Vikara Lifestyle
Vikara Lifestyle
5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Full view
About
Are you ready to challenge yourself, reconnect to your essence, have fun and empower yourself on your path of transformation? Join us for an unforgettable experience at Vikara! Meaning change of form or change of mind in Sanskrit, we are dedicated to create and hold a sacred space to facilitate personalised journeys of transformation. We are offering YOGA, SURF, AND PLANT MEDICINE RETREATS that are tailored to your individual needs and desires. Our yoga practice is much more than physical exercise on the mat. By activating our bodies through movement, we bring our focus back to the present moment and return to our natural state of being- HAPPINESS. At Vikara, we offer shamanic practices of ancestral plant based medicine (Ayahuasca and SanPedro) in order to address all aspects of a persons physical, mental, emotional, and energetic levels. We strive to provide a safe space for participants to continue their journey of healing and experience the ancient wisdom of plants.
Similar Experiences
Travellers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
76 reviews
Excellent
72
Very good
2
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
1
FRANCESCA I
Miami Beach, FL29 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
I did a plant medicine retreat and it was Awesome. The location and the rooms are beautiful, right in front of the beach. The whole experience was amazing, the shaman was really knowledgeable and the all staff really supportive.
I recommend the experience to anybody who is willing to start a inner transformation and trying to solve some issue in their life.
Roey and Lindsy are great and I hope to come back soon for more surfing and plant medicine.
Life changing experience!
I recommend the experience to anybody who is willing to start a inner transformation and trying to solve some issue in their life.
Roey and Lindsy are great and I hope to come back soon for more surfing and plant medicine.
Life changing experience!
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Francesca,
Thank you for your kind words. It was really a pleasure to have you part of this retreat. May all your dreams come to existence. Remember you are the living dream of the spirit! much love!
Written 26 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kateřina Z
Modrava, Czech Republic16 contributions
Apr 2021
I spent a week in Vikara at the end of April 2021. It was an amazing experience and I hope to be able to come back soon.
Accommodation is in comfortable, stylish rooms from which you step directly to the lush tropical garden. From this garden you get directly to the Olon beach. Ocean view from the yoga shala in the main building brings the experience of a yoga class to a higher level.
All the ceremonies that I experienced in Vikara were totaly new to me. 2 times Ayahuska, 2 times Temazcal and 1 San Pedro.
I felt very safe and comfortable supported by professional guides. The shamans were giving 100% support and explained everything I needed.
And How was the experience ? Strong, surprising, transformational, mind opening and absolutely worth it.
Since my return from Vikara I often remember what the shaman told us: " Once you drink Ayahuska it becomes part of you and you can ask her for help a support."
The opening that happens in the ceremony can continue if you give it time and attention.
Accommodation is in comfortable, stylish rooms from which you step directly to the lush tropical garden. From this garden you get directly to the Olon beach. Ocean view from the yoga shala in the main building brings the experience of a yoga class to a higher level.
All the ceremonies that I experienced in Vikara were totaly new to me. 2 times Ayahuska, 2 times Temazcal and 1 San Pedro.
I felt very safe and comfortable supported by professional guides. The shamans were giving 100% support and explained everything I needed.
And How was the experience ? Strong, surprising, transformational, mind opening and absolutely worth it.
Since my return from Vikara I often remember what the shaman told us: " Once you drink Ayahuska it becomes part of you and you can ask her for help a support."
The opening that happens in the ceremony can continue if you give it time and attention.
Written 12 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
midas
1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Couples
We had an incredible time at Vikara and would highly recommend it to anyone considering it. Roey, Colas and team were incredible and made us feel so comfortable, relaxed and welcomed. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience and I would love to go back!
Written 2 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James D
1 contribution
Sept 2022
Absolutely stunning and family friendly. My wife and I stayed at Vikara for 15 days and loved every minute of it. Rory and his family live on the property and welcomed us and treated us like part of the family. All the people who help make this hotel possible were wonderful and a joy to share our time with. The breakfast in the morning were absolutely perfect, and after our delicious breakfast we walked right out the back and onto the beach for a peaceful walk. We will definitely be coming back to work with the plant medicines in the near future. We would absolutely recommend staying at Vikara if you are in the Olon area.
