Testimonials

“Breathe Colombia was nothing short of amazing. The retreat was curated with such care and intention. I needed this more than I realized. The villa was breathtaking, an oasis of serenity, and the food—simply extraordinary. Every moment was filled with exactly what I needed, effortlessly. The cultural experience was beyond anything I could have imagined, and the people I met felt like family. I left Colombia not just restored but truly at peace, with a renewed understanding of how to nurture my well-being. This experience, crafted by Leisan, was a sacred pause—a time to breathe, restore, and focus inward without guilt. Colombia, I will return. A Leisano Living retreat is an essential escape from the relentless pace of life. Earth, wind, and fire - figuratively and literally. I highly recommend!”

“Embarking on the LEISANO Living Awaken Croatia retreat was nothing short of a transformative journey into serenity and self-care. I’m still in awe. Nestled on the picturesque Brac Island, this retreat exceeded all my expectations, crafting an experience that transcends anything I’ve experienced. From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in luxury and tranquility. The retreat house, perched overlooking the azure Adriatic Sea, offered a sanctuary of solitude and beauty. Each day began with breathtaking views that set the tone for mindfulness and introspection. The culinary experience was a highlight beyond compare. With a private chef dedicated to tantalizing our taste buds, every evening unfolded as a culinary adventure. From local delicacies to global inspirations, each dish was a masterpiece, a symphony of flavors that awakened my senses anew each night. The entire team, from the Chef and other staff, was welcoming. The mindfulness chats and guided meditations were invaluable. Led by Leisan herself, these sessions provided a rare opportunity to delve deep into mental well-being, fostering a level of introspection and clarity that everyday life often neglects. It was a space to reconnect with oneself amidst Croatia’s stunning natural beauty. Speaking of which, exploring Brac Island was a revelation. Whether lounging on secluded beaches or discovering ancient villages, every moment was infused with the island’s rich history and natural splendor. LEISANO Living Awaken Croatia retreat is a testament to the art of self-care in its most refined form. It seamlessly weaves luxury, mindfulness, and exploration together, creating an experience that nourishes the mind, body, and soul. This is it for anyone seeking a retreat that transcends the ordinary and embraces the extraordinary! This is where dreams of rejuvenation become a blissful reality.”

“Leisan did it again! This is my second retreat with Leisano Living, and once again, everything went beyond expectations. The mindfulness chats were exactly what I needed to deepen my relationship with meditation and myself. I feel like we were given tools/practices to take outside of this retreat and transform our lives in the ways we want to, targeting specific goals throughout. And the lifestyle this retreat offers is unmatched! A private chef who is better than Michelin level (in my opinion) who creates beautiful, delicious, fresh, and innovative dishes that has me wanting to up-level my own cooking and, more realistically, seeking this level of fine dining outside of Croatia. A waiter who anticipates your needs before you realize you even have any and goes above and beyond just to make you smile. Both of them became family by the end of the trip. Plus the unbelievable villa with comfortable bedrooms, a gym, sauna, pool, and access to the sea down a few steps...I’m telling you. This retreat is not one to sleep on. Thank you for the luxury of my dreams. Anyone who misses out on this is playing themselves.”

“I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Awaken Croatia 2024 retreat. It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It not only included insightful mindfulness chats, but also, the luxuriousness of the whole retreat was on another level! From the start, I was looking for a retreat that would allow me to go deeper into my meditation practice and increase my self-awareness. This Leisano Living retreat provided all that I needed and more with a beautifully calming villa on a picturesque island. Leisan curates an experience so fulfilling that you don’t want to leave such serenity. But if one is serious about their mindfulness practice, she does provide everyone with the tools to return to the real world with greater competency in the meditation process. Leisan also makes sure to hand-select staff who support her vision of wellness. Specifically, we were delighted and blessed to have such an exceptional chef and waiter who were so thoughtful, creative, and attentive. I loved my time on this retreat and cannot recommend it enough.”

