Meet Our Instructors
Passionate, certified professionals who bring decades of combined experience and authentic lineage training to every class.
Elena Vasquez
Hatha · Vinyasa · Prenatal Yoga
Elena grew up in Barcelona and discovered yoga during her studies in London. Fascinated by the depth of the tradition, she pursued formal teacher training at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre in Madras and later completed her RYT-500 at Rishikesh Yog Peeth in Uttarakhand.
Her teaching philosophy centres on the integration of precise anatomical alignment with the meditative dimension of practice. Elena's Hatha classes are known for their clarity, warmth and the sense of deep accomplishment students feel by the end of each session.
As co-founder of Kumara, Elena oversees the studio's curriculum design, teacher development and community programmes. Outside the studio, she is a passionate advocate for yoga accessibility and offers regular free community classes at Bodrum Marina.
Arjun Mehra
Ashtanga · Pranayama · Philosophy
Born and raised in Pune, India, Arjun studied Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga directly under Sharath Jois at the KPJAYI institute in Mysore, earning his Level 1 Authorisation. He has been deepening his practice and teaching since 2010, having shared the tradition across India, Europe and now Turkey.
Arjun's approach is rooted in the Mysore method — self-paced practice with personal instruction — allowing each student to progress at their natural rate while receiving precise adjustments. His Pranayama workshops are particularly sought after, drawing students from across Turkey and international retreats.
As Kumara's co-founder, Arjun shapes the philosophical direction of the studio, ensuring that every class connects students to the deeper purpose of yoga as a transformative life practice.
Maya Chen
Yin Yoga · Meditation · Restorative
Originally from Singapore, Maya moved to Istanbul in 2019 and has been teaching at Kumara since 2021. She completed her foundational teacher training in Thailand before specialising in Yin Yoga with Paul Grilley and studying Traditional Chinese Medicine meridian theory as it applies to yoga practice.
Maya's classes create a unique atmosphere — spacious, deeply supportive, and rich with anatomical and philosophical wisdom. Her Yin series are structured around meridian theory, creating both physical and energetic release that students find profoundly healing.
She also teaches Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programmes and regularly leads weekend immersions combining Yin and Nidra for deep restoration.
Ready to Practice Together?
Call us to find the right instructor and class for your current needs and experience level.