OUR RETREATS ARE CONSISTENTLY RATED 'EXCELLENT'!
HERE ARE A FEW TESTIMONIALS ...
EMBODY BALI RETREATS:
Retreats in Being in Sidemen Bali was much more than I expected. Sidemen Bali really is a gem and the real Bali & Sawah Indah Villa offers a unique experience to relax but you also feel connected to the culture and community. The staff at Sawah Indah is phenomenal- they will stay in your heart! Practicing yoga and Aichi everyday in this location allows the maximum amount of self care and relaxation and the cultural activities are awesome (especially the rice paddy walk & beach day.) Cedar and Kara are loving, genuine teachers and they really love and care for the people in Bali. Please do yourself a favour and experience relaxation and connection in the real Bali on this wonderful retreat!. -Kathryn Moncur, Vancouver. March 2017
I am deeply grateful to have had the experience of healing in beautiful Bali within the guidance of Cedar & Kara. Their warmth & knowledge allows travellers on their retreats the space to immerse in a self-care travel experience without the stresses & concerns which can some along with visiting a new country. Drivers & guides were welcoming, warm & knowledgeable. Accommodations were outstanding. Kara & Cedar are connected, respected & experienced at every step along the way, making it possible for us to ride their gentle wisdom into rediscovering connection to ourselves as well as connection to the people & culture we visited. Suitable for confident travellers or those new to adventure, anyone looking to relax, rejuvenate, explore, and be inspired, will not be disappointed.
- Angela, Victoria. March 2018
WE HAVE REPEAT GUESTS: SOME HAVE JOINED US MORE THAN ONCE IN BALI, OR MORE THAN ONCE IN MEXICO, OR HAVE JOINED US IN BOTH PLACES IN REPEAT.
"I struggle to find the right words to convey just how valuable and special this retreat experience has been for me. The warm, kind, inspirational people I've been able to connect with - retreat participants and Balinese people - the multi-sensory experience of Balinese culture and the gorgeous natural environment, I will never forget. The benefits of the self-care practices taught by Kara & Cedar and the insights that have been revealed to me during the retreat will have a lasting, positive impact and ripple effect in my life for some time. The whole retreat experience has been over & above any expectations I had; the food and accommodation are fit for a queen! The island in general strikes me as naturally conducive to healing & personal growth. I am so grateful for this experience and I truly believe in the immensely beneficial and nourishing experience Kara & Cedar are offering. Words barely do it justice…I encourage you to go and experience it for yourself!"
- Rachel MacNamee, RN, Victoria BC . February, 2016
Rachel returned in 2018:
"This is my second time attending a retreat in Bali with Kara & Cedar. I knew in my heart leaving Bali the first time, that I would be back, and, as I prepare to fly home today, I know I will continue to attend Kara & Cedar's retreats both in Bali and at home in Victoria. Here is why: This retreat experience is of such immense value. Bali is an incredibly healing environment. This island is magical: the sights, the sounds, the warmth, the food, and the generosity & the spirit of the Balinese. It is so nourishing, I feel a sense of well-being here.. Being here on this retreat reminds me of my natural state of balance, wellness and compassion . I get to take this home with me where it has a ripple effect. Kara & Cedar have given me so many helpful self-care and healing tools & practices, their depth of knowledge, passion and warmth are truly inspiring. They both really make these trips possible for me: travel arrangements, planning & organizing are made easy. They readily share their tips, connections & resources. Bali is an easy, safe country to travel in as a single woman, but Kara & Cedar help make it an even richer experience.
Both times I've come on retreat, my experience of the groups of people (men & women) it attracts, are amazing human beings. My heart is so full and open and inspired by the people that attend these retreats. I haven't shared stories, laughed or danced this much in a while.
This truly is a trip of a lifetime -- one I plan to take many times! I am so grateful to Kara & Cedar; I go home from these retreats nurtured, revitalized, inspired and with a wide-open full heart. I highly recommend these Bali retreats, there is SO much to be gained. I encourage everyone to take this trip -- do this for yourself!
-Rachel, Victoria, BC. March, 2018
"The knowledge shared from the both of you, made the perfect retreat. Mind & eye opening - it exceeded my expectations"
- Hailey, Metchosin. March, 2016
" Everything was beyond amazing - cannot express how much I have enjoyed myself. Loved your yoga & energy & ai chi was amazing. You both give off such a positive vibe and it's so refreshing. I love how both of your attitudes are so chill. This has been a trip of a lifetime and it's all because of you."
