TRAVELER TESTIMONY :: Thoughtful Adventurer (Rebecca - Massachusetts, USA)

We love catching up with our past guests and hearing about their experiences on our retreats, and this month we were lucky enough to talk to Rebecca!  She hails from Massachusetts, and has joined us for retreats in Marrakesh and Tuscany.  We love her enthusiasm and adventurous nature!

Rebecca on a mule trek in the Atlas Mountains

What drew you to EAT.PRAY.MOVE Yoga Retreats?

I love the idea of combining travel and yoga...they are 2 of my favorite things in life!  I came across EAT.PRAY.MOVE on a blog, and after exploring the website and seeing what was in store for the retreat, I knew I had to attend one.  Marrakech was my second retreat with Erin, and my first was in Tuscany.  I loved everything about the Tuscany retreat, so making a decision to go on another was a piece of cake.  I chose the Marrakech retreat because it's somewhere I wanted to visit, but not necessarily on my own.  I knew I'd be in good hands and would get the opportunity to practice yoga, and see and do a variety of things.

How did your trip compare to your expectations?

After the wonderful Tuscany retreat I had high expectations because it was THAT awesome!  Marrakech not only held up, but exceeded my expectations.  Erin does a wonderful job of scouting out the best places to visit and things to do. It was a diverse itinerary and a great balance of yoga and exploring. 

What did you learn on your trip? Did anything surprise you?

I learned a lot about Morocco in general that I was not aware of before.  It opened me eyes to the culture and history.

yoga fun on the rooftop in Marrakesh

What was it like to have Erin Lewis as a guide? 

Erin is an amazing guide and person...she's outstanding at what she does.  She always had our best interest in mind and makes sure things run smoothly, but with an easy going attitude.  She also has a great sense of humor, which I think is so important when you're a guide and having to deal with others and situations that might not always go as planned. 

 What was the best part of your trip?

It's really tough to choose one part.  One of my favorites was the spa day at Les Bains de Marrakesh.  Ahhh, I was in total bliss.  Another favorite part of the trip for me was the food.  Everyday was different...so fresh and delicious!  

What lasting impressions did you have?   

This retreat definitely made an impression on me and I know I will attend another retreat in the future. We watched a short film about Project Soar, which is an organization founded by the owners of Peacock Pavilions.  It's goal is to "help under-served communities to soar a little higher through art, design and renovation projects, as well as through sports and health education."  Learning about this project and about the people it serves definitely put my perspective in check.  It's something that stayed with me.

The amazing set of travelers on Rebecca's Marrakesh adventure

Thank you, Rebecca for sharing your memories with us!  Even more, thank you for continuing to share your travels and time with EAT.PRAY.MOVE Yoga Retreats.  We are grateful to include you as a part of the incredible extended community we have here, and we can't wait to see you on another retreat!

Five Senses Yoga Retreat - New Collaboration in FLORENCE, ITALY

I'm excited to announce a new collaboration with a good friend, and fellow yoga-instructor living in Florence, Italy for this summer! We'll be joining forces to offer a special 5-day event - unlike any other, which will give guests an unforgettable experience of the Renaissance City of Firenze - it's art, history, fashion, and food - along with daily yoga, meditation and unique activities for the senses.

FLORENCE, ITALY :: JULY 7-11, 2014

Early Bird Discount : Save €100 until Apr 30!

This five day retreat will concentrate on one of the senses per day. Join us in Florence, Italy for an adventure for the FIVE SENSES. We will SEE the sites of this amazing city on a walking tour through hidden and "behind-the-scenes" looks at artisan workshops, famous art works, and more. Next, we learn to FEEL our bodies more with a biking tour through the Chianti and Tuscan hillsides - sun on our shoulders, wind in our hair, and wine on our tongues. Then it's time to SMELL the scents of an aromatherapy massage at a day at the spa, next to an aromatic garden and then a visit to a Florentine perfumery where we learn to create custom essences before learning to smell the 'notes' of a wine tasting! Then we HEAR the sounds of the city from a meditative walk, a visit to a hilltop church with Gregorian chants sung by the monks at sunset, and then to a Florentine concert to end the evening. Lastly, we can't experience Italy without the TASTE of the Tuscan cuisine. Our week will end with a market tour to choose ingredients for a final cooking demo and full tasting lunch before it's "a dopo! (until next time!)

“We love what we do. And we are so thrilled to share this memorable experience with you.”  –Erin and Shari, Creators of Five Senses Yoga Retreat

Find out all the details HERE. We hope to meet you in Florence!

