About

about-sandra

My story


My name is Sandra Carvajal, a free spirit born in Medellin, Colombia (South America). I’m currently an RYT200 certified Yoga Instructor, and a certified Holistic Health Coach working in Hong Kong and this is my journey…

Discovering Happiness…

As a teenager I was able to discover happiness through the control of mind power. I found out it was much easier to be happy than most people thought. It was like discovering the secret of eternal youth.

There are Always Obstacles…

In my early 20’s I got in trouble with food and had to learn how to eat again to repair my metabolism. This episode helped me re-set a beautiful relationship with food; I developed a natural preference for a healthy lifestyle changing commercial sodas for water, eating more veggies and fruits, and developing a particular inclination for all sorts of physical exercise.

Finding Yoga…

In the late 80’s, life brought me onto the path of Yoga to fight stress. I first started practicing Hatha Yoga. The intensity of my practice ebbed and flowed as I moved to different places around the world. During those years, my practice was focused on a more meditative type of yoga.


New Approach to Yoga…

I moved to Hong Kong in 2005 and discovered a new approach to Yoga, one that was more physical and dynamic and which appealed to me greatly. I began to explore different types of Yoga, namely Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Shivananda and Yin Yoga.

An Unexpected Career Change…

As I approached my 40s, I decided to enroll in a Yoga Teacher Training Program as a long-term plan for my retirement.

But after I began my studies I realized that teaching Yoga was all that I wanted to do and that I didn’t have to wait until a later phase in my life to make it happen. Not only could I help people to lead a better life, but also to find happiness. I began teaching immediately after I graduated in July 2009.

Discovering India…

In 2010, I returned from my first visit to an ashram in India with a new perspective on Yoga’s ability to integrate mind and body. My eyes were opened to a new way of practicing and teaching Yoga. I began to honor even more the beautiful principles of Yoga.

A Call from Mother Nature…

The year 2012 came with a strong call from Nature which inspired big changes in my life and my career. I moved out of the city to a wonderful place surrounded by the most exotic vegetation and I decided to go back to school to become a Holistic Health Coach.

Online Coaching. - Photo by Alfonso Posada

Online Coaching. – Photo by Alfonso Posada

Bakasana - Photo by Alfonso Posada

Bakasana – Photo by Alfonso Posada

The Perfect Match…

I’ve always enjoyed bringing happiness and wellbeing to the people around me, and what better way to do it than incorporating

the fascinating world of health and nutrition into Yoga, to give my clients the opportunity to cherish the luxury of a healthier & happier lifestyle with a more holistic approach.

Always with Balance…

I have never been a healthy food junkie, I have learned that the most important thing in life is balance; balance in what I eat, in the physical activities I do, in the way I deal with my emotions and in the way I manage my relationship with the entire world. I am a firm believer that keeping this balance is what helps me prevent illness.


My mission and my focus

My goal is to promote a lifestyle of health and happiness, I love showing to my beautiful tribe that being healthy doesn’t have to be boring and dry, but it can be fun and yummy.

You can Work Hard, Play Hard and Live Light.

Coming from the corporate world I understand and support stressed busy people on achieving their health goals. I guide my clients to find balance between a successful career and a healthy & stress-FREE lifestyle.

Giving to the community…

Paying forward is gratifying and powerful. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to cooperate with Hong Kong Cancer Fund teaching my Juicing Workshop to cancer patients. It’s been very inspiring to see how people respond to new possibilities to improve their health and lifestyle.


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About my training

2008 – 2009

Yogalimbs – Hong Kong: Yoga Teacher Training Certification
I’m an RYT200 Certified Yoga Teacher specialized in Vinyasa, Hatha & Yin Yoga.

My training has given me the knowledge to teach my clients how to reconnect body & mind while at the same time they improve their posture, develop their breathing capacity and achieve a state of deep relaxation.

Latin-2-Yoga_Ago6-AF

Sukhasana – Photo by Ramon Gonzalez Real

2010 – December 4

Yoga Central – Hong Kong: Workshop with Senior Iyengar Certified Teacher Marla Apt with a focus on shoulders and lower back.

2011 – June 9-12

WATPO Thai Traditional Medical School – Bangkok: Certified in the millenary traditional art of Thai Massage. .

