Yoga by the Sea
Haad Yao Beach
Koh Phangan Island - Thailand
About Vanessa Burger
Anahata Yoga Shala's creator
RYT500 +RYT200 - Yoga Alliance
Is an international multi-yoga teacher with a big open heart and the amazing ability to connect with the divine inside you. She has a passionate love for life, and this shines through as you enjoy her unique
brand of rejuvenating yoga together.
Vanessa was introduced to yoga by her mother as a young child at an early age of 4 and fell very much in love with the informal practice. After exploring many other sports and exploring both classic ballet and contemporary modern dance during 10 years at the Royal Academy of Ballet, in South Africa, she attended her first official Yoga class in Durban 1999.
Relocating to Johannesburg in 2002, Vanessa attended many other yoga classes with various teachers from all over the world. In 2003 Vanessa discovered Reiki and went on to do a course in Dr. Usui Reiki. She completed her Reiki Masters and now incorporates this healing subtlety into her yoga classes.
In 2010, started a 2 year study of Shamanism with Lionel Berman, in Johannesburg, learning about energy, the earth, consciousness, awareness, self, how to connect deeper and to intensify our already existing connection to the earth and all that is.
Vanessa began her RYT 200 Yoga Teacher Training in 2010, with the late Ingrid Eriksson, who was personally trained by Pattabios Jois - the Great Master of ASHTANGA VINYASA in India. On completing the training, Vanessa started teaching Vinyāsa, Asthanga, Hot Yoga (Bikram’s yoga), Hatha and Pre-Natal Yoga. Yoga is addictive!!!
In 2012, she arrived in South Goa, India to study Traditional Tantra yoga for 1 year, at Shri Kali Ashram and obtained RYT500 hours certification with Yoga Alliance as a RYT, qualified to teach other yogis to become teachers. Vanessa's quest for knowledge and liberation of consciousness promoted her to take her studies further to France with the renowned Margot Anand.
Starting on her intensive 2 year "Skydancing Teacher Training" Certification, from early 2013 - 2014. Skydancing Tantra - studies on Sacred Conscious Sexuality.
Furthering her studies in herself and the human psyche, she enrolled in another international course "Sexual Grounding Therapy" starting in May 2014. Vanessa firmly believes that a good teacher is always a student, learning from all aspects of life, including her own students.
In 2015 she obtained another RYT200 in the Himalayas Dharmashala.
Arriving in Thailand in July 2015 stayed in Koh Samui for a year, before settling in Koh Phangan in May 2016 by November later that year Anahata Yoga Shala was born, first on Bovy Beach and by November 2019 moved to Haad Yao. After finding the most beautiful location ... started to Build & complete in March 2020, the beautiful new dream yoga shala on the beach. With the tranquil sounds of nature and views of the cool sea... you are sure to R E L A X.
Vanessa focuses on getting her yogis into the most blissful state of deep relaxation, in her restorative Tantra Yoga classes and a good vigorous workout in her Tantra Vinyasa classes. Many of her students, some first time to yoga claim to have profound spiritual experiences after a 90 minutes class.
Yogini Vanessa can help you gain new life skills, transform your fears into life-changing accomplishments, become happier on a deeper level and inspire you to dream & aligned with your true purpose.
Having graduated over 450 - RYT200 students from around the world... some of which have followed their passion for Yoga into a successful business. Namaste Yogis!
As Lead Teacher & Creator of the RYT200 Yoga TTC.
Having hosted a couple Tantra Workshops & Yoga Retreats in Europe, South Africa & Thailand.
Currently offering Limited Yoga Teacher Trainings per year. Along with Limited Edition Aerial Yoga & Yoga Retreats & Holidays.
Future Events starting on Valentines Day 2023
Tantra for One online Workshop - not to be missed. Check out on our website for more details.
Vanessa is proud Mother to Tegan Burger, also a successful Yoga Teacher Trainer with her own school, located in Johannesburg South Africa.
Vanessa passed on the tradition from her mother teaching her in the garden, at an early age of 4 years, to teaching Tegan in the garden, at a very early age too. One, half year after Vanessa started her Yoga Teacher training, Tegan followed in her mothers foot steps, taking a different path with different school.
"Watching Tegan grow and now she can teach me, I am so Grateful filld with Love"
Namaste
At ANAHATA YOGA SHALA, we bring a unique approach to teaching and healing — one that is focused on self-inspiration and which embodies the physical, spiritual, and emotional aspects of wellbeing.