TRAVELER TESTIMONY :: Inspiring Spirit (Bonnie - Pennsylvania, USA)

Welcome to another edition of our series, "TRAVELER TESTIMONY" where we have the pleasure of introducing some of the amazing people that have joined us on EAT.PRAY.MOVE retreats. This month's spotlight is on an inspiring guest who has been on many retreats at all of our locations to date...but today her Q and A is focusing on her experience in Provence, France (where our next upcoming retreat will be held)!

Bonnie lives in Pennsylvania but is definitely a world citizen and always brings a great sprit to the groups. I had the pleasure of meeting Bonnie on a humanitarian trip to Cuba many years ago and from the start of EPM, she's been someone I can count on seeing every year. In her 60s, not only does she keep up with all the activities in the week, she also brings inspiration to others who've met her - with her resolve to see the world, meet other people, experience cultures, get out of her comfort-zone, and never stop exploring! Also, if you happen to be on a retreat that falls just after a breast-cancer awareness 'Race for the Cure' - you may just find that she's dyed her hair one of many shades of pink to show her support!

 Bonnie illuminating her henna hands in Morocco

What drew you to EAT.PRAY.MOVE Yoga Retreats? 

As a single, retired woman with a strong desire to travel, I realized that there weren't many options available to travel with like-minded individuals. When a mutual friend mentioned that Erin had started EPM, I jumped right on it. The first trip that was available for me was to Marrakesh and there was no way to say no to that. I enjoyed it so much that each time a new location is offered, I sign up before it gets filled up. The last 'new' location was Provence, and since I had spent no time in that area I was roaring to go. 

 Bonnie showing LOVE on a retreat in Ischia

How did your trip compare to your expectations? 

The venue and the fellow travelers always change, so no trip is ever the same. Since Provence was my 4th Retreat, I pretty much knew the mechanics of the trip, and what the general schedule would be like.  As it turned out, the details where better than I expected, although each retreat always is better than expected! 

 What did you learn on your trip? 

What was confirmed for me on that trip was that the "universe" which supplied all my fellow travelers was one that matched my interests and suited my travel style. 

  with some of the group in Tuscany

What is it like to have Erin Lewis as a guide? 

Erin is a wonderful guide! I recently came back from a retreat in India, and kept thinking that if Erin had led it, things would have been better and easier. Our guide had never stayed at any of the 4 places we used. Erin always scouts out the places before she selects them, and her standards are quite high. Erin treats all of us with patience and tolerance, a really necessary talent for a guide. She also gives us the freedom to choose whether we want to go along with the daily program or arrange our own side trips. And if we feel like sleeping in, missing a few yoga class. whatever, that's fine, too. 

 enjoying an espresso in Italy

What was your favorite part of the retreat? 

It's always difficult for me to pick out the best of anything. I'm very lucky in that there's almost nothing I don't enjoy. But if I'm forced to pick out the most exceptional event in Provence, it was going to the Thermal Spa. After an incredible massage and delicious outdoor lunch, I sat in my bathing suit near one of the many outdoor pools and enjoyed watching the ocean, conversations with my friends, and sketching.  

 Bonnie in Provence with pink hair for breast-cancer awareness!

What impacted you and stayed with you once you traveled home? 

I had always heard about the beauty of Provence, but had no idea what that really meant. After staying in a beautiful 17th century Provincial "demure" with beautiful gardens and surrounded by fields as well as forest, I learned that It is the natural beauty of the area which is so sensational. Charming villages were everywhere we drove. What is reinforced each time I travel with EPM is how grateful I am to have such a wonderful group to travel with. The experience always adds beauty and grace to my life.

Thank you, Bonnie for your words, continued support, and friendship! You're an inspiration and I hope many more guests on future retreats have the opportunity to meet you.

new GIVE-BACK retreats!

working with PROJECT SOAR just last month in Marrakesh

When I began EAT.PRAY.MOVE several years ago, it was my dream to one day be able to incorporate a humanitarian side to the company - either by including service opportunities on retreats, an annual full-service retreat, or just sharing in the profits of the retreats so we, along with our guests, could help in even a small way to groups in need. There have been many ideas on the table and plans are finally moving forward to make this more of a reality!

leading yoga class last year with Project SOAR

Since last year, I've been able to work with Peacock Pavilions, our hosts in Marrakesh, to help lead small yoga workshops for the girls of the nearby village on the days surrounding the retreats. Recently Peacock Pavilions officially announced their new non-profit company PROJECT SOAR which will continue to do work with their neighborhood village of Douar Ladaam, just on the outskirts of Marrakesh.

the girls showing their drawings of some of the animal names of yoga poses we learned

Starting with the next retreats in Marrakesh this coming September, both EAT.PRAY.MOVE and Peacock Pavilions have pledged at least 10% of profits to go directly to the efforts of PROJECT SOAR! We are also working through details to offer guests the opportunity to help with a small village beautification project during some of the free time of the retreat week! 

