Sayulita Life’s Featured Business: The Rose Room
Hi! Can you introduce yourself?
Hi! I’m Audra. I grew up on the beaches of the Carolinas and made my way to Sayulita in 2016. I’ve been teaching yoga since 2009. When I’m not on my mat, you’ll find me either playing in the waves, caring for my pitbull and one-eyed cat, or wandering around town with my girlfriends.
Tell us about how you first discovered Sayulita.
My first visit to Sayulita was on a yoga retreat I was co-hosting. The moment I arrived, I felt a strong pull to stay.
What made you decide to live here?
Sayulita has a unique energy that draws in people who truly love life. Surrounded by lush jungle and sparkling waves, the town is home to a community of talented, easy-going individuals. What keeps me here is the local culture. The Mexican people are warm-hearted and family-oriented, celebrating life at every opportunity.
Why did you decide to open your business in Sayulita?
By the time Rose Room came to be, Sayulita was my home. Starting my own business wasn’t initially on my mind—I simply wanted to create a welcoming space where I could consistently offer yoga to my community. I knew other talented instructors who wanted the same, so I naturally took the reins and curated a simple, consistent schedule with the best teachers in the area. The brand was just an extension of myself, and everything happened very organically. When the opportunity to build the space above Don Bonito revealed itself, I ran with it. Watching the community grow and evolve over the years has been my greatest gift.
Tell us about your journey as a yoga teacher.
I discovered yoga in my early teens and started teaching in my early 20s. It’s been a practical tool I’ve relied on since a young age, and I’ve always felt compelled to share it. My teaching has gone through many phases, and I’ve been drawn to various styles over the years. Lately, I’ve been most inspired by my teacher Annie Carpenter, who sparked a deep curiosity in me to explore the finer details of yoga asana. Some days, when I’m in the zone, I dive deep into technicalities while keeping the vibe light-hearted. Other days, my classes are more fluid and most likely include a banging playlist. Since starting the Rose Room, I’ve had so much more creative freedom. My style is now a reflection of whatever is in my heart at the moment, without needing to adhere to the guidelines of a brand or anyone above me.
What services do you provide at the Rose Room?
We keep it simple. We offer vinyasa yoga for various levels in the mornings and restorative yoga during sunset. Every Saturday at noon, Andrea Binder leads a super fun vinyasa class with a live DJ, and our Friday noon class is always free to ensure everyone in the community has access to yoga. Aside from our public classes, we offer private sessions both in-studio and off-site. We often host special classes for visitors, like bachelorette parties or milestone birthdays—yoga is always a good idea! We also run a renowned annual teacher training program.
What can a student expect when entering your space for the first time?
To feel welcomed, no matter what. We take yoga seriously, but not ourselves, so there’s definitely a light-hearted approach to all of our classes at Rose Room. It’s a safe space to let go and connect—with yourself, others, and nature. And since it can get warm, you might want to bring a towel when it’s hot outside!
