I just attended the Live Your Bliss retreat at Haramara Retreat Center in Sayulita, Mexico. I've been a lot of places and participated in many different trip styles, and this has been one of my favorites by far. The location was serene, magical, and beautiful. The food that was included in the trip price (!) was delicious, healthful, and satisfying. Every activity during the week was carefully planned and extremely purposeful, however, there was no feeling of pressure to do things that were not of interest to you. The yoga was great. As beginner yogi I felt welcomed and confident even though advanced yogis seemed to be enjoying the classes and flows as much as I did. The yoga also varied daily. It was always interesting and I was consistently benefiting in various ways from the classes. Best of all, Silvia and Malia assisted in so much besides just yoga. There were chakra talks, happiness coachings, astrology readings, dancing, meditating, photo shoots, game playing and scavenger hunts. The days I spent in Mexico flew by faster and more enjoyably than I could have ever anticipated. Whether you are a hard-core yogi and spiritualist, or someone just looking to get away from the stresses of life I would recommend you to Alchemy Tours. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. I will definitely be booking with them again!! read more

Last month I attended Alchemy Tours' yoga retreat in Bali, and I can honestly say it was the most fulfilling travel experience I've ever had. It was hard to come back to reality, and not just in the typical "I've taken much needed time off to relax and it's hard to get back in my routine" sort of way... But more, going on this trip made me understand that there was a much greater disparity between the potential for happiness in my life and what I considered to be my "normal" state than I had realized - and that they were further apart than they ever should be. To me, the experience with Alchemy Tours can be divided into two categories: vacation and personal reflection. As a vacation, it was amazing. White water rafting through a jungle ravine, a relaxing bike tour through Balinese rice patties, beaches, exposure to local culture, great restaurants and a gorgeous place to stay that our group had all to ourselves. It was just organized enough to feel active without feeling too busy. Previously, I wouldn't have asked for more than that in a trip, and it was awesome in that way. But the part that really surprised me was the way Silvia's constant positivity, enthusiasm and no-pressure encouragement would really make me reflect on the person I am, and I began to conceptualize the things I could change to improve my life as a whole. To put this in perspective, I should say that prior to this trip I had not only never participated in a yoga class, but also had absolutely no idea what to expect in terms of the ideologies involved, and may even have dismissed any discussion centering around the word "energy." It's been over a month since the trip, and a day has yet to go by in which I haven't thought about my personal learnings from this experience, and I can't say enough to recommend a trip with Jake and Sylvia of Alchemy Tours. read more

I had the best vacation ever with Alchemy Tours this Spring. I wanted to do a yoga retreat with equal parts relaxing, yoga and exploring and it was just that. The resort was gorgeous, not your typical overrun Mexico tourist spot but a beautiful, simple, chic bungalow style resort in the jungle and with its own beach. I was skeptical going on vacation with a bunch of strangers but everyone was lovely and I came back refreshed and happy, as evidenced by my yelp profile pic nuzzling a Mexican beach puppy. Sylvia and Casey are inspiring teachers and really helped me to look at what I wanted out of the trip and myself when it ended. Normally my yoga classes are short and intense but this was a wonderful change of pace. I approach most things cynically including yoga talks and journaling but they yoga'd the cynic out of me and I couldn't have been happier with the experience. Oh and it was an amazing price. And I'm going again next year, the ultimate vote of confidence. read more

My husband and I went on a yoga retreat to Xinalani with Alchemy Tours. This was our first Yoga retreat so we weren't sure what to expect. Vacation for us means getting outside, being active, eating delicious food and perhaps a few cocktails. This trip provided all of the above and more. Jacob provided us with a ton of information and helped us set up a scuba diving and surfing excursion. He also arranged for the group to give back to the community we were staying in, which was very inspiring. There was a planned group activity every day which was included and optional. Everything was optional without judgement, even the yoga classes. Classes were taught every morning and evening, with a few workshop options throughout the week. Yoga classes were taught by Casey and Silvia and were some of the best we have ever taken. There was a great variety that incorporated fun, music and mindfulness in a way that is rare to find. Every meal was fantastic, fresh and delicious! Every morning I woke up looking forward to that days fresh squeezed juice (and of course coffee). We do not have any dietary restrictions, but many on the trip did, the chef was masterful in handling all of the gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, pescetarian, and vegan request. We will absolutely travel with Alchemy tours again and recommend them to everyone we know. read more

The most poorly organized, over-promised travel I could imagine. Without getting too detailed at not only the complete lack of communication, organization and follow-thru, this barely-any-yoga supposed twice-daily-yoga-and-life-coaching retreat to Bali was not only completely NOT relaxing because of the serious transportation issues - as well as, the continual changing of the schedule at the last minute including random emails sent at 1am which were already completely changed by sun-up - but the odd attitude of the retreat's leader, Silvia, made it all the more frustrating. We were encouraged to have a 'massage a day', which became near impossible, as we were not given the time to do so without sacrificing a meal (which was always rushed and random) or an activity (which would probably be canceled anyway). Many of the group had similar sentiments (including those who had been on Silvia's retreats in the past) and several others including myself, chose to leave the drama and waste of our time and money early to at least try to get some sort of relaxing holiday. I discussed my concerns early on and was asked to trust and yet nothing changed (in fact, it seemed to get worse), so I addressed the issue again and I was promised a financial credit (as I paid in full) for the continual mayhem, which was sealed with a down-on-her-hands-and-knees bow in the middle of the street to ensure her word - I have yet to receive a reply to my inquiries on this refund. Interesting how I am being held to full-charge and my travel friend only ever paid a $500 deposit. The "life-coaching"part of the retreat was a joke especially considering the extremely odd behavior and passive aggressiveness of it's 'coach'. A musical accompaniment guy was supposedly included in the plans, but he did not always show because of the all-nighters he apparently pulled with women he would meet out the night prior I was told - which was fine because he himself was odd. Plus, he and Silvia argued in front of the group over plans many times and caused serious delays, among other things, because of their lack of communication. The retreat was unsafe at times (the rice field excursion could have been a much more serious disaster) and a 100% complete and utter disappointment. I am shocked these 'guru's' choose to waste other's money and time to capitalize on the spiritual and physical goals of those who they mislead. The business of yoga can be pathetic and superficial if you are not careful - and I thought I did my research and was in good hands. Shame shame shame, Alchemy Tours. read more