WHY NOT JOIN US IN SEPT FOR OUR FIRST "GIVE-BACK" RETREAT!

Spots are filling: Sept 14-20 and Sept 21-27

Be sure to check out the PROJECT SOAR website and video below where you can learn more...and even find a way to help!

PROJECT SOAR BELIEVES THAT THE WORLD WOULD BE A BETTER PLACE IF WE WERE ALL BETTER NEIGHBORS.

Project Soar uplifts underprivileged communities through art, design and movement. The Marrakesh village of Douar Ladaam in Marrakesh -- home to hundreds of families -- is our first pilot community. Cultural constraints sometimes allow girls fewer opportunities. So Project Soar empowers girls to GROW strong, smart and creative. We also bring beauty to communities through art, rehabilitation and cleanup projects, helping them THRIVE for years to come. We want us to all SOAR high together.

TRAVELER TESTIMONY :: Repeat Impressions (Liz - California, USA)

One of the greatest joys of EAT.PRAY.MOVE is the opportunity to meet amazing people from all locations and walks of life. We thought we would share some of our friends with our amazing community in this kick-off of the new series "TRAVELER TESTIMONY". 

We recently caught up with Elizabeth Jimenez, a repeat guest of our retreats. An avid yogi from Long Beach, California, she and her family first joined us for a retreat in Marrakesh, Morocco and continued on to the Tuscany and Ischia retreats the following years. Liz, her husband Rene and mother-in-law Blanca are absolutely wonderful people and lovers of life - they've inspired us, made us smile, and most importantly have become friends along the way! To share them with you we did a little Q and A with Liz and loved what she had to say!

·      What drew you EAT.PRAY.MOVE Yoga Retreats?

I started taking yoga classes for the first time right before my 49th birthday and when I saw an ad for EAT.PRAY.MOVE Yoga Retreats on Facebook, I just knew it would be a different yet very exciting vacation for us. The itinerary and pictures for the Morocco retreat at Peacock Pavillion looked like heaven! It was something straight out of a magazine layout, and I knew it would be a very special.  When my husband and I excitedly shared with my Mom that we were attending a yoga retreat in Morocco, she immediately invited herself!!

Liz, Rene, and Blanca in Marrakesh

·      How did your trip compare to your expectations?

The EPM Morocco yoga retreat went BEYOND our expectations. From the pictures I knew we would be arriving to a beautiful location, but experiencing the environment, our accommodations, the food, daily yoga…it was the most luxurious vacation my husband and I have ever experienced. We really enjoyed Erin as our yogi, as well as our tour and cultural guide! She provides a personal touch and she's so easy to talk to. We especially enjoyed the daily excursions she chose for us.

Y.O.G.A on the beach in Morocco

·      What did you learn on your trip? Did anything surprise you?

Vegetarian food is quite delicious!! We didn't miss eating meat while on the retreat.

·      What was the best part of your trip?

Practicing yoga outdoors, under the canopy, early in the morning and late afternoon was so refreshing. Each day we felt energized and the fresh vegetarian food was amazing and delicious.

riding camels in Morocco

·      What lasting impressions did you have?  

It definitely left an impression!!  The way we eat, move and pray has definitely changed for the better!! My husband changed his diet and cut out red meat entirely! He really enjoyed the vegetarian diet at the retreat and when we returned he was able to lower his cholesterol by sticking to a fish and vegetarian diet. I've continued to practice yoga daily in my home. It has kept me limber, provides me peace, and helps me most when I feel stressed out from work. Rene and I love to travel and especially enjoy vacations that include a healthy component.  For that reason we've attended two additional EPM yoga retreats! We love each retreat’s unique location. We look forward to experiencing the culture, food, people and practicing yoga with Erin.  That's what makes it so special. 

Thanks for sharing and traveling with us, Elizabeth, Rene and Blanca!  We look forward to more adventures with you in the future! 

ps: Follow Liz and her yogi adventures on her instagram page @lizlovelaugh

welcoming a new EAT.PRAY.MOVE member!

