Daintree Yoga Retreat & Wellness Experiences

Strengthen the profound connection between your body and mind through exercise, conscious breathing, and meditation. The idyllic tropical setting, unique holistic approach to yoga, and welcoming atmosphere combine to make Prema Shanti the perfect choice for an unforgettable yoga getaway in Australia.

Inclusive Yoga Classes for All Levels

The daily classes available at our yoga retreat in Queensland are perfectly suited for everyone from complete beginners to advanced practitioners. We do not restrict our teachings to just one single style of yoga.

Our founders, Mara and Janardhan, have studied, practiced, and been influenced by many different yoga traditions over the past decades. This diverse background has shaped our unique, highly personalized approach to teaching.

• Tailored to You: Every class during your Australian yoga getaway is designed around the personal abilities of individual students to comprehend, absorb, and achieve.
• Empowerment-Focused: We provide practical wellness tools you can utilize at the retreat and carry with you for the rest of your life.
• Deep Awareness: Through the physical practice of yoga asanas (postures), you will learn to move past mental, emotional, or physical blockages, allowing your innate sense of wellbeing and harmony to emerge.
• Holistic Benefits: We use physical postures as tools to enhance self-awareness, which naturally increases self-confidence, physical flexibility, peace, and clarity of mind.

Meet Your Instructors & Founders

Janardhan McIntosh | Resident Yoga & Meditation Teacher

Janardhan is the founder and creative vision behind the Prema Shanti Yoga and Meditation Retreat. He began his dedicated yoga and meditation practice in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1983.

• Teaching Philosophy: Janardhan believes in empowering students of all ages and physical conditions. His classes emphasise correct anatomical alignment, posture, and breathwork.
• Diverse Background: Over 30 years, he has embraced all major styles—including Ashtanga, Iyengar, Vinyasa, and Yin Yoga—taking the most effective elements from each to develop his own unique teaching methodologies.
• Experience: Janardhan began teaching in 1997 and holds a Yoga Alliance 200 accreditation. For over 30 years, he has facilitated meditation, self-empowerment workshops, teacher trainings, and yoga retreats across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. He has lived and taught onsite as the resident meditation and yoga teacher at Prema Shanti since 1997.

Mara Staffieri | Co-Founder & Director

Mara is the co-founder and director of Prema Shanti. She began her personal yoga journey in 1986 and started teaching professionally in 1996, holding transformative yoga retreats across Europe, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand.

• Teaching Philosophy: The cornerstone of Mara’s philosophy is that the profound concepts of yoga must first be understood through the body via dynamic, conscious practice. Her vibrant teaching style is inspirational, motivational, and grounded firmly in sound anatomical, physiological, and biomechanical principles—emphasising Intention, Breath, and Movement.
• Diverse Background: Her unique style is heavily influenced by the Iyengar, Ashtanga, and Satyananda yoga traditions, alongside the timeless wisdom of the Yoga Sutras.
• Experience: With over 30 years of international teaching and practice, Mara holds a Yoga Alliance 200 accreditation. She has trained future instructors in Zurich and New Zealand, purposefully creating the Prema Shanti Centre to facilitate her specialised, modern approach to sequencing.

A Healing Environment: Nature Meets Boutique Yoga Retreat Accommodation

We take a holistic approach to mental, spiritual, and physical wellbeing, which is why our stunning natural surroundings are so vital to the guest experience. The more relaxed and engaged you are, the more you will benefit from your time here.

Prema Shanti is located in the ultimate tranquil environment to encourage this state of mind:

• The Daintree Rainforest canopy
• Pristine nearby beaches
• Natural freshwater swimming holes
• A warm, restorative tropical climate

Our boutique accommodation and warm, friendly atmosphere ensure a deeply restorative stay at the best yoga getaway in Australia.

Looking for Personalised Guidance? In addition to our general group classes, personal classes and private tuition in yoga and meditation are available upon request. Book your stay or enquire today.