Zen Den Yoga School

Most Recent Comments

• February 2024 by Debbie S.
  The best thing I've done for myself in years! I was feeling stressed, depressed and had no energy. I found Zen Den by chance-looking for a safe, relaxing environment with some decent amenities. I was not expecting to learn so much-about nutrition, healthy life style changes and yoga, (I had never done yoga-in my 62 years)! Great locations-walk/bike to beach! 2 saltwater pools, hot tubs, great smoothies (I continue to make every day)-excellent massages, 2 kinds of yoga classes per day-and plenty of time to relax, explore and meet and connect with really interesting people-of all ages and all walks of life! I was there for 2 weeks-I left-feeling like a new person!! Energized, refreshed, tan and 5 pounds lighter!!! Goin back-Every Year!!! Thank You Val, Ira- and your great team and guests -that made this such a rewarding and memorable experience!
• September 2023 by Tarun Khanna
  We did a 5 night, 6 day disconnect to reconnect retreat at Zen Den. We availed the basic package of yoga with complimentary massages and hot-cold therapy. It was a very relaxing, peaceful and restorative time. Val and Ira are very friendly, kind and knowledgable. They can guide you through the right postures and what is good for you. We also had excellent interactions with the rest of the staff there: Austin gave the best massages and Claire was super friendly! This is not a luxury resort, and you do have to keep in mind the house rules, but in exchange you get to enjoy a homely atmosphere and relaxed vibe. Another big plus was having access to the kitchen to cook my own meals as I have dietary restrictions. Thank you, Val & Ira!
• September 2023 by mauricia scott
  First, the short version- if your heart is ready to experience itself or you just want an opportunity to unplug and engage in loving self care; DO THIS!Now, the longer version (but a version worth telling). Admittedly, I was not "wowed" upon our arrival. And again, admittedly, I had internal "expectations", was several hours early for our 2pm check-in, all after a VERY long flight. That being said, once in our room (and yes they did let us check in early), I was WONDERFULLY surprised and deeply humbled by the sweetness of it all. Quaint, cute, and very welcoming, In that moment I let go of expectations and fell into this experience with my whole heart. I was not disappointed.THE GROUNDS/COMPOUND-This is not Club Med or any other pampered type spa/retreat you may be thinking of, but don't let that fool you. Its not supposed to be. The grounds are well maintained in a natural way (NO, not wild and unkempt, just not country club manicured), full of color, nature, and attention to small details. This allowed for a feeling of seclusion, harmony, balance and understated elegance. The overall feeling is one of warmth, beauty, and security. The pools are small but nice, the hot tubs are DELICIOUS, and the outdoor lounge furnishings are well maintained and comfortable. Worth noting and a must for me, the grounds and all common areas were SPOTLESS.THE STAFF- all the staff were so incredibly kind and open to us. Love radiates from those who make this place their home and it FEELS so authentic. Some deep connections were made here.THE OWNERS- Read the Mission Statement. Valerie and Ira LIVE the values expressed in these words and it comes through profoundly in their actions. Their authenticity is trumped only by how much of themselves they pour into each guest, making guests feel as special as this place. These are real people, real personalities, dealing with the same issues, and concerns as everyone else. Yet the grace, openness and honesty with which they deal with both guests and students is a rarity in this life. This energy emanates from them continuously and I found it both humbling and incredibly beautiful. It filled me with such hope to know that there are people like this in the world. They are intuitive, intelligent, and live the yoga life is such a way that even the novice can find their rhythm with it.Valerie is so kind, so loving-you can feel her beautiful heart in every aspect of this place-from the quality of the supplies, to the details in the kitchens, the quality of the organic food, her depth of information during one-on-one coaching, and the power in her yoga instruction