“ I am writing this review 6 weeks after attending the AMAZING Selah Saint Lucia Retreat and 1 day after recapping this PHENOMENAL EXPERIENCE with a co-worker (who last saw me before the trip). Their comment to me was: ‘The joy and peace that I am feeling as you describe this trip is making me super excited, and I wasn’t there.’ Have you had the opportunity to participate in a perfectly curated vacation and wellness experience where you had to do nothing but show up, and all your desires were fulfilled? Well, whether you have or haven’t, you are in the right place because Leisano Living gave me exactly that!!! Without writing a 5-page report (cause I want to and I am NOT someone who writes reviews at all) I will summarize some key highlights here. Housing: 5 Star!!!! Lush gardens, comfortable bedding, beautiful spaces, and an absolutely awesome pool in the hills of St Lucia overlooking the seas. Food: Truly an AMAZING culinary experience!!! Chef is one of a kind! All organic, homemade, whole food, with AMAZING flavors. The chef is local, self-trained, and absolutely just special. She cooks with love and brings a passion to the entire experience that is uplifting. Wellness/Mindfulness: Leisan is a whole vibe! Her spirit and (most importantly) her expertise hold the entire experience up in a way that is rare to experience. She curates conversations and holds space like few I have ever been around. Yes, this retreat is built around wellness, but Leisan curates an agenda that is about being well (experiencing the surroundings w/ joy) as much as it is about practicing wellness. The experience was balanced and flexible. I never felt pressure to do something I wasn’t comfortable doing, nor did I feel restricted in enjoying an experience I wanted to enjoy. My recommendation to anyone is JUST BOOK IT! Don’t think about it, JUST BOOK IT! As someone who watched from the sidelines for 2 yrs, JUST BOOK IT! There is no better time than the present, JUST BOOK IT! The experience FAAARRR exceeds the costs, JUST BOOK IT!!!!”

“The week of my dreams! This retreat was absolutely *the best* gift I’ve ever given myself. I came ready for the calm, peace, healthy routines, and reset. All that was mine, plus+plus+plus: My definition of “wellness” is forever expanded, my return-to-self is a new practice, and the people I connected with during the week are now precious friends. If you’re looking for an experience you can truly make your own, taking what you need, finding your people, enjoying an approachable luxury from start to finish, book.this.retreat! Next on my wishlist is to gift this experience to my loved ones so they can feel the absolute joy. I cannot wait to join Leisano Living for the next one!”

“I had always wanted to go on a vacation where I get tools to aid in my wellness journey and this surpassed all of my expectations. The Selah Saint Lucia vacation with Leisano Living was just what I needed in my stress filled life. Our group was met at the airport and driven to the Villa Susanna, what a beautiful property. We were warmly greeted by our host, Leisan and got to meet the other guests. We were shown our rooms and given time to refresh before our evening meal. The meals were healthy and amazing made by Chef Julianna and Chef Troy. Every meal was a true culinary experience. Throughout the week we got to rest, spend time doing Yoga with Dani, have mindfulness chats with Leisan, relax, swim, and learn more about the other guests on the trip. We visited the natural springs and got to exfoliate with the mud from the mountains, then got to enjoy a nearby waterfall. We took a catamaran and saw dolphins, visited several beaches, and got to walk the Tet Paul Nature Trail. I was able to paddle board and later dance at the Friday night street paaatiii!(party)!!! The masseuse was outstanding and the trip to the cacoa chocolate factory where we each made a chocolate bar. I highly recommend attending any of the LEISANO Living vacations but especially this one if you need some new tools for your mindfulness toolbox, want to meet amazing people, and experience a beautiful country in luxury housing. I’m so thankful to get this opportunity and I can’t wait to do it again! Peace & Blessings 🙏🏾❣️”

“I cannot express enough my joy, appreciation, and complete satisfaction with my retreat experience with Leisano Living. I am a week out, back on the grind, and I am still riding on all the positivity and friendship from my trip. I went for a time out from work and came back feeling fulfilled and with true new friends who are now my people. Just go; you won’t regret it!”

“I savored EVERY moment of this experience. Leisano Living is a 5-star luxury combination of good health, wellness, and travel. I did not worry about ANYTHING. The accommodations were beyond expectations. The healthy meals were delicious and jumpstarted my health journey to weight loss. The physical and mental well-being of each retreat goer was at the forefront of the host’s mind. Her attention to detail was so appreciated. I dreamed of something like this, and this week was so much better than my dream!”

