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Past Retreats:
ENJOY THE VIDEO ABOVE FOR A SAMPLE OF OUR YOGA & ADVENTURE RETREAT TO MOROCCO IN 2023
ENJOY THE VIDEO ABOVE TO GET A GIMPSE OF YOGA & ADVENTURE RETREAT IN MALLORCA 2021
RETREAT TESTIMONIALS
I feel so grateful for this Yogic journey we’ve been on with you and what a grounding, bonding, nurturing time it was.
Waking up 7 days in a row to do yoga first thing in the morning with a relaxed, experienced teacher in a beautiful setting is nothing but medicine for the mind and body. It’s like drinking water on a hot day. My body takes it in as a natural and necessary part of life and is so grateful I am listening and taking care. And like a super bonus the rest of the day is fun and interesting...not like at home when its back to the life grind after the yoga practice...so the experience is just deeper and in its own way more intense, it doesn't get undone by the life and driving and traffic and cooking and cleaning and regular life that sort of wears away at all the good work yoga does in the first place...its gets supported and amplified. The food and the sleeping arrangements were all bountiful and nurturing and the joy of being with people who appreciate Yoga and world travel was a bonus surprise to me on top of it all. I suppose we all search for community and its kinda tricky to find it...and after the long long period of COVID and more and more online life, we have all learned how to be even more separate than usual. So coming together was sweet in a new way as well.
The group was very well balanced with group activities and alone time and the tone of the group and you was very welcoming and inclusive. Come as you are. Rest if you are ill or weary. Come with whatever skill or injury you have. Come whatever time you have, even if you come late. Come with whatever props you have, we will make it work. Reach for a pose and stay in it for "any amount."....the overall message was so deeply welcoming and accepting, in contrast to my world, my society, my culture, my upbringing and my mental notes and messages from my parents. "Doing your best" vs. "any amount" is a profoundly different mental exercise. It reminds me of how internal the work is. Push if you want, or don't, but any amount counts...the important part is the doing and even the smallest doing will bring benefits. I think we all love Vivica because of the messages of "you are o.k." how you are, where you are...and we seek that message as much as the deep stretches and breathing exercises...
The accommodations on this retreat were wonderful and I could feel all the care of Andrea watching and choosing and discerning high quality places, food and experiences for us....I felt very cared for and nurtured by all her leg work. She is a real gem! The group did not feel too big or small for me. I know I was not in charge of them, but as a participant, it felt comfortable enough to be intimate and energetic.
Another highlight was the building and strengthening of my relationship with my partner, who came so hesitantly to the group, to yoga and to daily practice...but he so appreciated how his body felt and doing it first thing in the morning! We understand each other better and we have one more shared arena of common experience which is so lovely.
Thank you Vivica. For organizing and making it happen and thank you for being such a lovely caring and attentive yoga teacher.
-Susan S. (Morocco 2023)
Local Retreat Testimonials to Ojai with Annmarie Soul (2017-2019)
Dear Vivica and Annmarie,
“I write this to you together, as I want to express my experience my gratitude and share how your blended offering impacted me over the weekend, and will continue. The weekend was exquisite. Every part was planned with thought and care, and in combination with your synchronisticenergies, you created aopen warm, safe space for us to connect in all the ways we did through the yoga, meditation, Vivica’s Ayurveda, and Annmaries’s voice. There is nothing like coming together in this way, where everyone comes in with open heart, and the connections, conversations and sharing are always from the inside out, no outside social behaviors. Isn’t it so great?
Jill and I had an amazing experience, and will go anywhere you two offer this next!!!!! Really!!!!
With love and sending so much love to you both.”
Lori
Dear Vivica and Anne Marie,
“To be a part of the wonderful yoga retreat that Vivica and Ann Marie orchestrated was a joy. From the beginning to the very end,we were nourished by the gorgeous surroundings, wonderful food, incredible yoga and attention to detail that created an environment that was structured enough to be stable-yet free enough for our own spirits to flourish.
Between Vivica's hands and Anne Marie's beautiful voice, I was in heaven. I left the retreat with space in my head and body and a fullness in my heart that I haven't felt in a long time.
My only question is,"Where are we going next?"
Love you girl's.”
xoxox
Jill
Vivica and Annemarie,
“Thank you so very much for a beautiful retreat. You are both amazing teachers and the love and grace you put into every aspect of this past weekend was felt by everyone of us. It was wonderful to have the time and space to observe, nourish and replenish our bodies with breath, movement and such unbelievably delicious food. The sense of community and camaraderie was heart felt and fun, the talk and concert were thought provoking and inspiring, the combination of yoga classes and swimming pool was divine.
The shift I feel afterwards is deep. It has helped me make some changes, I am now meditating early in the morning. Let's hope I can keep it up at least until our next retreat!