Written 29 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
michael j
Jackson, New Jersey7 contributions
Sept 2022
Let me start by saying this is not the type of hotel I would book but WOW, I am so happy we stayed here. We originally booked a different hotel and left it to come here while in Olon due to problems. The owner Roy was an amazing person and so inviting. The staff here were so nice and tried their best to help us with any needs.
The Hotel is extremely clean, the food was fantastic but no bars or TV's as its more a sanctuary to unwind and remove the issues of the world. Short walk to all restaurants and bars, the bed was comfortable and outside of a rooster in the morning, very quite. Even the rooster was not enough to keep us up.
Thank you Roy for taking us in as we needed a room. Your hotel is amazing and though the unplug lifestyle is not our normal approach, I loved my stay.
1 star removed due to preference of bar and TVs but if you wish to unwind, this is the best of Olon in my opinion.
The Hotel is extremely clean, the food was fantastic but no bars or TV's as its more a sanctuary to unwind and remove the issues of the world. Short walk to all restaurants and bars, the bed was comfortable and outside of a rooster in the morning, very quite. Even the rooster was not enough to keep us up.
Thank you Roy for taking us in as we needed a room. Your hotel is amazing and though the unplug lifestyle is not our normal approach, I loved my stay.
1 star removed due to preference of bar and TVs but if you wish to unwind, this is the best of Olon in my opinion.
Written 12 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel P
San Francisco, CA2 contributions
Aug 2020
Beautiful property, and easily the nicest place to stay in Olon. I've been back 3 times. It's a quiet, modern oasis right on the beach. The rooms have high bamboo ceilings and nice bathrooms with a great walk in shower, and the property itself is spacious, well kept and secluded on a quiet street with the beach literally in your backyard. The chef is also excellent.
Written 8 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hunter H
2 contributions
Feb 2019 • Solo
I feel very lucky to be writing this review..
Thank you for taking the time to read.
Please, feel my words. Don’t think too much about them..* Vikara is not somewhere to describe through thought-process. And this review is not written to be convincing. Especially through the means of logic! What happens here is somehow going past what is logical. I want you to feel what’s being said, to FEEl- a heart to heart communication. Not something to be analyzed and dissected through the head. Your very presence here actually drops you from the head to the heart.
This is beautiful because when we see through the heart, our confusion subsides. Intuition deepens. We move forward with direction, ease and clarity. Even when unaware of where we’re going.. a sense of purpose that grounds us as we enter into unknown. Being at Vikara is very grounding. Important as they are leading you into unknown parts of yourself. They seem rooted despite this being a relatively new project. The people who make up Vikara come from all over the world, with no intention of ending up here; it just happened. A large part of what they do has special emphasis on centering. You may not have observed energy is being dispersed in too many directions. Vikara helps with this through existential ways of healing; sacred ways of healing..* that have deep roots in existence.
I’ll describe the people who guide this process, but again, my words will fall short. There is something poetic about each one of them. The Yoga teacher.. Elba, is especially poetic. Actually she’s like a living, breathing poem. She’s been learning yoga from a young age, as her mother was the one who taught her. Her methods of teaching are somehow ancient and entirely fresh at the same time. She radiates beauty, warmth, and compassion. When she enters into a room, it’s as if light itself just entered in.. a “morning star”. The reviews of her on Trip Advisor actually played a significant part in my decision to come here. If you think I’m exaggerating, go look and you‘ll see people going still further, comparing her to some sort of Yoga Goddess. And let me say, this is not a far off comparison. She is mystical. Her sensitivity, openness and receptivity to life inspires people. Her humbleness melts you. She’s like a glass so full of love that she is constantly spilling it on everyone. She gives these rejuvenating hugs and never lets go first. And of course her embrace is no ordinary embrace.. it is something extraordinary. An exchange of energy that leaves you feeling graceful and open.
