I was so nervous coming into the retreat, after having booked it so long ago, and not knowing many people who would be joining, and falling out of a more regular yoga practice over the last few weeks leading up to the trip. Not to mention, I hadn’t traveled outside of the country since before covid. The impact of this retreat on me is honestly hard to describe. The Annapolis Yoga Factory and its community has become foundational for me. I began leaning back into AYF in the spring of 2023, and I think I knew then that I needed yoga to help me process some personal issues. I had been part of the AYF studio back in 2015-2016 and was happy to be able to rejoin the community again many years later. I intermittently practiced at other studios, but nothing has compared to my experience at AYF. The classes and instructors have exceeded my expectations from my previous experience practicing there. Heather is truly one of the most influential yoga instructors I’ve ever had. I knew a week of classes with her would be challenging but also healing on multiple levels. She led a mix of vinyasa, bikram 26/2, restorative, and workshops... with her husband playing live music or with calming playlists. Heather's spirit and the wisdom she scattered throughout the sequences is beyond beautiful. She has helped me grow tremendously in my physical yoga practice, but also in my mind and spirit. A yoga retreat has been a bucket list item, and I was so excited when I learned that Heather was hosting one. The Bodhi Tree Resort itself is phenomenal… the food, location and its proximity to the beach and town, the customer service. I have nothing but positive feedback.