Yoga with... Sandra Winkens
16. - 30. November 2025
Sandra is a yoga teacher based in Berlin. Her practice is especially characterized by the integration of Ayurvedic teachings into her classes, creating a truly holistic experience. She uses a combination of slow, relaxing movements and nourishing breathwork with dynamic flows to provide stimulation or grounding, depending on the time of year and her student's emotional state. The balanced and harmonizing practice supports the holistic well-being of body, mind, and soul.
Sandra is a yoga teacher based in Berlin. Her practice is especially characterized by the integration of Ayurvedic teachings into her classes, creating a truly holistic experience. She uses a combination of slow, relaxing movements and nourishing breathwork with dynamic flows to provide stimulation or grounding, depending on the time of year and her student's emotional state. The balanced and harmonizing practice supports the holistic well-being of body, mind, and soul.
What role does yoga play in your life?
Yoga is an essential part of my daily life - on the mat and beyond. I don’t follow strict rules, but rather tune into myself: What is my physical and mental state? What do I need right now? What brings me back into balance? Ayurvedic principles are a natural part of my practice and daily rituals. Beyond the mat, I also strive to integrate yogic philosophy into my everyday life. The times we live in are intense on many levels, and especially in challenging moments, I find yoga to be a nourishing and empowering practice.
What do you hope to share with your students through your yoga classes?
Whether in private sessions or during our retreats, I’ve often noticed how many people are very harsh on themselves. I want to show my students that yoga doesn’t have to be just another item on their to-do list - it can be a source of joy and pleasure, especially when they find a personal practice that suits them.
Another important aspect for me is focusing on the essentials. In a world full of distractions, we often lose touch with our own aliveness. Through yoga practice, we can go back to the basics: breathing, standing, flowing, walking, sitting. In doing so, we can experience a deeper connection with ourselves and our surroundings.
What would you describe as the core of your philosophy?
The foundation of my philosophy lies in the concept of the Kleshas - the mental obstacles that cloud our awareness and block the path to inner peace. One Klesha that’s especially important to me is Avidya, often translated as “ignorance” or “not seeing clearly.” In yoga, there are many ways to overcome this ignorance - through self-inquiry, mindful practice, studying spiritual teachings, and acting selflessly in life.
This process isn’t just about ourselves, but also about our relationships with others and the world. Especially in times of political tension and the ongoing climate crisis, I believe it is essential to expand our awareness and overcome ignorance. When we let go of the illusion of being separate from others and nature, we can treat one another with more respect and inspire meaningful, sustainable change. Removing ignorance is both a personal and collective responsibility - one that can help shape a more just and compassionate future.
What role does yoga play in your life?
Yoga is an essential part of my daily life - on the mat and beyond. I don’t follow strict rules, but rather tune into myself: What is my physical and mental state? What do I need right now? What brings me back into balance? Ayurvedic principles are a natural part of my practice and daily rituals. Beyond the mat, I also strive to integrate yogic philosophy into my everyday life. The times we live in are intense on many levels, and especially in challenging moments, I find yoga to be a nourishing and empowering practice.
What do you hope to share with your students through your yoga classes?
Whether in private sessions or during our retreats, I’ve often noticed how many people are very harsh on themselves. I want to show my students that yoga doesn’t have to be just another item on their to-do list - it can be a source of joy and pleasure, especially when they find a personal practice that suits them.
Another important aspect for me is focusing on the essentials. In a world full of distractions, we often lose touch with our own aliveness. Through yoga practice, we can go back to the basics: breathing, standing, flowing, walking, sitting. In doing so, we can experience a deeper connection with ourselves and our surroundings.
What would you describe as the core of your philosophy?
The foundation of my philosophy lies in the concept of the Kleshas - the mental obstacles that cloud our awareness and block the path to inner peace. One Klesha that’s especially important to me is Avidya, often translated as “ignorance” or “not seeing clearly.” In yoga, there are many ways to overcome this ignorance - through self-inquiry, mindful practice, studying spiritual teachings, and acting selflessly in life.
