Welcome to Sandhána
Sandhána has been created with the vision to bring people, whose priority is their health and wellbeing, together. A sanskrit word it holds the resonance of uniting, an act of joining together, unioning. Holding this vision for all that come into this space it has been lovingly renovated, with meticulous attention to detail, into a retreat sanctuary for healing, restoration and the catalyst for changes in your life to take place. A place for you to form a deeper connection with yourself, mother nature and each other.
Sandhána has evolved by listening to our community and what their needs and desires are. It all started by having Airbnb guests stay here and learning that Donna was a yoga teacher they started requesting classes and experiences. From this grassroots start up, we've grown into a polished yet intimate retreat, offering tailored experiences for groups of up to twelve, with accommodation for up to six people.
Whether it is attending a monthly seasonal retreat, creating your own bespoke experience for a few hours, a day or multiple days, attending an event or class, indulging in the facilities (sauna, cold plunge, hot tub), staying in a room here or booking the whole house. There is a multitude of different ways that you can enjoy this space.
Donna’s Background
With a background in accounting, finance, funds management and capital transactions roles for over 25 years Donna understands how sitting at a desk for hours staring at multiple screens, with demanding deadlines can take its toll not just on the body, but also the mind. Stress, anxiety and overwhelm are all things she’s faced and navigated her way through with yoga, meditation, breathwork and regular contrast therapy sessions. When she first found yoga many years ago she was simply seeking to become more flexible, but the practice changed her in ways she didn’t expect. It opened her mind and shifted the way she viewed the world and helped her to come home to herself. As she started changing so did the world around her and when life has presented some of its greatest challenges it is yoga and her spiritual and self care practices that has maintained her equilibrium and guided her through.
Hearing the call, she went on to do her first teaching training at The Byron Yoga Centre in 2015. Forever a student, understanding that there is always more to learn and embody, she has completed subsequent trainings with Johannes Egbert, Nikki Ralston, Rod Stryker, Rochelle Scheick, Power Living, and Ashram Yoga since then.
After bravely stepping away from a secure yet unfulfilling corporate life, Donna is now an author, a transformational coach, speaker, facilitator and teacher. Witnessing something shift in a client or that look of pure bliss light up their face is one her greatest joys. Donna understands the courage it takes to step out of our comfort zone and try something new, but often the greatest gifts are awaiting us when we do. She invites you to step in to your courage and join her at Sándhana and open yourself to the infinite possibilities that await you.
Meet Kimbra & Nikita
Kia Ora we are the beloved resident cats at Sandhána. Although we hail from Australia, Mum rescued us when she lived in Sydney, and are well travelled cats, having explored NSW and the North and South Islands extensively, we have to say this Waiheke sanctuary is our favourite. We are middle aged now, having both been born in 2014, so we don’t tend to race around in circles chasing each others tails like we used too. However, when we encounter catnip our inner kitten can still get activated and we do get a bit excited.
“Although I venture outside sometimes to help Mum garden or soak up the warmth of the sun, I do tend to spend a lot of time asleep indoors, following the sun and my favourite people, around the house. I am a friendly, gentle cat that loves being around people, especially when they are meditating, but from a safe distance. ”
“I am a typical ‘naughty torti’ with a healthy dose of catitude. I love being out in nature more than anything. I can’t wait for my cat door to unlock at sunrise so I can go out exploring once more. I can be quite shy when I first meet you but am the sweetest, cuddliest little lap cat once I get to know you.”
