Raquel Nakid Lacroix
As a Native Brazilian, I was fortunate to grow up surfing the emerald green waters surrounded by the lush Rainforests and mountains off the Atlantic Ocean, a stretch of coastal forest known as “The Green Belt”, one of the most biodiverse in the world, and in my world-traveler’s view, “the” richest and most beautiful I’ve ever seeing.
Terra Brasilis is the maiden name of my motherland Brazil, and it is what I consider the roots of the culture that raised me. Terra Brasilis Retreats is an organization born from the heart, and the deepest desire to share the knowledge and host mind-like yogis, surfers, eco-soulful travelers, seekers and wanderers, to what it is my version of Brazil, the land, the soil and Rainforests, and native healing modalities found abundant in my country and that I’m so familiar and passionate about. Our mission is to connect the global community to the powerful spirit and ancient wisdom of my country, in hopes that it helps to heal, regenerate and catalyze the innate connection that all beings have to their spirits and to our dear Mother Earth.
Far more than Yoga Retreats, Terra Brasilis Retreats is a life-long project: Our eco-soulful healing immersions are designed to help you honor and heal this connection to your own roots.
I invite you to practice where the planet breathes, the “Lungs” of the Planet, the “Heart” of the Brazilian Rainforests, so you not only have an opportunity to connect with yourself but with the majestic bounty of Brazil’s undefiled natural habitat.
Embark in this journey with me, and enjoy the adventure into Terra Brasilis!
Raquel’s BIO
Born and raised in Brazil, Raquel always had a deep appreciation for movement and nature. Growing up she was a dancer, surfer, and a sportswoman: A natural born adventurer Raquel has competed in marathons, adventure races, and triathlons in all five continents but throughout, her passion was surfing.
Surfing allowed her to be in continual dialogue with the natural elements, and find peace. As a free surfer and avid traveler, she settled in Encinitas in 1993. It was then, that Surfing crossed paths with Yoga and she was introduced to the Ashtanga Yoga Tradition There was no need to look any further. She has since spent much time learning directly from Guruji, (Sri K. Pathabi Jois) in India and from his successors, honoring that lineage.
Her yoga and surf uncharted journeys abroad turned her into a “spiritual seeker” searching for waves and her true self, immersing in different cultures, developing a connection with local islanders and villagers, and participating in their daily rituals. These rare experiences profoundly transformed her, making her highly attuned with people, learning about mystical traditions, healing practices, and ancient wisdom.
Having extensive participation in Yoga, Surf travels, and visiting ashrams around the world she hopes to create a unique combination of all her passions which she could not find anywhere, and encourage the same sense of wonderment and fulfillment that she has felt along the path, in her Mother Land: Brazil.
A passionate host in her country of origin, she is committed to her guests, with great respect for all yogic and spiritual traditions.
