Nestled above Watergate Bay in Cornwall, The Zen Den is a nature-rooted yoga studio designed for connection and calm. What began as a simple yurt beside a beach café and surf school has grown into a vibrant community space offering daily yoga, sound baths, ceremonies, and creative workshops. With panoramic ocean views and a focus on inclusivity, The Zen Den is a sanctuary where wellness meets the wild.
This month, we sat down with studio owner Jodi Hall to hear more about the journey behind the space. Read on to discover her story.
How did you find yoga and what was your path from student to teacher and finally into a studio owner?
After parting ways with my corporate city life in Canada and travelling the world in pursuit of warm waves, I embarked on my Yoga Teacher Training at Yandara in Mexico and subsequently became involved at the Yoga Farm in Costa Rica.
After settling in Cornwall, UK with my partner, the dream of creating a space to help build a community became a reality when an opportunity arose to locate a studio right next to my best friends beach cafe and surf school @thehangoutnewquay and @westcountrysurf at Watergate Bay. With panoramic ocean views, a short walk to the golden sandy beach and a focus on finding a network of like minded folks nearby, it was a simple path to initiate the Zen Den.. A yurt in nature.
Is there a special teacher or guide that was instrumental in developing and sustaining your personal practices?
Nature has always been the biggest inspiration for guiding and developing my personal practises. Its gentle rhythms and ever changing cycles offer constant lessons in balance and presence. By observing the natural world.. the way a tree bends without breaking, or how the seasons shift with purpose helps give clarity and a deeper connection to my own inner landscape.
Why did you choose Manduka as your studio equipment partner?
Having bought a Manduka PRO Yoga Mat for my own practise a few years ago, I was well aware of the great quality, durability and ethos behind Manduka which was the catalyst for the partnership.
Can you share the story behind the Zen Den? What was the inspiration to open the space for the community?
Having lived in Cornwall for many years it became apparent that most studios are usually located within a hotel / lounge / studio which seems somewhat removed from nature. I wanted to provide a space that was as close to nature as possible with as few man made / artificial distractions as possible. Having this space allows a raw and authentic experience with just the sound of the sea and distant ocean views where people can switch off and connect with one another.
What is the goal or mission of the studio?
To provide a natural environment in which to practise yoga and wellness and to encourage a community of individuals that can find connection in these wholesome experiences that aim to develop and nurture the body, mind and soul.
The Zen Den is located on a beautiful hilltop overlooking Watergate Bay, how did you find this spot and what made you decide to base the studio there?
My best friend runs a small cafe called the Hangout in the same field that the Zen Den is located alongside West Country Surf school, where I got a job as a surf instructor when I first moved to Cornwall. It seemed like a great place to put a yoga studio as it works so well alongside the other businesses there.
Tell us about the Zen Den and the energy it brings to the local yoga community. When people enter the yurt, what do you want them to feel?
When entering the yurt, I would hope that people would feel the same way that I do.. to feel a true sense of coming home, back to the source of the natural world.
For the local community, it isn’t just a physical space, but a sanctuary where energy flows freely, hearts open and calm is restored.
Can you tell us more about your offerings?
Sound baths have always been very special here, complimented by the incredible sounds from the ocean, seagulls and wind blowing through the meadows.
Ceremonies, art workshops, yin yoga sessions as well as baby blessings, ecstatic dances and musical performances have all played a part in the offerings at the Zen Den as well as daily Asana.
How has the vision for the Zen Den evolved since it first opened? Have there been any key moments that shaped this evolution?
Since opening the Zen Den, many facilitators and wellness practitioners have collaborated and brought an array of interesting and unique experiences, which have all helped shape and evolve the offerings that have developed here over the years. Taking the Zen Den to various festivals has also shaped the evolution of the studio, connecting with a wider community and sharing the vision of seeking wellness in nature.
What do you want students to take away from an experience at the Zen Den?
I want students to experience a sense of light heartedness and connection which they can take with them and share with others
What is the studio’s teaching philosophy, and how does it influence the class offerings and community events?
The main philosophy of the studio is to encourage the well being of individuals and to promote total inclusivity for the community. This can be seen in any of the events and workshops that happen at the Zen Den.
Are there any upcoming projects or events to mention to the community?
We will be at Paradhis Festival at Boconnoc Estate on the 5-7th July 2025. A beautiful event focused around nature, wellbeing and music.
Is there anything else to add and share with the community about the studio?
The Zen Den is open from the start of May through till the end of September. You can book membership packages that allow discounts for multiple yoga class bookings. The space is also available to hire for wellness facilitators to run their own events / workshops from, just drop us an email if you have any questions about this.
Listen
Connect
- Website: zendenyoga.co.uk
- Instagram: @thezendenwatergatebay
- Location: Top Field Car Park, Watergate Bay, Newquay, Cornwall, TR84AT
- Type of styles offered: The Zen Den offers many different styles of yoga as well as a host of wellness workshops and activities, from traditional asana, through to meditation, sound baths, cacao ceremonies, pre and post natal yoga and the space is also available to hire for people to run their own wellness and community focused events and workshops.
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