When I arrived to the yoga retreat in South Africa I had no clue on what to expect. It was my first time going on such a retreat and I had no experience with yoga. But I got amazed with the whole experience! The location was beautiful and so peaceful, surrounded with nature. Jen the instructor and her husband Lee were so kind and welcoming, they are truly inspiring and full of love to give. Jen has the ability to make you feel calm and peace and has a huge passion for yoga that will impact you in a positive way. Everyday we practiced yoga twice and had lessons about the theory behind yoga, which was very interesting and so eye opening. The food that Jen cooks herself was healthy and tasteful, she makes anything you like and prefer with love. The bed rooms were comfortable and clean. The staff were so sweet and kind and their stories will touch your heart! We also got the opportunity to go on safari, since the retreat was very close to different game drives, which was an unforgettable experience! We also went to spa re-treatment place which was in a safari park where we could walk on our own and we got to see the animals. The four dogs Jen and Lee has are so friendly! Before coming to the retreat I was afraid of dogs, but now I miss them! I can keep praising the place and the unforgettable experience that changed me in so many ways. Today I meditate every day and I appreciate life in a different way. Thank you Jen!

I have just completed my epic 200 hours Teachers Training with one of the most gifted, inspiring, fun, sincere, transparent, professional, accommodating and knowledgeable Yoga Teacher Trainers on planet ocean.... Jen has this remarkable ability to instantly connect with you and tailor the course to your specific needs, personality, limitations and abilities. I left a changed human, a true yogini, on so many different levels (physically, emotionally and spiritually).... I recommend this place to all that is searching and have not yet found what they are looking for in their yoga training journey. In addition to the fabulous program offered (and yes I will be back for my 500 hours course!) the premises are peaceful and relaxing, the service second to none and the hospitality the best ever! Do not even think about it twice, just go! ???? Thank you Jen!

I booked the retreat a year ago. I had the expectation that I would be taught the right yoga postures but it was much more. At home - in the Netherlands - I work as a family psychologist and as a behavioural scientist at the university. Just saying this to explain that in both jobs I totally depended on knowledge and all the learned conversational methods. I knew how to listen, I knew what to ask. And there was my yoga teacher, Jen. Not a trained psychologist to treat anxiety, traumas and damaged souls. But she does. And with great effect. Without all the talking, she teaches you to have contact with the real you. The undamaged version. From there the healing starts. Her compassion and empathy is authentic and real. Next to that she trusts her intuition and she trusts yours. She believes in herself as she believes in you. In the power in people to heal themselves, to believe in dreams again, to see a way out of the darkness. I could only wish that one of my clients would say such a thing about me as I just did about her..Do go if in any doubt: do go. I don’t rely totally on just knowledge and talking ever since. No one should. There is more to it.

2018 was the most challenging year of my life. I received news that would change my life forever. A diagnosis that hit me like a ton of bricks and would alter my life course. I went from bike riding, teaching yoga, and working full time as a teacher, to being confined to a hospital room. My body now felt as though it was no longer my own, but a landscape for science and medicine. I endured several rounds of chemo, invasive procedures, and rapid changes in my physical and mental state. I was stripped of my physical strength, my weight, my hair, my practice and many other things I clung to. Suddenly, I had to choose whether to live fully and fight, or give in. I made up in my mind I wasn’t here to give up. I was here to triumph. I held on to this idea through every moment I experienced fear, pain and sorrow. I would say out loud, “This will not be my life.” I was faced with learning how to spiritually grow through stillness in the midst of an experience testing every fiber of my being. In that stillness, I began to discover myself. I discovered grace. A word that was beautifully appointed by my closest friend in my darkest time.? ? Yoga isn’t just helping me heal, it’s helping me live. It aided me in fortifying my mind, body and spirit. It helped me understand a new concept of strength, helping me soar over each medical hurdle I faced. I claimed remission and 8 months later, here I am in remission, cancer FREE. Continued healing in my navigation of this second life is a process I work towards through yoga and an evolving spiritual practice. With each day there may be a new challenge and it may thwart you. Keep going anyway. Personal growth is not linear. There may be loops, triggers, setbacks or repeated patterns, but each is designed to help you learn and propel you further. You are more than a diagnosis. You are a soul having experiences bringing you to and through circumstances contributing to growth. You are a source of light made to shine brighter than your wildest dreams. Believe in this, believe in yourself and believe you are uniquely crafted to inspire. Thanks Pathways Country Yoga Retreats. I feel blessed.

On arriving at Pathways I met 2 ladies on their way to the airport who appeared to be lifelong friends and were struggling to tear themselves away. One had come for a week and stayed for 3 weeks, the other had been on 21 day teacher training. They met for the first time at Pathways and greeted me like I was a close friend. I left today after three days of introduction to yoga feeling like I was part of Jen’s extended family. Regardless of whether you have been practicing yoga for years or just testing the waters like me, Jen’s retreats are just what the doctor ordered! Be prepared to leave being immersed in love. Thank you for the most blessed time of mind body and soul nourishment ??