Want a Piece of Moroccan Glam? *GIVEAWAY*

It's about that time again for a fun GIVEAWAY over here at EAT.PRAY.MOVE! This month we'll be giving away two of these handmade, one-of-a-kind clutches that were made from genuine vintage Moroccan wedding blankets!

What is a Moroccan wedding blanket you ask? Well, you can get a good idea

HERE

and even shop for some full size ones

HERE

 from Maryam, our host in Marrakesh at Peacock Pavilions!

...wedding blankets are woven in anticipation of, you guessed it, a wedding, by the bride's female relatives. It can take many hours — even weeks — of work to attach those hundreds of mirrored sequins once the weaving is complete; it is thought that during this collaborative task, the bride's relatives teach her all about the birds and the bees, among other marital duties and expectations. After the wedding ceremony, the bride wears the blanket tied around her neck as a kind of cape...When complete, the wedding blanket serves not only as warmth and decoration for the bride, but also to ward off evil and to bestow fertility and good luck upon the newlyweds. — ApartmentTherapy

HOW TO GET ONE!

There are only two, and two ways to make one yours:

1.

The next guest to sign up

for

LUXURY MARRAKESH

Mar 8-14, 2015 will receive one.

2.

There will be a random drawing

from comments on this post! RULES: Leave your NAME & EMAIL in the comment. Only 1 comment per person. Extra chance given for a Fackbook, Twitter, or Instagram share of the link to the retreat page on our site

HERE

. Be sure to tag us on either @eatpraymoveyoga! Then let us know in the comments what you did and we'll add your extra chances.

GOOD LUCK & We hope to see you in MARRAKESH!

Unfortunately, due to custom regulations, we can only ship to address in the US or Canada...or we can bring it to you on the next retreat! Drawing will end Dec 26!

TRAVELER TESTIMONY :: Leigh-Ann - Ohio, USA

We are excited to share another traveler testimony! This time around, we were lucky enough to chat with Leigh-Ann from Columbus, Ohio. She works in the health and wellness industry, where she is currently creating her own hair care line! (Her tresses are certainly envy worthy.) Leigh-Ann is a long time member of the EPM family--she has joined us for retreats to Ischia, Provence and Iceland. She is a true testament to the reason we do what we do and love it so much. We asked her to share about her experience with Iceland and EPM. 

What drew you EAT.PRAY.MOVE Yoga Retreats?  

I was originally drawn to EAT.PRAY.MOVE because I loved the idea of having everything organized for me, as well as the vegetarian cuisine and the locations. Iceland looked amazing in the photos, and after going on 2 other retreats, I knew it would be amazing.

The beautiful Leigh Ann, full of love

How did your trip compare to your expectations?

Iceland was my 3rd retreat with EPM, and it absolutely exceeded my expectations.

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

I learned that Iceland is even better in person than in the photos! Everyone was very friendly and proud to talk about the history of the country. (I also learned that the cuisine there is a little different--they eat animals that we typically do not!)

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

Erin is great as a guide! I am a planner by nature, so the amazing thing with this trip and its itinerary is that I was aware of everything we were doing, but all I had to was show up. Erin took care of the rest. From the food to the activities, everything was handled.

Enjoying a hot tub along the riverside at Frost and Fire 

What was the best part of your trip?

The best part of the trip was reconnecting with guests from previous retreats and meeting new people. Once you attend one of the retreats, you have a certain bond with the other guests. There are many repeat guests, so it's always nice to see them again.

What lasting impressions did you have of EPM?  

The first retreat I attend with Erin CHANGED MY LIFE. I attended the Ischia, Italy trip, and I was in a very stressful state. I hated my job, and it was controlling my life. I went away on this retreat and realized life is too short. I need to do what makes me happy. When I returned home I changed my career path, and I have never been happier! I began working at Whole Foods and started an all natural hair care line called 2 Girls With Curls. You can check it out at www.2curlygirls.com.

