Testimonials

Retreat: Apr, 2012 - Finca de Vida - Farm of Life, Costa Rica

Chantale Plante, Ottawa, Ontario ... "I have been one of Andrea's Yoga students for a couple a years now and have always wanted to go on one of her retreats. When I kept hearing how amazing the Dec 2011 retreat at Finca De Vida was, something inside me pulled me to go. I am sure glad I listened to my gut. The retreat and the Finca are amazing. From the well organized outings to surf, the beach, amazing hikes at waterfalls, to the amazing food that Mary the Chef prepares with loving hands, to Brian and Jody's love for healing and teaching the ways of that path , to all the incredible women I met on the trip - everything really resonated with me. I feel a positive energy in my life, and the retreat really shift my outlook. Since I returned I am still on the path to eating better and looking at life differently. As organizers Meigan and Andrea truly have a gift for finding places that sing with beauty and love. They are also incredible women - Meigan is an amazing massage therapist, and Andrea's yoga classes were inspired. They are beautiful, amazing women. These words here can even begin to say here what this retreat has meant to me. It was so great I'm sending my husband on the next one! I'll certainly be attending another Animar retreat in the near future! Thank you Meigan and Andrea for a life changing experience."

Retreat: Dec, 2011 - Finca de Vida - Farm of Life, Costa Rica

Amy L., Ottawa, Ontario ... "Andrea has been my yoga instructor for a few years. After attending her classes and being inspired by her challenging and creative teachings, I decided to attend not one, but two, of the Animar Retreats.

My first retreat was in May 2011 and most recently, in December 2012, I attended the retreat at Finca de Vida. The scenery, food, accommodations, yoga classes, hiking to Diamante Falls, massage therapy, white water rafting, surfing, and the camaraderie, are just a few of the things that made this last trip so memorable. At the Finca, we were also fortunate to learn from Brian and Jody, the owners, about how to live in a way that is more natural and sustainable. Being there prompted a lot of reflection and even motivated me to make some changes in my life. Since coming back to Canada, I've been able to adopt many of the things I learned and I've experienced a great deal of positivity as a result.

What also makes this retreat so special is that Andrea and Meigan are such kind, fun-loving, adaptable and accommodating organizers. It's obvious that they love what they are doing and they are dedicated making sure that they offer a unique, holistic and extra enjoyable experience. To top it all off, Costa Rica is an amazing country! The diversity of plants and animals, the coastline, the mountains, the cuisine and the people, make for a phenomenal experience. Whether you're looking for a rejuvenating get-away or if you're in dire need of adventure, Animar Retreats will fit the bill.

Krista Zvanitajs, Barrie, Ontario ... "I was looking for a break that would push me out of my comfort zone (being a real city girl i was excited to try surfing, horseback riding, waterfall hikes,.....), and this Animar retreat was truly life changing.

The trip was so well organized every step of the way (meeting in san jose, transport, meals, activities) and Andrea and Meigan were so welcoming. The daily yoga classes with Andrea were some of the best I've ever taken. She was really in tune with our individual needs. As was Meigan. She has such a wonderful energy, and you could really feel how passionate she is about healing people through her massage therapy. The setting at ''Finca de Vida'' couldn't have been more perfect. With the views, the gorgeous organic food, the secluded mountain location ---- truly magical, not your typical tourist resort. Brian and Jody, our ''Farm of life'' hosts also went above and beyond to help us get the most from the retreat. I was so impressed with how involved they were, supporting Andrea and Meigan, and taking so much time to talk to us, teach us about organic living, spiritual growth. Their sincerity radiated as brightly as their smiles, and I'm sure we all left changed for the better in our own way. (for me, it was the Reiki sessions with Brian that unblocked physical and emotional tension beyond any expectations.)

There was a great mix of people on the retreat, and everyone was able to find new friends to connect with.

I can't say enough to recommend Animar.......not only will you have an amazing vacation in a beautiful tropical location, but you will open your heart and mind to a whole new way of living. My life truly has been 'Enlivened'."

