testimonials
Testimonials are not only a way for you to share your experience with others, but we hold them close to our hearts as a personal guestbook and memory. If you'd like to share your story with others too, you can do it here. Our gratitude to you for your kind words!
"Julie is a great teacher and an authentic person. The program is balanced. The group was divers all from different parts of the world, open and nice people. Laugh, eat and yoga! Thx again" Hermine, Netherlands (March 2019) "I had a really good time. The retreat was both inspiring and informative. Julie is amazing. This retreat really changed my Yoga practice! Forever grateful!" Tamara, Netherlands (March 2019) "10/10 for everything. A location and hotel without compare. And most importantly, Julie who's enthusiasm, energy and insight into the broad needs of everyone on the course was breathtaking." Richard, United Kingdom (March 2019) "Julie ran this retreat in a place that felt like paradise. Surrounded by almost vertical hills in a peaceful village on the river, the location at Mandala Ou resort was perfect. We did yoga overlooking the river while fishing boats paddled past. The yoga classes were brilliant. Having practised yoga for four or five years, I learnt much more from Julie than I had from other teachers. We also had discussions about yoga philosophy and meditation sessions. The food was delicious, the accommodation was comfortable and there was plenty to do in the village of you wanted to wander a bit. I would definitely do it again." Sarah M, U.K. (December 2017) "There are some moments in your life where you can put a finger to and say "this was the highlight of that year", and this retreat is exactly it! Not only was Julie's yoga classes amazing, the energy & spirits that surrounds them were absolutely divine. Julie is an exceptional yoga instructor who eases you into poses with grace. She focuses on prayanama breathes and take each movement step by step. Her philosophy and perspectives towards yoga is for the mind/body/soul. Mandala Ou resort is the perfect location for this short break. Nick is amazing cook and host. We spent the four days by stretching our bodies in the morning, going for yoga lessons in the afternoon and beers in the evenings. We left the space with yoga lessons and made 10 more close friends for life!" Denise, Singapore/Malaysia (July 2017) "Julie's yoga retreat was wonderful - just what I wanted! A well balanced mixture of yoga, pranayama and meditation held in a glorious location. I liked Julie's teaching style which encouraged you to challenge yourself if you wanted to be challenged. But she also provided lots of modifications and some props so you could adjust the pose to fit the needs of your body that day. During the alignment clinic she took before and after photos so we could easily see the difference in our form before and after adjustments. My river front room was comfortable and the view was great. Loved the food. Overall a terrific experience. Highly recommended!" - Kate, United States (February 2017) "I had an absolutely wonderful time in the yoga retreat. Luang Prabang yoga is doing such a rejuvenating program. The place they're chose for the retreat was perfect. Mandala Ou Resort in Nong Khiaw was just as srene as I needed it to be. Julie was very hands on in knowing each retreat students individually iIn terms of our personal yoga needs and injuries as well. I heard they're going to do a 100 hours teacher training. If they are, I'd love to join! On scale of 1 to 10, 10 Being the best, I'd give it a 9.5 for my super gratefulness to be able to experience a yoga retreat as soul fulfilling as that." - Vida, Indonesia (October 2016) "Still the best yoga experience (Nov 2014) that we've ever had. Great teachers (friendly, encouraging and enthusiastic along with setting a lovely feel to the entire experience), food (catering for vegans to a high quality level), accommodation (immaculate) and with lovely staff. Value for money and with a trip upriver after the course, this was definitely worth the 4hr bus journey. It re-invigorated our interest and practising of yoga." Alan (November 2014) "Thanks to Julie for a lovely few days in the beautiful Nong Khiaw. She really was a brilliant yoga instructor and made us feel very welcome. Although it was a bit cold, it didn't detract from being an amazing experience. The food was delicious, the accommodation very clean and the scenery was breath taking. I'd highly recommend this wonderful retreat." Alice, UK (February 2016) "I loved and enjoyed this yoga retreat in every aspect; the place is unbelievable, the yoga teachings are of great quality, the food is delicious, Julie is very professional and kind, and the atmosphere is great... I ended 200% satisfied, and happy. I would have stayed much more :) Thank you Julie!" Anne, France (January 2016) "Being a Yoga beginner this retreat perfectly fitted my needs. Julie managed to give me both physical and mental practice, from asanas to meditation. We had a really good and mindful time with very nice Yoga, nice participants, a great teacher and delicious food. Also the venue, Mandala Ou is blessed with a phantastic view you can enjoy during Yoga, lunch and spare time. I would definitely come again!" Marcus, Germany (January 2016) "This was my first yoga retreat and it easily surpassed all expectations I had. Julie is a great teacher, the sessions were varied and suitable for a range of levels. The location itself is awesome in the original sense of the word - the view of the mountains and the river from the yoga shala instantly forces you to shift." Veera (January 2016) "This was the first yoga retreat I went to and it won't be the last. I really liked everything. The resort is perfect, the food is amazing and the yoga practice are great! Julie who runs it is such a good teacher and I feel like I've improved in my yoga practice." (December 2015) "This was our first Yoga retreat experience and it surpassed all of our expectations. Firstly the location of this small and very private resort is simply stunning. The individual villas are furnished beautifully offering many comforts and luxuries. The yoga program me itself is excellent. It has been planned out meticulously to ensure you have a serious focus." The Ecoquest (November 2015) "I was not expecting such a thoughtful overview of yoga philosophy during this retreat along with the regular and perfectly challenging yoga asana practice. Julie gently led pranayama and meditation sessions early every morning and she varied those so that we experienced several different methods of breathing exercises and meditation. There was group practice and small group sessions. I feel that my yoga has improved." Joan (October 2015) "A superb yoga and meditation retreat on every level. Julie was very welcoming, warm and engaging a wonderful teacher and a beautiful soul. The setting at Mandala Ou was perfect (despite some chilly mornings!), with delicious food and comfortable rooms. The yoga program me was varied and suitable for most levels of practitioner. I especially loved the pranayama and the chanting . . . . " Sarah (January 2015) |
