Ellen

Ellen obtained a Masters Degree in psychology, and a Doctorate in Information Systems at Harvard and MIT, and worked for many years in the academic and consulting world.

In 2005, she started to focus on what life was really about, and educated herself in healing techniques. In 2008, she dedicated her time to build Alaya Retreat Centre.

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Ellen has worked with groups for over 20 years, and completed 2 years of the Four Cycles TM integrated healing program. She also has her Masters in Reiki, which allows her to teach reiki to other students and work as a reiki healer. In addition, she participated in a first level teacher training of Yin Yoga and has a diploma in sound therapy level I and II, to give healings with Quartz Bowls.

In 2017, she became educated as a horse assisted coach and animal reiki healer. With this, her circle was completed and she is now healing all types of animals with 2 or 4 legs.

Catherine

Catherine is a design and art enthusiast. After finishing her university studies, she established a business in Madrid which procured Spanish antiques for both the export market as well as the national interior design industry.

Subsequently she returned to her native New York and opened an import business for which she travelled worldwide to acquire antiques and decorative objects.

Her inventory was a principal source for the design industry as well as the advertising, TV and theatrical businesses of the city.

After closing the company in NYC, Catherine delved into the mid-century furniture market and graphic arts in Mexico City and Oaxaca.  

She has now returned to Spain, a country which holds a very special place in her heart, to begin this new adventure at Alaya. 

Gosia

Gosia is a soulful space holder, conscious DJ, and retreat host with a deep commitment to inner growth, authenticity, and community.

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Her journey has taken her across the globe — from coordinating retreats in Thailand, to curating ecstatic dances in Nepal, to volunteering at the Burning Man in the US.

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She now brings her grounded presence and joyful energy to Alaya Retreat Centre.

Under her DJ name, Madame Gosh, she curates uplifting, African-inspired sets that invite movement, connection, and freedom.

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Her passion lies in helping others reconnect with their true essence through music, yoga and meditation. 

At Alaya, Gosia supports both the operational flow of the retreat centre and the spiritual journey of its guests, always with warmth, depth, and a sense of play.

Diego Ramos

Diego Ramos is a multifaceted talent from Brazil, blending his deep roots in the Brazilian skateboarding scene with his passion for yoga and music. Known as a trailblazer in the skateboarding community, Diego has spent years mastering balance, creativity, and resilience—qualities he now brings to his yoga practice.

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As both a skater and a certified yoga teacher, Diego has developed specialized yoga sessions tailored for skaters, focusing on improving balance, flexibility, and recovery.

His approach bridges the physical demands of skateboarding with the restorative and strengthening benefits of yoga, creating a practice that resonates with athletes and movement enthusiasts alike.

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Diego’s Brazilian heritage is central to his work. He incorporates the vibrant energy of samba and other traditional rhythms into his yoga sessions, offering a unique and immersive experience.

His background as a musician further enhances his teaching style, as he seamlessly integrates music into his classes to create dynamic flows that inspire both body and mind.

At Alaya Retreat Centre, Diego offers a distinctive perspective on movement and mindfulness, combining his expertise in skateboarding, yoga, and music to create transformative experiences for all who join him.

Alex Nairanovski

Born in Belarus, Alex Nairanovski's spiritual journey began early. In the USA, he discovered Kundalini yoga's magnetic pull, honing his skills under Anya Castellano. Immersed in the diverse culture, he made Kundalini energy universally accessible.

Alex later took this transformative power to Ecuador, establishing himself as a Yoga teacher in Quito. Today, he continues to travel, teach, and learn, spreading Kundalini Yoga's light through online platforms, retreats, and collaborations. 

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Alex's journey serves as an inspiration, reminding us that the path of enlightenment is both personal and universal, and the light within us can illuminate the world.

Alex intertwines guitar melodies with soulful mantras, elevating his yoga teachings into a harmonious journey of sound and serenity.​

He also employs singing bowls, creating resonant vibrations that serve as a therapeutic symphony in his sound massages and healing practices.

Martin

Chef Martin is a young and vibrant talent with roots in both Argentina and Italy. A passionate vegan chef, he brings bold creativity and heart to every dish he prepares. Drawing from his rich cultural background, Martin blends the soulful depth of Argentine cuisine with the elegance and freshness of Italian tradition—always 100% plant-based.

Before joining Alaya Retreat Centre, Martin was involved in large-scale cooking events, including preparing meals for over 400 guests in Sweden—an experience that honed his skills in precision, flavor, and calm under pressure.