I don't even know where to begin. This trip to Tuscany was so much more than a vacation. It was an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life. I have NEVER felt so loved, cared for, and pampered. I was hesitant to give a retreat with people I didn't know a try, but in no time at all the group was bonded and thoroughly enjoying one another's company. Sylvia is so genuine in her desire to make the experience one you will love. She checks in with each individual on a regular basis to be sure things are going well. She has this hostess thing down to a fine art. She does it so flawlessly it seems effortless, but it is clear a trip this grand takes a lot of planning and attention to detail. I can't think of a single negative to add - other than I didn't want it to end. Tuscany is gorgeous with so much to see and do yet somehow Sylvia fit it all in to seven days without making me feel rushed or pressured. If you are considering a trip with Alchemy I assure you your only regret will be not booking it right now! read more

Alchemy Tours - Tours Near Me

I embarked on the trip of a lifetime with Alchemy Tours to Costa Rica in January 2013. They have the BEST taste in accommodations and always visit the properties prior to bringing guests to make sure everything is in tip-top shape. They put extra focus on fine (healthy) dining and offer a multitude of activities to match anyone's needs/desires. Oh and I shouldn't fail to mention that Silvia is likely the BEST yoga instructor you will ever have the opportunity to practice with so that in and of itself is enough reason to make the trek wherever she's headed. Just expect fun, new friends, beautiful surroundings, and a blissful exploration of self and the world that FAR exceeds whatever you expected! read more

I just recently returned from the Happiness Adventure Retreat in Tuscany with Jake and Silvia. The experience was absolutely amazing because of their attention to detail on every front. Both Silvia and Jake cared for the group like we were all family and their love for the culture, adventure, yoga, cycling, hiking, and hosting was very evident. It is the perfect combination of purpose and passion and was life-changing! I would highly recommend adventuring with Silvia and Jake and cannot wait to do it again myself. All LOVE! read more

I took a trip with Silvia and Jacob of Alchemy tours in 2012, it was absolutely life changing, beautiful, easy and fun. They are friendly, fun positive energy, and have thought of all the details to create a trip that is both easy, enjoyable and potent. Each person on the trip was amazing, and the activities and nurturing environment of the resort they chose worked beautifully to create new friendships and a great group dynamic. Expect a great time, great insights and to return home refreshed and with a happier outlook on life with wider possibilities! I really can see the whole course of my life shifted with this trip, and it is completely wonderful. I would not hesitate to recommend a trip with Alchemy Tours! read more

after paying my full $2400 and some change for a trip to italy, my father became sick at the last minute and I had to cancel my trip. They told me I would be refunded only $100 (which I have yet to see) out of the $2400 I paid. I am terribly unhappy with their lack of compassion. read more

I would definitely recommend Alchemy Tours (Jake and Silvia). A friend and I were researching yoga and surfing retreats and were lucky to find Alchemy Tours. We just attended the Gratitude and Manifestation yoga and surfing retreat in Los Cabos, Mexico at Prana del Mar (December 2013). The retreat was very organized and fun. Every detail was handled so that you could all relax and enjoy yourself. The yoga and meditations were challenging, inspirational, and life changing. All of the adventures (surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, horseback riding, cooking, saving the baby sea turtles, dharma talks, etc.) were all well thought out and organized. Silvia and Jake are extremely friendly, passionate, and a joy to be around. I highly recommend Alchemy Tours. read more

Silvia and Jake, the heart and soul of Alchemy Tours, infuse their trips with tremendous depth and lighthearted joy. I had so much fun exploring a part of Mexico with them. Their shared love of travel combined with their warmth, humor and creative spirits make Alchemy Tours an amazing group to travel with! I will take many more trips with Silvia and Jake! They absolutely rock! read more

Wow! I booked this Bali yoga retreat & cultural tour as a last minute escape with hardly ANY planning of my own. I never expected to have such an amazing, amazing time! Jake & Silvia were the BEST hosts. They really planned an incredible trip. I really lucked out as they not only supplied me with a wonderful yoga group and practice for the week but each day was chock full of things to participate in if I so wished. They gave us access to the REAL DEAL Bali by incorporating biking, tours, decadent meals, transport, so many activities, beach time, talks, etc....They have great taste and are very down to earth. They think of everything and are really there to answer questions and provide great resource to things you want to explore. Silvia is such a loving and inspiring yoga instructor. These guys are DEFINITELY doing what they were meant to do in life. Great people, great trip. I look forward to doing another trip with them soon!! read more