Villa Ronai opens with new yoga studio - Complex moves January open date forward

Yoga Angels Jamaica, the new yoga studio, located at Villa Ronai, opened its doors to the public yesterday morning.

The 3,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility, is the first of a dozen new wellness and lifestyle businesses expected to be opened in what is the first phase of a project to revitalise Villa Ronai over the next few months.

Three restaurants, a spa, a lounge, a wine bar, a boutique and four shops complete the first phase.

These businesses will be owned and run by independent operators. This early opening of the yoga studio, brings forward Villa Ronai's opening date, originally planned for January, 2011. The second phase will consist of 50 suites as part of a destination spa, slated for 2012-13.

management team

Subhadra Bowman and Susanne Goffe, Yoga Angels Jamaica co-owners, are supported by a team of management and wellness professionals.

Yoga teacher Bowman has had a distinguished career as a yogi in both the United States (US) and Jamaica, and brings a wealth of experience and technical competence to her latest project.

The facility will cater to the general public and will teach as well as heal. Special services will be offered to clients with special needs including sporting personalities.

The facility has been endorsed by cricketer Marlon Samuels, who has been doing yoga in recent times and credits its use to helping him relax prior, during and after competition.

According to a release: "The mission of Yoga Angels Jamaica is to educate and inspire great yoga teachers, healers and practitioners in Jamaica for children and adults, while promoting optimal health."

Yesterday's launch included a full day of activities ranging from massages to reflexology, reiki, facials, ayurveda and yoga classes.

Further endorsement came from Pulse CEO Kingsley Cooper, who welcomed the yoga angels to Villa Ronai.

pulse responsible

Pulse operates the broader Villa Ronai project and is responsible for its rehabilitation and further development. Founded in the 1940s by the Ronai family which resettled in Jamaica after World War 11, Villa Ronai was once a famous landmark, visited by thousands of tourists when Martins tours brought cruise ships to Kingston.

It has been featured in National Geographic and NCB's Lunch On Date in the US.

Yoga Angels was founded in 1997, and the group's method was founded by Bowman, mother of four, entrepreneur, humanitarian, producer, and yoga teacher dedicated to sharing the healing arts with individuals, families and the community. In 1990, Subhadra Bowman began her fitness career, which led her to teaching yoga as part of the holistic lifestyle.