Testimonials
Chakra Yoga workshop 2007
Waking to the sound of waves, kissed awake by the sun after a sound night sleep -a wishful dream before I arived at My Soul retreat, which truly deserves it's name. Fantastic tuition well worth any travel. I came on leaps and bounce establishing the daily routine and disciplie required to be able to stick to it. The Reiki treatments shifted so much stress - what a treat. I am definately planing to go back!
Katharina Hilf
My first retreat ever and for sure not my last. Gaining confidence in my practice changed me as a person. I came as a beginner, an expert at cheating and Ieft with no excuses to slag off ever again. The food was delightful a feast for all senses.
David Cambell
Ashtanga Yoga Workshop 2007
Having done Ashtanga Yoga at various ashrams and with great guruh's I was very pleasantly surprised about the deapth Simone took me to. My flat practice has transformed into dimetions former unknown to me.the energy leaked into many other aspoects of my life. I was able to face issues that i have been avoiding for years. I left and changed my life.Yoga in combination with Reiki and the suroundings has been a unique experience, many Thanks. I am booked in for the 2008 retreat already - the 'new me' that is.
Erich Bauer
Yoga Ashtanga workshop 2006 review
The lifestyle projected has changed my whole attitude as to how I eat and what I eat. I make every thing from scratch now and stick fresh herbs in everything.I was full of beans and still am since I got back. The indepth look at Ashtanga -an invaluable tool for any experienced yogi. Simone is an inspiration, excellent teaching, guidance and counseling all matters yogi. I continue to marvel at her understanding of asana.
Loretta Brodie
Body, mind and soul workshop 2006
Yoga by the sea just felt different and doing yoga in a cave is an experience in itself. so calming. Croatia is a stunning Location and our accommodation was right beside the sea, wonderful calming. Regular yoga discipline was excellent and we both gained a great deal from the week. - maybe lost a few inches? Our energy levels definitely rose on return home and we have the best intensions of keeping up the good work. All team members did a great job. Many Thanks
Hilary & Bob
1 week personal retreat in summer 2005
My soul retreat was a real treat for my soul. I have had a tough few years severe health issues as well as private and business issues – I lost the ability to take a breath and to chill out - a downward spiral. Meeting Simone and Tobias at my worst was a blessing to me. Simone taught me relaxation techniques, removed my shoulders from my neck and did wonders to my insomnia. With my batteries recharged, I went back to Germany and re-evaluated my life, set priorities and a set aside time for my Yoga practise. My life has changed in many ways and I thank whoever is up there every day for the opportunity of finding this little cottage in the hills of one of the most magical places on earth. I have been back for a top up this year and I am sure it’s not my last time.Blessings,
U. Sulver – accountant Germany
BODY & SOUL ESCAPES published by Footprint Books in March 2007
My Soul Retreat, Ivan Dolac, island of Hvar,
Yoga, personal development, meditation, holistic treatments, body work treatments, My Soul Retreat lies in a small hillside village overlooking the sea on the south side of Hvar. This strip of coast is blissfully isolated, being accessed solely through a narrow, unlit, 1.4km tunnel carved through the rocks. A world apart from the rest of the island, it is backed by sublime, rugged mountains planted with vineyards, and looks onto a stunning seascape punctuated by secluded coves and pebble beaches, with the islands of Scedro, Korcula and Vis rising in the distance.
Simone and Tobias offer individual breaks for those searching to review their life path, and counseling for couples in crisis. In the future, guests on individual retreats will be able to stay in an old stone cottage (complete with a bio-toilet) on the hillside above the sea, which Simone and Tobias are restoring with respect for the environment and traditional Dalmatian building materials.
Guests stay at Spila (www.spila.hr), a modern, seafront villa comprising eight airy apartments (sleeping 2-6) with terra cotta tile floors, wooden furniture and cheerful primary coloured fabrics. Each unit has a living room with basic cooking facilities, a bathroom, and a balcony with a sea view. Downstairs, the Spila restaurant occupies a spacious terrace lined with potted geraniums looking onto the water.
The central activity here is a unique blend of Ashtanga, Hatha and Iyengar yoga, performed under the grueling but entertaining instruction of charismatic, German-born, former-model Simone. Classes take place early-morning and late-afternoon, before breakfast and dinner. Simone is also a Reiki master, and can help enhance one's energy awareness, while skilled masseur Bruce melts knotted muscles and tension points with blissful Thai and Indonesian massage sessions. Apart from yoga, organised hiking, swimming, and boat trips introduce visitors to the island's unspoiled nature. Sundays are free and can be devoted to silence and fasting, while those in search of cultural stimulation might visit the sophisticated, Venetian-style urban centre of Hvar Town (either by boat or minibus).
Regarding meals, Simone's partner, Canadian-born Tobias, conjures up colourful, flavoursome, organic vegetarian ayurvedic dishes, employing plenty of fresh herbs and spices. Alcohol, coffee and cigarettes are prohibited.
Simone also teaches yoga in Glasgow, Scotland (www.myoneonone.com), and My Soul Retreat draws a loyal following of her Scottish clients, most of whom are dedicated yoga enthusiasts. Groups are limited to max eight participants; expect an age range 25-55, predominantly singles, with a 50-50 mix of men and women, post-graduate students and professionals.
Expect to pay from 500 GB pounds per person for an 6-day retreat (based on two people sharing an apartment). Call + 44 (0)7789 813481 or visit www.mysoulretreat.com.
Co-author Jane Foster
