Suzette Gavin
from United States,
August 2024
"Amazing Retreat with Heather and Donnie"
Everything! The energy, support and the people were better than I imagined. I feel totally rejuvenated.
Emily Lepetsos
from United States,
January 2023
"Maui Yoga Retreat "
The retreat was so relaxing!! Heather and Donny are so kind to open up their beautiful home. It was a great balance between yoga and free time and we were really able to create the experience we wanted. The food was incredible and exceeded my expectations. The property is gorgeous, quaint and clean. I loved using the pool, hot tub, and Sauna. The house is around 20-30min from town and located on the Road to Hana. There was plenty of activities to do during the day. I’d definitely recommend to someone looking to relax, unplug, and deepen their yoga practice in their own way!
Joy Everett
from United States,
August 2022
"Black Swan Love!"
From the moment I arrived at Black Swan Temple I felt the love that Heather and Donny put into EVERY aspect of the retreat. From the relaxing accommodations and delicious meals to tips and supplies provided for off sight adventures! :-)
Melissa Hill
from United States,
April 2022
"Sacred Space for Healing, Rejuvenation and Nurturance"
Donny and Heather are blessed souls and have created a sacred space for healing, rejuvenation and nurturance. Their beautifully sculpted grounds created an instant connection to the land for me, as well as their teachings about the people of Hawaii and their rituals. The daily offerings were powerful and thoughtful and helped me to enhance my divine light. Heather’s heart centered/hatha and ariel yoga as Donny played live music and ambient sounds helped me go deeper and connect to source on a whole other level. The sound healing and guided mediations brought me great visions, clarity and release. The cuisine was beautiful and of the highest vibration. Having leisurely access to the spa amenities and the night EFT teachings and rituals were icing on the cake. The Black Swan Temple felt like home and the addition of access to the portal for continued practice and growth beyond the retreat is such a gift.
Anonymous
from United States,
October 2021
"I’m so happy and grateful I went. I gain a lot more "
Loved everything from the people, the environment, the rooms, facilities, food, yoga teacher, music, teaching and coaching. I give it 101%!!! They are loving and compassionate people. Very grateful and understanding. Excellent!!!
Priya Vutukuri
from United States,
September 2021
"Excellent Place to go"
It was excellent and everything I wanted. I wanted a perspective change, a challenge, fun time, good food and wonderful time with me alone and nature. This retreat had it all. Meeting and learning from such accomplished people like Heather and Donny gave me all the action items I need to work on. The Aerial Yoga and inversions were my absolute favorite. I am a first timer to both these and feared I would fall off / make fun of myself. But Heather is an excellent coach, her instructions are very clear, she watches you and corrects you so that you are safe. I had an excellent time and I already have a bunch of friends wanting to do this. Thank you Heather and Donny.
Anonymous
from United States,
August 2021
"Heather is a true artist "
I appreciated the level of expertise, in the area of Ariel yoga alongside the sound healing. The attention to detail in meal preparation was also a very strong point.
Jenny Emmel
from United States,
August 2021
"Amazing and transformative retreat!"
My experience at Maui Mystical Achemy Retreat was amazing and powerful. Heather was knowledgeable and kind. She just eminated such positive energy! I learned so much about myself and left there feeling grounded and connected to the earth. Will definitely try to make this a yearly event.
Jillian Gardner
from United States,
April 2021
"Excellent retreat!"
Everything was excellent! My first trip to Hawaii and to Maui. The retreat was very centering and rejuvenating while also leaving time to explore the island. The food was fresh and great every day!
I highly recommend this retreat!
Karen Chappelle
from United States,
March 2021
"Maui Mystical Alchemy Yoga Retreat "
The aerial yoga was awesome and very transformative. Heather is a very attentive instructor and I was so proud of myself for what I was able to achieve with her guidance and wisdom. The atmosphere was very serene in the Maui countryside with luscious gardens and fresh fruit and vegetables. The grounds provided areas for contemplation and relaxation. A special treat was the outdoor shower . I didn't have a chance to try the outdoor herbal bath,.but there's always a next time. The vegetarian cuisine was superb, and we were treated to beautiful meals prepared by Heather and also a guest Cordon Bleu trained chef! All in all it was a lovely experience which I definitely want to repeat!
Alexis Bambach
from United States,
March 2020
"Transformational."