It’s a wonder that the owner was able to connect to this yoga teacher. And the word “teacher” is insufficient. She’s more like a master than a teacher. Like a woman Buddha. When you combine her wisdom and presence in combination with the Shamanic healing that takes place here, you are left with transformation. It’s not like you change when you come to Vikara. You are already changing all the time rather you realize it or not. What I’m alluding to is a deeper phenomenon where something inside of you dies, and is reborn. The Shamans.. Aimé and Juanita, assist in this process mindfully; artistically, and most gently. There experience is at times awe inspiring. A husband and wife who’s love for this existence is more than immense..actually it is boundless.
They are great lovers, spiritual healers, musical talents, but most of all, they are mystics.. I say this because it’s through them that you are unveiled a great mystery of this life. Discovering what you can contribute..and uncovering what’s already there to be grateful for. I could go about describing some of the ceremonies they have led, but this isn’t something for you to read about. It’s as if you can read about falling in love all your life. You can accumulate knowledge on what it’s like to fall in love. But until you have *experienced* the phenomenon, you can never really know. And to try to put the experience in words is to do a great injustice!.. so please, feel my words. Feel the aliveness and the mystery. The insights these two offer will leave you speechless. And yet, poetry will continue to flow from their mouths like water. Stories that leave you jaw dropped.. Their harmonic balance of the masculine & feminine, their timing, and perhaps most impressive.. their ability to perceive what’s going on internally with each person, and tailor their insights to that individual. All within a blink of the moment.
It’s funny because after all that’s been said.. I’ve met a lot of people who came just for the food. The food being the highlight of their experience here! Read the reviews on TripAdvisor and you will see. The food at Vikara is not something that can be glossed over. Nali.. the chef, is true talent. She’s equipped with an arsenal of fresh recipe and currently writing her own book. She will spoil you with her cooking. Food, being an important aspect in preparation for the healing, the owner is again lucky to have found her. She has unique sense of humor and provides this warm and motherly energy to Vikara. One day she took me on a bike ride to a meditation spot that overlooked the beach of Olón. This will forever be a special memory for me. Another day she sat next to me during sunset, and sang a beautiful mantra. Her friendship during my stay is something I cherish. If you’re reading this, I hope you’re smiling.. your authenticity is what makes you special, and your cooking is so authentic.
Last but certainly not least!.. the owner of Vikara, Roey. He talked with me on the phone before coming, with such warmth and consideration.. that I had no choice but to book a stay. I was shocked when he personally picked me up from the airport of Guayaquil, as this is a busy man, and the drive back to Vikara is 2 1/2 hours! Although our drive back did not feel long.. and once back, he immediately led an acrobatic-yoga class that was impressive to say the least. He’s intelligent but also heart-centered. He’s not aloof from what’s going on here. Actually he‘s always participating. I’ve been lucky to experience plant medicine ceremonies with him.. in which I felt a distinct feeling that we‘ve been friends for years!.. despite meeting just a few days before. This is not surprising, as he‘s a very good listener- always interested in what others have to say. He also never takes things all that seriously. This creates a warm aura around him that makes it easy to forget he’s the owner.. responsible for the bigger picture at play. I’m so thankful for his guidance, patience and friendship during my stay. Thankful, for this is just the beginning of his vision. He’s ambitious for the right reasons. Focused, and longing to help others in any way he can. This isn’t a money grab for him. I can’t express this enough through my words. He genuinely cares. Expansion has nothing to do with more *money* but is instead directed towards transformation of more *life*, I believe in him and what he’s built here with all my heart.
Here, being Olón Ecuador. A special place to visit even without doing the retreat. You feel it as soon as you arrive. A uniquely tranquil energy.. The locals here are the most welcoming of all my travels. A laid-back atmosphere where you can walk the beach and drink coconuts. Ride horses, play soccer, surf, kick-box or just relax. Meditate in the evening and watch the sun go down. The sunsets in Olón are possibly the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. This might be because it’s so close to the equator. There’s also fresh fruit and vegetables everywhere you go, delicious cafés, and various restaurants at night with musicians playing live music.
