About Us
YGR Owner & Director, Robert Hay
Many people know Robert through Rama Lotus Yoga Centre in Ottawa, which he founded in 1993. His mission was to empower thousands of individuals through regular classes and retreats, and to train numerous dedicated instructors who would in turn inspire thousands more. The centre began with a few Kundalini yoga classes each week and grew to become one of the largest yoga centres in Canada, with over 10 styles of yoga to choose from and 108 classes offered each week.
Robert is a Certified Hatha Yoga and Kundalini Yoga Instructor and a 500-hour member of the Yoga Alliance and the International Kundalini Yoga Teacher's Association (IKYTA). Robert has been practising yoga and meditation for over thirty years and has taught over 3,000 yoga classes, workshops, yoga retreats, private consultations and, over 15 Hatha, Kundalini and restorative yoga teacher training programs. Robert is a fountain of knowledge and always finds a way to teach what is needed at the right time.
After fulfilling his vision for the Rama Lotus Yoga Centre, Robert decided to focus his energy and expertise on a new yoga resource for the Ottawa-Gatineau community – a place where people could temporarily disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature, community, and themselves. And so, The Yoga Garden Retreat was born - a magical space filled with pristine forest and lush gardens nestled in the natural beauty of the Gatineau Hills.
You can reach Robert at yogagardenretreat@gmail.com
YGR Manager, Zofia Kumas
Zofia has been teaching yoga and meditation in the Ottawa-Gatineau area since 2015, and running her online yoga studio Sage Leaf Yoga since 2017. She is a Certified Traditional Hatha Yoga Teacher, and has additional certification in Chair Yoga, Yin Yoga, and Meditation. Lead singer for World Music band SOULHUM, you may also find her performing at various venues and events in the region.
Zofia brings super organization to YGR, keen attention to detail, excellent customer service, and a grounded and positive energy that keeps things running smoothly in and around the Retreat.
You can reach Zofia at ygr.manager@gmail.com
Our Location
We are located at 209 chemin Usher, in Alcove, QC, just 40 minutes north of Ottawa. Your drive will take you through the rolling Gatineau hills and rich agricultural lands. Shortly before you reach us, you'll pass local maple syrup producer Ferme et Foret and organic vegetable farm Ferme Juniper. It's certainly worth the drive to Alcove!
We would be delighted to give you a personal tour of our buildings and grounds. Please contact us in advance to arrange a visit (email to ygr.manager@gmail.com).