Is an entrepreneur, international development professional, homeopath and yoga teacher. She resides between the city of Washington in the United States, where she runs a non-profit organization, offers homeopathy medical services and teaches yoga...
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Is an entrepreneur, international development professional, homeopath and yoga teacher. She resides between the city of Washington in the United States, where she runs a non-profit organization, offers homeopathy medical services and teaches yoga, and Samaná in the Dominican Republic, where she designed and built the Villa Serena Hotel 27 years ago. She balances this diversity of projects and residences with joy, grace and skill. Due to her interest in different techniques and traditions in the area of wellness, consciousness and spirituality, Natasha has received training and certifications in the Philosophy and Practice of Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda at the Himalayan Institute, Pennsylvania, and Shanti Yoga Center, Bethesda, Maryland, where she continues to teach yoga. She has studied Kundalini yoga, Hatha yoga, Iyengar yoga, Sufi spirituality, the Fourth Way, Reiki, Tantra, Reflexology, Group Psychotherapy and Transcendental Meditation at the international level, in Europe, Latin America and the United States. As her academic background is in the area of linguistics, literature and philosophy, she speaks seven languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Croatian and Dutch, which makes it easier for her to work with both Hotel Villa Serena guests and homeopathy patients by internet all over the world. In her homeopathy work, she integrates all the classic and contemporary methods and approaches that have proven to be successful and beneficial. She treats acute and chronic ailments, physical problems, as well as mental challenges and emotional trauma: from injuries, pain and inflammatory and infectious diseases to chronic conditions, addictions, depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges. Natasha believes life is a precious gift and our mission is live it in health, wellbeing, joy, and service to others. “True richness is not what we own but what we are able to give. The quality of our consciousness is our greatest wealth.”
Born and raised on the coast, passionate about the sea and customer service, Marina is a Zumba and yoga instructor with eleven and six years of experience respectively. After graduating from Hotel Management in Croatia...
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Born and raised on the coast, passionate about the sea and customer service, Marina is a Zumba and yoga instructor with eleven and six years of experience respectively. After graduating from Hotel Management in Croatia, she tried her first Zumba class in 2009 and since then has been sharing her passion for this Latin rhythm dance with numerous practitioners in Europe and the Dominican Republic. Realizing her dream of living in a Latin American country, in 2013 she moved to the Dominican Republic assuming the position of Hotel Villa Serena’s General Manager, at the early age of 26. A hidden gem on a Caribbean beach was a perfect place for her to discover spirituality and consciousness. After recognizing the positive impact yoga has had on her life, she became an instructor and shares her passion with all the guests and residents in the area. Warm, down-to-earth and charismatic, she inspires many dance and fitness enthusiasts to achieve their dreams.
"After six months living and working in the Dominican Republic, I realized that I had not worn the right shoes previously in my life. Walking barefoot is one of my favorite activities."
Angelina grew up with a strong urge to explore from a young age. At 18, driven by curiosity, she embarked on a year-long adventure in Australia during her final years of high school. After immersing herself in the diverse cultures of Asia...
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Angelina grew up with a strong urge to explore from a young age. At 18, driven by curiosity, she embarked on a year-long adventure in Australia during her final years of high school. After immersing herself in the diverse cultures of Asia, she returned to Germany to complete her high school diploma, only to set off again on a "small" trip around the world. Her travels have taken her through Kenya, the Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, totaling 30 countries visited to date.
Following her adventures, Angelina pursued studies in economics, but it was during an internship in a Spanish yoga studio where she discovered her profound passion for yoga. She delved into various facets of yoga, acquiring certifications in Philosophy and Practice, Aerial Yoga, and Mindfulness. Deepening her practice in the Dominican Republic, she eventually began teaching at the serene Shala of Hotel Villa Serena.
As a lifelong learner, Angelina dedicates herself to continuous growth. She offers yoga classes, mindfulness classes, aerial yoga classes, and meditation, sharing her passion for holistic well-being with her students. Through her teachings, she encourages them to reconnect with themselves, pursue their aspirations, and prioritize self-care above all else.
I am a yoga instructor who hosted a retreat here. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience, especially seeing as this was my first time hosting a yoga event overseas from the U.S. My main contact was Angelina – she was an angel. She helped me every step of the way leading up to and during my retreat. She was extremely accommodating to my needs and gave great suggestions.
Upon arrival, everything was perfect. It’s truly even MORE beautiful than in the pictures! All of our rooms were lovely – I know some reviews talk about spotty wifi or “outdated” room decorations, but all of my guests and myself felt each room was comfortable and bright. The hammocks on each balcony are a huge plus – great to take a cat nap on if you are tired from the sun. Beds were comfortable, too, and all of our rooms had a ceiling fan and A/C.
All of the staff were once again super accommodating. Although there were some language barriers occasionally, they did all they could to address any of our concerns, including food modifications for dishes. The dinner menu changed each night which was a nice touch. Breakfast includes a buffet as well as items from the menu, so you can have hot coffee with some cereal and a small pastry while also enjoying a made to order omelette.
Angelina helped us greatly with our excursions. We all went to Playa Rincon by boat – highly recommended! It’s a wild, fun ride against the choppy waves, and it only takes 10-15 minutes to get there. Some of us also decided to horseback ride down to Playa Madama with a small walk on foot along the cliffside – this was an amazing excursion. Just ask Angelina about Karin’s La Hacienda Hostel.
Also recommend checking out La Playita. It’s a little beach just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. It’s beautiful and they have some great food – just go to the white tent to grab some shrimp, calamari, and freshly made french fries! You could make this an afternoon since it costs nothing to go there. Just bring a beach towel from reception as well as an umbrella (looks like a golf umbrella) since there are none to rent at this beach.
Overall, I would recommend this place not only if you are a vacationer but also as a yoga instructor looking to book a venue. You could not ask for a place that embodies paradise – it’s very private and serene with no crowds or loud music, you will have the beautiful outdoor yoga shala all to yourself, and you will make amazing memories with your guests. Thank you, Hotel y Restaurant Villa Serena for making my 1st international yoga retreat so special!