Serenity Retreats

"This was my second time attending a Serenity retreat. It was the perfect way to spend a day devoted to myself. There were lots of opportunities to challenge one's mind and body. There was no pressure to "perform." The setting was lovely and the space felt very safe. The meal was incredible and delicious. Melissa guides you well into serenity!"

Barbara Cahill
(The Yin & The Yang Retreat)

"This was my third time attending a retreat with Melissa and I continue to be happy with my experience!"

Kelly Enston
(The Yin & The Yang Retreat)

"I enjoyed this retreat very much. This was the first time I ever attended a retreat and the first time I took one of Melissa's classes. I felt very welcomed from the moment I walked into the studio. Everyone was accepted and felt very comfortable. I felt amazing with the fact that Melissa helped me modify some of the moves as I have an injured knee, but with her positive attitude, I felt like I could accomplish everything. Thank you Melissa!"

Chrystianna Tsilas
(Power Up Retreat)

"This was my third retreat with Melissa. I thoroughly enjoyed the Power Up Retreat experience. It was extremely challenging yet great fun due to Melissa's infectious humour and positive energy. It's a powerful day to relax and be good to your body, mind and spirit. Another great day, Melissa! Thank you!!"

Karina Hyder
(Power Up Retreat)

"After a full day and no expectations I am fully satisfied with all aspects of the retreat. Melissa was extremely organized with all segments of the retreat, beautifully transitioned. She gave every moment a special meaning and allowed lots of time for expansion of the body and the mind. Her chosen meal was both very nutritious and delicious. I would definitely attend another retreat and hope to see new options."

Nancie Mleczko
(Mantras, Mudras & Meditation Day Retreat)

"Melissa creates a very relaxed and non-judgmental space with her positive energy and sense of humour as we explored various yoga poses and mudras. I would highly recommend this workshop for anyone who would like to spend a day focused on self-care."

Sandra Mah
(Mantras, Mudras & Meditation Day Retreat)

"A great experience! I really enjoyed my day of meditation and relaxation!"

Malaurie Montpetit
(Complete Relax & Restore Day Retreat)

"Thank you!!! Thank you for giving us some time to be with ourselves. The schedule worked so fantastic for me; singing the Gayatri Mantra was truly an experience that will be with me forever. Thank you again for the food and the smiles through the time that we were there… Namaste. This was my first retreat…but definitely not the last one. Thanks again for making this happen for me."

Yael Garciaalonso
(Complete Relax & Restore Day Retreat)

"This was my second Serenity Yoga & Meditation Retreat. It was perfect from start to finish. Melissa makes it fun and inspirational. I am beginning to see the benefits of meditation as I learn more about it especially with the busy lives we all lead. The food was fantastic and the Indian Head massage is a lovely end to our practice."

Karina Hyder
(The Yin & The Yang Day Retreat)

"I loved the om chanting and recitation meditation. The yoga asanas were great as was the intention setting. Melissa explained everything throughly and is very knowledgeable, she was such a perfect and warm, welcoming and kind retreat leader. She led a wonderful retreat and her heart was there in all the components. She really made yoga (and all the 8 limbs of it) accessible to all!"

Jordann Zaza
(Yoga & Meditation Day Retreat)

"The chance to focus on myself and give me a chance to build energy was so valuable. The setting and the organization of the retreat was amazing, as was the lunch!! I really enjoyed the recitation meditation and the mandalas."

Dea Shahinas
(Yoga & Meditation Day Retreat)

"It was evident how much care went into the planning of this retreat and I’m thankful that I got to be a part of it. I found the meditation the most valuable as that is something quite unique that I’ve never tried before. I also really enjoyed the flow yoga – it was challenging but in a good way! Lunch was delicious and so well-prepared. The head massage was a good way to end the day and the whole day left me feeling so calm."