If my words have touched your heart or stirred your curiosity.. please, feel free to reach out with questions. I was so moved by my experience that I’ve continued to stay here.
With love,
Hunter
(Email: HunterHunterC303@gmail.com)
(WhatsApp: (+1)(385-238-7005)
Thank you for taking the time to read.
Please, feel my words. Don’t think too much about them..* Vikara is not somewhere to describe through thought-process. And this review is not written to be convincing. Especially through the means of logic! What happens here is somehow going past what is logical. I want you to feel what’s being said, to FEEl- a heart to heart communication. Not something to be analyzed and dissected through the head. Your very presence here actually drops you from the head to the heart.
This is beautiful because when we see through the heart, our confusion subsides. Intuition deepens. We move forward with direction, ease and clarity. Even when unaware of where we’re going.. a sense of purpose that grounds us as we enter into unknown. Being at Vikara is very grounding. Important as they are leading you into unknown parts of yourself. They seem rooted despite this being a relatively new project. The people who make up Vikara come from all over the world, with no intention of ending up here; it just happened. A large part of what they do has special emphasis on centering. You may not have observed energy is being dispersed in too many directions. Vikara helps with this through existential ways of healing; sacred ways of healing..* that have deep roots in existence.
I’ll describe the people who guide this process, but again, my words will fall short. There is something poetic about each one of them. The Yoga teacher.. Elba, is especially poetic. Actually she’s like a living, breathing poem. She’s been learning yoga from a young age, as her mother was the one who taught her. Her methods of teaching are somehow ancient and entirely fresh at the same time. She radiates beauty, warmth, and compassion. When she enters into a room, it’s as if light itself just entered in.. a “morning star”. The reviews of her on Trip Advisor actually played a significant part in my decision to come here. If you think I’m exaggerating, go look and you‘ll see people going still further, comparing her to some sort of Yoga Goddess. And let me say, this is not a far off comparison. She is mystical. Her sensitivity, openness and receptivity to life inspires people. Her humbleness melts you. She’s like a glass so full of love that she is constantly spilling it on everyone. She gives these rejuvenating hugs and never lets go first. And of course her embrace is no ordinary embrace.. it is something extraordinary. An exchange of energy that leaves you feeling graceful and open.
It’s a wonder that the owner was able to connect to this yoga teacher. And the word “teacher” is insufficient. She’s more like a master than a teacher. Like a woman Buddha. When you combine her wisdom and presence in combination with the Shamanic healing that takes place here, you are left with transformation. It’s not like you change when you come to Vikara. You are already changing all the time rather you realize it or not. What I’m alluding to is a deeper phenomenon where something inside of you dies, and is reborn. The Shamans.. Aimé and Juanita, assist in this process mindfully; artistically, and most gently. There experience is at times awe inspiring. A husband and wife who’s love for this existence is more than immense..actually it is boundless.
They are great lovers, spiritual healers, musical talents, but most of all, they are mystics.. I say this because it’s through them that you are unveiled a great mystery of this life. Discovering what you can contribute..and uncovering what’s already there to be grateful for. I could go about describing some of the ceremonies they have led, but this isn’t something for you to read about. It’s as if you can read about falling in love all your life. You can accumulate knowledge on what it’s like to fall in love. But until you have *experienced* the phenomenon, you can never really know. And to try to put the experience in words is to do a great injustice!.. so please, feel my words. Feel the aliveness and the mystery. The insights these two offer will leave you speechless. And yet, poetry will continue to flow from their mouths like water. Stories that leave you jaw dropped.. Their harmonic balance of the masculine & feminine, their timing, and perhaps most impressive.. their ability to perceive what’s going on internally with each person, and tailor their insights to that individual. All within a blink of the moment.
