Deśa Retreat

The Yoga & Surf Retreat was beautiful. How wonderful to be surrounded by and immersed in nature, learning gentle ways to integrate it all into modern day living. The accommodation was perfect, the people were perfect, the activities were perfect, the food was perfect. I am so grateful. The space you hold, Em, is like a cocoon. It is nurturing, loving, raw, real, enlightening, and grounding. For me, it has felt like a transitional space - as I begin to emerge from the chrysalis, feeling like I am taking a breath for the first time in this life. Thank you for sharing your experience, love, compassion & knowledge with me.

So happy that decided to take part in the yoga surfing retreat on the weekend.Em, Sally and Swiv thank you for the experience of a lifetime. The plant based fresh ingredients (meals) from the garden are so delicious, yoga was a absolute journey and the surfing lessons have given me a new healthy activity to take into life.This is experience for everyone no matter where you are in life.Guaranteed to feel free from a lot in life.

Desa Retreat is a magical getaway. A very well considered space in a peaceful setting with so much more than accommodation. Do try the yoga, surfing, food ;-)

A wonderful 4 days of regeneration. Exceeded all expectations.The quality of the room and amenities is outstanding. All facilitators were accomplished, confident, open and engaged, leading us through some amazing new experiences. (Nidra Yoga, Soundscape Yoga, Hula dancing to name a few). Special mention to Viv the chef. We were treated to an abundance of delicious food, prepared on-site, with all meals including fresh harvest from the garden. Thanks, Emma, for your care and intention in creating a beautiful, recuperative retreat.

Wonderful place of restoration and healing. Emma is a beautiful host that made all so welcome.The vegan food was delicious. Swiv and Harvey were fun Surf coaches and got us all standing!The yoga was different to any I had practiced before and gave an overall sense of calm and peacefulness.The hula dance class and African drumming were so much fun and I felt a childlike sense of freedom.The beautiful native and veggie garden gave the sense we were hidden away but we’re actually so close to the beach and shops. Great coffee at the local too.I would love to go back and also share this beautiful place with loved ones.

Beautiful nourishing space in nature. Lovely accommodation well equiped with everything I needed including lush toiletries from ‘The Herbalist’.Em is so welcoming and I enjoyed a fab class with Em in her on-site yoga studio.5 mins from walking tracks and the beach. Can’t wait to return!

Had such a beautiful stay here! Emma is so warm, welcoming and inspiring. She cooked us some delicious meals using fresh produce from her garden, and the accommodation itself is clean, spacious and well-equipped with kitchen utensils, lovely tea and bathroom essentials.The surfing, yoga and meditation we did were very enjoyable, safe to say we will be back!

What a treat was in store for us at our 3 day Desa surfing and yoga retreat. Every aspect was exceptional. All the instructors were so skilled at their craft. We were bathed in culture, rest, fun, play and the most amazing food prepared by Viv. Emma is the most amazing yoga teacher and her trauma centred yoga really was a very grounding and special experience. Thank you so much for a wonderful 3 days. I highly recommend this retreat, set amongst 2 very special gum trees, a lovely gathering area, fire pit area surrounded by native garden and veggie gardens, including chooks. We had a private deck outside our accommodation where we could relax and enjoy, either sitting on the deck or lounging in the hammock! A very special time.

As a backpacker I was at first hesitating about the retreat since it was a bit above my budget but it was so worth it! The yoga sessions, the location close to the beach, surfing, dancing, singing and delicious vegetarian food… I enjoyed every bit of the weekend!