Heather and Donny curate an incredible experience at the Black Swan Temple. Inspirational, rejuvenating, and intimate. The location is remote, within the jungle, but a close drive to everything. My accommodation within the bungalow was cozy and had everything I needed. Great schedule that allows for time to explore Maui in the afternoons. The light breakfast and fresh lunches were delicious fuel. The classes were relaxing, somewhat challenging, and incredibly healing. The two adorable cats were a bonus. :)
Siyuan Zhao
from United States,
March 2020
"Healing and Spiritual Experiences "
I had a great time with Heather, Donny and other amazing workers and guests here. This is a magical healing place. The aerial yoga and sound healing every morning is very relaxing and goos work out. Out tensions get released and we are mindfully prepared for the rest of the day. The breakfast and lunch are healthy vegan food. And it’s also the time for real conversation with friends. We deepened our friendship through deck, exchanging past experiences on yoga, traveling or anything that is interesting. And Heather is not only a good yoga teacher but also a talented cook. I was amazed by each lunch:) And also Heather and Donny are good listeners and mentors. I learned a lot from talking to them in the session.Besides that they have a good collection of books which is a good option to kill time in the garden.
Sara Sparks
from Canada,
March 2020
"Just Breathe "
I was looking for a place to slow down and reconnect in the aftermath of a turbulent year and this retreat was the perfect place to facilitate that. Heather and Donny really offer something special. The fusion of yoga and live sound healing really set the tone to help me go deeper into my practice. By combining that with the individual healing/coaching sessions and intention-setting ceremony, Heather and Donny really go out of their way to create an experience that is all about reconnecting with yourself and your higher goals in life.
Other things I also loved about this retreat, include:
The meals were incredibly nutritious, homemade, and *delicious*. The pace of the yoga classes and guided sound meditations were perfect. I never felt that things dragged on, or were too short. There was also plenty of time between meals and classes to prepare and get ready. I loved having my own room where I could go find solace to journal, but then sharing communal space for meals. In this way, it was the perfect balance of solitude and enjoying other people's company. I met a lot of really *great* people on this trip, which was awesome for me as a solo traveler. Aerial yoga is *fun*!! If you are new to it, like I was, Heather is the perfect person to guide you through it. Donny gives a great life-coaching session. I highly recommend it. It put more wind back in my sails :)
Anonymous
from United States,
January 2020
"Transformational!"
The yoga and sound healing took me to new places for my body and mind. I was skeptical about signing up for this “mystical” experience but so very glad I took a leap of faith!
Elizabeth Kiser
from United States,
January 2020
"Black Swan Mystical Alchemy Soars! "
A unique and magical retreat nurturing visitors in charming huts, yoga cocoons and amazing organic food! Everything was sooooo good! We left satiated and filled with gratitude.
Anonymous
from Russia,
December 2019
Meditation, yoga and food
Petra N
from United States,
October 2019
"Awesome experience!"
The food was amazing. Loved the cocooning and sound healing, just what we needed. A good balance of sessions and free time to explore the island. Heather and Donny are great and gracious hosts. They even let us borrow their snorkeling gear and beach blankets.
Laurence Chaborel
from Germany,
September 2019
"Wunderschöne Erfahrung, tolle Menschen "
Die Atmosphäre, die Kurse , die Natur , das essen, die Magie des Ortes
Brooke Seibert
from United States,
September 2019
"Excellent calming and magical experience "
I came to this retreat for guidance and peace and it is exactly what I got. I only spent 4 days there, but felt so much better after just those 4 days. Heather’s cooking is absolutely amazing. Donnie and Heather are both wonderful people who are doing what they love to help people and it is such a great environment. Their assistants Jules and Kim were SO kind and eager to help with anything needed. Very good energy there. The housing is so unique and beautiful and I felt it was very clean. Yoga and meditation are so unique here with Donnie playing sound healing music in the background.
Anonymous
from United States,
September 2019
"Wonderful experience in Magical Maui"
Heather and Donny were wonderful people to be around. The lodging was nice and I felt safe as a solo traveler. The food was delicious and I never left a meal without a full stomach. The practice was fun, challenging, and rejuvenating.
Mindy Fortin
from Canada,
September 2019
"Happy life"
Everything in this place is amazing, the yoga class, swing courses, the teacher and the music. I am blessed to had the opportunity to experienced this yoga retreat. The nature, the food are exceptional, a warm welcome and two beautiful cats:) thank you for everything! Aloha
Laura Grube
from Germany,
September 2019
"Excellent Yoga Retreat! "
My dad and I went to black swan for a 4 day retreat. Heather and Donny created a beautiful familiar retreat with lots of love and details. The rooms where beautiful, the food was out of this world (best food we ever ate in the US), the yoga classes have been perfect for everyone doesn't matter which age (I'm 25 my dad is 62 years old). The private sessions with both have been amazing as well! If we ever come back to Maui, we'll definitely go to this amazing retreat again! Totally recommend it!