2011 – December 1-4

Pure Yoga – Hong Kong: Jason Crandell Seminar “Power and Precision: Smart, Mindful Vinyasa Yoga” where I studied how to awaken the core for greater steadiness; how to replace force with understanding in arm balances; how to deepen back bends without strain or struggle; how to approach advanced postures with relaxation; and the amazing art of sequencing.

2012 – 2013

Institute for Integrative Nutrition – New York: Certified Holistic Health Coach. Throughout my education at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition I studied over 100 dietary theories, lifestyle management techniques, and cutting-edge coaching methods with some of the world’s top health and wellness experts. Among my teachers Dr Andrew Weil, Director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine; Dr Deepak Chopra, leader in the field of mind-body medicine; Dr David Katz, Director of Yale University’s Prevention Research Center; Dr Walter Willett, Chair of Nutrition at Harvard University; Geneen Roth, bestselling author and expert on emotional eating; and many other important authorities in nutrition. My training gave me the knowledge in holistic nutrition, health coaching and preventive health to help my clients make the necessary lifestyle changes to produce real and lasting results. I am certified by the American Association for Drugless Practitioners AADP.

2014 – December 6-8

Jivamukti Yoga with Jules Febre – Hong Kong: Amazing workshop where we learned about Vinyasa Karma, The Yoga Sound and Yoga of Action. Going deeper into the meaning of Vinyasa Yoga with a practice that can be intense and fun.

2015 – January 17-18

Bringing Back Balance Workshop with Amy Arman & Rowena Hunt – Hong Kong: Ashtanga and Wellness workshop to develop a personal practice for a balanced lifestyle.

Evolution Asia Yoga Conference – Hong Kong

Throughout the years, since 2009, I’ve been attending this amazing Yoga Conference that brings to Hong Kong the best teachers around the world.

I’ve Learned from different Yoga disciplines through remarkably inspiring teachers like Sharon Gannon and David Life (Jivamukti Yoga), Desirée Rimbaugh (Anusara Yoga),David Swenson (Ashtanga Yoga), Yogi Vishvketu (Akhanda Yoga), Ganesh Mohan (Yoga Therapy), O.P. Tiwari (Pranayama) and Carlos Pomeda (Yoga Philosophy), Patrick Creelman (Anusara Yoga),Sean Corn (Vinyasa Yoga), Simon Low (Yin Yoga), Dharma Mittra (Dharma Yoga), David Moreno (Moroyoga), Sherath Rangansway (grandson of Ashtanga Yoga Guru Sri K. Pattabhi Jois), Rodney Yee (Hatha Yoga), Jason Crandell (Hatha Vinyasa), Roger Cole (Iyengar), Dr. Scott Blossom (Ayurveda), Michel Besnard (Iyengar and Ashtanga Yoga), Joyce Thom and Ronan Tang (Qi Gong), Martin Kirk (Anatomy), Yogeswari (Jivamukti), Mas Vidal (Ayurveda), Edward Clark (Vinyasa).

I Love Yogi

  • "No matter how I feel at the start of a class with Sandra, I am always grateful by the end. My body is awakened, refreshed, connected and grounded while my heart feels full and open. Sandra's teaching style is relaxed, light-hearted and intuitive. I wish I could take her class every day!"

    Louise Wong

    Director, Lancashire Road, Hong Kong

  • "Sandra came to my life when I needed it the most. I was going through a lot of changes and with her support everything just fell in place. Sandra taught me to be more confident about my self and how to create a new lifestyle to continue my journey. In this process she became part of my life, part of my thoughts and part of my future. She showed me the road with different points of view and with a whole new knowledge. I also learned how to take care of my body and with this, I learned to take advantage of nature and how to use positive thoughts. Thank you Sandra for been my friend and my teacher and my light and guidance in this new path I chose to live."