“Leisano Living’s “Selah” wellness retreat was the best vacation of my LIFE! I have traveled the globe, but nothing could have prepared me for this experience. Everything was creme de la creme, upper echelon with a touch of authentic Island life. The Yoga guru, Chef, Masseuse, and the amazing staff were 1st class. Normally, I could find some areas that need improvement, but this was as close as it gets to perfect. Our beautiful host, Leisan, spared no expense, and she covered every area with strategic detail. All we wanted to know was when we could sign up for next year’s retreat.”

“Selah Saint Lucia was one of the best experiences I’ve had. This was an opportunity of pressing pause on life and setting time to care for yourself. Waking up every day and not having to worry about what to eat and what we’d do was great. Everything was well planned out, from the food to the activities; I had no complaints. Leisan even made it a point to include St. Lucian culture to get the full experience. Being in the same environment as like-minded people with the same goals made it all a better encounter. Our mindfulness chats allowed us to be vulnerable and take each owns experiences as an opportunity to learn and share helpful tips to navigate through life while preserving ourselves. I’m so grateful to have been a part of this journey!”

“I feel rejuvenated; what an amazing week. Leisano Living is a lifestyle! I am so proud to have joined Leisano Living in St Lucia, as the retreat’s theme, “Selah,” was everything I hoped it would be and more. We began each day with guided yoga, followed by in depth mindfulness discussions that encouraged us to set intentions for our daily routines. The small group size allowed us the ability to get to know each other organically and establish a high level of respect, ultimately fostering a strong sense of family and community. The bonds we established made for even more enjoyment not only at the villa but also on our daily excursions, which included: Sulphur Springs (Mud Bath), Sugar Beach, Tet Paul Nature Trail, Cacao Factory (we made our own chocolate bars), Boat rides with our own private Skipper, Friday Night Street Festival, Soca Dance Lessons, Rum Factory Tour (sampled over 40 rums). The accommodations at the Villa Susanna were amazing. We enjoyed 3 daily meals by a private chef who highlighted local dishes and provided live cooking demonstrations. Lastly, the personal massages and body scrubs by Empress Law were phenomenal. Thank you, Leisano Living, for creating this highly enjoyable experience for all.”

“This retreat was only divine intervention. After meeting Leisan in Senegal, the mere mention of Leisano Living and Breathe Colombia just set everything into motion. I had never been on a wellness retreat, and my time at Breathe Colombia 2023 was exceptional. While my goals were to obtain nutritional tips and figure out ways to maintain good health during my travels, I got so much more. As part of Breathe Colombia, we had the chance to explore the magical landscape of Guatapé and were privileged to experience a special camaraderie with like-minded people. Leisan was extremely thoughtful and attentive to the needs of her guests on so many levels. For example, she made sure that the retreat included nothing but delicious food, and it was all without the temptation of dairy. I felt Breathe Colombia provided me with a reset as I continue on my travels, integrating healthy ways of being into my lifestyle. This was the high-intensity travel experience I didn’t know I needed while also being restorative and luxurious.”

“I’m so excited and so honored to be able to talk about Breathe Colombia! Whew, Chile’....what an amazing experience! First of all, this is the detox, de-stress, and de-activation I didn’t know I needed. The location was perfect, with serene views, close to the water, and an amazing space for us to have togetherness and alone time to reflect. The chef (Kev) made so many delicious and creative dishes that did not have dairy in them (did I say detox?), and you could tell he really wanted to immerse us in Colombian culture. The excursions were all amazing, with a lot of help from local friends who became like family, looking out for us at every turn. Most importantly...Leisano Living curated an amazing group of like-minded individuals who came on their own healing journeys, and when I left, I knew they’d all taught me something. Leisan’s nutrition classes and Dani’s yoga sessions helped keep things in perspective...I am on vacation, but I want to be well, and I want to do better with the foods I eat and my exercise. The weather was perfect, as it is in Colombia. If you are craving a getaway, a little adventure, and a community that is leaning into a reset just like you, I highly recommend Leisano Living retreats! Leisan put so much thought and planning into everything and everyone! Her laugh and love for life are completely infectious, and I just love her to pieces!!!”