and practice.Ira is brilliant and decidedly something of a visionary. His heart is huge, his insights profound. If willing, he imparts a wisdom that gently challenges, always encourages, and helps awaken the heart. His yoga practice (and subsequent instruction) are both deeply moving and highly enlightening.ACCOMODATIONS- Our room had two queen beds that were so comfortable I wanted to take one home with me! Charming in a simple way, with an en-suite bathroom. Comfortable, spacious, and very homey. Again, spotless. I felt that the costs for the retreat were very reasonable and the add-ons manageable.THE YOGA- You will gain depth in your practice here! I found all the classes to be of high caliber. There is a depth to the practice which I have carried home with me (where the yoga is "less deep"). It touched, challenged, and changed me. I no longer seek to "do yoga"...I seek to practice Yoga and embrace its teachings.CONCLUSION-This week-long retreat was a game changer for both me and my daughter. We both arrived with emotional and spiritual baggage. We left FREER and lighter, knowing that we have stepped into a new way of being that is filled with love and possibility. This trip renewed my life and purpose. My heart is even fuller than when I left two weeks ago. I am forever grateful to Ira, Valerie, and the Zen Den Community.Namaste
• July 2023 by Judah Longgrear
  My experience at Zen Den Yoga School was nothing short of amazing. Despite my short stay, I was immediately embraced by the owners who were extraordinarily personable, extending an invitation into their oasis with warm, open hearts.The atmosphere at Zen Den is truly unparalleled. You're not just stepping into a yoga center, you're stepping into a haven of tranquility where everyone is committed to personal growth and wellbeing. Their well-thought-out classes cater to all skill levels, making it a perfect place for both yoga novices and seasoned practitioners alike.Zen Den Yoga School is a beacon of serenity, an ideal place to unplug, unwind, and embark on an invigorating journey towards self-discovery. I wholeheartedly recommend this center to anyone seeking a truly authentic and rewarding yoga experience.
• May 2023 by Sarah S.
  These people are true grifters, PLEASE heed the negative reviews. I went with a fellow fitness instructor to deepen our practice and unwind. I meditate daily and have been doing Pilates and yoga for several years. My hopes of learning anything here were quickly shattered. On top of that, there was trash in our room, debris in the pool, NO staff, a pitiful selection of yoga classes, and no hot water for the entirety of our stay. They encourage starving yourself and one of the owners even made a negative comment about me having a sandwich for lunch. Our "yoga" instructor left for an ayahuasca ceremony (after announcing that she had been starving herself for nearly 2 weeks), and the classes were taught by the massage therapist...who literally told the class to follow what I was doing. Plus, there were no bike rentals as advertised and the beach is a 30+ minute walk away. PLEASE save your money and time and enjoy one of the many world-class hotels in the area, many of which offer yoga classes and excursions. We paid over $500 a night to have no showers, loud noise in the house, and dirty facilities. Absolute disappointment, I can hardly convey how unprofessional and unkind this place is. We reached out with a list of concerns and asked for a refund, which they agreed to process and NEVER DID. It is quite clear that the owners have little interest in their business and were quite self indulgent
• May 2023 by Forest Ann Newcomer
  I left the Zen Den after my Five Day Disconnect to Reconnect on Cloud Nine! Val and Ivan are upbeat, interesting people plus their knowledge is so helpful for one trying to make healthy choices in their diet and move forward in their spiritual life, no matter what that may be. So many great experiences: sunrise meditation and yoga on the beach, 2x’s a day yoga that’s appropriate for any level, perfect neighborhood for walks or shopping needs, salt water pools (my favorite evening pastime) plenty of down time to peruse the library, and education for newbies re nutrition and eating habits. Can’t wait to return! P.S. I’ve lost 5 pounds since returning home and love the smoothies.
