Villa Ananda - 63734 Punta de Mita

Gyana Bays
RN, Yoga Retreat Host, Meditation teacher & Villa Mom

After completing my nursing degree from NYU in 1968, I booked a flight to Europe and six months later arrived in New Delhi, India.  As I journeyed, imprints of purpose began to emerge.  Although I was quite unaware this was a spiritual journey at the outset, my life was being powered by a higher purpose.  I was guided to a small jungle ashram in Rishikesh, India in March of 1970 and was initiated into the ancient practice of Ashtanga and Vedanta Yoga by a Yoga Master.  For the next seven years, my life was devoted to the eight limbs of Yoga and to serving my Guru and the ashram.  I returned to the U.S. in 1977 and entered into a householder’s life.  I was blessed with two amazing children and the ability to integrate my spiritual practice into a nursing career focusing on creating healing environments within the healthcare system.

The call to return to a life of Yogic practice came in 2013 and I returned to India and my Guru. Resigning my Hospital Director position, I am now free to refocus my life solely on my Sadhana (spiritual practice).  After experiencing Villa Ananda as a guest while traveling with my Guru, I answered a need to support their vision by serving as the Villa Ananda host for Yoga Retreats.  In this role I strive to provide support to the Yoga Teachers to allow for the Transformational Experience they envision to become a reality for all who attend.  I live between Villa Ananda and northern California supporting my family, my practice, and my passion in both places.

The greatest blessing has been the hundreds of aspirants who bless our community each and every year.  I am truly humbled and grateful to share my joy, my love, and my practice with everyone who comes to experience all that is Villa Anand