- Jaimey (our youngest participant to date…16 years old), Victoria. March, 2016
"Cedar you are a wealth of information ~ I appreciate how you individualize for all of the guests. Kara, your nurturing, caring & calming tendencies help to make everybody relaxed & comfortable. You both complement one another and your overall knowledge of the area, the rituals, and health, makes this an opportunity that the world needs to experience!!! (I could go on!)
- Heather, Metchosin. March 2016.
"Embody Bali Retreat was a fabulous experience that I wholeheartedly recommend. Kara & Cedar are great hosts & each brings a specialized expertise & knowledge to ensure your experience is memorable. Cedar's yoga sessions are varied and she is a thoughtful & skilled instructor & guide. Kara's expertise in massage compliments Cedar's yoga facilitations and Kara's offerings of Ai Chi, Janzu, Ayurvedic self-care are not to be missed. Bagus Jati is a splendid, luxurious setting that perfectly captures the essence of Bali. You will come away feeling you have had a magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience!
- Anne, Victoria, 2016
" A 'yoga' retreat was something that was a little outside of my comfort zone, but Cedar & Kara provide a beautiful, supportive environment in which to practise, learn or just be…and the Embody Bali retreat is so much more than yoga. I met a wonderful group of independent, caring people who were ready to embrace whatever came their way. I can't wait to participate in another retreat with Retreats In Being.
- Meredith, Victoria. March, 2018
Cedar & Kara - you are both such incredible, inspirational women. I learned so much from you ~ you are so warm & caring & fun. What you are doing with these retreats is such important, valuable work, I can't thank you enough. I am so grateful & appreciative for this experience … huge love to you both.
~ Rachel, RN
Embody Bali participant, February 2016
"Practicing yoga & aquatic therapy while surrounded by lush rainforest, beautiful culture and loving people, was a dream come true. Kara & Cedar facilitated that dream with ease & grace. Their teachings and guidance inspired a healing experience that I deeply needed. The staff at Bagus Jati went above & beyond to ensure our needs were met and that each moment was special. Thank you Cedar and Kara for being wonderful, creative, and nurturing teachers. I appreciate you organizing such diverse classes and adventures for our group. I had an amazing & memorable time with you in Bali that I will always treasure."
~ Brooke Kollman, LPN
Victoria, BC CANADA
Embody Bali Participant, March 2015
EMBODY MEXICO RETREATS:
"Thank you so much for teaching me to care for myself without guilt or feeling selfish. Thank you for giving me permission to love myself as well as others. I am so grateful and feel so blessed to have experienced this wonderful retreat. Many thanks for the heart. Now I am again inspired to compose my music." -Margie, Victoria, November 2017
"Your kindness, generosity, and compassion were so appreciated. This retreat helped so much on my road to recovery - emotionally, mentally, physically. Thank you so much!!" - Patricia, Victoria. November, 2017
"Very well done retreat. Loved the yoga, the AiChi, the breathwork, kayaking, meals, conversation, mood and tone of the whole thing. Thank you both; my heart expanded throughout the week. xoxo" -Sandra (2nd time at Embody Mexico), November, 2017
"A whole new yoga experience for me. I appreciated the challenge of (the new sequences), and the more open approach. Breathwork was a revelation. Looking forward to doing more breathwork in Victoria." -Don, Victoria. November, 2017
"Even though I did not participate in the yoga, I had a great time - lots of laughs, lots of good conversations, great people. It was also great to dip our toes into the local culture - very rewarding." -Sean, Victoria. November, 2017
"To my favorite Miracle Workers, Kara & Cedar: Both gifted with generous hearts and talented hands and spirits. You share endlessly. The wealth and gratitude is deeply etched within many hearts and minds. With your gift to me and 8 others, we will touch others along our paths. With this in mind, you have directly affected countless families, relationships and communities. Extraordinary!. Forever grateful. -Helene & Co. oxoxo, Victoria. November, 2017.
"You are both so lovely, amazing, kind and generous in spirit. The loving healing you bring to each individual is truly remarkable and appreciated. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul! -Chantal, Victoria. November 2017.