"I joined the February yoga retreat in Nong Khiaw with Julie, from Luang Praband Yoga. It was such a great experience, and the best yoga retreat I found during my few months in South-East Asia. "The yoga retreat with Julie was really amazing, I didn't expect that. I wanted to find a way to relax and always thought yoga and meditation would be perfect for that. However, I just couldn't really get into meditation and yoga just hurt me a lot (especially the downward facing dog)...so I gave up many times. In the retreat Julie explained us how we can do the postures effectively and I learned to do them right and suddenly it worked out and I really started to like it :) Never have I heard about the importance of legs and the breath, but it's just so helpful. She also teaches different ways to meditate or focus on the breath, where I found one I can stick to. The group was small and the people really nice. Julie is great as a yoga teacher but has also a very warm personality. "It was just amazing! We really enjoyed our time at the retreat. Not only the yoga, but the people, the place and the food! All excellent!!! "What a beautiful place for a yoga retreat. Julie, the teacher, is lovely. I really liked the alignment classes. It gave me a deeper understanding of some postures." - Marjolign, Netherlands (January 2017) “I've just finished this 4 days yoga retreat and I want to be back to this happy place ! Resort Madala Ou is just perfect: Bungalow, food, staff, pool, scenery, birds singing by the rivers... everything is there to make sure you have a relaxing time. The yoga schedule was perfect for me. In addition to improve your meditation, pranayama and yoga, you have time to relax at the resort or take a free bicycle and explore Nong Khiaw. The teachers are very caring, organized and above all, experienced. Although I Practice yoga for 4 years, I have learned a lot during this retreat. I especially enjoy the personnal coaching session (posture) and also the spiritual education surrounding the practice of yoga that leads to an happy and healthy life. I highly recommend this retreat." - Pascale (March 2014) "I would thoroughly recommend this yoga retreat to everyone! Me and my boyfriend attended one of the retreats in January 2016 and we both thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. I was fairly new to yoga and found the retreat provided a brilliant introduction to a range of different types of yoga, breathing practices, meditation and philosophies. I found that the schedule for each day had the perfect balance of each of these different aspects, and also just the right amount of free time to relax and enjoy the beautiful resort where the retreat is based. As a relative beginner, I found the yoga challenging at times but Julie gave us lots of options on how to make the postures work for different abilities and bodies, and I never felt pressured to do anything beyond my limits (read more)." Vicky, UK (January 2016) The most perfect place to enjoy yoga and meditation. Beautiful setting and the team were all amazing! Would recommend to anyone. A special thank you to Julie who was awesome! (January 2016) "Love Luang Prabang Yoga Retreats! My fourth one! Highly recommend it, whether it is your first yoga experience or if you have been doing yoga for 40 years!" Nancy (December 2015) "I have to say that this retreat was very well organized, delicious food, beautiful accommodation, excellent service, beautiful landscape and awesome Yoga teacher. Loved every single class. Thank you Julie :)" Liliana (November 2015) "Everything about this retreat is wonderful: the view, the resort, Julie who runs the retreat, yoga classes. You will learn about all the different aspects of yoga. It is a pleasure to wake up very early in the morning knowing that you will spend the day treating yourself." Rose (October 2015) “I am a beginner to yoga, and I had had only one class of hot yoga prior to this yoga retreat. Located at the Mandala Ou guesthouse on a river nestled between two beautiful mountains, the scenery was perfect: tranquil and majestic. I wasn’t too thrilled initially about waking up at 06:00, but I quickly grew to appreciate being up at the crack of dawn to witness the waking up of nature around me with as the sun rose. Julie and Kathrin, our yoga instructors, were well-suited to their job: they recognized that they had a group which varied in age and yoga experience and organized the classes such that each individual was able to learn something—not an easy feat. If you are considering participating in a yoga retreat, I would highly recommend this one." - Karl (March 2014) “I had a wonderful experience, enjoyed the holistic approach to the retreat and learnt more about yoga from Kathryn & Julie than I have from any other instructor I've had before. Also the Mandala Ou is an amazing hotel and the dinner buffets prepared by the owner Nic were absolutely delicious," - Kelly Lindley (January 2014) “This was my first time doing yoga and I had no idea what to expect, but this went way above anything I anticipated. The accommodation and the yoga shala is set among beautiful scenery. Rooms are spectacular and the staff wonderful. The two yoga instructors are so amazing. Very inspiring and encouraging. I enjoyed every part of this retreat. They had a great variety from practical yoga to meditation. They also cater to all levels and you also have a chance to have a one on one chat with them too. I highly recommend this to anyone visiting Luang Prabang or Nong Khiaw." - Reviewer from South Korea |