Overview
Island Yoga Vista, founded in 1997 in Nanaimo, was the first yoga studio in the area. It is rooted in Integrative Yoga Therapy and Ayurveda, guided by founder Sandra Shotton, a certified Ayurveda Yoga Therapist with over 23 years of practice. Weekly classes and teacher training are currently paused as Sandra focuses on her art, but private sessions are available by appointment. The studio’s intimate setting, limited to eight participants per class, fosters individual attention and community. Its philosophy integrates Yoga, Ayurveda, and Vastu Shastra. Workshops offer continuing education credits for Yoga Alliance instructors. The teacher training program, offered on Vancouver Island and in Jaipur, India, includes 200-, 550-, and 450-hour levels and emphasizes a holistic approach. Past students describe the training as transformative. The studio maintains a refined, nature-connected atmosphere, reflecting a dedicated practice and a commitment to simplicity.
Yoga Format
Yoga Styles
Studio Amenities
Studio Business Hours
| Day | Status | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | No hours | – |
| Tuesday | No hours | – |
| Wednesday | No hours | – |
| Thursday | No hours | – |
| Friday | No hours | – |
| Saturday | No hours | – |
| Sunday | No hours | – |
Studio in Details
Overview
Island Yoga Vista, established in 1997 in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, was the first yoga studio in the area. Founded by Sandra Shotton, the studio is deeply rooted in Integrative Yoga Therapy and Ayurveda, sciences that continue to shape its offerings. The space is described as intimate and supportive, with a small, dedicated group of practitioners living close to nature. The studio’s atmosphere reflects a refined simplicity, influenced by ongoing study and the principles of Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian science of spatial harmony. Sandra, a certified Ayurveda Yoga Therapist for over 23 years, integrates Yoga, Ayurveda, and Vastu into the studio’s identity. While the studio has evolved with the global acceptance of yoga, it retains a local, grounded feel. Currently, weekly classes and teacher training are paused as Sandra focuses on her art, but private sessions remain available by appointment.
Classes and Services
Weekly classes at Island Yoga Vista typically attract people of all ages seeking health and knowledge, but they are paused for now. Private sessions with Sandra are offered by appointment, drawing on her extensive background in yoga therapy and Ayurveda. These one-on-one sessions accommodate individuals with specific health concerns or those wanting a personalized practice. The studio’s approach blends traditional yoga with therapeutic applications. Workshops are held periodically and provide continuing education credits for Yoga Alliance-registered instructors. The intimate class size of eight participants, when classes resume, ensures focused attention. Sandra also maintains an Instagram presence under @SandraShottonArt, sharing her artistic journey. The studio’s offerings, though simplified during this period, remain rooted in ancient sciences.
Teacher Training and Philosophy
Island Yoga Vista operates an extensive Ayurveda Yoga Teacher Training program, developed over many years. This multi-level program includes 200-hour, 550-hour, and 450-hour levels, offered both on Vancouver Island and in Jaipur, India. Graduates are encouraged to join the teaching community. Currently, all teacher trainings are paused as Sandra takes the year to focus on her art. The training’s foundation lies in yoga, Ayurveda, and Vastu Shastra, reflecting Sandra’s 19 years of teaching these sciences and 40 years of study. Participant testimonials describe the program as intense, challenging, and life-changing, with students reporting increased joy, grounding, and personal growth. The studio’s philosophy emphasizes living as an example of these practices. When the program resumes, prospective teachers can expect a comprehensive and intimate learning experience in a nature-connected setting.