Jaro Pavek on the Isle of Skye – Wyld Grace Retreats

Jaro Pavek

Yoga in Skye, Scotland

3rd-10th May 2025

Ashtanga Yoga as it was originally taught to the first westerners in Mysore, India. Ashtanga Yoga retreat with Jaro Pavek – a close student of the first western practitioners of Ashtanga Yoga – Nancy Gilgoff and David Williams. Jaro is still keeping the old method of this practice alive and is passing this particular stlye of teaching along the lineage line.

Join him for this wonderful retreat to explore and experience how Ashtanga Yoga was originally taught by the first generation teachers of Ashtanga Yoga. Jaro will be teaching 6 morning Mysore style practices. There will be one afternoon session where Jaro will be talking about his search for yoga, how he was taught and how he will share this beautiful method with you. Jaro will also be exploring with us so there will be plenty of time to ask him questions about the practice whilst climbing up mountains.

Come exploring with us on the breath taking Isle of Skye!

Skye is a stunning island located off the west coast of Scotland, and it's filled with natural wonders and fascinating history. One of the most famous landmarks on the island is the Old Man of Storr (above) a huge rock formation that towers over the landscape and provides stunning views. The island is also home to the Fairy Pools, crystal-clear pools and waterfalls that look like something out of a fairy tale.

There are Lochs and, being an island, it is obviously surround by the sea. There are also mountains every which way you look. There is the old man of Storr, The Quairaing, the red Cuillin and the stunning Black Cuillin ridge that runs for a staggering 8 miles across its high ridge which dominates the landscape on the south/mid of the island. The property that we shall be staying in is right on the waters edge so for those brave enough for wild swimming they can dip right outside the doorstep.

We will hike around parts of the island that are off the beaten track - that the majority of tourists miss altogether. Old abandoned villages, secret nooks and cranny’s; hidden gems that most people pass by on the tourist path. Having a central base we can access some pretty amazing spots - you will really get to experience the magic that this island beholds.

Whether you're interested in stunning landscapes, fascinating history, or just want to enjoy some Scottish hospitality, our retreat Wyld Skye Is a must

Perfect Touches

The accommodation is set in the beautiful setting of Portree and boasts amazing sea views. Stunning gardens and breath taking views. Gorgeous accommodation with a family home kind of feel.

Local Food

The in-house chefs use locally sourced food to keep your senses delighted and tastebuds tingling. Colourful and creative you will be blown away with the culinary delights.

Days out

There are so many days out on Skye that you can't fit it all into one visit. You will want to come back time and time again. The landscapes are other worldly and you will have to prepare to have your mind blown.

Jaro is a close student of Nancy Gilgoff, the first western woman to be taught the method of Ashtanga Yoga by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in the early 1970’s. Jaro has been practicing Yoga his whole adult life and has dedicated his time not only to the practice but also to the study of Yoga. His teaching is characterized by a professional and individual approach to each student, precision, discipline, and his characteristic sense of humor. He teaches Ashtanga Yoga in an original form, as it was taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois to Nancy before the "Western invasion" to Mysore, India, and before the Western world mixed the Ashtanga Yoga method with other forms of Yoga and other Western teachings. Besides Nancy Gilgoff (over 50 years of practice), Jaro also studies with Manju Pattabhi Jois (recognized as the current foremost authority on Ashtanga Yoga; over 60 years of practice). In the past decade, his attention has also turned towards studying with David Williams, who, along with Nancy Gilgoff, was one of the first Westerners to discover Guruji and Ashtanga Yoga in India. David was the first Westerner to be taught the whole Ashtanga Yoga syllabus of asanas and pranayama by Guruji and to thereafter teach it in the West. A significant teacher of his heart and mind is David Swenson, with whom Jaro studied since 2009 as well. Jaro’s teaching conveys not only the physical practice but also the true essence and original healing spirit of this tradition. Beside to dedicating his life to yoga, Jaro is also a certified hypnotherapist and a professional tarot reader.

Accommodation

The accommodation is stunning and right on the waters edge. Stunning sea views right from your bed! It will be a small and intimate group as space is limited. There is one kingsize room, one double, one triple and one twin. There are only shared bathrooms but two bathrooms for 4 rooms. A beautiful private home with a family feel to it. We shall have exclusive use for the whole of the retreat. It will have a real home from home feel. The rooms are stunning with breath taking views right out of the window. The perfect spot to sit and relax, watch nature and look for eagles.

We have two properties for this retreat and the yoga shala is a 2 min drive away. The properties are close by and a short walk. Numbers permitting we shall all eat together in one house....

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