This process isn’t just about ourselves, but also about our relationships with others and the world. Especially in times of political tension and the ongoing climate crisis, I believe it is essential to expand our awareness and overcome ignorance. When we let go of the illusion of being separate from others and nature, we can treat one another with more respect and inspire meaningful, sustainable change. Removing ignorance is both a personal and collective responsibility - one that can help shape a more just and compassionate future.
About Sandra Winkens
Sandra lives in Berlin and brings over 10 years of teaching experience as well as more than 20 years of personal practice in yoga and meditation. Her training includes Vinyasa/Hatha, Kundalini, and Yin Yoga, complemented by numerous further trainings, including her qualification as an Ayurveda Lifestyle Coach. In addition to open classes and one-on-one sessions, Sandra specializes in hosting Holistic Yoga Retreats, focusing on holistic experiences in unique and special locations.
Sandra lives in Berlin and brings over 10 years of teaching experience as well as more than 20 years of personal practice in yoga and meditation. Her training includes Vinyasa/Hatha, Kundalini, and Yin Yoga, complemented by numerous further trainings, including her qualification as an Ayurveda Lifestyle Coach. In addition to open classes and one-on-one sessions, Sandra specializes in hosting Holistic Yoga Retreats, focusing on holistic experiences in unique and special locations.
Yoga Teacher in Residence
We are always expecting a variety of talented yoga teachers to create our open classes at Schwarzschmied and stay here as resident yoga teachers. Each of them brings their unique style and expertise to offer our guests an enriching yoga experience. You can look forward to varied offerings for your wellbeing and relaxation.
Read more
We are always expecting a variety of talented yoga teachers to create our open classes at Schwarzschmied and stay here as resident yoga teachers. Each of them brings their unique style and expertise to offer our guests an enriching yoga experience. You can look forward to varied offerings for your wellbeing and relaxation.
Read more
Our next Retreats
When everyday life - with all its tasks, expectations, and obligations - sometimes takes more from us than it gives back, we need moments of peace and recharge, to truly come back to ourselves. Our 4-day yoga retreat invites you to do exactly that: in spring, when nature awakens and everything radiates new energy, a space for holistic regeneration emerges – to recharge body, mind, and soul.
Together we want to explore the question: what do you really need to regain strength and full regeneration? Morning and evening yoga sessions – sometimes gentle, sometimes dynamic, always adapted to the group – will guide you to deeply listen to your body and realign yourself.
Four days that nourish, regenerate, and return you to everyday life strengthened, clear, and full of energy – in harmony with the invigorating and powerful energy of spring.
The retreat will be in german language.
Program
Sunday
4:30 - 6:30 pm Welcome Circle + Evening Yoga Session
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
8:15 - 9:15 am Morning Yoga Session
5:00 - 6:00 pm Evening Yoga Session
Thursday
8:15 - 9:15 am Closing Circle + Morning Yoga Session
Program changes are possible and will be adapted to the group
- all levels -
- Hatha Vinyasa, Kundalini, Yin Yoga -
- 4 nights at Hotel Schwarzschmied
- Breakfast at "La Fucina" restaurant
- Lunch or Dinner at our slow food restaurants "La Fucina" or Bistro "Luce" (for an extra charge)
- Yoga equipment (yoga mat, pillow, yoga blocks) provided free of charge
- Grander water in the entire house
- Mobilcard for usage of public transport
Ann-Sophie Briest is a medical doctor, yoga therapist, and homeopath, as well as the founder of Yoga Medizin Konstanz. She supports people on their journey toward holistic healing and deep self-development. Her approach combines medical knowledge with yoga therapy, strengthens the body's self-healing powers, and addresses the root causes of health issues. In her retreats and sessions, she creates a safe space for self-connection, inner balance, and holistic transformation.
