Does Ibiza Need Another Yoga Teacher?
To the amazing Ibiza yoga teachers
The most common reaction I get after mentioning I'm an Ibiza yoga teacher is a raised eyebrow and a skeptical "Aren't there a ton of yoga teachers on the island already?" My usual response? Yes, absolutely! Just like many restaurants are catering to different tastes.
Consider this: Would you ever ask a restaurant owner, "There are so many restaurants in Ibiza, why do you have another one?" The point is that variety is key! You explore different restaurants until you find your favorites with the perfect price-service ratio. The same goes for yoga teachers and studios in Ibiza. While I encourage trying various styles, you'll ultimately gravitate towards the instructor who resonates most with you.
"Men primarily hold judgement about female yoga teachers in Ibiza. "
Finding Your Perfect Yoga Teacher Match in Ibiza
The beauty of yoga lies in its adaptability. I, for example, love a holistic approach that integrates the philosophical and spiritual aspects. Others don't and seek a more physical focus. This underlines the point: there's a yoga teacher for every preference in Ibiza. Demand determines supply, as we already know.
For the majority of people, Ibiza is well known for its big clubs, boat charters to Formentera and over-excessive party scene (and don't get me wrong, I also enjoy a good night out) or even the pseudo-hippie crowds dressed in the latest linen fashion (dear women, be aware of the classic narcissistic macho-guru who tells you your husband suppresses you because you don’t like you to sleep with other men).
There are actually a lot of tourists on this island seeking wellness experiences. To cater to this demand, Ibiza has become a hotspot for retreats. Last year, according to the numbers from the Ibiza Tourism Board, the island hosted over 1,200* retreats, with a surprising 25%* focused explicitly on yoga. Even more impressive, around 35%* of these retreats are held during Ibiza's off-seasons, extending the demand for yoga instruction year-round. In comparison, Ibiza opens an impressive number of 600-800* restaurants during peak season, but only around 100-200* remain open year-round (*estimated values).
Ibiza Needs Yoga, Not Your Sexist Stereotypes (Yes, There's Room for Me!)
Side note: I use gendered terms like "female" and "male" in the following text based on my own experiences as a cis woman. It's important to acknowledge that these judgments can, unfortunately, happen to people of all genders, not just women. I want to recognize this broader experience while sharing my perspective.
Before you reduce and judge somebody for their profession (actually, de-value them), take a breath and consider the facts. Unfortunately, men primarily hold judgement about female yoga teachers in Ibiza (a conversation for another time). However, I'm not here to preach, but I am frustrated about constantly educating others about "why". To give you a swift impression, those are just two of the many sexist comments I continuously receive: "I am sure a lot of male clients attend your class, don't they?!” or "You're a pretty woman; use it, and it will work out for you." We need to get rid of the outdated stereotypes of yoga and yogis. There are incredible yoga teachers in Ibiza, each with unique perspectives to share. I regularly attend their classes, constantly learning and growing from their diverse expertise.
The point is that many different yoga teachers are out there, and some might be something other than your cup of tea. That's perfectly okay! You explore different ones until you find the instructor that most resonates with you. Beyond the clubs and parties, there's a whole world of yoga (studios, teachers, and retreats) waiting to be discovered in Ibiza.
“No escort on this planet would ever offer a free trial BJ. “
Why Ibiza Needs Yoga (And You Still Can Party!)
Think about it this way: you wouldn't hesitate to spend €200-400 for a legendary Ibiza night out, yet a €20 yoga group class seems too expensive. Trust me, after a long night of dancing, there's nothing quite like a yoga session to loosen those tight muscles (always the lower back for me) and clear your head(ache). It's a chance to hit reset and leave you energized and ready for what's next on the Ibiza schedule. Those €20 are worth the investment in feeling your best, both on the dance floor and off!
And to my fellow Ibiza yoga teachers: let's stop undervaluing ourselves with free trial classes! We offer a valuable service, and we deserve to be compensated. Just to stress my point, no escort on this planet would ever offer a free trial BJ.
xx Melissa
Join the Conversation! Now, what do you think? Does Ibiza need another yoga teacher? Leave a comment and let's chat about it! Also, if you're interested in exploring your yoga practice with me, check out my group classes or message me about private sessions.