„The moment I realized that yoga is more than just a hobby came when I saw how profoundly my thinking, emotions, and way of dealing with stress began to change.“
Annette Kraemer-Batosic is a certified Tripada® yoga teacher who combines Californian ease with German precision. After many years in Silicon Valley, she relocated her life in 2010 to Makarska, Croatia, where the sun, sea, and mountains come together.
Her teaching goes beyond just asanas: it's a powerful blend of Hatha Yoga, functional movement, fascia work, and arm balances, always tailored to the individual, always taught from the heart. Whether in a retreat, a private session, or a group class: with Annette, it's all about releasing tension, clearing the mind, and recharging energy for the body, the mind, and real life.
How did you originally come to yoga, and when did you realize it was more than just a hobby for you?
Honestly, I wasn’t searching for spirituality, it was more about finding balance. I had a lot of energy and a high-stress job as a Worldwide Product Marketing Manager at a global company in Silicon Valley, California. A friend noticed how restless and tense I was. I was always on the move, my mind rarely quiet. She convinced me to join a yoga class and skip my beloved kickboxing session.
That first yoga class really surprised me. I thought it would just be “stretching and relaxation.” Instead, it was like holding up a mirror: I suddenly became aware of how restless I truly was. That experience grabbed me. I wasn’t entirely convinced yet, but I returned for another session and then had a long conversation with the teacher, because I was fascinated by this kind of movement. I tried out different styles and teachers and noticed that after a practice, I was able to make clearer decisions and stay calmer in stressful situations.
That led me to first train as a kickboxing instructor, then as a group fitness instructor, and eventually to yoga teacher training with Jill Miller and Hans Deutzmann. I started teaching with joy and passion in various fitness clubs and yoga studios in the U.S., but I still had my not-so-loved job in marketing.
The moment I realized yoga was more than just a hobby came when I saw how profoundly my thinking, feelings, and handling of stress had changed: I was less irritable, found my way back to inner peace more quickly, even when life got hectic. I wanted to make this experience accessible not just for myself, but for others too and that’s how a hobby became a calling. Fortunate circumstances, like a bed & breakfast on the Croatian coast, certainly helped shape this new path.
Was there a moment in your life when yoga especially helped you overcome a personal challenge?
Yes, there was. There was a time when I was dealing with both internal and external pressure physical tension and mental restlessness, combined with professional and, above all, personal stress.
Yoga became the tool that helped me not to lose myself. Through mindful movement, conscious breathing, and regular practice, I was able to gain more clarity step by step, organize my thoughts again, and most importantly, start looking forward. It showed me how essential it is to give yourself enough space and care.
You combine yoga with active holidays in Makarska, Croatia. How did this idea come about?
It started with just yoga retreats. The idea came from a desire to take yoga beyond the mat to combine it with the beautiful natural experiences that a holiday can offer: the sea, sunshine, fresh air, and outdoor movement. Some of my deepest yoga moments happened in nature on a rock by the sea, or while breathing in the mountain air.
Since I’m the co-owner of a bed & breakfast, it made sense to fill the early and late holiday seasons with guests looking for more than just a beach vacation—people who want to move in a beautiful environment and who crave something deeper.
Makarska, with its coastline, mountains, and relaxed, safe, and open atmosphere, seemed like the perfect place for people to switch off, recharge, and stay active at the same time. At first, people laughed at me, my family thought the idea was “crazy.” How could I give up my career for this?
And that’s how the concept was born: combining yoga with movement, adventure, and stillness to nourish both body and mind in a truly holistic way.
Your retreats attract people from all over the world. What do you think makes them so unique??
I believe it’s a combination of things:
Authenticity and Adaptability: I design the sessions so they’re suitable for everyone, whether they’re complete beginners or have more experience. Challenging, but never overwhelming.
A balanced mix: Yoga sessions, movement, outdoor activities, relaxation, healthy food, all in an environment that truly allows for recovery and rest.
The setting: Makarska, the sea, the nature, the atmosphere, all of it contributes immensely to people being able to truly let go. And it’s a place that draws an international crowd.
Community: People come together, share their experiences, learn from one another and this often creates a unique space that’s about more than just yoga.
I think it’s this mix: the landscape, the openness of the group, and the energy that arises when people share their stories. Many come alone, and by the end of the first day, you can already feel it: a community is forming, where everyone is simply allowed to be.
It’s not about who performs the most beautiful asana - it’s about how we feel. And that creates a very special atmosphere that many describe as truly transformative.
What kind of energy or experiences do you personally take away from these international encounters?
It’s incredibly enriching. I take away:
Inspiration: Every person brings their story, lifestyle, and culture, which opens up new perspectives and ideas.
Gratitude: The fact that people often travel from far away, open up, and place their trust in me humbles me and fills me with gratitude.
Growth: I keep learning through teaching, in my own practice, and in how I connect with people. Challenges and questions from different backgrounds push me and help me grow.
Connection: A deep bond often forms across borders and differences. That energy is powerful. It motivates and strengthens me to keep walking my path.
I remember one participant from Canada who told me she had never traveled alone before. At the end of the retreat, she said, “I’m going home as a different woman.” Stories like that touch me deeply. They remind me why I do this work. I take something away from every encounter, sometimes a little piece of life wisdom, sometimes just a heartfelt laugh that stays with me for weeks. And for that, I’m endlessly thankful.
Many women see you as a role model for fitness, health, and joy in life. What’s your secret to balance and radiance? What advice would you give to women looking for more lightness and health in their busy lives?
Yoga and standing on my hands! Haha, just kidding.
Honestly, my “secret” is simply that I allow myself not to be perfect and that I don’t take myself too seriously. Some days everything flows easily, and some days I need more breaks. For me, balance isn’t a fixed state—it’s a daily act of recalibration, just like yoga itself.
There are a few simple principles I try to live by:
-
Self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity: Regular movement, nourishing food, sleep and consciously planning time to rest.
-
Mindfulness in everyday life: Taking small pauses, breathing consciously, stopping for a moment when stress builds up.
-
Setting boundaries: Saying no when needed and choosing carefully what and who I give my energy to. Avoid toxic people! That’s a big one!
-
Joy and playfulness: Doing things that truly excite me, whether it’s a yoga variation, an adventure, something creative, or connecting with others. I make sure to do things that light up my heart.
My advice to women would be:
Start small. You don’t have to change everything at once. Pick one everyday trick: five minutes of meditation, a walk instead of scrolling through social media, yoga twice a week.
Listen to your body, it often tells you what’s missing (movement, rest, connection).
And remember: Health isn’t about perfection it’s about balance and well-being in body, mind, and heart.
Over time, this becomes a lifestyle and suddenly, life starts to feel lighter. Lightness grows step by step.
Best to come see for yourself 😊
Stay up to date with fresh inspiration and expert tips! Subscribe now so you never miss a new post.