Owner and Director
“Sophie is the Creator, Owner and Director of Akka. From a Swiss and Finnish background, she arrived in Ojochal in 2012 as a volunteer for Reserva Playa Tortuga and decided to stay. She has studied Fine Arts and Business, Integrative Nutrition, Massage Therapy and Energy modalities.
To create Akka, the Land itself was inspiration, mixing Northern European minimalist architecture with tropical vibes.
“I hope you enjoy the experience!”
Adriana Marín, is 33 years old, grew up in the small town of Zarcero, at the age of 19 she moved to San José to study at the university, where she studied Business Administration, and thanks to that she currently works at Akka Institute, in the administrative area, which has been one of the most beautiful experiences she has lived and enjoyed, has helped her to believe more in herself, and one of the most important things is the experience gained in different work areas and improving her health practicing yoga and the different classes offered by Akka.
Yeiner lives in Coronado, is 30 years old, is married and is the father of two children. He loves sunsets on the beach and going for a walk in the mountains, working in Akka surrounded by gardens and colorful animals, it has been a wonderful experience, where he has met nice people.
Luis Varela Arguedas, was born on April 4, 1971, lives in Tres Rios de Coronado, is happily married and has 3 beautiful children whom he loves with all his heart. Regarding his hobbies, he likes to fish, watch soccer, share with the family. He is a cheerful person and likes jokes. He has worked at Akka for almost two years, he really likes the work environment, and he really enjoys being with his colleagues and bosses, who he sees as excellent people, Luis really enjoys his work since he is always surrounded by plants, he loves to see them green and pretty.
Martha is 37 years old and lives in San Buenaventura Osa Ciudad Cortés, Puntarenas, she loves being at home sharing with her family. She has worked for 20 years in the surroundings of Ojochal, she feels very happy to work in Akka, considering his work as one of the best experiences he has had due to the tranquility that exists and the work environment, she is also very happy to be working with the current work team, friendly people who make the work environment warmer. For Marta each one of the clients is important, she feels committed to making the experience of each client one of them unique.
Yoga has been such a wonderful part of my life for over 20 years now, and my practice has helped me grow stronger, more flexible, and fearless, both on and off the mat. Yoga inspires me to live each moment more mindfully.
I completed my 200-hour training with Sacred Hot Yoga Method and some advanced training in trauma sensitive yoga, as well as several types of Reiki, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and other healing modalities. I also am a 300-hour trauma based RYT through Soul work.
I will always be a student of the practice and am deeply grateful for the loving wisdom my teachers have shared with me.
In my classes, I love to combine creative sequencing, a spirit of healing and a dose of inspiration to help all levels of practitioners deepen their practice. I seek to help others heal and love themselves more by nurturing body, mind and spirit with yoga, and my hope is that you step off the mat feeling refreshed, loved, and balanced.
Carolina Mata is a Costa Rican, entrepreneur and a certified instructor of Chan kung fu and Yang Tai Chi by the Chuan Fa Association. Originally from San José, she moved to Uvita 20 years ago, looking for contact with nature and her return to the center itself.
That’s how and why she met Sifu Edward Orem with whom she studied for 10 years, until 2019 when she earn his blessing to teach.
“For me it has been an honor and a pleasure to teach in Akka since its first day, we have grown together. Akka has given me the opportunity to meet people from many different places and I have been able to see how, being different, we all have the same need: to listen to our hearts and our bodies and also been able to witness how Tai Chi has opened that path for many just as it did for me”
Daniela González Ramírez she is 40 years old, she is Costa Rican, she is married with 2 amazing children.
She studied Business Administration ( 2006) but she has dedicated the past 20 years in learning different kind of Corporal Art including: Yoga, Aerials Art ( trapeze , aerial hoop, rope, and Aerial Silks, Vertical Dance) TRX, Cross Fit, . Her hobbies include surfing, running and spend time with family and friends.
She is been certificated in Anusara (2010)Hatha Yoga (2011) and Ashtanga Yoga(2013) and has years of experience teaching her passion, currently she is studying Pilates in Balance Body Education.
She speaks Spanish her native language, English, Portuguese, and German.
