WHY RETREAT

Fantastic experience: Loved the Why Retreat. Beautiful location in which to de-stress and re-settle the body and mind. Jo’s deep knowledge of yoga, food, meditation and life in general makes for a wonderful and enriching experience.

Fantastic experience: If you want a fabulous, intimate yoga retreat in New Zealand, go to WHY. The location on Whangerei Heads is superb: beaches of different types - sandy, stony, full of shells, rock pools, surfing - are all there. The scenery is stunning, too: turquoise sea, ancient forests and great hiking paths with 360 degree views of bays and forests. We met hardly anyone on the hikes and beaches were often almost empty. The yoga and meditation classes taught by Jo and her fellow teacher for our week, Astrid Björk, were extremely varied. Jo and Astrid really felt what the group needed as the retreat progressed and are both really knowledgeable about yoga, personal training, breathing techniques, Pilates and nutrition. It’s great that they are continually available for questions. The rooms were spotless and veggie meals were varied and delicious. I especially loved the avocado and chocolate mousse. Food is provided for you to make your own breakfast in your own time. Lunch and dinner are eaten with the staff, which makes for in-depth - or fun - chats. And the centre has a grounded, safe feel from the moment you arrive. Our international group really ‘gelled’ as the week went on. Highly recommended!

Negative experience: A nice location with very pleasant local views but in my opinion not worth the money. Extremely pricey in that respect. My room (the most expensive) had lovely views but was a little dirty on arrival (all the drawers needed vacuuming), and was not cleaned or serviced in any way during the entire 6 days. The bed was terribly uncomfortable and I did not sleep very well the entire time. Was also told (via a sign on the wall) to not leave the heated towel rail on, and asked to wipe down the shower after use. Not impressed at all, based on the cost. The yoga was great and there was an abundance of it! The food was a little underwhelming. You helped yourself to a continental breakfast but things ran out (eg coffee, yoghurt) and we had to ask for more. This should not have happened. The lunch and dinner meals were very well presented, but at times there wasn’t enough offered, and there was not enough protein at most meals which left me feeling constantly hungry. And the host ate with us which I didn’t really like. I did really appreciate the birthday cake though. Thank you. This retreat was advertised as a hiking and yoga retreat. However I would describe this more accurately as local walks, not hikes. I was quite disappointed in that respect. Footnote, reply to Jo’s comments below. Please take on board that most people don’t like to complain or make a fuss as this can spoil the rest of the experience if the host takes offence. And asking guests in front of other guests for feedback is also not going to give you accurate feedback. I read in the compendium that the rooms would be partially serviced during the retreat. I.e. bathroom cleaned. But no bedding changed. My bathroom was never cleaned and no fresh towels were provided. There is absolutely no complaints about the vegetarian concept just that sufficient protein should be available. This was definitely lacking. Offering 2 slices of squeaky cheese with lunch as the protein source was completely insufficient. It would be more humbling to accept people’s constructive criticism and use this input to build a better business than try and defend yourself. I expected this would be the case.

Negative experience: I felt uncomfortable for a large amount of this retreat. Host runs the entire retreat and has accommodation based at her home and she delivers the yoga, massage, hikes, and cooking herself. Host not good at addressing issues as they arise and if you don’t agree with her approach you really are in a difficult spot. The cost was around 400 a day which was very high for the experience. Some yoga classes are attended by community members and I ended up on a hike alone due to sickness with no contact info or H&S briefing. No other paid staff but a helper yoga teacher (traveller) was the only reason I was able to take something positive away and I’m very grateful she was there tbh. Restrictive approach to food/understanding of healthy eating and would not be suitable for anyone struggling with an eating disorder. In fact it could be very damaging. The natural environment is beautiful and it was nice to be surrounded by birds and water.

Fantastic experience: A fantastic experience. Full immersion in beautiful surroundings. Jo is the perfect host, she has the confidence of an experienced teacher that you can just trust (especially for newbies like myself) and not just in yoga. There are many different practices that are incorporated over the 5 days. She also knows the area and all the best walks and beaches and is a superb chef! The rooms are super clean and set up for easy and relaxing stays. I highly recommend this experience.

Fantastic experience: This retreat is an absolute must for those who love or want to experience yoga, meditations, hikes in Nz’s beautiful Whangarei Heads! This is my first retreat and I loved the way Jo has thoughtfully planned each and every activity but still manage to cater to everyone’s needs. Jo was very sweet and surprised me by putting up an altar for Diwali and made Indian food on that day so I didn’t feel like I was away from family! Jo is an amazing reiki healer as well as a massage therapist. Thanks Jo for creating this amazing space! We will be back!