We are so happy to announce that we've added a new member to the EAT.PRAY.MOVE family and wanted to introduce her to you all, as you may be in contact with her someday. Sarah is currently living in Brooklyn, NY and is a health and life coach and an overall amazing woman who just teems with positivity. She'll be helping with social media, press, and customer relations. To get to know her more, we did a small Q&A...say hi to Sarah!

 at the top of the Castello Aragonese in Ischia, Italy

How do you know Erin and EAT.PRAY.MOVE?

After meeting Erin in NYC, I took one of the retreats to Ischia, Italy, and my life was changed!  First of all, I got to cross two life list items off—taking a yoga retreat and going to Italy.  But the takeaway was so much bigger than just a vacation.  I have never come away from time off with so much insight into who I am and what needed to change in my life.  Taking one of her retreats makes you realize who you are beyond the noise of regular life, and it lets you experience joy you didn’t know was possible. People noticed a tangible difference in me when I came back home. 

What do you do outside of EAT.PRAY.MOVE?

I am a certified holistic health and life coach, in addition to being a blogger. I work with modern women who are stuck or in a transition period and need support to move forward in life. From nutrition to relationships, I look at the big picture and help them remove obstacles and give them tools to become the best version of themselves. I have had my own struggles with health and stress in life, and I love being able to use my experiences to help others break through to the other side. 

Why is yoga important to you?

I found yoga in a dark time in my life, and it truly saved me.  While all the rest of the world was stressful, I found that the space of my mat was a comfort zone.  And it was one I could access at any time.  It’s a gift, not only to our bodies, but to our hearts and minds. It’s a reward really, after all the stress we put on our mind and body on a daily basis.  It balances me in so many ways. 

 living it up on the beautiful Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy

What do you love about travel?

I was fortunate enough to travel North America for 3 years with my husband’s work, so I was kind of forced into it a nomadic life for a bit. Within a month, I was hooked.  I realized how much is out there and how much of it I didn’t even know I needed to see. You also get to see how much people are alike, no matter where they live. You get to learn the feeling behind a place, what drives it.  Most of all, you get to learn and relearn how small you and your problems are.  Travel makes me feel alive, period.

Favorite place you have traveled?

It’s a toss up.  I loved Lake Louise, in Banff National Park, Alberta, I got to kayak in mint colored glacial waters, surrounded by snow capped mountains.  It was like stepping into a postcard.  But I was speechless at the beauty of Positano on the Amalfi Coast of Italy. Italy in general is everything you have ever imagined it to be and more. 

 throwing a coin in the Trevi Fountain in Rome, ensuring a return visit!

What makes you happy?

Most things in life do, when I take the time to savor them. 

But I love my husband, yoga, a good cup of tea, anything that gets me close to water, beautifully made vegetables, pugs, paperback books, cupcakes and TRAVEL!

Where is next on your travel list?

Paris! My husband pointed out that all of my favorite movies take place there—Amelie, Sabrina, Midnight in Paris.

I just want to drink amazing wine, eat the best croissants, see amazing art and wander through Montmartre.

What is your life philosophy?

“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” 

vegan-licious banana bread

Towhdayh Ih wahtwehd—

...sorry my mouth was full...

Today I wanted to share one of my favorite go-to recipes that I tend to make kind of regularly. I use the ripe bananas that I didn't use up for my acai smoothies throughout the week. When I see I have 2 or 3 bananas that are at the end of their yellow-ness I whip out this recipe, which is not only delicious, but also vegan!

---

VEGAN-LICIOUS BANANA BREAD

1/4 c earth balance veggie-"butter"

1/4 c natural apple sauce

1 c organic natural cane sugar*

3 Tbsp milk (almond or coconut)

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

3 ripe bananas

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp baking powder

pinch sea salt

1 tsp cinnamon

2 c all-purpose non-bleached flour

*If you have a preference, you can substitute a bit of the sugar with brown rice syrup. Here's a substitution I found for 1c sugar = 1 1/4 rice syrup plus 2 extra Tbsp flour and 1/2 tsp baking soda. I tend to just use an organic natural cane granulated sugar.

BONUS: you can also add some other healthy-boosters like a 1-2 Tbsps of flax or chia seeds- and then if the batter is a bit too dry add about 1 tsp of coconut oil.

Cream "butter", apple sauce, and sugar. Add milk, vanilla, and bananas. Add dry ingredients. Bake in greased loaf pan 350º for 1 hr or until done inside and browning on top.

EASY PEASY + extra good with a tiny bit of fruit preserves on top.

---

If you make it, please let me know how it went and if your taste buds thought it agreeable! xo