Muchas gracias a las dos."
A big hug”
Gloria
““I am new to Yogaworks and to Vivica’s class but I am a lifelong yogi and Pilates instructor. I was immediately drawn to Vivica’s gentle and instructive narration , her patience and obvious kindness. She clearly embodies all the qualities that one strives to cultivate as a yogi, self awareness, inner strength, tranquility and gratitude.
Vivica is interested in her students and interacting with them obviously has a symbiotic effect on her as she weaves pranayama, drishti and sthira into a physically satisfying series of vinyasa flow poses. Just today I am one step closer to a handstand thanks to the time Vivica took to explain technique to me. I am grateful for having met her and will continue to seek out her classes. :)”
- Orly”
"I live and work in Topanga Canyon where I offer WISH™ For Life In Balance Holistic Wellness Retreats to individuals, and small groups. In designing my personalized Concierge Retreat program for VIPs I often include bringing my clients to Yoga Desa for Vinyasa classes lead by Vivica Schwartz.
Vivica’s classes are suitable for all levels of yoga experience, and gracefully melds nourishing flow that relaxes, calms, heats and invigorates one’s body. Because my own healing work with clients is based on mindfulness, heart and soul exploration in Topanga’s Nature environment, Vivica’s approach which uses conscious breathing and cultivation of awareness is a natural complement and integrates beautifully with my holistic wellness program. Both I and my clients leave Vivica’s class feeling refreshed, stretched and ready for more fabulous breakthroughs and transformation."
- Dianne Porchia, MA, DMBM Founder Porchia’s WISH™ – Whole Integrated Self Health
“I’ve been taking Vivica’s classes for several years and I can honestly say that I still get excited to come to each class. Vivica is a wonderful teacher and guide. She invites the student into a deep exploration of an inward journey through movement and breath. When I finish a class with her my body feels alive and my spirit sparkles. If you haven’t tried her yet, i highly recommend it. She’s the real deal.”
“Vivica Schwartz is wholly dedicated to connecting her students to their personal growth. When taking her classes you never feel there’s any ego or personal agenda in the way. What you get instead is thoughtful integrity, specific guidance and understanding. Her emphasis is on self-knowledge and healing. Her dedication to spiritual growth sidesteps the varied temptations of professional ambition. She guides her students with humility, steadiness, challenge and grace.”
“I would like to tell you all what a wonderful teacher and friend Vivica is.
I have taken her Yoga class for about ten years now, I will continue to do so. Vivica brings a beautiful, calming energie into our practice. That is very important, because it keeps us all grounded.
All I can say, if you have not taken her class, you are missing out. Namaste.”
“Vivica is such a gifted teacher and healer. I have been attending her classes regularly for over 6 years now. Arriving in class is like being in a sacred temple. It’ s a special type of magic that she is able to weave. She is able to create such a safe space for the deeper teachings of Yoga and Ayurveda to take root. Her music, tone, adjustments, and guidance are always spot on. It’s really beautiful to watch her knowledge of Ayurveda begin to spread and blossom among her teachings. I am so grateful to have her in my life.”
“When you teach, you become a conduit that channels universe life force which flows through you like a river and out into the members of your class.”
“Vivica, thank you so much for your wonderful classes. You always create such a warm, safe, & magical place for us to practice. The love & the energy that you share is so wonderful & inspiring & I’m so grateful to be able to take class & learn from you! Thank you for what you give.”
“I have been a student of yoga with Vivica Schwartz for several years and recently had the opportunity to have her guidance as my Ayurvedic Counselor. It was a transformative and healing experience for me. Pairing Vivica’s strength building, tension releasing, soul-healing yoga with her ayurvedic counseling work of body analysis and nutritional and lifestyle guidance has been a blessing in my life.
I now have a keener sense of how to balance my energy and keep my body, mind and emotions in alignment to get the most out of my life experiences. After all, the purpose of life is to be happy, yes? Thanks Vivica for your generous sharing of yourself and your gifts. May many more people be graced with your wisdom and love! Namaste. “Vivica you are a true healer.””
“I’ve been practicing yoga for over 13 years and have learned from dozens of yoga instructors. To be completely honest, Vivica is my favorite teacher of all time.
In each of her classes, she captures a magical balance of mindfulness, meditation, physical exercise, and opportunities for flexibility that will leave you feeling like you’re floating. I am convinced that her classes make me a better yogi, a better mother, woman, therapist, and human being. I love her. And you will too.”
“Vivica has been instrumental in helping me expand my yoga practice both physically and mentally. Aside from loving the flow of her class and the music she plays there is something special you get that’s different from any other class. In the safe environment she creates I somehow manage to push myself further than I ever thought I could. I always walk away feeling a little lighter, and much more centered. The best version of me, ready to take on my day.”