• May 2023 by Atara Horrigan
  I highly recommend a stay at Zen Den Yoga retreat center. My one week there alone was deeply transformative and gave me the time, space, and compassionate energy I needed to awaken on a deeper level to my soul purpose, undergo ancestral healing, and begin to shed false selves and personas i created for protection to survive in the outside world. I would say that my life improved on every front - in the areas of nutrition, fitness, intellect, teaching skills, mood and energy. I left with a clear vision for my purpose and next steps in my life, feeling motivated and excited for the future. Retreat owners Ira and Val are deeply knowledgeable and skilled teachers in their respective specialties, with enough patience and compassion to effectively accommodate anyone from complete beginners on the spiritual path to advanced practitioners. Their retreats or yoga teacher trainings are experiences I’d recommend to anyone looking to go deeper with their training in the school of life. Try it out - you won’t regret it.Blessings! Xx Atara ?‍♀️??
• May 2023 by Patrick M.
  Val and Ira are truly changing the world one person at a time. Their magical oasis will feel like home to all, and the only thing better is the individual touches and personalized care they provide to each and every guest. You connect on a spiritual level with the host, their team and their friends; it's truly a one-of-a-kind life experience. The exceptional level of hospitality they provide - positive, uplifting, and liberating atmosphere they created - is one matched by no other. I feel fortunate to have stumbled upon this sanctuary or perhaps it was just meant to be at the time I most needed in life. The Zen Den is a true hidden gem in South Florida that magnetizes the highest quality group of strangers from all walks of life to bond together in a deep manner that one cannot describe without experiencing. It's a bond I've only made with friends from overseas. I have never done yoga before, nor had ever been on a retreat. I had no idea what to expect nor what experience I was about to embark on. I went in with an open mind, my heart full of love and soul ready to transition to the next phase of my life. One week later; and words cannot fully explain how transformative and impactful this retreat was for me. After living my entire life in Miami, I returned home; and the next day bought a one way ticket to San Francisco. Mentally clear and focus on embracing the new and wonders of change that life can bring in. Zen Den is what you put into it and can be even more than you imagined taking out of it. Again, big props to Val and Ira for creating such a sacred place in the most unexpected of places. The air is cleaner, and water better - you really learn to appreciate the basics and simplicity of life, while learning to be grateful and more caring for the outside life you live once returning home. It's truly a magical place and I cannot wait for my next calling to go back. Even now, I still don't know what to expect next time - all I know is it will be positively transformative - and that's what I love about the Zen Den. Thank you Val, Ira, Austin, Dr Yaron and Elizabeth!
• April 2023 by Lynda Russell
  I attended the Zen Den Yoga Retreat - Disconnect to Reconnect in February 2023. I wanted to be close to the beach and practice yoga from experienced teachers. I hadn't taken vacation in 6 years and was a little nervous so I called and talked to Valerie...I had many questions and Valerie was very patient in answering.The grounds are three homes with connected backyards. The yoga practice is outstanding and as a teacher, I learned a number of techniques to bring back to my students. Both Ira and Valerie are gifted instructors. The yoga room is beautiful, smells lovely, and has all of the equipment you might need. I enjoyed the pools and hot tubs; there are also many areas for quiet contemplation or conversation. My favorite area is the palapa. We practiced yoga outside and could have in the rain, too. There are swinging chairs and hammocks, where I spent reading and nap time.Their FaceBook Page has much better photo's of the grounds than does the website so I would suggest looking at both. Finally, I originally signed up for the 4 day experience and had some plans fall through so I stayed for 8 days. I am so glad I did! We had an additional meditation at the beach and different practices than in the first 4 days.Overall, this was a sensational experience.
• April 2023 by Adriana R.
  I was in need of disconnect myself and take away the stress and anxiety of my life and I made the best decision when I booked at Zen Den Yoga School. Since I arrived I feel a total zen environment and the best vibes to relax and recharge. I loved the yoga and meditation, the massage with Austin, the balancing acupuncture with Dr. Dave and the detoxing smoothies that I'm continuing preparing every morning to feel amazing through the day. I highly recommend this amazing retreat. Is definitely a gift you deserve for yourself!
