Seattle’s Newest Wellness Destination: Protea Yoga Opens at Karoo Café
Karoo Café is thrilled to announce the opening of Protea Yoga, a new wellness space located above the café in the historic Butterworth building at Pike Place Market. Named after the King Protea—South Africa’s national flower—Protea Yoga embodies resilience, diversity, and community, offering Seattleites a sanctuary for wellness, connection, and growth.
Protea Yoga will host a variety of community-focused events and classes, including yoga sessions, sound baths, and targeted workshops. The studio is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where people from all walks of life can connect and thrive. Inspired by the philosophy of Ubuntu, a South African belief meaning "I am because we are," Protea Yoga aims to nurture connection and collective well-being.
“Our vision is to create a space where everyone feels welcome and valued,” said Olivia Vermaak, owner of Karoo Café and Protea Yoga. “Protea Yoga is about more than yoga—it’s about building community, celebrating diversity, and cultivating a sense of togetherness.”
As a proud South African native, Olivia brings her heritage to life through the studio’s mission and design. The King Protea symbolizes resilience and strength, qualities Olivia holds dear. “We want every visitor to feel the spirit of Ubuntu and leave our space feeling rejuvenated and connected,” Olivia added.
Upcoming Offerings at Protea Yoga
Friday, February 14th, Practicing from the Heart with Casey Schwantes , 6:15 PM – 7:15 PM
Protea Yoga is set to open its doors on Valentine’s Day, marking the occasion with an evening of yoga, mocktails, and meaningful conversation. The event features a 60-minute heart-opening, slow-flow class incorporating breathwork, movement, and meditation. Following the session, attendees are invited to enjoy a handcrafted mocktail from Karoo, located just below the studio. The grand opening welcomes individuals, friends, and partners to experience an evening dedicated to connection and well-being.
Saturday, February 22nd, Extended Vinyasa with Mallory Monahan, meet and greet starts at 10 AM // class 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
In this extended 90-minute vinyasa, guests are invited to take extra time to ease in and ease out of their yoga practice and fill the middle with lots of good yoga asana, philosophy, and mudras.
Sunday, February 23rd, Sound Healing with Tasha Hampton, 11 AM – 12 PM
This hour-long meditative experience utilizes sound bowls, chimes, and melodic instruments to facilitate deep relaxation and nervous system regulation. This immersive session is led by Tasha Hampton, a certified yoga teacher (RYT 200), breathwork, and sound healing facilitator with a decade of experience in the wellness field. Hampton curates transformative experiences designed to foster relaxation, inner expansion, and healing.
Wednesday, February 26th, Vinyasa Slow Flow with Michaela Campbell, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Join Michaela for a 60-minute all-levels vinyasa slow flow class with an optional 30-minute social after class. We will focus on flowing through postures with an emphasis on slower holds, transitions, and strengthening our breath work. After class, please join us downstairs at Karoo for a social to get to know other students in your class.
Thursday, March 27th- Monday, March 31st Yin Yoga Teacher Training with Leah Adams, details available here
This immersive training is a deep dive into understanding fundamental aspects of your own nervous system, becoming rooted in ancient practices, and learning how to fuel sustainable and healthy bodies, hearts, and minds through the perspective of the Eastern lineages of yoga and meditation practice. This program offers a blend of lectures, hands-on learning, and practice that delivers wisdom and teachings influenced by contemplative traditions and contemporary science. Students will gain practical tools that can be applied to their own lives and to any style of yoga practice or teaching. While yoga teachers are welcome, you do not have to be a teacher to enroll and there are no other prerequisites. Some topics the curriculum will cover include an introduction to the autonomic, central, and somatic nervous systems, evidence-based practices to cultivate the biology of being well, embodied exploration of Qi and meridian theory, and acupressure points to enhance and balance Qi.
Saturday, April 12th, Yoga for Cancer Support with Leah Adams, 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM
This session will provide a dedicated space for individuals undergoing cancer treatment or recovery. Including a 75-minute yoga, breathwork, and meditation class. This regular offering will be followed by an optional 45-minute session for community connection Leah Adams leads the class with resilience and holistic well-being. As a movement, meditation, and breathwork practitioner since 2011, she is committed to supporting individuals facing cancer and the healthcare workforce, offering international retreats and training in Yin Yoga, functional breathwork, pranayama, meditation, and Ayurveda.
With more than 20 classes per week, Protea Yoga offers a diverse selection of styles, including Vinyasa, Slow Flow, Reiki Restore, Sound Healing, and Yin Yoga. Vinyasa with MFR integrates a slower-paced vinyasa practice with Self Myofascial Release (SMFR) techniques using therapy balls to relieve muscle tension and improve mobility. RASA presents a fusion of asana, mantra, meditation, and Tantric yoga philosophy. Meaning “essence” or “nectar,” Rasa invites students to experience life fully, on and off the mat.
Additional class descriptions will be announced soon. Follow Protea Yoga on Instagram @proteayogaseattle for live updates or visit protea.yoga.com to view the latest offerings.
After participating in a wellness activity, guests are warmly invited to come downstairs to Karoo Café to enjoy bites and beverages. In addition to an extensive cocktail program, the café offers a curated selection of non-alcoholic cocktails that reflect the same spirit of creativity and connection. Guests can savor the Springbok Spritz, a refreshing blend of Lyre’s Pink London Spirit, honey simple syrup, and zesty lemon juice, garnished with mint and jasmine flowers for a vibrant finish. For a botanical escape, the Khaya Botanical combines Ritual Gin and Aperitive with Mediterranean tonic and a vivid orange wheel, evoking the essence of a South African homestead. For tropical flavors, The Sodwana offers a beach-inspired concoction of Ritual Rum Zero, lime, agave, pineapple, and rich Coco Lopez, served in a striking Collins glass with a cherry and dehydrated pineapple garnish. Finally, the Honeyed Hadeda provides a sweet and bold mix of Ritual Whiskey, tart lemon and grapefruit, and a touch of honey, elegantly presented in a coupe with a star anise garnish. Go to karoo.cafe.com to plan your visit or follow them on social media for live updates on their food, music, and entertainment programs.
Karoo Café, founded by South African native Olivia Vermaak, brings the spirit of Ubuntu to life in Seattle's historic Butterworth building. Offering a unique blend of South African-inspired handcrafted cocktails, tapas-style dishes, served on a pop-up basis, and locally sourced coffee, the café creates a holistic and welcoming space for all. More than just a café, Karoo Café serves as a community gathering spot, where people can connect over live music, book clubs, game nights, holistic workshops, or simply enjoy great food and drinks. Olivia’s proudly South African heritage and personal journey inspire her passion for fostering inclusivity and building community. Karoo Café embodies her belief in paying it forward, ensuring that everyone feels welcome. Learn more by visiting karoo.cafe and follow along on Instagram @karoo_cafe_seattle or Facebook at Karoo Café Seattle.