Ellen
This was the best gift I could give myself. Nic and her team created a safe, inspiring, supportive, and accepting energy so everybody can be with their own process. The yoga classes, breath work, the silence, the journaling, the massages all helped with the themes/parts I had to face. You’ll definitely be in (better) connection with yourself, your energy, and your body afterward. Also, the environment is perfect for being in nature and has such an amazing pool with a stunning view. I would recommend this to anyone who could use it to pace down and reconnect with all that’s within us. Only love!
Fleur
The Akhila Yoga & Scared rituals retreat is the best retreat I ever experienced. All elements scored an absolute 10:
- The most magical location I’ve ever witnessed. Completely remote, surrounded by gorgeous nature, and truly silent (except from the birds, crickets and the occasional owl). Oh, and the pool…. ~ sigh ~
- A genuinely great teacher (Nicola) who embodies yoga philosophy and has a real talent for bringing this profound knowledge across. Besides, she’s an excellent host with an eye for detail and many personal touches that make the difference.
- The best food I ate in my life, prepared by Alberto (and Inês) Fresh, healthy, organic and (mostly) vegan – so tasty and nourishing that my whole body lit up.
I had an amazing week and would book again in a second. Definitely worth it!
Thank you so much, you beautiful souls.
Suzie
I’d booked the retreat mainly as a means for time away by myself, and to perhaps learn some techniques to help me relax more.
What I got was so much more!
I’d not realized how tense I’d become, so the daily yoga sessions were amazing. To have the time to do it every day with Nic was an absolute treat.
We were so well fed by the marvelous Alberto - I’ve come home with some new ideas for dishes to try out.
More than anything though, I’ve come away from the retreat feeling so much lighter - I was carrying emotions I didn’t know were there.
I had the privilege of meeting a wonderful group of people, whom I hope to meet again.
Some of us, including me, have already booked into next year’s retreat.
Can’t wait!
Clara
I’d booked the retreat mainly as a means for time away by myself, and to perhaps learn some techniques to help me relax more.
What I got was so much more!
I’d not realized how tense I’d become, so the daily yoga sessions were amazing. To have the time to do it every day with Nic was an absolute treat.
We were so well fed by the marvelous Alberto - I’ve come home with some new ideas for dishes to try out.
More than anything though, I’ve come away from the retreat feeling so much lighter - I was carrying emotions I didn’t know were there.
I had the privilege of meeting a wonderful group of people, whom I hope to meet again.
Some of us, including me, have already booked into next year’s retreat.
Can’t wait!
Claire
Thank you, Nic, so much for the most beautiful time I could have wished for. It was my first retreat and I think I’m spoiled for any others.
You have guided me to a newly opened mind, heart, body, and soul. Forever grateful! xx
Emmelie
The circles were so amazing. From the first sharing circle on the first night onwards, everyone was extremely open and nice, no guards, no masks, just their true selves. This is what Nic and the team manage to achieve, it is such a great experience and gave me back trust.
I now again believe that people are good by nature.
After my divorce last year, I was just surviving this year. I was really struggling and did not find much joy.
Something in the description of the retreat resonated with me and I just decided to book ik, didn’t give it much thought. And I really felt that I needed a change from daily life.
I came back feeling like a new person.
Balanced, calm, healthy. And two weeks later today, I am still practicing yoga on a daily basis, at home.
Brooke
Outstanding experience!!
This retreat really stood out from the crowd, offering a unique yet perfectly complimentary combination of astrology and yoga.
I could not have asked for a better group of facilitators, the knowledge was exemplary as was the care put into so many small but hugely impactful details.
The food was a definite highlight! Which is saying something as there were so many wonderful things to look forward to.
Huge thank you to the team for all the love you poured into this, it hasn't gone unnoticed.
Gab
It was five days of absolute pampering of body, mind, and spirit.
This retreat was absolutely fantastic from the minute you arrive to the final moment, you hug goodbye, and you will be transported to a peaceful oasis, nourished with the most gourmet vegetarian food.
Your mind will expand, and your body will stretch. It was ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!
Thank you, Nicola & Alberto
There was no problem. I did it purely for enjoyment, and to unplug from the world.
I chose this retreat because I liked the meditation and the photographs of the beautiful food. Also, the dates worked well with the rest of my trip.