An elegant group dinner in Iceland

These are trips that you will never forget. New friendships are formed and you get to do yoga and see the world in style.

Thanks, Leigh Ann, for sharing your beautiful story and experiences with us. We love having you as part of our family here at EPM, and we look forward to adventuring with you in the future! 

2014: What a Year! (part 2)

After our post "

2014: What a Year! (part 1)

" in last week's installment of our 2014 year summary, we wanted to go ahead and give you an update about the rest of our summer and fall this year.

At the very end of June we headed to our home-away-from-home of Italy and enjoyed a week among the sunflowers with a fun group! Since many of the guests were Americans, we even celebrated the 4th of July with a private fireworks show put on just for us on the hillsides of Tuscany. Then later in July we returned to the villa in Tuscany for another week of village tours, Italian cuisine, thermal spa visits, and yoga under the Tuscan sun!

In between the two Tuscany countryside retreats was spent in Florence with the first annual collaboration

Five Senses Yoga Retreat

 where we spent five days in the amazing city of

Firenze

exploring one of the five senses per day - SEEING the sites, SMELLING the aromatic spas and notes of a wine tasting, FEELING our bodies in a Chianti bike tour, HEARING Gregorian chants sung by monks on a hillside church, and TASTING the Tuscan cuisine during a cooking class. It was a completely successful experience and we couldn't have asked for a better group of women.

Join us in ITALY in 2015! 

(click on the links for details)

June 28 - July 4

 :: Tuscany, Italy

July 5 - 10

 :: Florence, Italy (Five Senses Retreat)

The very next month we were off again for our first retreat in the "Land of Fire and Ice" - and what an Icelandic adventure it was! Experiencing Iceland in the summer is a treat and our group explored the southwest region from the Ion Adventure hotel to the Blue Lagoon - all with geysirs, waterfalls, and plenty of blue thermal pools in between. Can't wait to return for our Northern Lights trip for New Years!

Join us in ICELAND in 2015! 

(click on the link for details)

Aug 9 - 15

 :: Southwest, Iceland

In September it was back to Marrakesh for a couple of weeks of Moroccan magic (summed up in

part 1

), before it was back to Italy in October for the "Tastes of Tuscany" retreat at a wine resort villa outside of the beautiful city of Siena. Each day was filled with different highlights of the Tuscan cuisine during harvest season. From truffle hunts to wine tastings, and cheese farm tours to city visits and spa days - we had a full week with beautiful company. 

That almost wraps up the year until our New Year's retreat in Iceland, but we were also able to scout another amazing location getting added again to the schedule next year - the breathtaking island if Ischia, Italy. Neighbors with Capri and the Amalfi Coast, Ischia is one of our favorite places and we can't wait to bring guests there once again in 2015. 

Join us in ISCHIA in 2015! 

(click on the link for details)

Sept 20 - 26

:: Ischia, Italy

Stay tuned for more retreats to come in the new year. Join our newsletter

HERE

to get first notifications when new dates are added. 

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU IN 2015! 

2014 : What a Year! (part 1)

I know we're not quite all the way through this year, and as we're still looking forward to the holiday season and to our final retreat of 2014 to ring in the New Year in Iceland under the Northern Lights I thought it's a good time to stop and reflect on the amazing year it's been thus far.

This year we began the season in Marrakesh, Morocco at our amazing location of Peacock Pavilions - a "do good boutique hotel" in an olive grove outside the city. There were two amazing weeks there, one classic itinerary and one luxury retreat, filled with great guests as always. We also had two more weeks in Marrakesh this past September and began the "

Give Back

" retreat initiative, where we were able to donate over $800 to the

Project Soar

 non-profit group that we've been working with at Peacock Pavilions. It was wonderful to be able to see the group of girls from the village again, and in September we also got to work with their mothers as well and see the difference that this project is making in their lives.