TESTAMONIALS
Amanda & Richard, New York City
RYT200 September 2018
Anahata Yoga Shala changed the lives of my husband and myself in more ways than I can ever express my gratitude for. Vanessa and her incredible team created space for us two inexperienced and out of shape yogis. The 200hr-29 day training kicked our asses- but it also left us feeling physically stronger, more confident, vibrant, and— most importantly, more connected to each other and the many friends we made along the way. Top that off with delicious and nutritious vegan meals (that I still crave) and the island life style- and by the end I think it’s safe to say that everyone who attended left feeling similarly in sync with themselves and this divine universe. Nearly 4 years later we are still quoting our favorite Yogini phrases, and looking back on those 29 days with nostalgic bliss.
Haylie Vestal, California
RYT200 September 2019
I traveled to Thailand to complete my 200 hour yoga teacher training September 2019 and recently took Vanessa’s 2 week alignment course over zoom. Vanessa has a deep well of knowledge and wisdom which she shares openly and freely with her students. She is a nurturing and empowering force. Yoga with Vanessa not only prepared me to teach yoga in person and online but also deepened my own knowledge of myself and my spirituality. She pushes you to “be your own guru” always question the status quo and to follow your intuition. After completing the 2 week alignment course I felt energized and grounded and reconnected with the earth and my practice. Thank you Vanessa and Anahata Yoga, blessings!
Felix Barth, Germany
RYT200 March 2018
I made my Yoga teacher training here in 2018 and it was such a magical and life changing experience. Without having any experience in yoga before, after this i was ready to teach yoga by my own and i managed to heal myself from backpain what no doctor could do! Ive been around the island quite a long time and i can say that Vanessa is one of the best teachers you can find! She has really big knowledge but an even bigger heart. Even tho we where a very big group of 22 people, she was caring for all of her students and helped us with every concern. For myself it is the best place for yoga in Koh Phangan especially now with her new Shala, which is located directly on the beach and provides such a lovely view over the ocean. So you can just float away with the sound of the waves, as you lay down in shavasana after a beautiful yoga class! Big Hug Vanessa, Thank you so much !:)
Caroline Hurry, Johannesburg South Africa
Vanessa of Anahata Yoga Shala helped me heal my back with gentle stretching exercises. She always insists that each person goes at their own pace - mine, for example, is extremely slow. What I like about Vanessa is that she encourages self-healing and leads by example by walking her talk. And then some. Can totally recommend!
Julian Fordyce, New Zealand
RYT200 May 2016
Anahata Yoga Shala is the place to go if you want to nourish yourself with soul cleansing Gaia connecting deeply spiritual yoga practice, Vanessa is a goddess sent from another dimension to help us understand and grow our connection to the source. Align your spine with divine! A blessed and most sacred place, the only place for REAL yoga in my opinion : ) Infinite love to you all you ascending beauties, nameste 🙏❤
Louie Rinaldi, Los Angeles
RYT200 November 2018
My experience with Anahata Yoga Shala was life changing. Vanessa and all those supporting her are amazing, wise, heart-full individuals. I felt so informed, practiced, wiser and grounded from the training I received for my 200hr RYT. I miss Thailand, but I’m glad I can tune in virtually and keep practicing.
Anne Wagner, New Zealand
July 2017
I have been in many different Yoga Teacher Trainings around the world for the last 20 years. I couldn't be more GRATEFUL to find the Anahata Yoga Shala in 2017. Anahata is the LOVELIEST yoga community that I have found on my Yoga Teacher Trainings. I could not have been any HAPPIER and grateful with my TTC. Vanessa is a incredible yoga teacher with a great experience all over the world. Vanessa does so much for all students - from in depth yoga education/philosophy, showing the students around Koh Panghan to little things such as making sure everyone is SAFE and HAPPY on the island. She has a immense warm heart and I felt so BLESSED, SAFE and LUCKY to have been able to spend so much time at Anahata Yoga Shala. I completed my TTC in July 2017 and I have decided to stay longer for the September TTC to keep practicing and learning close to her. It was simply the most AMAZING thing I've ever been LUCKY enough to do, on all levels spiritually/physically/mentally. I will be back as soon as possible for sure! I encourage all of you looking for a TTC to go to Anahata Yoga Shala. I HIGHLY recommended it!
Alena Gaponova, Paris France
RYT200 May 2018
One of the best yoga teacher training you can find. Vanessa surround herself with best knowledgeable teachers and give you strength and power to be one yourself. I warmly recommend. Alena Gaponova, 800RYT Yoga Alliance and yoga studio owner in Paris
Lizzi Stevenson, United Kingdom
RYT200 January 2019
I completed my 200hr YTT with anahata yoga shala which was life changing, the teachers are passionate and knowledgeable and koh phangan is the most beautiful place to learn and grow. The shala is now overlooking the ocean waves and right on Haad Yoa beach. It's the perfect place to practice yoga. I highly recommend. 🧡
for the LOVE
of music
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