It’s funny because after all that’s been said.. I’ve met a lot of people who came just for the food. The food being the highlight of their experience here! Read the reviews on TripAdvisor and you will see. The food at Vikara is not something that can be glossed over. Nali.. the chef, is true talent. She’s equipped with an arsenal of fresh recipe and currently writing her own book. She will spoil you with her cooking. Food, being an important aspect in preparation for the healing, the owner is again lucky to have found her. She has unique sense of humor and provides this warm and motherly energy to Vikara. One day she took me on a bike ride to a meditation spot that overlooked the beach of Olón. This will forever be a special memory for me. Another day she sat next to me during sunset, and sang a beautiful mantra. Her friendship during my stay is something I cherish. If you’re reading this, I hope you’re smiling.. your authenticity is what makes you special, and your cooking is so authentic.
Last but certainly not least!.. the owner of Vikara, Roey. He talked with me on the phone before coming, with such warmth and consideration.. that I had no choice but to book a stay. I was shocked when he personally picked me up from the airport of Guayaquil, as this is a busy man, and the drive back to Vikara is 2 1/2 hours! Although our drive back did not feel long.. and once back, he immediately led an acrobatic-yoga class that was impressive to say the least. He’s intelligent but also heart-centered. He’s not aloof from what’s going on here. Actually he‘s always participating. I’ve been lucky to experience plant medicine ceremonies with him.. in which I felt a distinct feeling that we‘ve been friends for years!.. despite meeting just a few days before. This is not surprising, as he‘s a very good listener- always interested in what others have to say. He also never takes things all that seriously. This creates a warm aura around him that makes it easy to forget he’s the owner.. responsible for the bigger picture at play. I’m so thankful for his guidance, patience and friendship during my stay. Thankful, for this is just the beginning of his vision. He’s ambitious for the right reasons. Focused, and longing to help others in any way he can. This isn’t a money grab for him. I can’t express this enough through my words. He genuinely cares. Expansion has nothing to do with more *money* but is instead directed towards transformation of more *life*, I believe in him and what he’s built here with all my heart.
Here, being Olón Ecuador. A special place to visit even without doing the retreat. You feel it as soon as you arrive. A uniquely tranquil energy.. The locals here are the most welcoming of all my travels. A laid-back atmosphere where you can walk the beach and drink coconuts. Ride horses, play soccer, surf, kick-box or just relax. Meditate in the evening and watch the sun go down. The sunsets in Olón are possibly the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. This might be because it’s so close to the equator. There’s also fresh fruit and vegetables everywhere you go, delicious cafés, and various restaurants at night with musicians playing live music.
If my words have touched your heart or stirred your curiosity.. please, feel free to reach out with questions. I was so moved by my experience that I’ve continued to stay here.
With love,
Hunter
(Email: HunterHunterC303@gmail.com)
(WhatsApp: (+1)(385-238-7005)
Written 18 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hunter!
This review should be printed and posted on our wall...maybe it will in the new retreat center.
You are such a dear and unique personality. We love you!
I am so happy you stayed after your retreat and I appreciate the time that we have now to. the walks on the beach and the soul conversations. You remind me of myself when I was your age. Keep dreaming big! keep smiling! keep bringing joy to the people around you!
much love!
Written 24 February 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ellie Lee
2 contributions
Nov 2018 • Solo
I think I am at a very socially and generally awkward stage in my life right now - maybe because of work stresses? maybe family issues? maybe just generally from years of trying to hide myself from the rest of the world.. and maybe myself?? Not really sure - and of course now is the time that I decided to take my first solo trip to Vikara, in Olon Ecuador. I needed to go somewhere safe, but a complete escape, to rejuvenate for 1 week, before starting my next stage in life at my new job.
Long story short, after weeks and hours and hours of research on google, I found this tripadvisor page, with all these reviews about Vikara, Elba, Nali, Roey. Comparing it to other yoga retreat reviews, I realized the reviews here sounded different - this one sounded like more of a personal experience, less institutionalized, less touristy, with a small family. Even though I knew I felt awkward going alone, after reading these reviews, I knew Vikara could be exactly what I needed--especially because the word Vikara, means transformation (need!!!! want!!!!).