    Johanna Logreira

    Industrial Designer, Colombia

  • I have been suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) for the last few years and my digestive tract was always weak. Certain medicine has given some relief, but nothing goes for a long lasting effect. Sandra's juicing workshop has changed my life - for good! The workshop has opened my eyes for a natural and authentic way to healing. 'Let food be thy medicine', which makes great sense to me. It provides good knowledge and lots of inspiration about juicing. What I really appreciate is Sandra made the implementation part so simple and easy, that I could get out of my lazy bones and do it. And the good motivation is that my gut is getting happier day by day, much less occasion of pains, bloating, inflammation and other unpleasant feelings. Instead, I often feel easy, clean and fresh in my belly. It also helped me to quit my coffee, as there are so many more delicious options to give great and long lasting energy to my body that I could actually enjoy more of what I do everyday. My mind feels a lot more refreshing, easier to be calm and centered. Now when I wake up in the morning, I can't wait to make a good glass of juice or smoothie for myself and my family. My husband has also reduced his coffee consumption ever since and my boy loves his 'Dinosaur Juices'! And the best part is - it is so much FUN!! Sandra, really like to say a BIG THANK YOU for all the great inspirations, knowledge and fun. It has made a great change for me and my family. Love.

    Vivian Guan

    Yoga Instructor

  • "Our intention with the program was to increase our knowledge about healthy foods, juices, smoothies, beginners yoga and in general to bring more healthy food options in our daily life. The initial introduction that Sandra did of the DETOX program gave us a lot of valuable information. We enjoyed the yoga classes and they also helped us with the aches we had during the detox and they definitely lifted our mood! The documentaries were very educational. The juices were great, they had very distinct tastes, it was a good variety, and we never felt hungry. We appreciated the time and effort gone into them and also the cost! The Indian smoothie and the cocoa one were of course our favorites. This program has certainly given us a lot to think about in terms of food and what we are eating regularly. We have discussed it many times and are determined to make many changes in our diet and to stretch more often! We found not drinking tea very tricky at first but it was interesting to note that in day two we didn't miss it. We feel very grateful after doing the program with Sandra and we would highly recommend it to anyone aiming to give their body a break."

    Jose Olivares, Projects Director, BUZ Design, Hong Kong

    Tim Tremmel, Teacher, English School Foundation - ESF, Hong Kong

  • I hosted Sandra at love true food kitchen for several juicing classes. Sandra is extremely knowledgeable about juicing and was able to transfer her expertise and knowledge about juicing to all of my clients; all of whom absolutely loved her style of teaching. I would highly recommend Sandra as a expert on the subject and regard her as energetic, passionate and detail orientated. I've learnt something new at all get workshops and revel in having her back again.

    Lakshmi Harilela

    Founder at love true food ltd. , Hong Kong

  • Sandra Carvajal has conducted several workshops for the cancer patients at Cancer Link Central. Her in-depth knowledge on health and nutrition has helped and appreciated by many of our users. Her juices and smoothies are nourishing, presentable and tasty. And most important, Sandra serves with a generosity and sincerity. We are grateful for all the service she has done for us.

    Shiao Kuan Maddox

    Head of Wellness and Holistic Health Care, Hong Kong

  • I firmly believe that every ‘Health and Wellness’ professional should have a Health Coach themselves (much like a doctor needs their own doctor and psychologists should always undergo some therapy themselves). It gives you accountability and enables you to delve deeper into your own health journey. As a Health Coach myself, I feel blessed to have Sandra at LATIN2YOGA as my incredible, inspirational and knowledgeable coach. She has been a constant motivational force in my personal health and wellness journey, a guide if I am ever a little lost with my own health enabling me to view my reality more clearly, a peaceful influence in my yoga practice, a mentor in my explorations into meditation as a tool for life, and an enormous support without which my last business year could have turned out very differently indeed. I feel immense gratitude for Sandra’s presence in my life, that we are able to share ideas, and not least for her innate passion and calming energy as a coach. I would not hesitate in recommending Sandra to anyone who wishes to improve their own health and wellness, whether you are a professional yourself or a novice who is just taking those first few steps.

    Rowena Hunt

    Health Coach – ‘Rowena Hunt Health & Wellness’ , Hong Kong www.rowenahunt.com

  • I followed Sandra's SIX2TOP-UP Wellness program last year and I have noticed not only a remarkable improvement in my eating habits but much more. Sandra's program goes beyond just learning how to eat healthy. Her SIX2TOP-UP Wellness program is an opportunity to learn how to listen to your own body and mind and the hints they give you so you can reach a lifestyle that allows you to live every single day with lots of energy and vitality. The personal contribution of Sandra has further enriched this experience because she is a special person that knows how to listen and understand the needs of others, and particularly because she is able to inspire you with her positive attitude and her love for life!