There are 3 Marrakesh retreats in 2015. Join us for a magical week and also to know you're giving back to an worth while cause! 

(click on the links for details)

Mar 8-14

:: Luxury Retreat

Mar 15-21

:: FORM+FOCUS Yoga/Art Retreat (only a few spots left!)

Sept 13-19

:: Classic Retreat

In May we headed to Provence, France for our second visit to the beautiful Cote d'Azur and enjoyed yoga, a visit to the islands of the southern French coast, wine-tastings, and

joie de vivre

! The very next week was spent with our premier week in Dubrovnik, Croatia and it was a week that exceeded everyone's expectations...bike rides through the wine country, secluded beaches with crystal clear water, yoga in the lush gardens, and the warm hospitality of the Croatian people.

We are returning to France and Croatia early summer 2015 and would love to have you join us!

(click on the links for details)

May 31 - Jun 6

:: Dubrovnik, Croatia (only 1 room left!) 

Jun 7 -13

:: Provence, France (SOLD OUT)

These retreats were a great kick-off to the summer and fall that lay ahead...Stay tuned for part 2 where we'll update on how the summer and fall in Italy, Iceland, and Morocco went! 

TRAVELER TESTIMONY \ Artful Adventurer (Marja, New York, NY)

Marja has made a full circle of friendship with EAT.PRAY.MOVE Yoga Retreats. As a long time friend of Sarah, she got to see from the outside what the excitement of an EPM yoga retreat was all about. After hearing about Sarah's experience in Italy, she signed up for a retreat of her own, a beautiful trip to Tuscany. As a stage actress, she has a lot of experience with travel and the arts, so we were excited to hear her thoughts on the retreat. Marja is a lovely woman, bringing grace, style and an infectious smile wherever she goes. We were so excited she got to experience the beauty of Italy.

Marja exploring village life in Tuscany

What drew you EAT.PRAY.MOVE Yoga Retreats? 

I consider myself an artist, a student of life, and a lover of exploration, travel, and simple pleasures. What drew me to Erin's retreat was the offer of a balanced, curated experience, one that incorporated relaxation, wellness, culture, and a touch of indulgence.

How did your trip compare to your expectations?

It’s important for me to have the local experience when I travel. I avoid falling into the typical tourist itinerary of “See this! See that!" while missing the experience. Erin’s retreat nailed this balance.

YOGA amongst the artistry of Florence

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

Erin is well traveled. She has not only acquired an understanding of many languages, but also relationships that let her provide her guests with access to artisanal crafts, food, and an insider's knowledge of the area.

What was the best part of your trip?

Staying in the Tuscan villa was relaxing and grounding, and a great sanctuary to come home to after a day of sightseeing or touring nearby Cortona or Siena.

What lasting impressions did you have? What stayed with you once you traveled home?

The best thing for me with Erin's retreat was the idea of balance. There is a lovely mix of enjoying oneself and having indulgence in doses while also being good to the body/mind.

Under the Tuscan sun, amongst the sunflowers

Thanks, Marja, for sharing your memories and your friendship. We can't wait to see you on your next retreat! 

TRAVELER TESTIMONY \ Soul Sister (Erin - Charlotte, NC, USA)

This month we're happy to introduce you to our friend and repeat EPM guest, Erin W! She first came to a Marrakesh retreat several years ago and has since returned - but even better, we're honored to say that she has become such a good friend on top of that! It's one of the stories and connections that really embody what EPM is about - building, connecting, and growing in yourself and with others. Meeting guests for the first time at a retreat, being able to carry that over into friendships after the trip and seeing other guests do the same - it is one of our most favorite things here at EPM. Erin is a creative woman and avid traveller who is a true adventurer at heart. 

Erin and Erin

What made you decide to take this EAT.PRAY.MOVE yoga retreat?

I attended the Tuscany trip because of the amazing experience and friendships I made on my first EPM yoga retreat to Marrakech, Morocco. Everything was so incredible I just had to have another vacation with EAT.PRAY.MOVE!