Mind you I basically had zero experience in all activities listed (yoga, surf, kickbox, etc.). But I wanted transformation
I knew going into it that it would take magic (and a lot of it) to transform me, into someone that I enjoyed being - someone I could love and not judge. And ontop of that I could only go for 6 days given my time restraint unfortunately. And now coming out of it, I am not going to say that I magically am someone else now...
I am still the same..
I am still the same, but I am slowly learning to be in myself.
I was afraid of meeting Elba, Nali, Roey, because these experiences online sounded so personal - I thought, ok personal could be good, but it's too personal. They will probably feel awkward with me, especially because I am going there alone. What if they feel obligated to cater to me? What if they don't like me like they liked all these other people? What if I don't come out with the same experience as all these reviews? Etc.
But what I learned there is that.. maybe I am forcing myself to learn and to love and to open. I went there, and one of the first images that I remember, so clearly burned into my memories, is Elba walking me to my hotel with her arms wide open and humming something, and wind blowing, and she looks happy. She is just in the moment, happy, enjoying. I was walking next to her, still with all my insecurities, but catching glimpses.
Like this, I think I learned so many things from Elba, just from watching her live next to me (not literally all the time), but just watching her live.
Vikara is so personal. It's small. It lets you be insecure, ugly, whatever you think you are and eat there and practice yoga there and surf there with everyone else. In these moments, it doesn't judge you. It lets you just be there. And then, suddenly, you are doing yoga, feeling your feelings, for me it was feeling thankful and guilty for enjoying this wonderful experience alone without my family, learning about pushing your limits, learning about stillness, learning about creating space inside of yourself, learning about connection with others, and more and more. Suddenly you are wondering, maybe there is magic in life? I don't know.
Elba pays attention to you, even though you never asked her to. She pays attention to what you need help with - and it's so gentle, so perfect, to the point where you feel you don't deserve it but you can't help but take it because you need it so much - that's why I think people say she is magical. No price, no money can ever be worth what she shares / shared with me.
Don't listen to what you feel like you need to be like or create with the people at Vikara. Just go there. Be there - in all your ugliness or prettiness or whatever you think you are. And slowly realize that all you really need to and can do is live there for a little, enjoy a little, maybe express a little (more), and love a little.. and connect a little if you can. You will come out with something - probably something you never asked for, maybe something you needed, definitely something that you will feel thankful for.
I met Nali, Roey, Elba, Juanita, Aime, David. They all taught me different things, but each one of them so precious. I am so happy that I got to meet them in all my awkwardness. They are all so kind. They are all very beautiful and awesome. I want to remember them forever.
I wish I could live doing yoga with Elba forever, eat with Nali forever, learn from Juanita and Aime forever, and try surfing with David forever!!
Such a good experience. I want to take or send each of my family members here at some point in my near future alone or together, even if I have to pay for it- is something that I keep thinking now. I want to come back to here soon. It's a beautiful place..sunny or cloudy..warm or windy.. it's too good to be true, and worth so much more than what they ask for.
<3
Long story short, after weeks and hours and hours of research on google, I found this tripadvisor page, with all these reviews about Vikara, Elba, Nali, Roey. Comparing it to other yoga retreat reviews, I realized the reviews here sounded different - this one sounded like more of a personal experience, less institutionalized, less touristy, with a small family. Even though I knew I felt awkward going alone, after reading these reviews, I knew Vikara could be exactly what I needed--especially because the word Vikara, means transformation (need!!!! want!!!!).
Mind you I basically had zero experience in all activities listed (yoga, surf, kickbox, etc.). But I wanted transformation
I knew going into it that it would take magic (and a lot of it) to transform me, into someone that I enjoyed being - someone I could love and not judge. And ontop of that I could only go for 6 days given my time restraint unfortunately. And now coming out of it, I am not going to say that I magically am someone else now...
I am still the same..
I am still the same, but I am slowly learning to be in myself.