    Stefania Miraglia

    Business Manager, Italy

  • “After experiencing the 6 month program with Sandra I can say that it is an excellent program for a person at any age. It helps you incorporate good habits into your life progressively, without abruptly changing your diet or the emotional aspects of your life. You improve the good things to replace the bad ones very slowly. At first I thought it could be really challenging for Sandra and me because the culture in Latin America is very different to what Sandra showed me at first. But at the end the way Sandra lead the program helped me realize, step by step, all the good things it could bring into my life. I became aware of many things and I could become a better me with her support. With Sandra I was able to achieve things that I never thought possibly. I incorporated into my diet foods and flavors I never thought I could eat before. I improved my diet, and also the balance in my life, not only with myself but with my family and the people around me. One of the most significant changes in my health, was to eliminate the constant migraines I suffered from, and I could also improve a lot my respiratory allergies. What I liked the most about the program is that it is very practical and you can notice immediate results. What else could you ask for? The body truly reflects the well-being of the mind and spirit.”

    Laura Bedoya

    Mechanical Engeneer, Colombia

  • "Sandra came to my life when I needed it the most. I was going through a lot of changes and with her support everything just fell in place. Sandra taught me to be more confident about my self and how to create a new lifestyle to continue my journey. In this process she became part of my life, part of my thoughts and part of my future. She showed me the road with different points of view and with a whole new knowledge. I also learned how to take care of my body and with this, I learned to take advantage of nature and how to use positive thoughts. Thank you Sandra for been my friend and my teacher and my light and guidance in this new path I chose to live."

    Johanna Logreira

    Industrial Designer, Colombia

  • "No matter how I feel at the start of a class with Sandra, I am always grateful by the end. My body is awakened, refreshed, connected and grounded while my heart feels full and open. Sandra's teaching style is relaxed, light-hearted and intuitive. I wish I could take her class every day!"

    Louise Wong

    Director, Lancashire Road, Hong Kong

  • "I have attended Sandra's yoga session since March 2010. Her passion and eagerness about yoga inspires me. Sandra is tough and tender. Tough in the way that she knows how to push my potential to be strong for all the poses; tender in the way that she allows flexibility with room for progress at my own pace."

    Stella Tsang

  • "I've been having semi private lessons with Sandra for the past year. She knows our capabilities and seems to have a sixth sense for how we are feeling - so each lesson is never the same. Her teaching style, her personality, and the way she makes us move is inspiring. She's one of the best teachers I have ever had"

    Karen See

    Chief Communications Officer/DDB Group Asia Pacific

  • "Finding the right style of yoga practice is difficult but finding the right teacher can be even more of a challenge. I've been practicing yoga with Sandra for the past 2.5 years. I have not only strengthened my appreciation for yoga but know it will always play a big role in my life. Sandra brings immense dedication, knowledge and patience to each lesson. She strikes this wonderful balance of making her classes fun yet challenging and empowering at the same time. We always work safely within our own limits and gradually improve thanks to her steady guidance and positive attitude. I couldn't recommend anyone more!"

    Julia Przetakiewicz

    Senior Manager/International Business Leaders Forum (IBLF)

  • "You can hardly have a better introduction to the fascinating world of Yoga than with Sandra. She is caring, fun, empathic and all a professional..."

    Sergio Aguirre

    Diplomat

  • Sandra's classes are always thoughtfully composed with the goal to awaken the mind, body and spirit. Her yoga classes have provided me not just physical benefits but have helped me reconnect with my body and myself. I've learned to appreciate my body and what it does for me every day. After her classes, I feel cleansed from the stresses of my usually busy routine and feel re-energized. Her classes are bliss!"

    Natalia Ryoo

    Business Manager

  • Louise Wong Copy
  • Johanna Logreira Copy
  • Vivian Guan
  • Jose Olivares / Tim Tremmel
  • Lakshmi Harilela
  • Shiao Kuan Maddox
  • Rowena Hunt
  • Stefania Miraglia
  • Laura Bedoya
  • Johanna Logreira
  • Louise Wong
  • Stella Tsang
  • Karen See
  • Julia Przetakiewicz
  • Sergio Aguirre
  • Testimonial 19