“My experience with Leisano Living exceeded my expectations! I knew that the trip would be amazing, little did I know that I’d make incredible connections and see sights that I’ll never forget. Leisan is thoughtful, intentional, and has created the most curated and joyful experience in Colombia. Her team, which supports her travel experiences, is remarkable. Leisan and her team - Drea, Dani, and Chef Kevin - literally surrounded our group in such love and were so attentive to everyone’s needs and wonderings; they made the experience unforgettable. If you’re a solo traveler, I can assure you that any experience with Leisan will be safe, joyful, mentally stimulating, healing, and luxurious. I cannot wait to travel again soon with Leisan. I trust her fully. I’m grateful for her bravery and giving spirit that allows others to see the world as only she can.”

“We had a fabulous experience—delicious food, outstanding accommodations, and fantastic activities (the waterfall hike was worth every step). Our adventure to wellness expectations were exceeded and greatly appreciated. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals created an environment filled with peaceful harmony. Authentic relationships were formed, and everyone genuinely cared about the well-being of others. Leisan curated a space that allows people to interact with others without fear of being judged or threatened by differences. We are all looking forward to attending another amazing retreat in 2024! Thank you for your outstanding service and ongoing support for our overall wellness”

“This was my first time in Colombia, and the setting of the retreat was idyllic: located in the hills, overlooking a beautiful lake. I enjoyed the accommodations as well. Leisan did a beautiful job of curating staff that looked after all of our needs. The excursions planned were exciting and appealed to my quest for adventure. Our group was diverse, and we got along great, which I felt was due to all of us wanting to do something unique through travel. It was a lovely way to experience an off the beaten path getaway. I look forward to seeing everyone again through future Leisano Living travel experiences.”

“Selah Saint Lucia was absolutely incredible! I was in search of a black and (preferably) woman-owned elevated travel and wellness adventure, so when I found Leisano Living online, I could immediately see myself in the experiences she offered. When I arrived on day one at the villa, I was just blown away by the accommodations. And the entire trip itinerary was curated with so much love and care. Leisan balanced mindfulness and exploration with plenty of unstructured time so we could just rest and do our own thing. A local professional chef nourished our bellies with fresh, colorful, healthy, delicious foods every day, and a professional photographer was there to capture our moments so we could be free to live in the moment. I also really enjoyed that Leisan was able to let us soak up the culture as a local and not just a visitor on our excursions. We laughed, we wandered, we rested, we reflected, we broke bread, we beached, we yoga’d - we LIVED!! This trip exceeded expectations and is easily one of the highlights of my life. Selah forever!!”

“Outstanding! Refreshing! Grounded! We had an amazing wellness travel adventure! The location setting was filled with scenic views, zen vibes, and space to breathe in life and exhale everything holding you back. Every meal included absolutely delicious plant-based dishes, soups, smoothies, and desserts. From beginning to end, each cultural experience connected us to the local communities. Our small group became extended family members. As we navigated through the various activities, we took care of each other and enjoyed peaceful harmony while being surrounded by love. Leisano Living delivered doses of wellness which included exercises and techniques to put in our mindfulness toolbox. I am thankful and grateful for this travel experience and look forward to booking my next adventure to wellness trip with Leisano Living!”

“I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Such a beautiful, peaceful experience. Leisan paid close attention to every detail. She ensured all attendees were taken care of from the moment we set foot on the island. What I appreciated the most was the freedom we had on the trip. Nothing was mandatory. If you wanted to lay out at the pool all day, you had that option. The connections made on this trip will last a lifetime. Thank you, Leisan, for allowing us to share these special moments with you! I highly recommend you sign up for her next excursion. It is worth every dollar. You won’t regret it!”

“Breathe Retreat, by Leisano Living was a perfectly curated immersion in rejuvenation for those of us who grind and often put self-care on the back burner. Each morning started with an activity that fed the spirit like yoga, a beach workout, or meditation. Each day we dined on fine cuisine prepared by our private chef in a private villa situated on lush green hills atop a lake that evoked a palpable serenity. But the most satiating part of this trip was connecting with the beautiful people who attended and fed each other’s souls! We laughed hard, encouraged deeply, and even shed happy tears in powerful moments of revelation. The group’s dynamic was an “everyone here can win” energy and am I grateful for having spent a week in the presence of their love and light. I gained new tribe members, and I am now in love with the people I met only a week ago who I will cheer for all the days of my life from here forward! When candle flames touch, the light only glows brighter! Experiencing these moments with my lifetime soulmate made it all the more meaningful. I am full. I am fed. I am sure of my next steps. ”

“AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING! Leisan is a High-Level Health Professional that will take your diet and lifestyle to the Next Level. I am super happy and excited to try out my meal plan and experience this New High On Life! Thank you very much!”

