Elina Rangelova of Anandita Wellness, and images from her yoga retreats.
Elina Rangelova is a Forest Hills neighbor, a Murch parent, and a yoga teacher with a degree in education. She’s been on quite a journey, personally and professionally, and now she’s taking clients along for the ride.
By that, we mean yoga and wellness retreats. Rangelova, the founder of Anandita Wellness, organized her first retreat last year. Her students loved it, and urged her to do more. So in 2025, she is hosting retreats in Pennsylvania and in Bulgaria, her home country.
Rangelova arrived in DC to stay 12 years ago, and at first worked as a pre-K teacher. Soon after that, she took her first yoga teacher training, and she applied those lessons in her classroom. One year later, Rangelova switched to teaching yoga full time, mostly to adults at yoga studios, “but I certainly missed the cute interactions with the kids.” So she started teaching classes at daycare centers while training for her kids yoga certification.
Rangelova’s focus shifted again when the pandemic hit. She taught a few children’s classes outdoors, and added one-on-one sessions with adults. Now, she teaches group classes at Circle Yoga, continues to work with individual clients, and has returned to teaching yoga at schools and daycare centers.
Anandita is derived from the Sanskrit word “ananda,” which means “joy,” or “bliss.”
“It’s the state where we are not trying to convince ourselves to exercise or eat healthy,” Rangelova told Forest Hills Connection, “but we do it because it makes us happy and it brings joy to treat ourselves with movement and positive energy.”
These days, Rangelova is also finding joy and bliss in her life in the Van Ness/Forest Hills area, where she and her family have lived for seven years. Her son attends Murch Elementary. She and her husband moved here because it’s fairly quiet, it’s green, and it’s close to Rock Creek as well as stores and restaurants. The people here are “sweet and friendly,” and the neighborhood has a nice community feel, she says.
Her wellness retreats, for everyone from beginners to more experienced yogis, are also about forming connections and creating a feeling of community. “Retreats have really wonderful for my clients,” she said. “It’s an amazing way to get out of your comfort zone and open yourself to new experiences.”
A description of the retreats is below, and you’ll find additional details at ananditawellness.com. You can also contact Elina Rangelova at [email protected]. The early bird rates listed for the Pennsylvania retreat expire November 30th, and for the Bulgaria retreat, the deadline to register under the discounted rate is January 15th.
Join me for a relaxing Winter Wellness Retreat in Pennsylvania and an empowering Summer Yoga Retreat in Bulgaria! The retreats are a wonderful opportunity for a well-deserved break from everyday stresses and provide a great way to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Everyone is welcome to join and previous yoga experience is not required!
Here’s what you can expect during the Wellness Retreats:
1. Serene Surroundings: Located amidst breathtaking natural landscape, surrounded by beautiful mountains you can fully immerse yourself in nature’s beauty and experience a deep sense of tranquility.
2. Expert Guidance: You will be guided through various wellness activities and workshops, including yoga sessions, meditation, art, dance, mindfulness sessions, nature walks, campfire experience and journaling. My aim as your wellness group guide is to help you achieve a state of balance and inner peace.
3. Nourishing Cuisine: Indulge in healthy and delicious meals prepared by fresh ingredients, designed to nourish your body!
4. Hot Soaking Tubs and Spa: Relax and melt away any stress!
5. Connection and Community: The Wellness Retreats provide an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. Share experiences, learn from each other, and build lasting friendships during your stay.
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