I was afraid of meeting Elba, Nali, Roey, because these experiences online sounded so personal - I thought, ok personal could be good, but it's too personal. They will probably feel awkward with me, especially because I am going there alone. What if they feel obligated to cater to me? What if they don't like me like they liked all these other people? What if I don't come out with the same experience as all these reviews? Etc.
But what I learned there is that.. maybe I am forcing myself to learn and to love and to open. I went there, and one of the first images that I remember, so clearly burned into my memories, is Elba walking me to my hotel with her arms wide open and humming something, and wind blowing, and she looks happy. She is just in the moment, happy, enjoying. I was walking next to her, still with all my insecurities, but catching glimpses.
Like this, I think I learned so many things from Elba, just from watching her live next to me (not literally all the time), but just watching her live.
Vikara is so personal. It's small. It lets you be insecure, ugly, whatever you think you are and eat there and practice yoga there and surf there with everyone else. In these moments, it doesn't judge you. It lets you just be there. And then, suddenly, you are doing yoga, feeling your feelings, for me it was feeling thankful and guilty for enjoying this wonderful experience alone without my family, learning about pushing your limits, learning about stillness, learning about creating space inside of yourself, learning about connection with others, and more and more. Suddenly you are wondering, maybe there is magic in life? I don't know.
Elba pays attention to you, even though you never asked her to. She pays attention to what you need help with - and it's so gentle, so perfect, to the point where you feel you don't deserve it but you can't help but take it because you need it so much - that's why I think people say she is magical. No price, no money can ever be worth what she shares / shared with me.
Don't listen to what you feel like you need to be like or create with the people at Vikara. Just go there. Be there - in all your ugliness or prettiness or whatever you think you are. And slowly realize that all you really need to and can do is live there for a little, enjoy a little, maybe express a little (more), and love a little.. and connect a little if you can. You will come out with something - probably something you never asked for, maybe something you needed, definitely something that you will feel thankful for.
I met Nali, Roey, Elba, Juanita, Aime, David. They all taught me different things, but each one of them so precious. I am so happy that I got to meet them in all my awkwardness. They are all so kind. They are all very beautiful and awesome. I want to remember them forever.
I wish I could live doing yoga with Elba forever, eat with Nali forever, learn from Juanita and Aime forever, and try surfing with David forever!!
Such a good experience. I want to take or send each of my family members here at some point in my near future alone or together, even if I have to pay for it- is something that I keep thinking now. I want to come back to here soon. It's a beautiful place..sunny or cloudy..warm or windy.. it's too good to be true, and worth so much more than what they ask for.
<3
Written 22 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oh my God Ellie...
You made me cry with this!
YOU DESERVE ALL WHAT YOU RECEIVED HERE AND MORE you know?
I know it is not easy for you to open up and fully express yourself... but this review is just the manifestation of your openness! And I feel it's your heart speaking loudly to yourself. You wrote this review as an exercise that is part of your retreat... because a retreat is not an "scape", it's actually to RE-TREAT yourself! Everything you are saying about the Vikara team, it's in you! Can you realize that?
Retreating yourself starts by listening to yourself so much, that you start TREATING yourself with compassion, kindness, full presence, infinite self love, joy, total acceptance of who you are... so true transformation can happen!
Thank you for being so genuine!
And remember, it's always the perfect time to re-turn to YOU.
Life's to celebrate!
I'm celebrating you now!
LOVE YOU ELLIE!
NAMASTE
Written 28 February 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
laura j
Cuenca, Ecuador608 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
The 7:30am yoga class was amazing. Will be back for more. The centre is classic and minimalist. Roey has a great dream and it is coming to fruition.
Written 23 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chigirl606
Chicago, IL11 contributions
Jan 2019 • Solo
Great people with great patience run the retreat as demonstrated by their ability to handle my indecisiveness and constant decision changing :D anyways I came here to have better another to learn my intuition (ha!) And they were the warmest. Highly recommend the shamanic healing services. Yoga with Elba is awesome. Olon is chill.
Written 6 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.