Yobaba Lounge

MERCI for such an exploration and experience. I'm so grateful to have done it. Missing the early swims, the rituals, the Shala, the Walks, the delicious meals, my huge bathroom...!!! and the Noble Silence,.. already. I left with a sense of peace and enlightenment, and the wish to discover further my inner space. Love from Berlin, Hélène

I took my mother on this yoga retreat as a gift for her 65th birthday and it was worth every penny and every flight to get there! Gurtrud runs this retreat. She is an inspiring, creative, kind and wonderful human being. Just being in her presence relaxes your soul. There truly is a unique and special energy at Yobaba Lounge that I've never experienced anywhere else. The 5 day, 4 night retreat we attended included "noble silence" from 20:30-14:30 the following day, ever day. And it may sound scary but it was transformational. Being alone with your thoughts and not having to make chit-chat with other people was surprisingly freeing. The yoga is in the top floor of the old house (main part built in the 1600's) where often windows are open you can hear the pleasant coo and gentle flapping of pigeons. Yoga for us was mostly light Hatha and restorative which for myself and my mother was just perfect. The nightly guided meditation after dinner by Gurtrud was sublime. She has this way of speaking and guiding you that relaxes you to the core. My mother was so moved that she actually cried a couple of times. The vegan menu was simply stellar. Everything cooked by Gurtrud is surprising, creative and delectable. In addition to being all vegan, she didn't use any soy, or processed sugar. How she got meals like "raw pad-Thai", "Duck wraps" and "Goulash" to taste how she did is simply astounding! She needs to write a cook-book (actually I think you can get some of her recipes online somewhere). The house itself is gorgeous. it's been lovingly restored room, by room. Apparently a lot of the rooms aren't even in use since the house is SO old and restoration is slow. But it lends a peaceful and remote feeling to it all. The house is not uptight or too precious or pretentious. It feels homey and warm and you can use any of the rooms available in most of the downstairs to read, relax and reflect. And the courtyard is stunning, complete with outdoor cats relaxing in the sunlight with you. I would recommend this (or any) of the retreats Yobabba and Gurtrud offer. It's a special place and I will most certainly go back!