• March 2023 by Mary Dunbar
  Accommodations were wonderful.Yoga and meditation classes were wonderful.Massages by Austin were world class.Val and Ira were such gracious and accommodating hosts.I spent a week there hoping to “find” my happy yogi self again and did just that.Thank you Val and Ira. Namaste. ❤️
• March 2023 by s sharpe
  This review is long overdue! I spent 2 weeks here in January, my goal was to find some holistic methods of dealing with my everyday stress. Ira and Val are amazing people!! I spoke to Ira on the phone prior to my visit and explained my goals, he was very frank and asked intelligent probing questions about my issues, his thoughts were that their retreat would be helpful, I made the jump and when I arrived was greeted like family by Claire, a wonderful young lady. To put things in perspective I spent time being introduced to a number of Yoga disciplines, meditation and nutritional options all of which have been life altering for me. I would encourage anyone who is trying to deal with internal conflict to reach out and see if this might be a way to move through that strugglemuch love to Ira, Valerie, Adrian and Claireyou are all special !!( Ira lighting plan to follow, been swamped and still researching local options for you)
• March 2023 by Ron Wallis
  Zen Den Yoga is an excellent destination for individuals seeking weight loss, enhanced physical and mental well-being, and a transformative experience. Their detox program is designed to integrate exercise, yoga, meditation, and juice, resulting in a holistic approach that caters to all facets of an individual's health and wellness.During my stay at the retreat, I was able to shed 27 pounds within a mere three weeks, which included a pre-fast week prior to my arrival. Although this weight loss achievement is remarkable and testifies to the effectiveness of the program, it does not adequately convey how the retreat allowed me to achieve beyond what I thought possible. The empowering and uplifting environment of the retreat provided me with the impetus to surpass my own expectations, both physically and mentally.The program at Zen Den Yoga was challenging, yet rewarding. It stimulated me to push my limits and achieve results that exceeded my expectations. My experience at the retreat was transformative and far more impactful than just the weight loss achievement.
• March 2023 by Arwa Alkathiry
  I have always wanted to try something new that will add to my spiritual journey, universe guided me to Zen Den Yoga school and was there for the seven nights disconnect to reconnect retreat. I can’t give it a justice but honestly, I am very grateful for this experience which I learned a lot about yoga and meditation which enlightened me and help me to want to do it more, I was going through down time and the place and people there helped have some rest and clarity. The whole energy is different in the space, and I really enjoyed being there between the swimming pool, hot tub and the other services I received.I was a little bit worried about sleeping arrangements since I was in a shared room, but I could say that I slept like a baby, and everyone there was mindful and respectful the whole energy is different.I had a massage and acupuncture they were both outstanding , there was a little bit noise on my acupuncture time they made sure to offer me another service of my choice , to be fair with me, I thought that was generous gesture, thank you!I had the chance to spend one to one conversation with both Ira and Valerie, amazing human beings, I was able to open my heart with them , connect and they were very welcoming to hold my hand and walk me through some situations. I would love to bring some of my loved ones again here to have the same experience I had!!If you are reading this don’t hesitate to give yourself this beautiful experience.
• March 2023 by Daria Ovinova
  I recently attended this retreat and was deeply disappointed with the experience. The owner, Ira, was incredibly unprofessional and rude. At some point he decided he could teach me how to live my life (without me asking for that, I was just sitting outside and working on my laptop), so he decided to give me a lecture, told me that my problem is that I don’t trust him, that I have “low vibrations” and humiliated me by telling me that he was "just way beyond my level of growth." I was shocked and embarrassed, and it completely ruined the experience for me.Furthermore, the facilities were subpar. The accommodations were substandard. I saw a rat in the pool. The yoga classes were nothing special, the flow they are teaching is the same every class and quite boring.Overall, I would not recommend this yoga retreat to anyone. The owner's lack of professionalism and poor facilities made for a terrible experience. Ira's attitude was unacceptable, and it showed a complete disregard for the well-being of his guests. I would never attend this retreat again and would advise others to stay away from it.