Story

The woman behind Shine Retreats.

Retreat Leader • Explorer •

I’ve spent my life exploring and improving both the world and myself and now I help other women do the same. Through Shine Yoga Retreats, I create immersive experiences that blend holistic yoga, wellbeing, adventure, personal growth, meaningful connection, and joy, supported by an exceptional network of teachers, facilitators, and inspiring women who live a more untamed, authentic life. Because I believe life is meant to be fully experienced -not simply managed.

My  Journey

Before founding Shine Yoga Retreats, I built an international career working with global brands, including Google and YouTube, while earning a Master’s degree. On paper, life looked successful. But alongside my professional career, there was always another path calling me -one shaped by curiosity, adventure, personal growth, and a desire to experience life more deeply.

In my twenties, I moved to Australia, spending several formative years in Sydney, Bondi, and Byron Bay. Those years sparked something that has never left me: A love of freedom. Connection to more depth and the spiritual and natural  world. A fascination with different cultures. And a curiosity about what makes people feel truly alive.

Since then, I’ve lived and worked internationally, travelled extensively around the world, and explored some of the most inspiring wellness, yoga, and transformational communities across India, Australia, Ibiza, Bali, Costa Rica, and beyond. Over time, that journey led me to yoga, mindfulness, coaching, retreat leadership, and ultimately to creating Shine Yoga Retreats.

On this journey, I remembered what I always knew to be true in my heart.

What I Believe

I believe we need to increase the feminine energy in the world. A regulated nervous system is essential for vital health. Personal growth can be joyful. I believe we don’t have to choose between ambition and inner peace. Between success and fulfillment. Between adventure and stability. Between depth and joy. We can have both.

A few quick facts

• 20+ years of experience in leadership, wellbeing, and personal growth
• Former Google and YouTube partnerships manager / Master’s Degree in International communications
• Retreat leader and yoga teacher since 2015
• Lived in Germany, Australia, Bali, and Costa Rica and now in Ibiza
• Passionate traveller, explorer, and lifelong learner
• Creator of transformational retreats for women around the world
• I love the sea, singing, dancing, and deep conversations, and I own a camper van. I feel most at home living in nature by the sea and can’t imagine living in a city anymore.

I don’t fit neatly into a box. Throughout my journey of life, I’ve gained wisdom not found in books. This wisdom has become the foundation of my authentic teachings. People come to me not only to experience more belonging and joy, but also for reflection, intuition, and honest feedback – not only around yoga. I love profound yoga philosophy, ancient practices and and meaningful conversations about life. I value real human connection and I believe we need to increase the feminine energy in this world. I also love music, wild dancing, adventure, and the kind of nights that turn into sunrise stories. You’ll often find me barefoot. But I also enjoy getting dressed up for a beautiful dinner.

I can happily spend weeks living simply in nature, travelling in a van, cooking outdoors, and waking up with the sunrise. And I equally appreciate luxury spas, boutique hotels, exceptional food, and thoughtfully designed experiences. I love sea swims, road trips, sunsets, spontaneous adventures, and discovering hidden gems around the world. Most of all, I love connecting with inspiring people, the wild and creative ones and hearing their stories.

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I am here to serve and ignite your shine

Now, from a place of full integrity and authenticity, I’m here to serve and ignite your shine. In Shine Retreats, I blend the beauty of life, proven strategies to thrive, and a dash of secret mystique to open us up to our true authentic SELF. These are real-life gatherings, providing a safe space to elevate feminine energy, get intimate, heal, and feel more empowered. In addition to the retreats, I am collaborating with other brands who are active in the field of female empowerment. We support impactful events like Women Will or #Iamremarkable workshops on conferences like the Ada Lovelace festival in Berlin.

People seek me out for more positive energy and wellbeing. As a catalyst for positive change, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of Yoga, tantric philosophy, and mindfulness practices in my own life. Watching students and retreat participants blossom into their desired selves is incredibly fulfilling.

My purpose is clear—to serve and elevate others’ well-being, opening doors for those ready to unlock their inner power and experience life beyond the ordinary. Women supporting women is my passion and joy, a journey I embark on with friends and other badass women who have real-life stories to share and the freedom to give.

The feedback I receive is the best reward, affirming that sharing Yoga, curating impactful experiences, and building connections are not just what I strive for; it’s what the world craves—more connection, well-being, and community. Join me in creating a life that shines.

With love,

Anke