Retreat: May 1-7th, 2011 - Costa Paraiso, Costa Rica

Gillian Badger(27), Ottawa, Ontario ... "Animar exceeded my high expectations in every way. The chance to train, reflect and recharge under Andrea and Meigan’s instruction & care was priceless – not to mention the breathtaking setting, gorgeous accommodations and delicious food. My Costa Rican adventure was the perfect escape. I came back feeling rested, strong and refreshed – and certain that this retreat will not be my last!"


K.M. - Ottawa, Ontario ... "I like to be active when I’m travelling and the retreat met my expectations. I met great people and realized my dream of surfing. Costa Rica is an amazing, beautiful country. The best spot for a week-long adventure retreat. Andrea and Meigan are awesome hosts and well organized. We were in good hands! I definitely recommend Animar if you are looking for a different kind of vacation."







Margaret Lerhe (58), Ottawa, Ontario ... "Andrea is a first class instructor who makes it easy for anyone to follow as her instructions are so clear. She coaches and encourages, providing support for beginners and experts alike.

I have been telling all of my friends about it. It truly was a great experience for so many different reasons. I think the most important factor was your two personalities. You’re serious about what you do but you have fun doing it. You cater the very diverse needs of the group, innovating each day as plans, weather and/or circumstances dictate.

I wish had taken an extra one. The experience was so relaxing and therapeutic as my aches and pains were well care for by expert hands. Meigans calming approach added to the relaxation."

Mia Kakebeeke Meldrum (35) Ottawa, Ontario ... "This was a life changing retreat. After the loss of my mother a year prior and raising two young boys 2 and 4, it was exactly what I needed to find myself again. The fitness boot camps, lead by Andrea, were top notch and could challenge the fittest individual, and her modifications allow anyone of any fitness level to follow. The variation on the daily yoga classes was amazing. As a beginner; I was able to sample so many types of yoga, and the instruction and corrections were great. And the massages in paradise ... Meigan is amazing ... especially great after a morning of horseback riding! Meigan and Andrea are amazing hosts and the location is breathtaking. I will for sure return to Costa Rica after this experience. After jumping off & sliding down waterfalls, learning to surf, and tarzan roping. I realized that to be my best self, I must conquer my fears, and my life is changed forever; and for the better. Thank you ladies."



Shannon Roach (left in picture), Saint John, New Brunswick ... “I would say this retreat was probably the most well balanced trip I've been on including all the most important vacation necessities: FIRSTLY, an OUTSTANDING group of people!! The mix of people we had totally made the week awesome, and the people that you get to spend that time with are always the most important factor :)

And a special thanks to Meigan, and Andrea - you girls are amazing, and really lead us through an awesome experience filled with lots of fun!!

SECONDLY, THIRDLY, ETC..... all the fun activities throughout the week, the great fitness, new challenges, and of course, great food (you can never be without good food on a trip!), and also the occasional dancing here and there!!!

In saying that, I think we should all go back ASAP!!! Thanks again for a truly amazing retreat!!”

Retreat: Apr 2009 - Costa Paraiso, Costa Rica

From Isabelle ... "My one week Animar retreat in Costa Rica definitely completed its promised enlivening effect. The energy that increasingly took hold of me as the week unfolded from one activity to the next was amazing. Instead of being wiped out by the physical challenges of daily yoga, hiking, surfing (and the occasional night out dancing!), I actually found myself revived, and felt great. With all that we experienced, it's hard to believe it was, after all, just one week.

Thanks to the spirit of the retreat, the intentions of the organizers, the way it flowed, the energy that was created, I felt the exquisite way time can slow down when one completely breaks from the routine and fully immerses oneself.

For me, Animar feels like a long, long deep breath in, filled with all the things that count the most for me when travelling and vacationing: novelty, learning and being challenged, a gorgeous, well-chosen location, unique and high quality activities with great people, and of course, lots of priceless moments such as catching a surf lesson's last waves as the sun is setting on the Pacific Ocean.

Thank you for making this wonderful experience possible!"

From Emily ... "My Animar experience was full of adventure, great people, delicious food, and wonderful relaxation. A very well organized retreat with much flexibility.

Aside from Yoga on the beach, surfing the waves, shopping around the town, falling asleep to the sound of a waterfall, and enjoying a massage while listening to the natural surroundings, I returned home with a new understanding of exercise and have been able to keep my motivation months later. A trip with the perfect balance of fun, exercise, and adventure."