Greetings and love from Germany. :)
Diana Takehara
from United States,
August 2019
"Four day retreat"
I loved having multiple opportunities to open my heart and mind to new experiences and love.
Siddhi Salvi
from United States,
July 2019
"Magical Mystical Retreat "
This was my first yoga retreat and first solo travel and I was very skeptical while booking it. But this was one of the best experiences I have had so far. Heather and Donny are very beautiful souls who made the retreat very fulfilling.
Retreat was inspiring and helped me reconnect with myself. Welcome ceremony was reviving and put me in the right state of mind. This was my first experience with Ariel yoga and I have no words to express the feeling. Sound healing session with Heather was so rejuvenating that it feels like all the burden is off the shoulder after the ceremony.
The food was very fresh and loved the homegrown pineapples and mangoes :) for breakfast. Location is amazing. Heather and Donny helps to plan other excursion really well. I am looking to book this retreat in future for longer stay.
Tracy Sherman
from United States,
July 2019
"Amazing! Highly recommend. "
This is an amazing retreat! The perfect mix of yoga and free time. Heather and Donny are such gracious and welcoming hosts. The retreat is in a great location with easy access to everything along the Road to Hana and also into town. The food is amazing and aerial yoga play is so fun. I highly recommend this retreat!
Kristyna Losova
from Germany,
March 2019
"Best Retreat We Have Ever Been To!!"
The retreat was absolutely amazing! Both me and my friend have experienced healing, deep relaxation, and energy shifts. We both loved the welcoming family-like environment. The retreat was absolutely safe and was perfect for solo traveling women. Heather and Donny are doing an excellent job and make you feel absolutely empowered and worthy of all the love and success in the world. It was truly a transformational experience!
Jenn Haugh
from United States,
February 2019
"Soul Changer"
This retreat was incredible on so many different levels, it was exactly what I needed during a major life transition. I enjoyed it so much, I ended up adding time. The environment was welcoming, the aerial yoga and sound healing sessions were extremely enjoyable, transformational and healing, the people were connective, the food was fresh and absolutely delicious, the conversations were life shifting, the accommodations were comfortable, and the schedule was perfect; with a strong routine each morning and open afternoons to explore the island.
Jennifer Shepherd
from United States,
February 2019
"A healing experience "
I found the retreat to be very healing. I’m already planning a return trip! The schedule was great, there was down time in between breakfast and yoga and after yoga before lunch, to relax, use the spa, or prep for your afternoon plans. The food was super yummy and it felt like a family meal with good conversations. The cabin was awesome and I loved staying there. Everything was very clean and I felt very comfortable.
Brooke Ulrich
from United States,
February 2019
"Deep Opening Opportunity"
Donny and Heather are warm and inviting. The huts are magical. The aerial yoga is a great experience. The food is unbelievably delicious, healthy and perfect.
Samantha Williams
from United States,
January 2019
"Healing!"
I loved my beautiful hut, surround by lush greenery. The whole place felt like a sanctuary. Full of everything representing healing, self- empowerment and self-love. The food was delicious, nutritious, and satisfying. They have two beautiful friendly cats. These are people who love what they do and have the purest intent. It was what I needed. To feel cared for and brought back to feeling rejuventaed and at peace with myself as well as the rest of the world
Yangok Chu
from United States,
December 2018
"A truly inspirational and healing experience!"
There is definitely a magical force there on Maui and I feel Heather and Donny (the hosts) know how to channel it for their guests. I feel that the intentions I set while at Maui Mystical Alchemy are coming into fruition one-by-one through some divine clockwork, and the retreat helped start the clock!
Aside from the invigorating, restorative, transformative time I had, the two hour daily yoga and sound healing sessions were the most unique healing work I’ve come across. The spoken meditations Heather performs were exactly the words I needed to hear and apply to my life, and her aerial yoga sessions — in just 5 days! — toned and sculpted my arms, shoulders and stomach! And the music Donny provides during the yoga is the perfect complement to the exercises!
The food is also delicious and healthy, and my little bungalow was so comfy, as were my mattress and pillows! And the best part is you’re right there in nature. As Donny said, it’s like “glamping” — glamorous camping.
Not least, Heather and Donny are so, so lovely and accommodating, and they go out of their way to make sure you have a comfortable, fun, safe and memorable experience.
