Yalorde Yoga retreats 

Ludisis’ 5 day retreat was not at all what I expected. From the moment we met, she was an incredibly kind, warm and spiritual and positive presence. It felt like a friend showing you around Cuba, and I felt very absorbed into the Cuban culture in a very authentic way. The experience of Afro-Cuban religion was unforgettable, from our pilgrimages to the various Churches to learning about the Saints and a very special session with a Priestess and Ceremony. We experienced even more over our 5 days, from our Horse rides in Vinales to doing yoga in nature. She was very caring and reassuring and her skills in Yoga and spiritual mentoring were wonderful. Unforgettable experience, thank you, Siobhan

She was wonderful. I'm saving to bring my grandchildren the next time

This was one of the best trips I’ve experienced and was perfect for a single female traveler. I was nervous to visit Cuba alone so it was extremely reassuring to have a local guide show me around. Ludi was beyond flexible and the itinerary was customized to my interests. I couldn’t make the exact dates for the retreat but Ludi was more than accommodating and went out of her way to pick me up 2 days before the actual trip was scheduled to start. Because of that, I had 2 days of private guide with Ludi. I got to experience the authentic Cuban culture while enjoying all the touristy delights Cuba had to offer. I was initially hesitant as I had very little yoga experience but it wasn’t a problem at all! This was a great introduction to the practice for me. So If yoga isn’t your thing, dont fear! The accommodations were better than expectated, clean, safe and most of all locally owned. I would recommended arriving a day or two earlier if you’d like to spend more time in old Havana. I can happily say that I’ve made a fabulous new Cuban friend and cannot wait to return and spend more time in Havana. Thanks Ludi for the experience of a lifetime that I’ll forever cherish!

My experience in Cuba was amazing! I felt renewed mentally, physically, and spiritually. As a yoga instructor, I was inspired by Ludisis knowledge and expertise. I learned a lot about the history of Cuba and the Cuban people made me feel welcomed. Ludisis and her family made my New Year's Eve and New Year's day the most memorable I've ever had. They also made my 40th birthday special by celebrating me at breakfast and live music in the evening. I've never been to a retreat that allowed me to customize my entire experience. I will return to Cuba or any other retreat ran by Ludisis!

tried to tailor the Cuba visit to our individual needs. Went with my 16 year old son. I’m a very experienced retreatant, having attended more than a dozen yoga retreats. The people she used for transportation were nice and professional.
Cons
1. Immediately after a very looong flight, Loudisis took us to go straight to a bric a brac tourist shop where we were pressured to buy; no doubt she expected and received a percentage of our purchases, as everything in Cuba works that way. This was a very very bad sign to me immediately. One point of a guide is protection to feel safe. I did not not. 2. She charged us $200 for a hike that she took us on herself. At first Loudisis said the money was for a guide and lunch. There was no guide and no lunch and she simply pocketed the money herself under false pretenses. 3. The casas particulare in trinidad was mosquito infested, loud and obnoxious; the hosts would be loud, with noises at all hours, sleep was impossible. People would knock loudly at the front door well after midnite. My poor son and I were both horribly bitten. Was very disappointing that for the money she charged, $3300, the places she sought out for the 6 days were well under 25 a night. There were far better alternatives. This disparity is shocking and I’ve never experienced anything close to her high profits per peson. There are far many many far better casas at reasonable prices. 4. All meals were paid, she did not assume any responsibility for any except weak breakfasts; we left 3 days early because of the poor casas we were forced to stay at. And worst of all, Loudisis our host, did not stay with us at the casas, she obviously preferred to stay away from us, and sleep elsewhere. Overall, Cuba is a hard country, and Loudisis was looking for money any way she could find it, fair or not. She is young yet, maybe she will learn one day.
Ratings
Overall impression
Okay
Accommodation & facilities
Bad
Food
Okay
Location
Okay
Value for money
Okay
Quality of activity
Okay

I went to Cuba the end of June with a great of women to attend Yalorde Retreat. Our Host, Ludisis, was the best! We had the most amazing experience. Each day we woke up to a wonderful breakfast to start the day and then set out for a new adventure. I saw Cuba through the eyes of a native and this would have been impossible on my own. I highly recommend Yarlorde Yoga Retreat for a once in a lifetime experience!