Now at Alaya, his beautifully presented, nourishing meals energize and inspire guests every day. With Martin in the kitchen, food becomes a celebration of life, health, and connection.

Patricia

Patricia is our assistant manager, always with the best of smiles. She is in charge of all customer service, coordination of events and retreats, as well as accounting and reception. She has a background in administration, accounting and finance.

She knows the best standards of customer service and has great communication skills, always prevailing with her charisma and sympathy, her priority being to ensure that all our customers enjoy an unforgettable stay.

In addition, in 2012, she founded the animal protection organization, ADAP.  She has the position of the founding president, and her free time is dedicated to rescue, rehabilitation and finding a new opportunity for abandoned animals, along with the management of the shelter they have located in the municipality of Sant Marti Sarroca, all in a totally altruistic way, demonstrating the high level of empathy that characterizes her in every way.

Joyce Duijndam

Joyce Duijndam is a 35-year-old who is originally from the Netherlands, currently living in Spain for the past six years. In 2005, she graduated in Sport and Movement Sciences and later completed a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, alongside studies in sports massage.

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After working for four years in the Netherlands as a P.E. teacher and pedagogical assistant, she felt the desire for a change and moved to New Zealand. It was there that she first connected deeply with the practice of yoga.

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Her journey continued as she traveled and explored both the world and the realm of holistic living, which increasingly drew her interest. In 2017, she completed a 200-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training at "Comunidad Ohm Shanti" in Mexico. After the course, the school invited her to join their new community and yoga retreat center near Barcelona. She accepted without hesitation, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life.

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Joyce lived in this community for a year, where she taught yoga, led specialized yoga and meditation workshops, and gave massages daily. It was a transformative period where her passion and expertise deepened further.

After a year, she decided to move to Barcelona and share her knowledge of yoga and meditation with a broader audience. There, she launched her own business as a yoga teacher and massage therapist.

Along the way, she also completed two Thai massage courses—one in Greece and another in Granollers, Spain. Embracing the philosophy that "you are never too old to learn," she continues to grow and evolve as both a student and a practitioner.

In 2020 and again in 2024, Joyce traveled to India to complete a 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training in multiple styles of yoga. During the lockdown period, she also undertook a 50-hour online course in Yin Yoga (YTTC).

Joyce is passionate about sharing yoga and massage to support others in creating a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

She strongly believes in the connection between body and mind—where working on one contributes to the healing of the other. Her approach is rooted in a holistic perspective, a lifelong journey she embraces with curiosity and dedication.

Meenu

With over a decade of hands-on experience in the dynamic world of digital marketing, Meenu brings strategy, creativity, and a global perspective to everything she does.

As a certified digital marketer and social media manager, she has collaborated with a diverse range of clients ranging from US, Australia and UK — crafting impactful campaigns, boosting online visibility, and building thriving digital communities.

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Now, she brings her expertise to Alaya, where she not only oversees the brand’s digital presence but also provides a full spectrum of web-based solutions, helping the company grow and connect with its audience in powerful, meaningful ways.

She is known for her blend of creativity and analytics—balancing aesthetics with performance. Whether it’s curating stunning content, optimizing digital marketing strategies, or diving into the latest trends, she does it all with passion and precision.

Outside the digital world, she finds joy in life’s simple pleasures. She’s an avid traveler, a music lover, and a book enthusiast who loves to unwind with a good read. Her passion for fitness keeps her energized and balanced, fueling both her personal and professional journey.
 

Pierluigi

Pierluigi is a Hatha Yoga Instructor. He was introduced to yoga while he was living in London in 2016, driven by the his need to get in touch with his true essence. This journey took him to Rishikesh, India, three years later, where he became an Alliance Certified Yoga Instructor. Pierluigi teaches in Italy and Spain during festivals, and in retreat centers as well.

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His curiosity about the mystery of life leads him towards different traditions and practices that merge together during his classes helping the learners to live in alignment between their body, mind and emotion.

Julio

Julio serves as the esteemed Maintenance Manager at the serene Alaya Retreat Centre, where tranquility meets technical prowess. With a wealth of experience spanning over three decades, Julio embodies the spirit of ingenuity and reliability in ensuring the seamless operation of the retreat's facilities.

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Julio is more than just a Maintenance Manager; he's a guardian of tranquility, a custodian of comfort, and a beacon of reliability at Alaya Retreat Centre. With Julio at the helm, guests can rest assured that their stay will be nothing short of exceptional, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the transformative experience that awaits.