Tag: yoga retreat

Vibrant Vietnam 🇻🇳

On By Heather Wiest

Venture — A Daring Journey — our Southern Vietnam Retreat theme (inspired last year) lived up to its name! Many of us traveled on the day the Iranian strikes began, and some participants even had to cancel due to disrupted itineraries. We embraced our guiding verse, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV

During a quiet time in Ho Chi Minh City, I was personally encouraged by Psalm 143:8 NLT, “Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.” God is always with us and guiding us, one breath at a time. 

“The breath is the metronome of now.”

Jillian Pransky

Enjoy my trip takeaways…

  • Each international travel journey grows us. Everything we encounter is new and unfamiliar, strengthening our brain’s neuroplasticity.
  • Coconut water and watermelon juice are a must for hydration in hot and humid environments.
  • When in Vietnam, take advantage of all the “massa” [massage] opportunities. $39 = 1,000,000 Vietnamese Dong, which is the cost of a 90-minute high-end resort massa!
  • Our yoga practices help us ground and center in any unusual situation — and we take this stability off of the mat and out into the world — thank you Lord for these regulation tools!
  • The Vietnamese people are content with what they have [the average yearly salary is $4000], are joy-filled, embody a collective mindset, and are extremely proud of their country.
  • Ask for boiling water and/or limes to sanitize utensils in eateries. 
  • Good luck finding soap in bathrooms (bring sanitizing wipes).
  • Egg yolk coffee and coconut coffee are delicious—a must try!
  • Eat all of the flavorful, fresh fruit and seafood.
  • The horn chili pepper has a wonderful bite.
  • The sound, the feel, the smell, and the sight of the ocean relax the body, mind, and soul.
  • The Phu Quac Island sunsets are stunning.
  • Add crystalized ginger to hot tea—yum!
  • Beer is the alcohol of choice in Vietnam. The Saigon Special was a favorite among retreaters.
  • Vietnam is known for its ground pepper and cinnamon.
  • Most of the mature Vietnamese men leave their pinkie finger nails extra-long for?!
  • The Vietnam War historical sites were beyond emotionally moving…
  • Who knew we would ride a roller coaster on Pineapple Island?
  • Daily meals together foster beautiful conversation and connection.
  • When visiting abroad, learn how to say “Hello” and “Thank You” in the country’s language.
  • Expect delays when you travel and you will not be disappointed.
  • When applying for visas, always extend your exit date in case of travel delays.
  • Go with the flow and let go of what you cannot control.
  • Yoga is a universal practice and unites humanity. We met a Korean woman who may join us on our next retreat to Budapest, Hungary!
  • During and after travel adventures, I invite us to pause and reflect, asking ourselves:

When did I experience moments of…

JOY

PEACE

COMFORT or REST

BEAUTY

A sweet friend shared with us that in Chinese the characters “HH” symbolize double happiness. May Hanan & Heather Retreats promote and provide experiences of double happiness! Will you be joining us for the Breathe In Budapest Yoga Retreat & Vacation, September 17-24, 2026?

Amalfi 3.0 🇮🇹

On By Heather Wiest

I love looking back to previous blog posts to see how plans change and evolve. How important it is to have open hands and flexible hearts with our initial intentions, and allow God to orchestrate divine will and timing. We actually took this retreat May 21-28, 2022 at a new venue in Massa Lubrense, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Read about my reflections on RENEWAL and see our beautiful retreat group from my email newsletter HERE. ❤️ Where shall we go to next, my friends? 😊

CLEAR FOCUS YOGA RETREAT & VACATION
AMALFI COAST, ITALY 🇮🇹

New Dates!

May 1, 2021–May 8, 2021

Yoga+Amalfi

Heather and Hanan have their eyes focused on the Amalfi Coast of Italy and want to share an unforgettable week of immersion in the heart of Italian culture at a renovated 16th-Century Franciscan Convent where you can relax in simple yet tranquil rooms that boast views of the sea in Marina della Lobra, just outside Sorrento.

 

Amalfi+Coast+Yoga

A retreat allows you to travel to exciting destinations where you can disconnect from the routine, explore your comfort zone, create space for healing, connect with like-minded people, and deepen your yoga practice.

Yoga+Retreat+Amalfi+Coast

You’ll practice a variety of active, restorative and meditative yoga sessions twice daily in the indoor/outdoor yoga shala which sits next to the lemon groves, and indulge in the freshly prepared Italian vegetarian meals that will nourish your body and invigorate your senses.

Amalfi+Yoga+Retreat

You’ll have plenty of down time to stroll through the small seaside village strewn with colorful fishing boats and cafes or explore further along the rocks protecting the port, and dive into the Tirrenian sea for a refreshing swim. Continue walking the ancient path and you’ll reach the Sorrento town center, Massa Lubrense and some of its hamlets. You can also book additional tours to Positano or Pompei.$2,100 – Shared Occupancy or  $2,600 – Single Occupancy includes all of the following:

  • 7 day Accommodations with private bath
  • 3 Vegetarian Meals daily (eggs & cheese included & wine at dinner)
  • Roundtrip transfers from the Naples airport or Sorrento train station
  • Group excursion by boat to Capri
  • Group Tour to the Limoncello Farm
  • Group Cooking Class
  • 2 Yoga classes daily

Amalfi+Yoga

Are you interested in joining us? ❤️

We are currently taking registrations.

Click HERE to sign up!

“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” ~ 1 Corinthians 13:12 NIV