“I had been struggling with yo-yo weight loss and gain for almost a decade. While I weighed considerably less than at my high point, I considered myself to be eating reasonably well and was regularly attending the gym without noticeable results. Leisan helped by opening my eyes to a phrase which I had treated with scorn for years – “you can’t out train a bad diet”. I was fundamentally consuming too many calories on most days to lose weight while simultaneously not eating frequently enough. She gave me (among other things) an example meal plan and a lesson in portion sizes! I now eat five, albeit smaller, meals a day (rather than 2 – 3) and have tried to eliminate comfort eating. I gradually lost 30 lbs over a seven-month period and I have had to replace most of my trousers or use a smaller belt. I feel much physically fitter despite not spending significantly longer in the gym or pounding the pavements. I generally feel more confident and much better about myself.”

“I chose to work with Leisan after seeing the weight loss system she offered at BodyHoliday. Although I had already lost a significant amount of weight, I needed a new way of approaching my diet, especially since my exercise routine had significantly increased. I needed help refueling after my workouts. Leisan’s approach was very simple. One take home message I will always remember is to eat the rainbow every day. Eating after my workouts has become a focus. Despite having increased my calorie intake since working with Leisan, I have lost another 6 kg and significantly changed my body shape. Leisan was encouraging and not at all critical through-out all our sessions. She is a very positive and pleasant person to work with. I would highly recommend her.”

“Despite being an active person, I’ve always struggled with my weight. I’d tried various weight loss programmes, but had never managed to keep the weight off permanently. Meeting Leisan was the best thing I did in 2016. Having listened to me talk through my current eating and drinking habits, Leisan told me I should be aiming to eat all my food groups with each meal to make sure my body was getting the nutrients it needed to stay healthy and suggested simple ways I could do this. I certainly hadn’t been thinking about what my body needed, beyond vague attempts to eat a daily piece of fruit and a portion of vegetables. Together Leisan and I set three achievable goals to help me lose weight. I stuck to them and, as a direct result, I lost 14llb by July 2016 and I’m keeping going. I feel much better knowing I’ve made changes for the better, I don’t count calories and I don’t feel guilty if I go out for dinner and order what I want. And Leisan herself is such a positive, cheerful influence; her enthusiasm is infectious. She really wants you to succeed. I feel differently about myself now, I pay more attention to what I am putting in my body and I know I am better off for it.”

“Leisan is one of the best dietitians I have found. I came to her with the opposite challenge to many where I needed to put on a lot of weight to counteract weight loss due to illness and medications. My doctor’s goal was for me to put on 15lbs. Within six months, I am 2lbs away from his goal. I have already met mine! Leisan’s knowledge of nutrition, exercise physiology and how I needed to change my super healthy diet – which included multiple food intolerances – to gain the weight and still be able to exercise four times a week was astounding. It was all the little suggestions that made the biggest differences. Leisan goes out of her way to research anything she doesn’t know about – it isn’t much – and provides lots of manageable recipes and easy snack ideas. She is the only dietitian I would work with now and I highly recommend her to anyone.”

“I decided to work with Leisan at BodyHoliday Saint Lucia, as controlling my weight on the medication I take is very difficult. I had also been struggling to get my exercise regime back on track. Exercising after various surgeries and the fact that I am prone to stress fractures means I can’t do a lot of the usual exercise to get fit. I had 4 sessions with Leisan. She understood all my difficulties and came up with 4 very different sessions, all challenging but completely safe for me to do. She made them such fun and encouraged me to keep going when I thought I had nothing left. She saw that my posture and flexibility was poor and gave me some specific exercises for that. I can do a lot of what she taught me at home and know what is possible in hotel gyms when I’m away. I looked forward to all our sessions. Prior to the holiday, I felt I had got on top of my diet, but it was good to have Leisan look at what I was doing. I was eating way too much even when I thought I was being healthy. For the first time in years, I had a lovely holiday, ate well, and exercised. I lost 3 pounds (in 2 weeks), felt fitter, and stood taller. I would definitely work with Leisan again and recommend her to anyone needing sensible support with reaching their nutrition and exercise goals.”