Ancestral Retreats & Academy

 
 
 
  Excellent  
    
 Based on 72 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 Adina Coteanu 
 
05/10/2024
 
 
  
I recently completed my Yoga Teacher Training with Marco and Caro, and it was a transformative experience! The training environment was welcoming and inclusive, creating a safe space to explore not just physical postures but also personal growth and self-reflection. I feel empowered and confident to step into my teacher journey after this training, having gained a solid foundation in yoga philosophy, anatomy, and practical teaching techniques. I especially loved the ceremonies, kundalini learnings and format of their classes, which are so well designed and unique! Both Caro and Marco bring their special traits into the mix, providing a wholesome experience journey! Highly recommend this program for anyone looking to deepen their practice or start their journey as a yoga instructor! 🙏
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 Juju224 
 
03/10/2024
 
 
  
I can’t begin to express how transformative my yoga teacher training with Caro and Marco was. Their magical program has a unique energy that instantly transforms you. They are not just teachers; they are true gods on earth. Their passion and wisdom shine through in every session.

Through their compassionate guidance, I gained profound knowledge not only about yoga but also about myself, the world and my relationships with others. The combination of practical exercises, breathwork, kryas, philosophical insights, and meditative experiences enriched my life in ways I never imagined. Each day was filled with unforgettable moments and a deep connection to first strangers that I call deep friends after such a short time and to my inner strength.

I wholeheartedly recommend this training to anyone ready to deepen their yoga practice and explore their true soul and being on earth. It was a journey I will never forget, and I am endlessly grateful for this magical experience!
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 Jedha Clark 
 
24/09/2024
 
 
  
Immense gratitude and appreciation goes out to the team that has formed to create ancestral retreats. With every waking moment filled with intention to expand in body, mind, and spirit, This small, but powerful group of individuals has truly set forth on a mission to empower every yogi and yogini to embrace their true potential in the devotion and flow of a yogi lifestyle. Marco, stimulating our minds with your profound classes in philosophy.
Jorge, kept us grounded with anatomy classes one might expect to find in a university. Carolina bringing the reminder that we are eternal spirit energy, encouraging us to dance, sing, laugh, and live in Joy. This trifecta is a beautiful balance of energy and I am eternally grateful to have spent this time together. Thank you, Namaste.
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 Stephanie 
 
13/08/2024
 
 
  
I completed a 200 hour yoga teacher training with Ancestral Retreats in June 2024 in Santa Veronica and I can’t recommend it highly enough. With so many options for YTT and the big investment in time and money, it can feel overwhelming to choose and requires a lot of trust, however here is my experience with Ancestral Retreats:

I was looking for a YTT in Colombia around those dates as I was travelling for a few months and from my first emails with Marco I felt reassured about the course. He was really responsive and helpful, and put me at ease that it would be a welcoming community when I explained that I wasn’t advanced in asanas,
but that I wanted to learn more about other aspects of yoga and deepen my practice. I wasn’t necessarily looking to teach at the end of it.

However saying that, we began teaching in the first few days which really helped to consolidate learning, so that by the end of the training we’d built up to be able to teach a full length class and I felt confident and  comfortable doing so. Carolina, Marco and Jorge fostered an amazing inclusive environment and I felt comfortable from the first day.

The training included vinyasa, hatha and kundalini styles and we learned how to put together a class in all of these styles. I didn’t have any experience in kundalini beforehand but this wasn’t a problem. I loved having a routine of meditation and morning practice, followed by lessons in topics such as philosophy, anatomy and asana labs. Carolina, Marco and Jorge complement each other so well and were so supportive and encouraging of all of us. I’ve never been to yoga classes where so much thought and creativity has been put into them, which was really inspiring. We were encouraged to take what works for us and incorporate our own individual styles. They managed to bring magic and fun into everything we did, from different examples of what meditation can be, to asana practice and ceremonies.

The food was amazing and you will not go hungry! The cooking team were exceptional and somehow managed to keep the meals interesting and not the same over the 3.5 weeks. I wasn’t vegetarian/vegan before YTT, however it opened my eyes to how good plant based food can be. We had 3 meals per day with it being vegan with the option of eggs at breakfast, plus a morning shot and coffee/tea available. There were always extra servings if you were still hungry.

There’s not much in Santa Veronica itself, as it’s a kitesurfing town and we were there out of season, but the beach is a 5 minute walk and having no distractions was actually really helpful to focus on YTT. The team will also help you organise massages or additional activities if you want to on your days off.

The accommodation is fine but be prepared for some cold showers. Given the tropical weather, this wasn’t really a problem. There is also some gym equipment available and a 25m pool which is great for lengths. An inexpensive laundry service is also available.

It’s been over a month since I finished YTT and I have incorporated everything I learned into my daily practice. I also often think about things that Carolina, Marco and Jorge taught us or their words of wisdom as I’m going about my daily life, as it gave me such a different perspective on things and has made me reflect on life in a different way.

