Yoga Teachers

Janardhan McInosh

is the founder and the vision behind the creation of the Prema Shanti Yoga and Meditation Retreat, he first began his yoga and meditation practice in Auckland, New Zealand in 1983. He has never limited his yoga training by aligning himself with any particular style of yoga, embracing all styles (i.e. Astanga, Iyengar, vinyasa, yin etc) and taking from each what works for his students, over a 30yr period has developed his own unique teaching methodolgys, being influenced by all his teachers and mentors, and their love for yoga.

 

Yoga is his passion, and way of life, he began teaching yoga asana and meditation to students in 1997, his philosophy is to empower his students through demonstrating to them, that no matter what their physical condition or age, they can benefit from, and do yoga asana, his emphasis during his yoga classes is on correct alignment in posture and breath. He tailors his classes to the ability of the students to absorb his teaching, to their physical condition. His student’s progress quickly because they enjoy and understand what they are practising. Janardhan over the last 15yrs, has been facilitating meditation, self empowerment, teacher training, yoga retreats in Europe, Australia and New Zealand; He has lived in a meditation and yoga retreat centre (the Prema Shanti Retreat centre) since 1997 where he is the resident yoga and meditation teacher. Janardhan has accreditation with Yoga Alliance 200.

Mara Staffieri

is the co-founder and director of the Prema Shanti Yoga and Meditation Retreat Centre. Mara began her yoga practice in 1986 and has been teaching yoga since 1996, holding yoga retreats, auyervedic workshops, in Europe, Zurich, Australia, and New Zealand. Mara has also being teaching in teacher training’s in Zurich and New Zealand. Her yoga philosophy and style has been influenced by Iyengar, Astanga and Satyananda yoga traditions. Accreditation with Yoga Alliance 200.

 

Over the 25 year period that she has been practicing and teaching yoga, she has developed her own unique vibrant teaching style which is dynamic, inspirational and motivational, underlined with sound anatomical, physiological and bio-mechanical principles, emphasizing Intention, Breath and Movement. The cornerstone of her teaching philosophy is the idea that the concepts of Yoga must be first understood through the body, and the dynamic, conscious practice of asana, and meditation.

 

The Prema Shanti Yoga and Meditation Retreat Centre was created to facilitate Mara’s teaching  methods, which are a blending of Vinyasa, Iyengar, Astanga yoga, and the teachings of the yoga sutras, coupled with her unique approach to sequencing that is specifically designed to meet the needs of today’s yoga student.

Open 7 days a week- choose dates that work for you.

Packages

Boutique Rooms Rate Inclusions
Twin Share – 2 Single Beds
$155 per person per night
All-Inclusive
Couple Share – 1 Queen Bed
$145 per person per night
All-Inclusive
Private Room – 1 Bed
$175 per person per night
All-Inclusive

Easter, Christmas, New year packages.

Boutique Rooms Rate Inclusions
Twin Share – 2 Single Beds
$175 per person per night
All-Inclusive
Couple Share – 1 Queen Bed
$165 per person per night
All-Inclusive
Private Room – 1 Bed
$195 per person per night
All-Inclusive

Questions?

Contact us today to discuss a unique and rewarding getaway.