Brianne Pickrell
(Yoga & Meditation Day Retreat)

This was amazing!! Such a gift!! Melissa is a generous and kind yoga instructor! She created an inclusive space to learn, reflect, grow, honour, and stretch ourselves. Melissa was able to adapt the practice to meet the diverse experiences and needs of the group. I really appreciated how the activities and meditations reached different learning styles, through art, music, silence, reflection, body, writing, etc. Thank you so much for encouraging and challenging us to explore, practice, and honour our own process. I felt very relaxed after the full day retreat, and ready to bring the strategies I learned into my everyday life. It was so lovely to be transported to a warm, beautiful place in the middle of a busy, rainy Saturday. I feel blissed out and so grateful. THANK YOU!

Velvet Lacasse
(Yoga & Meditation Day Retreat)

"This was my second Serenity Retreatl and again it did not disappoint. It challenged me mentally, physically and emotionally. I left feeling relaxed and stimulated. Thank you again, Melissa! I definitely suggest this to anyone looking fora break from a hectic life!"

Stef D'Alessandro
(The Yin & The Yang Retreat)

"This yoga and meditation retreat was fun, energizing, relaxing and peaceful. It has something for everyone to enjoy and I think that's what makes it so great!"

Kristen Hyder
(The Yin & The Yang Retreat)

"The retreat was a very nice experience. It was challenging but flexible for all. The yoga space was nice and bright and welcoming. I left feeling relaxed, centred and energetic. Thank you!!"

Angie Ceci
(Power Up Retreat)

"This retreat was intense and challenging, but fun and enjoyable. I could feel every muscle in my body working hard."

Malaena Lynch
(Power Up Retreat)

"Melissa's energy was phenomenal. I was slightly intimidated coming into the retreat, but was so grateful for the positive and welcoming energy. Thank you! I will be back!"

Emily Coleman
(Power Up Retreat)

"A wonderful day filled with lots of activities. My first retreat, so I learned a lot. Melissa was fun and knowledgeable. I would do another retreat and recommend it."

Gina Raymond
(Mantras, Mudras & Meditation Day Retreat)

"Melissa is a fantastic instructor and leader. The flow of the retreat day is very well organized and logical without feeling rushed through anything, through the day goes by amazingly quickly. I especially liked the emphasis on meditation and felt that the environment allowed us the comfort and solitude to be able to really focus inward. Melissa also has a nice selection of readings and posted phrases which are relevant and meaningful."

Genevieve Kutterer
(Mantras, Mudras & Meditation Day Retreat)

"Wonderful, restorative and nourishing. Well worth giving yourself a treat!"

Claudine Burke
(Complete Relax & Restore Day Retreat)

"This retreat was exactly what I needed. Melissa was great. Very friendly & welcoming as well as very knowledgeable and organized in her practice. The atmosphere created was beautiful and the food provided for lunch was delicious. I would definitely recommend future retreats to my friends, family and clients. I will be attending more of these for sure! Thank you for a wonderful day Melissa!"

Kelly Enston
(Complete Relax & Restore Day Retreat)

"Melissa provided a relaxing, self-reflective retreat without having to get away and leave the city. I highly suggest this retreat for anyone looking to power down! This was my first, but most certainly won’t be my last!!"

Stef D'Alessandro
(Complete Relax & Restore Day Retreat)

"This retreat was an amazing day- from the various meditation techniques to the yoga. Melissa created a wonderful day, the atmosphere was glowing. The food was amazing. I have a wonderful flow and feel so grateful for attending. Thank you Melissa."

Sarah Kenney
(The Yin & The Yang Day Retreat)

"The self care of mind body and spirit was so valuable. As someone new to the practice, I found many things difficult, but I didn’t feel ANY judgement. I felt calm and relaxed and was reminded that with time I may be able to do more things. I loved the location and space. Thank you for having a silent space. Please continue to offer these retreats. THANK YOU!"

Alexandra Waithe
(Yoga & Meditation Day Retreat)

"The atmosphere at the retreat was full of acceptance and lightness of spirit, yet maintained a respect for the yoga traditions and techniques. Every participant was able to enjoy it in their own beautiful way."

Laura Burns
(Yoga & Meditation Day Retreat)

"Coming to this retreat reminded me that often simple simple techniques can be very effective at helping me focus. Breath work in particular. The goal setting and following up on self care was so encouraging, it makes going forward to create a better practice feel more possible. The restorative yoga was amazing!!"

