At Orli, the experience of relaxation and rejuvenation extends beyond our rooms and seaside locale. With the guidance of instructor, Savanah Harvey, guests are invited to connect deeper with themselves during one of our yoga sessions on the picturesque grounds of the La Jolla Woman’s Club. From Savanah’s global travels to her deep roots in La Jolla, she brings a wealth of experience and heart to her practice, offering Orli guests the chance to explore the benefits of yoga with every stay. We sat down with Savanah to discuss her journey and how yoga can be part of your next Orli experience.

Image: @savharv

Can you tell us a bit about your background? How did you get your start as a yoga teacher? Why La Jolla?

Yoga has been a cornerstone of my life since my college years at the University of Michigan. It all began when my step dad gifted me a yoga mat for Christmas, and I quickly fell in love with the practice—both its mental and physical benefits. After graduating, I ventured into the entertainment industry in LA, where I deepened my yoga practice as a means to manage the stresses of a fast-paced career. This journey ultimately led me to earn a scholarship for yoga teacher training, after which I embarked on solo travels to Australia, working at a yoga retreat center and expanding my practice throughout Asia.

Upon returning to La Jolla, the pandemic hit, but I continued to teach private sessions, completed my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, and founded Kismet Collection—a wellness community that hosts events and retreats blending yoga with therapeutic workshops in breathtaking locations around the world. I’m excited to share that our next retreat is a yoga safari in South Africa in February 2025—take a look at the trip details here!

How does it feel to be back in your hometown, now working with Orli La Jolla as the yoga instructor?

Having traveled all over the world, nowhere compares to La Jolla. No matter where I’ve been, I always feel a sense of excitement and comfort when I return home. The community here is truly one of a kind, and it’s been so special to reconnect with my roots in such a meaningful way. I didn’t expect to return so soon, but the pandemic brought me back earlier than I imagined, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Working with Orli has been an incredible gift. I grew up alongside Hailey and Max, the founders of Orli, so coming together to collaborate on something so special feels like a beautiful full-circle moment. What they’ve created with Orli is stunning, blending the historic charm of old La Jolla with an elegant modern touch. La Jolla is a close-knit community, and those of us who grew up here know how much of a family feel it has. I feel fortunate to be part of the Orli family and contribute to something that honors our hometown’s spirit while building a sense of community.

What is it about La Jolla that makes it an ideal place for practicing and teaching yoga?

La Jolla embodies an active, healthy lifestyle, which makes it the perfect place for yoga. Whether you prefer practicing in a studio, outdoors in a serene garden, or by the ocean at one of our stunning seaside spots, there’s always an opportunity to connect with nature and a supportive community. The blend of breathtaking scenery and a collective focus on well-being creates an inspiring environment for both personal practice and teaching. 

How do the natural surroundings of La Jolla influence the yoga sessions you conduct at Orli?

We’re incredibly fortunate to partner with the La Jolla Women’s Club and hold our sessions in their beautiful garden. There’s something truly special about practicing on the grass, with the sun shining down and the vibrant energy of La Jolla all around you. You can feel the connection to the community, whether it’s the sounds of laughter, the gentle hum of weekend activity, or sharing the space with 40 or so fellow yogis. One of my favorite moments is when the bells of St. James by the Sea rings out during class—it always brings a smile to my face and reminds me that while we’re practicing together, others are also out there enjoying La Jolla in their own unique way.

Can you share a memorable experience you’ve had practicing yoga with Orli?

What I cherish most about teaching at Orli is seeing strangers leave as friends. Every session brings together people from all walks of life to share space and connect in meaningful ways. I’ve had the joy of watching my childhood friends meet new people, my parents connect with my yoga students, and strangers form new friendships. There’s truly nothing better than looking out from my mat and seeing a garden filled with familiar faces and the energy of connection. It’s a reminder of how powerful a community can be.

What are some of your favorite spots in La Jolla for meditation or relaxation outside of the hotel?

The beach, without a doubt! We’re incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by some of the most stunning beaches in the world. Whether it’s a peaceful walk, a swim, or a guided meditation, the beach is my go-to spot whenever I need tranquility and a moment to recharge. It’s the perfect place to find peace and quiet amidst the beauty of nature.

What do you hope guests take away from their yoga experience with you?

I hope guests leave with a true sense of the beauty and warmth of the La Jolla community. My goal is for them to feel connected to something bigger and to know that this community will always be here to welcome them back—whether it’s for a weekend, a month, or even if they choose to make La Jolla their home.

How does Orli La Jolla support your vision for a holistic yoga experience for its guests?

The Orli team and I had a vision to truly embrace the holistic experience by not only offering yoga but also curating a post-yoga wellness market that highlights local small businesses. We love creating a community event that brings attention to talented practitioners who share a holistic approach to well-being. We’ve featured everyone from naturopathic doctors and chiropractors to acupuncturists, estheticians, and purveyors of skincare, organic juices, and healthy foods. It’s such a joy to provide a space where these wellness professionals can share their expertise with our guests.

What advice would you give to guests who are new to yoga and looking to explore it during their stay at Orli?

Join us! The more, the merrier. This is the perfect chance to explore yoga in a warm and welcoming community. Whether you’re new to the practice or just curious, you’ll leave feeling refreshed, energized, and ready for the weekend—and you might even make a new friend along the way.

How do you hope to grow the yoga community at Orli La Jolla, and what role does the local La Jolla community play in that vision?

My dream is to lead the wellness sector at Orli. If and when they expand, we envision a dedicated space large enough to accommodate a full-time yoga studio, which would be a dream come true. Currently, space is a challenge, but I hope that one day we can grow into something more substantial, providing our community with regular opportunities to experience the benefits of yoga and wellness. The local La Jolla community is essential to this vision, as their support and involvement will help us create a vibrant hub for health and connection.

As a local resident, do you have any insider tips for visiting La Jolla – favorite restaurants, activities, etc?

One of my favorite things to do is hop on an e-bike and explore the town, letting the ride take me wherever it leads! Some of my everyday go-to spots include Windansea Beach, Warwicks for books, El Pescador for seafood, Sushi Nekosan, and il Giardino di Lilli. It’s impossible for me to visit any of these places without running into a familiar face, and that’s one of the things I love most about La Jolla, it always feels like home.

Savanah’s passion for yoga and her commitment to fostering a sense of community is evident in every yoga session she leads at Orli. Her connection to La Jolla’s vibrant, nature-filled surroundings and her vision of holistic wellness make each class a unique experience for guests. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, join us for our next gathering.