Testimonial by Yosmary Pestana

by | Feb 6, 2024 | Reviews retreats, Small group dance movement creativity retreats

A Transformative Retreat: Nurturing Mind, Body, and Connection with Nature

My 6-Day Pause Listen & Reconnect With Yourself Dance Retreat, accompanied by Pingel and Peter, has proven to be one of the most enriching experiences I’ve ever had. The NIA practice focused on understanding sensations and emotions and served as an excellent foundation for the somatic therapy led by Pingel—a truly helpful and powerful combination. 

Beyond the formal aspects of the retreat, the atmosphere fostered a comfortable environment for sharing experiences, establishing meaningful connections, and gaining insights into Pingel and Peter’s lives. This not only provided a great source of inspiration but also revealed alternative lifestyles and mindsets centered around living in harmony with nature.

Credit is also due to Peter for his excellent culinary skills. He did a fantastic job cooking delicious vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients and generously shared tips for some of his recipes. Cooking together and introducing a dish from my home country was a great experience. I hope the addition of arepas to the menu is well-received by future visitors to the retreat. 🙂

Adding to the charm of the retreat were its lovely hosts—Noah, the dog, and the cats. Noah, in particular, is the most lovable canine soul, and I cherished spending breaks with these furry companions.

Accommodations at the guest house, situated adjacent to Pingel and Peter’s house, were both comfortable and cozy. The open-plan kitchen, complete with a lovely fireplace, became my favorite spot for reading during breaks. Clean and comfortable bedrooms and bathrooms, along with the option of a winter fireplace or a summer swim in the available pool, made the stay versatile and enjoyable.

The Finca also offers really nice walks, allowing you to literally pluck fruits from trees during your stroll, enhancing the overall experience. If you seek a deeper connection with nature and a more profound understanding of your mind and body, I totally recommend this retreat.

Yosmary Pestana

United Kingdom

Testimonial by Natalie Rose Roberts

by | Feb 6, 2024 | Reviews retreats, solo somatic dance movement creativity retreats

An amazing transformative retreat!

I felt really stressed, over-whelmed and disconnected to myself and my loved ones. 

I wanted to specifically do a somatic retreat using dance and movement to reconnect with myself. When I saw that this was a Personal 1:1 retreat; diving into a deep transformational journey inwards, I knew I wanted to go.

Pingel’s detailed description of what the retreat would entail was really thorough which enticed me to go ahead and book this retreat.

I wanted to be in the mountains so this retreat in Andalucia was perfect, the location is stunning.

It is so peaceful and quiet, surrounded by the mountains, beautiful nature, orange trees, olive trees, almond trees and many more things that Pingel & Peter grow on their land.

Pingel is an incredible person with so much knowledge that I am very grateful for. She helped to calm my nervous system and feel a connection with my body, it was incredibly profound to feel this after so many years.

Pingel’s healing retreat is structured in a way that is relaxing, fun, and intense at times; every day being self-discovery. All of her sessions flow with ease and as time goes on a greater understanding of yourself happens. The varied sessions Pingel does work deep within and are transformative.

The NIA sessions were so much fun and emotional at times. I still dance every day, sometimes a few times a day!
There isn’t a day that has passed since the retreat that I don’t think about it, it is nice to look back at my journal of all the things I have learned from Pingel and what I did that week.

I learned that you carry so much ‘stuff’ in your body and by reconnecting and getting to know your body and sensations then past traumas/issues can be healed and released. I feel a sense of freedom now and an inner strength and love for myself.

The food cooked by Peter was outstanding, it was so delicious. He uses as much as he can from their land and creates healthy lunches and dinners.

His guacamole was the best I have tasted using the fresh avocados they grow. It was not a problem at all for Peter to provide me with vegan dishes, I have written down some of his recipes to cook at home as they were that tasty!

I really enjoyed sitting with Pingel and Peter at lunch and dinner times, it was always relaxing, fun, and great conversations were had between us.

They are a special couple with an adorable dog they rescued called Noah and many beautiful cats.

The accommodation was cozy and comfortable and I really enjoyed sitting outside the front in the shade and round the back in the sun with a springtime/summer pool and lovely views. I went in January and still a great place to sit outside to relax and enjoy the sunshine.

The retreat was an experience I will hold in my heart forever and I hope to return there one day.

Thank you, Peter, for everything, and Pingel for being authentically you and for being a great guide, coach, and teacher.

Natalie Rose Roberts

United Kingdom