Fantastic experience: Jo’s retreat offers a flexible stay with a variety of activities to suit your needs. I chose the 6 day hike and retreat, trusting that it would be ok for my ability and desires. It certainly did that and much more. We hiked at the appropriate pace, we yogied with flexibility to suit my tired body but even better we listened and learnt new tools, new attitudes to consider, shared words of wisdom amidst much joy and laughter. What a treat it was to be so welcomed into such a caring space and togetherness where self growth is for the taking. I am definitely smitten and would consider returning to reset my body mind and spirit. Thanks heaps Jo. You give so much and have so much to give.

Fantastic experience: Beautiful peaceful great food Jo is the best hostess Hiking and beaches are amazing

Fantastic experience: I have just finished a 6 day Yoga and Hiking retreat at WHY. Jo is passionate about wellbeing and health and wants to share that with others. She put together a program that met our individual needs and she made me feel completely welcome. I highly recommend WHY Retreat.

Fantastic experience: I’ve just completed a 6 day retreat at WHY Yoga Retreat with Jo Woollacott and it RESET my mind, body and spirit in a wonderful way. Jo which is short for JOY is indeed a great facilitator and Holistic Health Coach using yoga practice and philosophy at a unique morning session each day and a variety of meditation experiences each evening. I enjoyed my daily outings to the beach or hike in nature that took in the beautiful outdoors around the area. Other special activities that touched my heart was the medicine card reading, a session using essential oils to balance the chakras and a Pilates class to close the retreat. I enjoyed being a vegetarian with the delicious meals provided for the week and I’ve changed my approach to eating now in a more healthy way to increase my well-being. I highly recommend the WHY Retreat for all ages to reboot the power within you and help kick start a new beginning to be the best you can BE.

Fantastic experience: This has been one of the best experiences for me, the location and beatifull views amazing. The yoga and meditation session where very helpful for me. Thanks Jo

Fantastic experience: It was my second stay here and excatly what I needed. I couldnt'recommand this retreat highly enough. Jo is a dedicated yoga teacher with a profound knowledge in yoga, meditation, mindfulness as well as a very friendly warm and welcoming person. I had a lovely and spottless clean room overlooking the stunning Mc Leod's bay (a very calm environment). The vegeterian food was delicious. I also loved our small nice group and our daily walks on awesome beaches.

Fantastic experience: A truly superb experience. The location and facilities are beautiful, with tremendous views of the bay and sunsets. The vegetarian food is delicious. Both Jo and Daniella were extremely helpful and patient with me (as someone new to yoga and meditation). Overall, the facility, location, food, and service created a perfect setting for yoga and meditation. I can say that this was one of the most peaceful and beautiful places I have ever stayed in. Going on a retreat like this is a real gift to give to yourself.

Positive experience: This was my first yoga and hiking retreat and my first time for yoga and meditation. Jo was a patient and informative instructor and her passion for yoga and meditation was evident. I enjoyed the variety of each session. The hikes were great too and all within a short distance of the property. The food was delicious and Jo was a lovely host.

Fantastic experience: My first Yoga retreat and I couldn't have asked for a better one. Jo was amazing. Such a great host. I enjoyed the different types of yoga and meditation discovering which form of both works best for me. Jo was very patient with us newbies and a great teacher explaining the different aspects of what we were doing. The hiking was great and a revelation that there were so many different walks in such a small area.

Fantastic experience: Jo and her helpers are kind and considerate hosts provided in an oasis of calm.

Fantastic experience: Great experience. Our original plans to visit Why Retreat were delayed because of Covid but it was worth the wait. Lovely food and atmosphere. For a relative yoga 'newbie' like me Jo was understanding and very supportive. She gave us a range of yoga and meditation experiences over the five days and I'm committed to carrying on with both now. And Whangarei Heads was a real bonus. The walks, the bays, the weather, just lovely.

Fantastic experience: I loved the nurturing nature of the retreat - a great way to reboot the system. We were encouraged to listen to our bodies in our participation and the food was delicious with new and yummy flavours. Jo gives amazing massages and a painful back and hip issue I'd had for over a month has disappeared. I was unable to do all the walks - there are a huge range of different walks with the most amazing views. Thanks Jo.

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend doing a retreat with Jo. I did the yoga/hike 6 day one and was very impressed with the food, yoga and hikes. Jo is an amazing teacher and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay there with her..

Fantastic experience: Stayed here for 2 days as an individual retreat - it was fabulous! Jo was very welcoming and accomodating. Amazing views/location, great to have access to yoga classes and food was good too! There are some great walks nearby and it is 15 mins drive to Ocean Beach which is the most beautiful pristine white sand beach with calm waves to have a dip in.

Fantastic experience: Jo provides a welcoming atmosphere and a great yoga experience!

Fantastic experience: Amazing place to practice yoga, observe, learn and just be here

Fantastic experience: Beautiful spot to relax and heal through yoga, personal training, pilates, massage, and more. Loved my stay there and love the owners! And now they have a sauna too!

Fantastic experience: This is a wonderful place! Beautiful atmosphere and views. I had an amazing time :) Don't miss the opportunity to stay there or attend Jo's Yoga classes!