Be sure to take a soak in the hot tub! The minerals in it did wonders for my dried, crackly skin! Overall, this was one of the best gifts I’ve given myself and I truly believe the Universe sent me to Maui Mystical knowing it was exactly what I needed to jump start the next chapter of my journey. Thank you, Heather and Donny!
Kathleen Lott
from United States,
October 2018
"Transformational and Inspirational!"
I loved my four day retreat at the Maui Mystical Alchemy retreat! Heather and Donny are gracious hosts and warm, inspirational healers. Together, they create a beautiful atmosphere that allows each participant to reconnect with their very best selves. My favorite was the lovely sound healing sessions, Loved being cocooned in beautiful music and loving kindness. Blessings to you both!
Anonymous
from United States,
August 2018
Heather, you are such an inspiration. The retreat was so meaningful for me - I wish I could have stayed longer. The cabin and grounds were beautiful, comfortable, and peaceful. It was more than I expected - I hope to go back.
Sherri Ragan
from United States,
August 2018
I loved trying aerial yoga for the first time and felt supported by Heather while I worked through my fears. She was incredibly patient and thorough in showing and guiding me through the poses. The entire experience was very positive and I recommend this retreat to anyone who is open and willing to challenge themselves and want to grow personally.
Andrea Barrica
from United States,
August 2018
"Wonderful, healing retreat for intentional reflection"
This is an excellent retreat for intentional humans looking to rejuvenate, move & play, eat nourishing plant-based meals, and enjoy some sound healing and meditation in the North Shore. I arrived in a tired and depleted state and left vibrating and reconnected with myself. There was great balance between the structure of the retreat (breakfast, aerial yoga / sound healing session, and lunch) and a pretty open arrangement outside of that.
Food and lodging were great. Heather prepared awesome plant-based meals for us. My little hut was comfortable, clean, and simple.
The hosts, Heather and Donny, were supportive, kind, and created really healing space for me and the rest of the guests. They are special people who honor Maui, their land, and others through music and holistic magic. Heather was an excellent aerial yoga instructor - the best combination of patient but challenging. I miss them both already and plan to return.
Pamela Harris
from United States,
July 2018
"Blissful"
Heather and Donnie were both beautiful people,. The atmosphere and accommodations were perfect, and the yoga class was one of the best I ever experianced.
Ramin Hatami
from United States,
July 2018
"Amazing Place for personal retreat and transformation"
I have been to many yoga retreats before and was searching for a retreat in Hawaii and came across this place on bookyogaretreats site. If you are looking for a calm, peaceful and more personalized retreat, this is the place to be.
What made this retreat special for me was the two beautiful souls Heather and Donny who had an amazing sound healing and yoga session for over two hours every morning. The yoga swings are the best and very safe, she guides you through every step and if I can do it, i would say any one can.
I stayed in a nice little bungalow which had a real comfortable bed and mosquito net in case something found its way in the room. It was great hearing the rain and nature sounds and waking up to roosters in the distance. This location in Maui is much different and greener and peaceful than the Lahaina side which is touristy.
Food was A+. Perfect breakfast and lunch freshly made. Sarah and Justin whonwork were quite pleasant and accommodating. They also offer some extra private sessions for voice lessons, body healing, and even life coaching. I recorded a song with Donny on guitar which was an amazing experience. He is truly talented and his voice and music was the cream on the pie of this wonderful retreat experience .
I am certainly planning to go back there one day again for sure. As usual I came back with a few souvenir bug bites, but thats the nature of tropics;)
Kate Mallyon
from Australia,
June 2018
"Heather is an angel"
The food, yoga, meditation and sound healing was amazing and really had a positive affect on my body. Sarah who fed us breakfast every morning was as sweet as pie. The natural setting is beautiful and the energy of place is something to behold.
Tatyana Schadegg
from United States,
May 2018
"Magical Place."
Everything was perfect! I enjoyed the Aerial yoga, the sound healing and delicious vegan meals. Heather and Donny are awesome and we're so welcoming.
Joyce Chang
from United States,
May 2018
"Magical Place!"
Coming to this retreat was a very last minute get-away and I had very little idea of what I was getting into. At the end of my 6 days here, I felt refreshed, centered, lengthened! and so inspired. I'd say that was a transformation! Heather and Donny are both generous hosts; amazing vegan meals (see all the other reviews! it's true!), mini concerts every day, and hanging upside down was seriously life-changing, among other life-changing gifts I have received during my time here. Heather is an incredible spiritual teacher and a healer. This is truly a place for spiritual retreat. I am so grateful to have found this place.
