The Shakti Yoga Shala is a stunning yoga studio located on the second floor of the beautiful timber frame barn that houses the Big Basin Vineyards winery.  It was founded by Samantha Shakti and her husband, Bradley Brown, acclaimed wine maker and proprietor of Big Basin Vineyards.

The Shakti Yoga Shala offers several weekly Anusara classes taught by Samantha Shakti.  Additionally, the Shala hosts special events and workshops inspired by yoga, wine education, and all forms of movement and creative expression. Stay tuned for new upcoming events, workshops, and trainings.

The Shakti Yoga Shala has also been the springboard for a talented team of performers, artists, and teachers who come together to form “Team Shakti.”  Team Shakti is a group of healing artists who manifest their gifts and talents through the moving and expressive arts & traditions of yoga, dance, Pilates, music, poetry, storytelling, and the playful art forms of Hoopdance, Poi Dance, and AcroYoga.

Located in Boulder Creek on 110 acres in the rugged, ocean-cooled Santa Cruz Mountains, Shakti Yoga Shala is one of the most stunning yoga spaces in the world. The Shakti Yoga Shala is named after the Sanskrit word, “Shakti,” meaning, creative power, and “Shala,” an ancient Sanskrit word meaning, a sacred space.

True to its namesake, Shakti Yoga Shala is a sanctuary, a refuge, and a space to inspire creativity, balance, focus, strength, and flexibility, with a dream to create a community that can learn and grow together.

Watch Christina Sell at the Shala

The yoga sanctuary sits on the second floor, perched above a tapestry of vineyards below with breathtaking views of the surrounding ridgelines and majestic coastal fog rolling in and out.  In an effort to support its sacred intention, this space itself was constructed with recycled timber and designed in accordance with the sanctified geometry of the site, making sure of its optimal positioning in relation to the 4 directions of its natural surroundings.

Anusara Yoga means "flowing with Grace", or "following in the wake of your heart's truth.”  Anusara Yoga is a heart oriented and inspiring Hatha Yoga practice that is rooted in Universal Principles of Alignment. The Universal Principals of Alignment are a tangible formula combining the artistry of human expression with the scientific principles of biomechanics to support your embodied freedom. Body, mind, and spirit powerfully unite in this unique, challenging, and deeply therapeutic style of yoga.

The name Anusara is derived from a verse in the Kularnava Tantra (1000 C.E). In Sanskrit, the language of yoga, it reads, "Shakti-nipata-anusarena sishyo'anugraham-arhati". Translated this means, by stepping into the current of Divine Grace's descent into the heart, the true seeker is embraced by the grace that sustains and nurtures all of life. Anusara Yoga was founded in 1997 by John Friend.

AcroYoga blends the spiritual wisdom of yoga with the loving kindness of Thai massage and the dynamic power of Acrobatics. These three ancient lineages form this practice that cultivates trust, connection, and playfulness. There are 7 main elements that make up the practice: circle ceremony, asana, partner flow, Thai massage, therapeutic flying, inversions and spotting, and partner acrobatics. Our highest aim is to bring individuals into a state of union with themselves, with each other, and with the divine. From this place of mutual support, the true Self can be realized, celebrated, and shared for the benefit of all.

Fees and Policies

Shala class packages are $100 for 10 classes.

Through the generosity of the Shakti Yoga Shala community, scholarships are available on an as needed basis for all Shala events.  Please contact, Samantha directly for more information.

Mats and props are provided, but we do encourage you to purchase your own mat. 

Please park in designated parking area only.

Directions to The Shala

From downtown Boulder Creek turn onto Hwy 236. Drive exactly 4 miles and bear right onto China Grade.  Drive 1/2 mile and turn right onto Memory Lane. Drive to the end of the road and continue past the gate to the winery & Shala. Please always drive less than 20 mph on Memory Lane.

For complete directions based on your location click HERE

Lodging recommendations:

In addition to the below nearby inns you can camp on our property for $20 per night or we have 2 rustic cabins (nice beds) for $50 per night.  In the center of the property, above the house, we have two nice outdoor showers with limitless hot water and one bathroom.

We recommend booking sooner rather than later and for economizing consider sharing a room with a friend.

Villa Montagne B&B (very sweet & owned by a Shala student)

Boulder Creek Country Club  (single and double room condos available)

The Hartman House  (in the heart of Boulder Creek)

Tent Cabins in Big Basin State Park  (gorgeous state park, the first in CA)

Quality Inn & Suites Santa Cruz Mountains (clean and economical, but in Ben Lomand about 20 minutes away from the Shala)

There is a sweet little health food store in town with a Deli and there are a few restaurants.  We will provide a list upon arrival to the Shala.