Yoga’s Nevine Michaan, Leela is more than a yoga space, it’s a gathering place for breathwork, connection, and joy. Inspired by the Sanskrit word for “divine play,” Leela invites you to reconnect with yourself and others in a setting that feels both refined and deeply grounding.
How did you [Anton Brandt] discover yoga, and what was your journey from student to teacher to studio owner?
I did my first teacher training in India in my 20s (now I’m in my 40s!). On just the third day of the training, I remember feeling so good — from all the meditation, chanting, and spiritual practices — that I knew right then I wanted to dedicate my life to yoga, and to sharing it with others.
Was there a special teacher or guide who influenced your practice?
Nevine Michaan is one of my greatest mentors. She’s the founder of Katonah Yoga, which beautifully weaves together Daoist theory, sacred geometry, and metaphor. Her work has completely transformed both my practice and my life. Nevine taught me to play well with others, to recognize my blind spots, and to set up my circumstances in a way that creates joy and community.
Why did you choose Manduka as your studio equipment partner?
I’ve tried all the brands — and Manduka is, hands down, the highest quality out there. The solid cork blocks last for years. The PROlite yoga mats are timeless. When I invest in Manduka, I know the props will endure — and that matters.
What inspired you to open Leela Lisboa? Can you share the story behind it?
I’ve been deeply immersed in the global yoga community for over a decade. I founded The Sacred Fig — a platform for yoga retreats and teacher trainings — and co-founded Cocoon Portugal, a 275-acre retreat center on the Alentejo coast.
But I was craving something more local. I wanted community. A place in the city where I might bump into friends and teachers over coffee. A space not just for yoga, but for true connection. That’s why we created a terrace at Leela, where people can gather — whether it's in our 15-person sauna, a cold plunge, or just sitting and being. Leela was born from that desire.
What does Leela mean?
In Sanskrit, Leela translates to "divine play." It embodies the spontaneous and creative flow of the universe, often seen as an expression of the divine. In Yoga philosophy, Leela represents the idea that all of existence is a manifestation of the playful energy of the cosmos, frequently associated with Krishna or Shiva.
The sweet fragrance of a flower, the breathtaking beauty of a sunset… Leela.
Leela reflects life and creation as a joyful, effortless expression of cosmic consciousness—something organic and vibrant, rather than mechanical or burdensome. It reminds us to embrace life with playfulness, creativity, and openness.
Your space is beautifully designed, how would you describe the energy of the studio? What do you want people to feel when they enter?
I wanted to create something more refined, more European, more timeless — something beyond just another white-walled yoga studio.
Stepping into Leela feels like entering another world. The curved, glowing glass wall guides you into a space that’s soft, intentional, and quietly radiant. It’s like a jewel box tucked into the quietest little street in the city, with a magical view of the basilica just beyond.
We’ve created a space that draws you inward. It feels warm, refined, and deeply considered. My hope is that people arrive and feel instantly at ease — like they can leave the outside world behind, and come home to themselves.
What is Leela Lisboa’s mission or goal?
To create a space where people can reconnect with themselves and with each other through meaningful practices that inspire personal transformation.
What do you want students to take away from their experience at your studio?
We offer opportunities for deep reflection and joyful connection.
We offer tools for transformation.
We offer techniques for joy.
What is the teaching philosophy, and how does it shape your class offerings and community events?
Our teaching is rooted in the belief that practice is communal, cathartic, and transformative. We hold space for people to breathe, feel, and explore their edges. From yoga and breathwork to traditional sauna & cold plunges, everything we offer is grounded in intentionality and care.
Are there any upcoming workshops or events at your space you wish to share?
This fall, I’ll be offering a 5-day Active Breathwork Facilitator Training. And starting in 2026, we’ll be launching our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in collaboration with The Sacred Fig. Find the full offering here.
Connect
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Studio Website: www.leelalisboa.com
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Instagram: Leelalisboa
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Studio Location: Travessa Pinheiro 22, 1200-667 Lisboa
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Yoga Styles Offered: Vinyasa, Yin + Transformative Breathwork
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Manduka Equipment Available: Black PROlite Yoga Mats, Cork blocks, and enlight™ Rectangular Bolsters
Learn more about the Manduka Studio Equipment Program here.