On this retreat, I got to connect with lovely people and completely relax.
Sarah
Beautiful Retreat!
Nic and her team are amazing. She’s such a beautiful soul and she creates such a beautiful, supportive, caring experience. I’d love to go to another one of her retreats 💛
I wanted to make some life decisions and have a chance to reconnect with myself.
It had such a great mix of things - beautiful yoga practice, chanting, spiritual elements, periods of silence, and amazing nutritious food. It was also in such incredible surroundings so it felt like you were really tucked away and able to connect with nature.
I had a chance to have a digi detox and it allowed me to really slow down and sit with myself and my own thoughts. It brought me so much calm and peace.
Emma
A massive thank you from my heart to yours. The recent retreat held in Aljezur September 2023 was so incredibly special. The Akhila Yoga Retreat team paid such attention to detail, nourishing guests with beautiful practices of yoga, pranayama, meditation and sound, fed us with delicious, homemade, colourful works of art and gave us the space to just be. I would highly recommend going on retreat with this team, who bring their wisdom, love and attention to hold space in a supportive and caring way. THANK YOU!
Erica
Words cannot express my gratitude for Nic and the rest of the team for making the experience the most wonderful and magical it could have been. The location was stunning, giving us enough space to be on our own when needed and enjoy each other's company the rest of the time. It was very peaceful both during the day and night and I had the best sleep cradled by the sound of nature.
Nic is an amazing teacher and has so much knowledge and respect for the practice of yoga, it was an honour being guided by her every day and exploring different practices - from hatha yoga, to yoga nidra, to bhakti yoga and many more. It was my first time going on a retreat and I felt welcomed and at ease since the very beginning, I genuinely cannot recommend her retreats enough!
Alberto, Nic's partner, cooked us the most delicious food and was so kind as to drive us to the beach every afternoon when we had some free time - I had so much fun with him and the rest of the group, it felt like we'd known each other for way longer than just a couple of days.
Everyone at the retreat was extremely kind and caring, I look forward to meeting everyone again soon.
Bianca
I had the pleasure of attending an Akhila Yoga retreat in Portugal, June 2023. It was my first genuine yoga retreat and it by far exceeded all my expectations. From the very beginning, I could tell that the retreat had been planned out extremely well with the right about of activities (ranging from yoga, journalling, and meditation) and free time (well needed to process and embrace all that you learn). I learned so much from Nic in terms of yoga. I was able to experience a range of different yoga styles and new techniques to help me discover myself on a new level and broaden my yoga experience. I was lucky enough to receive an astrology reading from Katie, this was a bonus to my retreat which I highly recommend.
Nic, who is also highly educated in Ayurvedic medicine, gave me a massage which was very powerful and again assisted in my healing journey. The food was so amazing, Alberto’s cooking was colourful, tasty. Everything was thought of, nothing forgotten. I highly recommend anyone who is drawn to a retreat to attend Akhila, no matter what your yoga experience, anyone can benefit from this. I hadn’t felt so refreshed, grounded and rejuvenated in a long time! Thanks Nic ❤️
Camilla
I really enjoyed all of the activities planned. And the food omg!! I also want to congratulate Nic on creating a safe space where all of us were able to share our own personal struggles. Being able to connect so deeply with “strangers” so quickly was truly a fantastic experience for me. I look forward to doing it all again next year!
Rachel
I couldn't have asked for a better teacher, guide, or friend than Nic. This experience was so special and so much more than just another yoga retreat. We got to try so many different ways of practicing, including an introduction to silent meditation - Vipassana, Kirtan, Somatic Movement, and so many other things. The energy was so warm and welcoming, and Albertos' food is unbelievable! I'll be joining these lovely people again next year!
Rebecca
This retreat is far more than just the physical aspect of yoga - one can expect ecstatic dance, mantras, yoga Nidra, massage, and much more. (Oh - and the food is AMAZING! Each meal is a culinary retreat in itself!). This retreat really exceeded my expectations.
Amelia
My friends had such a deeply relaxing experience with Nic that they booked 3 treatments and classes with her in the same week! I was interested in Ayurveda and Nic generously shared her in-depth knowledge of the 'Science of Life' whenever I asked. I also had many gorgeous massages with Nic which were absolute heaven. I couldn't recommend Nicola more highly- she is fantastic and such a light to have around!