Saoriyoga

The best thing was the integration with the local community and community activities. Also, Saori-san's yoga sessions are awesome! Definitely challenging but will elevate your practice for sure.

This retreat embraces every aspect of the Japanese culture. Ishigaki is a gorgeous island. I highly recommend staying another day or two before of after the retreat. Maiko-San is a gracious host. She organized our excursions and massages. Her home is beautiful and had a zenful peace. I enjoyed many peaceful sunrises. Chi-chan-san’s meals were exceptionally delicious, well rounded and clean. We were truly spoiled! Saori taught me to embrace meditation. One morning during meditation, it started to rain like it was cued. Originally I thought it was a recording that Saori played from her phone . I could hear the rain surrounding us and realized it truly did rain on cue. So beautiful! Yoga was playful and challenged me in all aspect mentally and physically.

The retreat is very well structured - apart from yoga, we had plenty of time to explore the area and enjoy slow living. From yoga, farm to table healthy food, the village, snorkeling, hike, island tours to the small community - my friend and I enjoyed everythinf so much! The guest house is absolutely charming and the accommodation so clean and organised. During the retreat, I was able to learn new things about yoga and have the authentic Japanese experience. Thank you Saori!!

Yoga was amazing! It was inspiring and well-balanced between meditation and dynamic yoga. Then, the fantastic food from our chef! Delicious, healthy, really outstanding! The accommodation was perfect! It was a great pleasure to stay in such a beautiful traditional Japanese house.

The location, both Ishigaki Jima and Le Lotus Blue were wonderful. Maiko-san is a lovely host. I felt so welcome in her home. Chi-chan, the cook with the most wonderful smile made the most tasty, colorful and healthy meals. Breakfast and dinner were the high point of the day. What a treat!

Saori's classes (meditation, ashtanga based yoga and yin) were always well prepared and varied. Her voice and stories especially made the yin classes a very soothing moment of the day.

Additionally, the make-up of the group (10 women from 4 continents, aged from 27 to 73) was just lovely. I made friends for life.