Michele Manderscheid is a freelance yoga teacher with training in Hatha Vinyasa, Kundalini, Yin, and yoga therapy. She discovered her path to yoga during an intense personal phase of life, seeking to regain balance. Michele gently guides you toward inner peace, trust, and clarity. Her focus is on holistic, regenerative yoga practice. In her classes, she invites you to discover your own practice – for lightness, strength, and transformation on the mat and in everyday life.
19. - 23. April 2026
The state when the waves of the thinking mind have calmed and we are immersed in vital stillness — a state that recharges, strengthens, and grants us healthy resilience.
Fatigue and tension can transform into a renewed zest for life that carries us through our days.
In this retreat, we practice Hatha/Vinyasa Yoga and Yoga Nidra. We approach our own breath and the sound of mantras as support on the path to meditation.
The aim of the workshop sessions is to explore and experience various tools together, enriching your mindfulness and yoga practice.
Program
Sunday
5:00 – 6:30 PM Evening yoga session (Introduction)
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
8:00 – 9:30 AM Morning yoga session
5:00 – 6:30 PM Evening yoga session
Thursday
8:00 – 9:30 AM Morning yoga session
- all levels -
- Hatha & Vinyasa Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Meditation -
- 4 nights at Hotel Schwarzschmied
- Breakfast at “La Fucina”
- Lunch or dinner in our Slow Food restaurants “La Fucina” or Bistro “Luce” (for an extra charge)
- Yoga equipment (mat, meditation cushion, yoga blocks) provided free of charge
- Grander water available throughout the hotel
- Mobility card for unlimited use of all public transport
Steven Barrett is a healing practitioner for psychotherapy and yoga teacher. He completed his training in classical dance at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Frankfurt and at The Australian Ballet School in Melbourne.
After ending his active career as a dancer, he turned to yoga, completing his Yoga Teacher Training (Certified Yoga Alliance) according to the teachings of Swami Sivananda in South India, and continued his studies at the Iyengar Yoga Institute in Munich.
Since 2003, Steven has been teaching in various yoga studios, leading retreats in Germany and abroad, and is part of the teacher training faculty at the Patrick Broome Yoga Academy.
In addition, he works as a psychotherapist in his own practice in Munich.
26. - 30. April 2026
Bärbel teaches in the heartfelt YOGAMOUR style – a refreshing blend of dynamism, lightness, and mindfulness. In the mornings, we flow together through energizing Vinyasa sequences, while the late afternoons invite you to calming Yin Yoga sessions, accompanied by breathing exercises and meditation.
The retreat begins with a slightly more dynamic Welcome Yoga session – the perfect way to arrive, let go, and ease into the days ahead.
With Bärbel’s attentive yoga sequences, powerful flows, and back-friendly Yin Asanas, you strengthen your body awareness and discover an upright, proud posture – both inside and out. You’ll take home this newfound lightness and joy.
For more challenging poses, Bärbel always offers gentle variations – making each practice welcoming, nourishing, and perfectly tailored to you.
Program
Sunday
17:00–18:30 Welcome Vinyasa Yoga Session
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
08:00–10:00 Vinyasa Morning Yoga Session
16:30–18:00 Gentle Yin Yoga Session
Thursday
08:00–09:30 Goodbye Vinyasa Morning Yoga Session
*Program subject to change
- yogis with experience -
- Vinyasa Yoga, Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra -
- 4 nights at Hotel Schwarzschmied
- Breakfast at “La Fucina”
- Lunch or dinner in our Slow Food restaurants “La Fucina” or Bistro “Luce” (for an extra charge)
- Yoga equipment (mat, meditation cushion, yoga blocks) provided free of charge
- Grander water available throughout the hotel
- Mobility card for unlimited use of all public transport
Bärbel has been practicing yoga since 1999. In 2008, she completed her 800-hour Yoga Teacher Training with Jivamukti Yoga in New York and Munich. She continued her education with trainings in Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra, as well as Svastha Yoga Therapy. In the summer of 2017, Bärbel completed a YogAlign teacher training with Michaelle Edwards. For those who want to get to know Bärbel beforehand, her lovingly self-produced yoga videos are available on plus.yogamour.de.