How did your trip compare to your expectations?

Everyone dreams of a relaxing holiday in Tuscany, wandering through the beautiful rolling hills, drinking wine from local vineyards and eating fresh olives. Erin's EAT.PRAY.MOVE retreat did not disappoint! Tuscany is such a beautiful region of Italy, and the villa we stayed in was tucked right in its rolling hills with fantastic views of the surrounding area. I loved that the moment I arrived, a sense of calm and self overcame me.

Playing amongst the Tuscan architecture

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

This trip quickly became one of self discovery through yoga, art as meditation classes, museums and hillside explorations. It was truly a retreat and exactly what I needed!

What was the best part of your trip?

One of my favorite moments from the trip was strolling through the streets of Cortina with the friends I'd made from Morocco and the new friends I'd made over the first few days in Italy... shopping, eating, exploring and laughing. Such a magical time.

Making friends in the countryside

What lasting impressions did you have? 

This retreat was a much needed getaway for me, and I knew from experience that I was in good hands with Erin. Erin, who I am lucky to know and have become friends with, has such a talent for finding the best spots (to eat, see, experience) and creating the opportunity for the most memorable moments to enjoy and then to carry with you wherever life takes you. I can't wait for my next EPM retreat...maybe Iceland!

Thanks, 

Erin, for your sharing your time, thoughts and friendship. We can't wait to see you on your next retreat!  

TRAVELER TESTIMONY \ Sunny Sojourner (Susanna - Maryland, USA)

We are so excited to introduce you to another one of our EAT.PRAY.MOVE repeat guests, Susanna! She is from Maryland, USA, and she has now joined us for FOUR different retreats (to Tuscany, Ischia, Marrakesh and Provence). We caught up with her and asked about her experiences. While she has loved every retreat, she says Tuscany really stuck out for her as a special trip. 

Susanna has added such fun and laughter to each group and connects with guests with her inspiring personal stories. She clearly has a heart that is full of joy and adventure!

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

I was doing some research on different yoga retreats and most of them were the same, just on a different Carribean Island. Then I came across the EAT.PRAY.MOVE retreat in Tuscany. I thought it was really orginal and somewhere I've alway dreamed of visiting. I signed up right away and have been on 4 different retreats so far! I can't wait to sign up for my next one!

A beautiful view in Tuscany

How did the trip compare to your expectations?

The trip exceeded all my expectations. We stayed in a breathtaking villa in Tuscany, Italy. All the activities and sightseeing tours were already planned, so there was no stress of where to go and what to do. I got to meet the most amazing women from all over the world and different walks of life.

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

I learned how much I really love to travel and learn about different cultures and people. I was really surprised at how much you can learn and have in common with women of all ages and different backgrounds.

Yoga fun at Castello Aragonese in Ischia

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

Erin was an amazing guide! She did all the research and found the best places to eat, what's important and interesting to see, and she found the perfect balance of sightseeing, shopping and relaxation. The most important thing for Erin is that everybody is enjoying themselves. She puts her whole heart into planning these retreats, and you can feel that every day that you're there with her. Not to mention the fact that she's a fantastic yoga instructor!

What was the best part of your trip?

The best part of the trips were the people that I met and the friendships that I've built while experiencing the most beautiful places in the world.

Overlooking beautiful Italian waters

What lasting impressions did you have? What stayed with you once you traveled home?

There isn't a week that goes by that I don't think of an experience or a person from one of the retreats. Those moments will be with me forever, and they are priceless. Taking these amazing adventures has made me change my perspective on what's important in life and what's just not worth stressing about. I can't say enough great things about EAT.PRAY.MOVE and Erin Lewis.

Susanna, we are so grateful for your thoughts and time. It's travelers like you that keep us inspired to create and to give great experiences. Thank you for being a part of the EAT.PRAY.MOVE family, and we can't wait to see you on another retreat!

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.”