Tina Van Bekkum
Tina Van Bekkum
2022-04-22
The perfect space to find your Zen! Simple, comfy room, delicious food, challenging yoga and relaxing meditation in a pristine environment. 🙏
Candice Dey
Candice Dey
2022-04-18
We are just back after a wonderful short break at Prema Shanti Yoga & Meditation Retreat and would highly recommend it. The beautiful couple Mara and Janardhan are caring and knowledgeable hosts who put their heart and soul in running the place. The morning meditation and evening yoga sessions are just amazing, and the meals served are super delicious and portions huge. The place itself is beautiful, clean, peaceful, blissful, private yet open and well laid out with a number of well thought out communal nooks to chat, read, rest, relax, meditate or just take in the surrounding beauty. The sights and sounds of the rainforest with its bird and animal life while lying in a hammock is a treat in its self. We booked via a google search not knowing what to expect, and so grateful to have left with a special connection with the place and the wonderful people who run it. Thanks so much Mara and Janardhan.
Jasmine
Jasmine
2021-10-31
What a fabulous experience! Prema Shanti met my expectations perfectly. A relaxed, low key (but comfortable) and warm, welcoming environment, surrounded by gorgeous rainforest and the sound of various animals on your doorstep. Daily morning meditation was wonderful, and I really enjoyed the different styles of yoga each evening. There is a real focus here on teaching, learning, and practicing mindfulness. The communal meals served after meditation and yoga was a really lovely experience, and so tasty. I felt extremely relaxed here and the schedule was perfectly balanced to still allow time to explore the Daintree. Mara and Janardhan were a pleasure to meet and talk to. They have worked really hard to create a beautiful experience in their piece of paradise. Highly recommend for anyone wishing to switch off from their daily grind, slow down, and reconnect with themselves. Look forward to coming back!
Rachel Dowe
Rachel Dowe
2021-09-28
I was lucky enough to stay at Prema Shanti over my school holidays a couple of months back. The experience was absolutely incredible – amazing place, amazing people, amazing food. The experience was unforgettable, and I will definitely to be back to share in your little slice of paradise! xx
Fleur Lanphier
Fleur Lanphier
2021-09-14
After spending six days at Prema Shanti I feel completely rejuvenated. Mara and Janardhan are incredible hosts. They are around if you need help or have any questions, but not over attentive if you are after some solitude. By the end of the week there was an ease that felt like you were in the home of a friend. Even yoga beginners can do well in their classes. The limited number of guests mean that each person is encouraged to push themselves and improve their technique. I was pleasantly surprised with what I was able to pick up, and left with a great sense of achievement and the desire to continue to improve. Rooms and bathroom facilities are basic but fitting for the style of experience, and perfectly clean and comfortable. The rainforest setting is idyllic but comes with the standard precautions of living with nature – take mozzie repellent and keep your room door closed and everything is fine. I can not recommend this experience highly enough for anyone wanting to slow down, improve their yoga & meditation, and meet some wonderful people.
Christien Winter
Christien Winter
2021-09-10
A great back to nature retreat in stunning location. Great yoga instruction and meditation, wholesome vegetarian food, and lovely hosts. The facilities are clean and simple, very natural and lots of relaxation spots. Good location to go exploring Cape Tribulation and easy access to nice cafes, lovely walks and stunning beaches.
Erica Young
Erica Young
2021-08-27
I had the best 4 days at Prema Shanti Yoga in July. The setting is absolutely stunning, the food was delicious and both Mara and Janardhan are both incredible teachers who tailor the sessions for your level of experience. I will 100% be going back and recommending to friends. The perfect place to slow down, ground and rejuvenate.
Daniel Bury
Daniel Bury
2021-08-21
We had a great stay. I was a beginner at Yoga and they really pushed me to show me how much progress I need to make in the future. It’s a beautiful location in the rainforest. They were very gracious to let me play their hang drum. Magical moments and beautiful people!
Lorraine H
Lorraine H
2021-08-17
Incredible place. Incredible yoga teachers. Incredible food. It’s a place to ground and to stop and to feel. It’s also an excellent place from which to explore the Daintree. Mara and Jinarden are beautiful hosts who encourage you to feel the steps you take, to notice your breath, who are there if you want to talk of deeper things. A special place. Thank you ❣️
belinda billing
belinda billing
2021-08-04
A beautiful experience in the stunning Daintree rainforest. Authentic yoga and meditation, lovely people and a truly relaxing.

Contact Information

We pride ourselves on personalizing your retreat. We require all booking to be completed via phone so we can have a chat.

Spiritual Questions Answered