Some people arrive at Byron Yoga Centre seeking rest. Others come for clarity.
For Mariana de Castro, it was something deeper – a quiet return to herself at a pivotal moment in life.
A Time of Transition
Before arriving at Byron Yoga Centre, Mariana was navigating one of life’s most profound transformations: becoming a mother for the first time.
“It was a tender and powerful period,” she shares. “I felt the need to come back to myself – to reconnect with my purpose and find my way back into my professional life after maternity.”
Like many new mothers, she found herself holding both love and longing – love for her new role, and a longing to reconnect with the parts of herself that had been gently placed on pause.
“I was craving reconnection… with community, with learning, and with the offering I had been cultivating for many years.”
When she arrived at Byron Yoga Centre, it felt like perfect timing.
Finding the right place, at the right time.
There are places that simply feel different – intentional, grounded, and deeply nourishing. For Mariana, Byron Yoga Centre was exactly that.
“It offers true immersion into all aspects of yoga – not just the physical practice, but the lifestyle, philosophy, and community that surrounds it.”
Surrounded by nature, supported by nourishing food, and held by experienced teachers, she found space to slow down and open.
“The land itself feels deeply supportive of learning and transformation. Everything is created with so much love… it felt safe, inspiring, and aligned with my values.”
A quiet but powerful shift
What followed wasn’t a dramatic overhaul… but something more meaningful.
A remembering.
“My time here helped me reconnect with my confidence, clarity, and sense of purpose,” Mariana says. “It felt like coming home.”
She completed her 200hr Level 1 Yoga Teacher Training – led by John Ogilvie, Chris Thompson-Lang and the Byron Yoga Centre team, she stepped back into teaching with renewed confidence and authenticity.
“It helped me refine my voice as a teacher and reconnect with the essence of yoga beyond technique.”
Soon after, she joined one of our Women’s Yoga Retreats with Tabata, describing it as “deeply nourishing, powerful, and filled with love and intention.”
But her connection didn’t end there.
From student to community
Mariana went on to become part of the Byron Yoga Centre team, hosting retreats and sharing her passion for Ayurvedic living.
“I found deep joy in connecting with students from all walks of life. Sharing Ayurvedic cooking, lifestyle wisdom, and the simple yet profound teachings of Yoga and Ayurveda.”
Season by season, her work began to evolve.
Inspired by her own Ayurvedic practices, she started guiding small groups through seasonal cleanses. What began as a simple offering soon grew into something much bigger… her now well-loved Seasonal Cleanse Programs.
Following the calling
In 2023, Mariana took a leap, and opened her own home clinic, VIDA Ayurveda.
A space devoted to healing, education, and reconnection.
“VIDA Ayurveda has been growing ever since, alongside my continued studies and mentorships. It’s a sincere expression of my wish to support my community with depth, authenticity, and care.”
And yet, some places never really leave us.
A full circle moment
Now, after a few years away, Mariana is returning to Byron Yoga Centre, bringing her journey full circle.
This August 2026, she will host a deeply personal offering: ✨ The Agni Protocol ✨
A four day Ayurvedic immersion designed to detoxify and rejuvenate both body and mind, working with the ancient principles of Ayurveda to restore balance and ignite inner vitality.
Each day invites participants into a rhythm of:
Classical Ayurvedic morning rituals
Therapeutic, nourishing meals
Yoga and Ayurveda workshops
Space for stillness, reflection, and integration
Joining Mariana is Vaidya (Ayurvedic Doctor) Matheus Macedo, an internationally trained practitioner currently completing advanced studies and clinical residency in India. His presence brings rare depth and authenticity to the experience.
More Than a Retreat
For Mariana, this offering is deeply personal.
“This retreat is more than a program… it’s a heartfelt offering. A homecoming. A dream come true.”
It’s an invitation not just to reset, but to reconnect.
To your body. Your rhythm. Your inner fire.
And, like Mariana’s own journey, perhaps even to your calling.