She started teaching at Akka in 2020 ” My experience in Akka has been amazing, the Yoga Shala is an incredible experience to teach, and the students love the space and the vibration of this beautiful temple. The nature combine with the great staff has given me the opportunity to grow as a Teacher and I feel honored being part of this project.
Born Medicine Woman, Intuitive and Multidisciplinary Wellness Facilitator. Founder at Divine Quantum Keys. Co- founder at Diversum Retreats.
Isolde understood through her own healing journey and search for answers, the importance of integrating and personalizing body, mind and spirit.
This way, we can finally access deep and lasting results, for embodied wellness and big transformation to take place.
She transcended several chronic diseases, and eventually cancer in 2017, and now supports others to do the same.
In her practice, she works with leading-edge and life supporting technologies, empowering you to heal and integrate all bodies.
She was born in South-Africa, and felt guided for many years, to be in Costa Rica. She moved here with her beloved, in January 2022, after living in Bali for one year. Ojochal felt just right! She fell in love with AKKA and the team, and felt inspired to share her gifts here, and at retreats and events. Qualifications: PSYCH-K Facilitator (Subconscious Reprogramming) / SCENAR Practitioner (Advanced Frequency Therapy) / Traditional Thai Massage Practitioner & International Trainer / Kundalini Yoga / Ecstatic Dance
Other practices: Evolutionary Nutrition & Detox Programs, Gut health, Soul Retrieval, Traditional Tantra, Authentic Relating, Movement Arts
Hi, I’m Alexis. I am a joyful yogi with an earthy spirit. I like to bring the power of breath and mindfulness to every yoga and mindfulness class I teach. I believe that when you are in your present moment, you are truly living your purposeful life.
Nature is a love of my life. I think that is why I love Costa Rica and also love teaching at Akka Institute. Nestled in the jungle and next to the river, I feel at home at Akka. I feel her protection. I feel the ability to be myself. I feel alive and energized in breath and spirit. I have lived in Costa Rica since 2015 and I am a permanent resident.
Participating in marathons and triathlons brought me to yoga and meditation many years ago. When adding yoga and meditation, I was able to increase my focus, strength, and my mind-body connection. Being physically active has always helped me increase confidence and ease stress and anxiety. Yoga and meditation have helped me become more self-aware. When not at Akka, I spend time in my fruit orchard and gardens in the mountains of Ojochal. Also, as a supporter of community engagement, justice, and being the voice for those in need, I volunteer my time and abilities with various nonprofits close to my heart. I also continue to be a seeker of yogi philosophy and continue to deepen my spiritual practice.
I look forward to helping you experience Akka’s beauty, support your personal goals, and deepen your practice.
Namaste.
“Access ways to incorporate mindfulness, deep listening, and relaxation into your life using sound. Melinda offers a bi-weekly, guided meditation with Biofield Tuning and crystal singing bowls. This practice begins with a connection to breath, tuning into the field of the energy body and unfolding into deep repair and nourishment with crystal tones. Come as you are and experience the shift.”
Melinda is a local sound practitioner trained in Biofield Tuning with tuning forks. She has a 5-year practice working with 1:1 client.
3 years ago, she integrated Biofield Tuning and the practice of aligning the energy body with coherent tones using crystal sound bowls and guided meditation at Akka Institute. And offers private sessions locally.
When Melinda is not at Akka Institute or at retreat centers she is facilitating women’s circles locally and online, called “She Became We”. She hopes to inspire more women to circle, commune, and support one another.
Sound as medicine and community bring her joy and purpose.
Divine Union Ecstatic Dance, was born from the love for ecstatic dance and the devotion to divine union, within and without.
Union of the universal Masculine and Feminine forces, dancing inside and around all of us.
Through union great amounts of life force energy can be received and channeled into a balanced and harmonious experience and world.
We weave practices from different modalities, self embodied wisdom, music and the union of the two sacred plant allies, blue lotus and cacao, into the journey.
To support and inspire the ancient and sacred union.
As this is a continued unfolding and practice for all.
It is our highest bliss, to share with others in this way, and to deepen this exploration together.
With open hearts, expanded crowns and grounded feet.
