TESTIMONIALS

From our 2022 retreats

“Thank you Susan
For the wonderful meditation
Retreat recently in Glenorchy
It opened my eyes to the benefits
Of meditation on a deeper level
Than just chilling out to music
I came away with a new lease on life
The vegetarian food was amazing and plentiful and the other participants
Were really lovely people
It has prompted me to investigate further
This method of meditation as I truly
Believe it can make a big difference to my life.” (Elaine)

“I came away from the retreat with new ideas and learnings that I feel will help me to take my meditation practice to a new level. Suze shared her knowledge, skills and experiences with the group in a way that was safe, with clarity and she checked in with us to make sure we understood and that the learning was meaningful.
The venue was spectacular, amazing views and amenities. The food was delicious, nourishing and made with care.
I would recommend a yoga retreat with Suze and I hope to attend another one run by her.” (Sue)

From our 2020 retreats

“The retreat was amazing. Suze is such a poised and graceful person and her way of teaching was far superior than anything I’ve encountered before. The yoga and meditation practices were very carefully considered and delivered where they built up slowly over the length of the retreat. I would highly recommend the Mana Retreat Centre for all it offers including beautiful food and can’t recommend Suze enough for all invaluable teachings and her generosity in sharing her knowledge and experience. Thank you.” (Lurene)

“A wonderfully grounding few days away from the stresses of work and family. I loved how Susan led us so knowledgeably and calmly through the yoga asanas. Her explanation of meditation was a revelation to me and I can now see how a regular meditation practice will benefit so many areas of my life. Mana retreat is a hidden gem with beautiful buildings, peaceful bushwalks and amazing food.” (Susan)

From our 2018 retreats

"Wow - what a weekend. An amazing chance to re-set in a breathtaking setting. Every aspect of the yoga and meditation was useful, rewarding and practical to follow. The food, the views, nature, laughs and TIME to read books, be still and quiet left me feeling not only energised but re-set for a new pathway in my life - a few degrees can make a massive directional change - ! "(Jools)

"I was privileged to attend a yoga and meditation retreat run by Susan at the beautiful Mana Retreat on the Coromandel. The whole retreat was so uplifting. From the very peaceful surroundings, the incredible food, the retreat's outlook over the Coromandel harbour to the most wonderful yoga and meditation. I loved every moment and couldn’t have wished for more. I came away feeling renewed and energised with a new perspective on life and its challenges and also a better understanding of how yoga and meditation could enhance my life. It was a truly enlightening experience. (Kim)

"Mana retreat on the Coromandel is a fabulous place for a yoga retreat surrounded by native bush in a tranquil environment. The accommodation is very comfortable and the food spectacular. Over the five days we participated in extensive yoga and meditation workshops which were taught by Susan and Vincent who are very experienced yoga teachers. The group attending the weekend were very supportive and welcoming. I found the weekend to be very educational and rewarding with lots of excellent tools to take home for my home practice." (Carin)

From our 2017 retreats

"I have just spent four magical days over Queen's Birthday weekend at Mana Retreat with Susan and Vincent from Yoga Ground and 19 other gorgeous people. It was a memorable time of challenging but rewarding Yoga, restorative meditation and the superb hospitality, food and incomparable environment that is Mana. Susan and Vincent are the "A" team. These two walk the talk. They helped us all to achieve more in our yoga practice, with expert guidance laced with plenty of fun and humour. I came away from the weekend enriched by the experience and feel that I have come up a notch with my Yoga. The only downside is that it has been really difficult returning to the real world." (Glenn)
"I really enjoyed the yoga retreat, Mana was a perfect location as the land itself has such a nice energy. I arrived feeling stressed, but started to relax from the second we turned off the coast road and into the nurturing space that is Mana. The schedule was well thought out - gentle, encouraging, space for a clear mind and happy cells! The day of silence was fantastic, and the bush walks and organic food a total treat. I'd like to go back next year, and do another in November if one becomes available. Even a weekend away would be good! Thank you again. " (Zoe)

From our 2016 retreats

"For the first time since my children were born (3 and 4 years old) I took a break, getting away from the busy family life to dedicate 5 days to myself. The Yoga and Meditation retreat with Susan and Vincent was the perfect escape. Lodged in the beautiful and tranquil Mana retreat with stunning bush walks, delicious food and cosy rooms I founds peace and nurture. Daily yoga sessions taught by Susan and Vincent accommodated all different levels and their professional, mindful and attentive approach facilitated everyones journey on the mat. Different Meditation styles and time in silence allowed to go inwards, reflect and become truly still. Meeting like minded people was an extra bonus to take home. Overall a transformative and rejuvenating experience which everyone deserves once in a while. I am definitely booked in for the next one." (Sarita, Ayurvedic Practitioner & Mum)
"I really enjoyed the yoga retreat, Mana was a perfect location as the land itself has such a nice energy. I arrived feeling stressed, but started to relax from the second we turned off the coast road and into the nurturing space that is Mana. The schedule was well thought out - gentle, encouraging, space for a clear mind and happy cells! The day of silence was fantastic, and the bush walks and organic food a total treat. I'd like to go back next year, and do another in November if one becomes available. Even a weekend away would be good! Thank you again. " (Zoe)
"Thank you to you both for putting together such a nourishing, supportive retreat. I really enjoyed both of your teaching and learnt lots. The timetable was well put together, and the retreat centre is such a beautiful place. I truly can't think of anything to change, when I start to feel busy or stressed I remember the amazing view from the room we did our practice in." (Susan)

Give yourself a gift, an immersion retreat just for yourself

Susan Allen who is leading the retreat is the founder of Yoga Ground, studios in Auckland and Wanaka, New Zealand. She also owns Entering the Stream, a world class online yoga and meditation platform and The Yoga Transition, a yoga teacher mentorship business. Read more about Susan here.