Kelly Ricard
(Yoga & Meditation Day Retreat)

"The retreat was a beautiful, peaceful experience and every moment was valuable for me. Melissa is exceptional at what she does. I give thanks for being a part of it, it was a perfect day for me. THANK YOU!"

Luana Waithe
(Yoga & Meditation Day Retreat)

"This was my fourth retreat with Melissa and every time I attend I learn something new about the practice and meditation. Meditation is still very much a work in progress for me. I am learning to slow my mind down and enjoy the moment through the use of meditation and breathing. Melissa, it was another great retreat. I am already looking forward to the next!"

Karina Hyder
(The Yin & The Yang Retreat)

"Melissa is a very experienced instructor and has created a well-balanced and restorative day full of rich opportunities to reflect on and develop your yoga practice."

Thomas Widstrand
(The Yin & The Yang Retreat)

"The Power Up yoga retreat was challenging in all the right ways and left me feeling centred with a deep sense of relaxation and calm."

Michelle Achinski
(Power Up Retreat)

"Melissa set a positive and inclusive tone right from the beginning and kept it up throughout the day. SO MUCH FUN!"

Dorina Kwan
(Power Up Retreat)

"This was my second retreat and once again I really enjoyed it! Even if I couldn't do everything, it was such a great experience. I also enjoyed being the energy exchange, helping to run the day. I can't wait until next time."

Kelly Enston
(Power Up Retreat)

"I had an amazing day, which was focused on being present and caring for the self. The atmosphere, activities and feeling was so positive and the lunch was positively yummy! Thank you Melissa for a memorable and learning-filled experience! I look forward to the next retreat!"

Lydia Novak
(Mantras, Mudras & Meditation Day Retreat)

"A great day to spend without leaving the heart of the city to relax."

Helen Mach
(Complete Relax & Restore Day Retreat)

"This retreat was thoughtfully constructed to build foundational steps toward deeper stretches and meditation. Melissa was very kind in addressing my allergy and dietary restrictions. I really enjoyed this experience and felt rested and very centred by the end of it. The care and attention to details like motivational quotes, a space for silence and prizes at the end made this a very special day. Thanks so much!"

Rebecca Vettivelu
(Complete Relax & Restore Day Retreat)

"Awesome event! I would really like to keep attending in the future. I felt refreshed and my mind feels so regenerated. Lovely lunch meal."

Arlene San Augustin
(Complete Relax & Restore Day Retreat)

"I deeply enjoyed the yoga and meditation retreat even though I'm still new to yoga. It really opened up my heart and mind to the practice. Above all, it was a relaxing day full of soothing self-awareness that I won't soon forget."

Kayla Rubino
(The Yin & The Yang Day Retreat)

"I enjoyed being unplugged and being challenged in the flow practice. The meditations and repetitions of AUM and all it’s parts we did were so healing. I LOVED the lunch. The retreat was very well organized, thought through and the day flowed so well."

Stephanie Hickey
(Yoga & Meditation Day Retreat)

"I loved this introduction to many types of meditation and the thoughtful way we were lead through traditional practices and chanting. Melissa created a very caring and growth-inspiring space. The whole retreat was clearly very considered and done with love. Lunch was AMAZING! I really loved the flow and relaxation asanas. Melissa is super gifted at leading retreats. This was an incredible day with so many special little touches."

Melissa Benner
(Yoga & Meditation Day Retreat)

"I enjoyed the thoughtful structure- moving between asana practice, breath work and various types of meditation kept my mind and body engaged. I liked the option of being silent. The food was delicious, nourishing and I appreciated the care that went into the preparation of it and the attention to reducing waste. The space worked really well; being able to move from quiet space on our mats to a more social space to chat, drink tea, etc. throughout the day contributed to a welcoming atmosphere."

Sarah Bradley
(Yoga & Meditation Day Retreat)

"The day was so relaxing, which was one of the reasons I registered. I really enjoyed my first full exposure to meditation, it was very different for me, but quite relaxing. I loved the flow practice as well and felt so encouraged to continue striving toward bettering myself."

Karina Hyder
(Yoga & Meditation Day Retreat)