"On a practical level, so well organized & planned & executed. On a heart level, so deep & full & rich". - Sandra, Victoria, November 2016.
"This week-long rereat was an amazing experience. I now have a deeper understanding and awareness into my authentic self and what I truly want & need out of life. I feel nourished and grounded. I feel joy. My senses have awakened. As a result of this, I am excited to return home with a renewed sense of how to be in this world. Thank-you." ~ Shela, Victoria. November, 2016
"I would describe my week at Tres Mujeres as a kind and gentle journey, supported and encouraged by Kara and Cedar Sorenson. We came as 10 people, most of us strangers to each other and throughout the week found friendships and connections that will last, each of us taking our own journey. Thank you to Cedar for her daily yoga, and her lovely readings and introduction to many types of yoga. Thank you to Kara for the meditative ai chi and for her magic massaging hands. The planned outings and extras were amazing, rescuing turtle eggs!, snorkelling, raw food course, music, talk by local, bicycling to restaurants, massages, with lots of free time to boogie board, walk the beach, read by the pool, or relax and talk with new friends. The location was beautiful, the beach pristine. The hotel, Tres Mujeres was lovely, and, with our breakfast cafe, Cafe Pacifico, became home. Thanks to Kara and Cedar for their kind, calm energy. When things get stressful, I endeavour to bring back that Retreats in Being feeling, and am soothed. Thank you again Kara and Cedar!" ~ Nadia, Kelowna
You put your heart and soul into your work and that is why we love you so much !
Your retreats demonstrate your passion towards healing and helping others.
The week was seamless !
Thank you again for an amazing experience ! ~Heather, Victoria
MORE FROM BALI:
"Practicing yoga & aquatic therapy while surrounded by lush rainforest, beautiful culture and loving people, was a dream come true. Kara & Cedar facilitated that dream with ease & grace. Their teachings and guidance inspired a healing experience that I deeply needed. The staff at Bagus Jati went above & beyond to ensure our needs were met and that each moment was special. Thank you Cedar and Kara for being wonderful, creative, and nurturing teachers. I appreciate you organizing such diverse classes and adventures for our group. I had an amazing & memorable time with you in Bali that I will always treasure."
~ Brooke Kollman, LPN
Victoria, BC CANADA
"This is a retreat for everyone, not just yogis, although I'm a serious yogi and I loved it. The leaders are sisters, and bring such a wealth of knowledge from their years of travel and living around the world.
It was a time of great healing for me. The place of the retreat was hand picked for healing, in the rainforest of Bali...Bagus Jati....the loveliest place I have ever stayed. The food was just amazing, the surroundings awe-inspiring, and the leaders kind, well-trained in their fields, with great acceptance. There were no demands that you do this or that....everyone was free to pick and choose their daily activities, which might include a day to sit in the beauty of your room and stare into the gorgeous green surroundings.
I couldn't have been more content at this retreat- it is a once in a lifetime experience."
~ Dorian Hayes, MD.
Victoria BC CANADA
Dear Cedar & Kara,
Having celebrated my 65th year, I wanted to mark this occasion by treating myself to something special. "Embody Bali" exceeded my expectations. The venue was beautiful beyond description, and I had no idea that this retreat would be so confirming and life enhancing.
Cedar and Kara are both experienced and knowledgeable in their respective practices. I learned a tremendous amount regarding self-care, acceptance and worthiness.
I absolutely loved the "Ai-Chi" as it is so kind to my aging joints. Restorative Yoga & Thai Massage is a marvellously relaxing activity. The "Janzu Aquatic Session" was like nothing I have ever experienced. It was wonderful for me.
For anyone feeling the need for a better recharge and pampering, I strongly recommend "Embody Bali 2016!"
To Cedar & Kara: Thank you both for sharing your love of spirit & of life.
PS - fun, laughter and fellowship - 5 stars *****
PPS - The Balinese people are without a doubt the most humble culture I have ever encountered.
~ Pat D.
Victoria BC CANADA
"This retreat is the best thing I have ever done to take care of myself. Thank you both for being exactly as you are."
~ Dorte Kvesgaard, DENMARK
"Take a retreat with Cedar and Kara and experience Paradise! The best thing I have done for many years. Thank you!"
~ Anne Olsen, AUSTRALIA