If you’re thinking about a YTT whether it’s for personal growth or to learn to teach, I’d fully recommend taking it with Ancestral Retreats. You will be well supported throughout, from your first contact, to graduating as a teacher and beyond.
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 Leo J. 
 
21/07/2024
 
 
  
I had the privilege of being part of the 200h yoga teacher training of Ancestral Academy.
Thank you Carolina, Marco, Jorge and Irem!
You have put together a very well structured YTT - it was a mind-expanding, spiritual, fun and instructive time.
We were taught the Vinyasa, Hatha and Kundalini styles. And we not only learned a lot, we also laughed a lot, grew beyond our limits and came to terms with ourselves.
I am grateful for this intensive time, which gave me important impulses for my future, the great group in which I was able to learn, the incredibly beautiful accommodation and the unbelievably delicious food.

It was an all-round wonderful time that I will always remember!

Thank you! 🤍
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 Caroline M 
 
16/07/2024
 
 
  
"Awakening Within: My Yoga Teacher Training Journey With Ancestral Academy ”

In the embrace of @ancestralretreats’ nurturing wisdom, I embarked on a 27-day Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) that defied expectations. It wasn’t merely about mastering postures; it was an alchemical fusion of body, mind, and spirit.

🌟 Guiding Light: @ancestralretreats Their kindness and unwavering support became my compass. With each asana, they whispered ancient secrets, igniting my inner flame.

🌿 Fellow Seekers: My Beloved Fellow students transformed into soul companions. Together, we wove laughter, vulnerability, and shared dreams into our practice. Their presence was a balm for my spirit.

🌅 Morning Rhythms: Singing and Meditation As dawn painted the sky, we gathered. Our voices harmonised, weaving intentions into the fabric of the day. Meditation grounded us, like roots seeking water.

🌬️ Breath Unleashed: Pranayama/Kriyas. In those sacred breathwork sessions, I discovered the universe within my lungs. Each inhale carried healing, and every exhale released old wounds. Breath became my internal compass.

🧠 Mindscapes: Philosophy and Anatomy. Our minds danced through sutras and chakras. Anatomy revealing the intricate architecture of our bodies. We were both student and sage.

🤸‍♀️ Asana Lab: Teaching, Learning, Growing. Postures became our language. We taught, adjusted, and witnessed transformation. In that exchange, we found our purpose: to guide others toward their inner sun.

🕊️ Ceremonies: Bridges to the Divine. Stunning rituals bridged realms. Incense spiralled, and mantras echoed. We touched eternity, our hearts aflame and connected.

🌱 Nourishment Beyond Plates: Vegan Delights. Oh, the food! It wasn’t sustenance; it was poetry. Each bite whispered love—nutrient for body and soul.

🗣️ Finding My Voice: A Triumph. Towards the end of the YTT, I could speak in the group. Words flowed (even if a bit shakily), unburdened by my tears. A victory etched in vulnerability—a testament to growth.

I would recommend Ancestral Retreats/Academy 1000 times. The love, support, guidance and attention to all details and students were another level.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. 💜🧘‍♀️✨️🕉📿
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 Amira 
 
02/07/2024
 
 
  
It was truly an unforgettable and transformative experience. The serene backdrop of the ocean, combined with the expertise and passion of our instructors, made this training a life-changing journey.

The curriculum was well-structured, balancing intense practice sessions with insightful lectures and teaching practice.
The sound of the waves and the ocean view added a magical element to the training.

Overall, this yoga teacher training was more than just an educational program; it was a transformative experience that deepened my practice, expanded my knowledge and connected me with myself and a wonderful community of like-minded individuals. The support among the students was awesome and created a inspiring learning environment.
I am incredibly grateful to Marco, Carolina, Irem and Jorge for their guidance and wisdom.
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 Shazia Bashir MD, MPH 
 
05/06/2024
 
 
  
I highly recommend Ancestral Academy. My 50 hour yoga teacher training in Kundalini & Bhakti was life changing. Carolina and Marco are both wonderful teachers. They are full of knowledge and wisdom beyond their years. I loved learning about Satva Himalayan Kundalini, more than any other type of Kundalini I have learned about in the past. It was very powerful, and is now my favorite style of yoga. In addition the Bhakti (Kirtan- singing with the harmonium & guitar) that they taught and sang with us was beautiful and lit up spiritually within me. I loved how it was shared in a non-secular way to be all inclusive. They went above and beyond to create many special ceremonies, activities, and beautiful experiences for us during our week together. Their Kundalini teaching manual was very well made and highly informative. I would highly recommend any retreat or teacher training that they offer. The meals by Alma catering were delicious, healthy and prepared with lots of love!
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 Helge 
 
03/06/2024
 
 
  
Indescribably good! I attended the ayahuasca retreat in May 2024. It was exactly what I needed and much more than I could have expected. Irem and Jorge provided a great setting for this experience, the ceremony and the shaman Taita were super caring and I always felt very well looked after and safe. I can recommend ancestral retreats unconditionally.