Katharina Sorge
from Germany,
March 2018
Ruhiger, idyllischer Ort zum Abschalten
Sehr köstliches, frisch zubereitetes Essen
Yoga mit Tuch und Begleitmusik von Donny
Elisa Tosi
from United States,
February 2018
"Sound healing and yoga in the jungle. Retreat not really!"
The aerial yoga and the guests, and the young couple that worked there as help.... they did the cooking and yard work.
In addition they both made me feel welcome and I felt like I was with family.
I liked my cabin and the view from my window of the lush forest. I liked the beauty of the area and the stars at night.
The food was healthy but simple.
Heidi Schmidt
from Canada,
February 2018
"Perfect balance of yoga, sound healing and delicious food"
Heather and Donny were so welcoming and supportive. Food was to die for. I have now decided to convert my family to a mostly vegan/ vegetarian home.
Jennifer Lewis
from United States,
November 2017
"A Great experience!"
I loved the variety of transformational healing sessions. I loved the meditation/guided journeys too! It was a nice surprise to play the piano and gain a new perspective on music theory/vocal lessons!
Anonymous
from United States,
August 2017
"Not worth the money "
The food was excellent and the location was beautiful. The accommodations were well appointed and cozy.
Laura Montgomery
from United States,
July 2017
"An Enlightening Experience "
Words cannot describe how beautiful and sacred of a place Heather and Donny so graciously lend to others on this retreat! They're both very welcoming hosts and talented human beings! The retreat is very relaxed and not a tight, rigid schedule like most yoga retreats. The living space is beautiful. I woke up to the sun rising from out of my window every morning! The retreat also allows you time to explore the island and Heather was always great with advice and making sure you had what you needed. The food was nothing short of amazing! I ate so well and felt so energized by all of the fresh food.
Heather is very gentle with her yoga approach but also very encouraging. The aerial yoga play is amazingly relaxing and always brought laughter and joy to everyone's face! Heather did a wonderful job at making this yoga just as it is, playful. Her guided meditations during sound healing were an out of body experience for me. She really does a wonderful job of connecting your conscious mind with the unconscious.
Donny's melodies and tunes will be stuck in your head in a good way! I don't think I will be able to practice my own yoga without replaying some of the words in my head! He does a wonderful job of matching the music to the flow of the yoga and adds to the playful side of the aerial. The sound healing accompanied by the music makes for an all around out of body experience. It makes you realize how impactful music really can be on the mind,body, and soul.
Julie Mol
from United States,
June 2017
"Wonderful get away retreat! "
The location and the cabin was lovely!!! Heather and Donny are awesome and we're so welcoming. If your looking for a way to check out of everyday life and decompress, this is a dream!
Burton Butler
from United States,
June 2017
"67 year old mans676767 First tim"
Meals were special and memorable; yoga instruction by Heather was patient and helpful; incremental progress made each day. Great suggestions on adventures on the island after the yoga instruction each day.
Nicole Evans
from United States,
May 2017
"Living in the jungles of Magical Maui "
The retreat over all was fantastic! I fall asleep to the sound of soothing rain fall, woke up to birds sings love songs and everything in between was pure magic! I felt so at home with Heather and Donny. It was like I was visiting family; priceless experience. I loved the music! Donny is great on the keyboard and I love the songs he sing. its apparent that he loves creating beautiful music. Heather and Donny's sound Baths where unbelievable! I was bathed in such loving and coherent energy. It was perfect for me. I'm an earlier riser and love a lite and yummy breakfast. we had fresh pineapple, apple bananas, steel cut oatmeal, boiled eggs, Heather's "Chocolate Coffee", Lemon water, fresh nuts, and more! I used the sauna after breakfast followed by 2 hours of yoga/ sound baths. by the time lunch rolled after I was starved and ready to chow down on Heather's yummy meals. We had great conversations and heather pretty much planed out my days. she sent me to the coolest places and I didn't really have to think about much of anything for 8 whole days! what a gift! The yoga was a great warm up before the swing work. my body was loose and ready to rock. The Aerial was the most fun workout I've ever had! once I learned to trust the swing I was free to play and explore how far I could take it. I look forward to continuing.
Dianna Jensen
from United States,
April 2017
"April yoga retreat"
The food and the aerial yoga
Anna Gildenhar
from United States,
April 2017
"Black Swan Temple Retreat"
Everything! The Yoga classes, the Sound Healing, the location, the people, it was all so great, I definitely will Anna come back next time I'm in Maui :-)
