I had the pleasure of attending Melissa Schoeller's yoga retreat in Costa Rica in January 2024, and it was truly an unforgettable experience! The location created a peaceful, rejuvenating atmosphere that was a perfect way to kick off the new year. This was my first retreat so I was thankful for the great organization; the pace was just right, allowing ample options for classes, time for relaxation, and exploration of the surroundings. If you’re looking for a transformative experience in a beautiful setting with a well-organized, community-driven focus, I would definitely recommend a treat with Melissa! 

Five retreats. Four countries. Solo traveler. What I love most is how each retreat with Melissa is unique—energizing and nourishing, exploring new locations, and having time to simply relax and unwind. Melissa's thoughtful curation creates an environment where everyone—especially those traveling alone—feels instantly at home. Over the years, I have been surrounded by a welcoming community of kindred spirits that I look forward to connecting with on every journey. I (reluctantly) leave each retreat looking forward to the next!

I’ve been on four retreats with Melissa. She’s an excellent teacher. She does an awesome job of coordinating and organizing all the retreats in every aspect. Melissa does a wonderful job of seeking out really special places to have a retreat and to practice yoga with all her Yogi friends and clients. I find her to be a very kind, caring and loving person, and now she’s added a sound bath to her retreats -which really enhances the Yogi vibe of the whole experience! I can’t recommend her highly enough to anyone that is interested in going on a retreat. Namaste.

Spending a week in October 2024 with Melissa and Chelsea on the France Yoga Retreat was incredible! I had a wonderful time on my first yoga retreat! The ladies crafted every detail of our weeklong itinerary to make our stay at Domaine De Mournac unforgettable. Daily morning and evening yoga sessions, nature walks and hikes, natural hot springs, wine tastings, and farm-to-table meals a chef prepares daily! I look forward to participating in another retreat led by Melissa, an exceptional yogi and wellness enthusiast

I’ve been on a handful of retreats - thanks to Melissa - and they have truly been experiences I will remember for the rest of my life. My first trip was Cambutal, Panama which is a favorite for me because of the amazing surf. Going to Nosara, Costa Rica was my second favorite trip because of the amazing five star jungle resort with breath taking views in the yoga rooms. These trips are incredible, and I felt safe and taken care of. Thank you, Melissa, being such an amazing yoga/barre/spin/yin teacher and for being a lovely person I can call a friend.

I have been on several retreats with Ritual Union Yoga Retreats, including Tulum, Ely, Italy, and Morocco. The most recent retreat in Morocco was nothing short of magical. It was a beautifully curated experience that combined relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. The yoga sessions were held in serene, breathtaking locations. Each session felt purposeful, with amazing instructors guiding us through practices tailored to balance and rejuvenate both body and mind. It was more than a yoga retreat—if you’re looking for an unforgettable escape that feeds both the body and the spirit, you need to go on a Ritual Union Yoga Retreat with Melissa Schoeller.

The only thing better than yoga with Melissa at the lake or in the studio is yoga on retreat with Melissa. There is nothing quite like being guided through Nidra under the stars in Belize while listening to the waves softly meet the sand. I can safely say I’ve found my fitness community and look forward to many more yogi adventures!

I've been fortunate enough to do 2 retreats with Melissa!  Both have been amazing experiences. I'm not a daily yoga guy. I always enjoy it but seem to make excuses to not do it. These retreats create a safe place for all levels. If you know it's a more difficult session, they're going to make sure to give you the modifications so you don't fall into a wall or the person next to you! I've had no problems going into the yoga session and saying "hey, i'll be in the corner, please make sure to keep an eye on me." Yoga is just an excuse to join this group. Both occasions have been spiritual experiences. Schedules are made and completely optional! The dinners at night are a great time to talk about the day and your experience. I'm able to be myself, talk about my life experiences, cry, laugh and share all the emotions between people and souls that I normally wouldn't meet. I will certainly be taking more trips with Melissa, it's more deciding what place will bring me out of my comfort zone and challenge me spiritually! Thanks Melissa for changes I notice in myself after each one. 

I’ve known Melissa for almost 20 years. We met when she owned a spin studio in S Minneapolis. I took one class with her and I was hooked. It wasn’t just the great class she taught but it was who she was. Who she is. She’s genuine and enthusiastic and inspiring. I’ve been on nine yoga retreats with her, all over Europe, and every one has been incredible. Her love of travel and adventure is evident in every venue she chooses and every excursion she plans. The yoga Melissa teaches on retreat prepares you for the adventures ahead that day and relaxes you at the end of them. Whether you’re doing a local class or a retreat thousands of miles away, Melissa is the person you want guiding you.

From day one, Melissa became my absolute favorite yoga teacher and retreat leader! I met Melissa 10 years ago when she began leading small yoga excursions in Mexico and I raised my hand to join a retreat after only a few classes with her. She immediately stood apart from everyone else as the best combination of approachable, grounded and talented. I have since been lucky to join her on five retreats across Europe and other parts of the globe. Each retreat/class is a journey of mindfulness and positive growth, as she skillfully blends her passion for honoring the mind-body connection with elements of joy. Her contemporary insights woven throughout her deep wisdom of the ancient practice, always leaves me feeling balanced and rejuvenated. Melissa is a gem. She is dedicated to guiding all who take her classes to become the best version of themselves with a sense of humor and genuine enthusiasm for the practice.

I love many things about Melissa and her approach to yoga and fitness. First, Melissa has an endless stream of physical and relational energy that she pours into every class and into every interpersonal connection with every individual in her studio. This energy makes her classes more rewarding, physically challenging, and more inspiring -it makes coming to her studio feel like home, and a place of being seen and belonging. Melissa creates a strong, loving community. She finds common interests across clients and seamlessly connects people to each other and new friendships are formed. She possesses deep knowledge across many fitness & health disciplines and the human body and generously shares her expertise during/after classes to ensure clients maximize their potential. My flexibility, strength, and agility have grown significantly as a result of Melissa’s guidance. Melissa perfectly blends pushing physical edges, tapping into inner emotions and gratitude, and having fun to the best playlists. I am grateful to be Melissa’s student and she is bar-none the best fitness and yoga instructor there is!

I had a wonderful time in Tulum thanks to Melissa's excellent teaching skills and her ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued. The beach was beautiful, but it was the yoga classes that brought the group together. Melissa provided individual attention to each class member and modified the class to include all skill levels. The food was fantastic. Who knew gluten and dairy free could taste so good? Overall, the week in Tulum was amazing. My only regret is that I live in Arizona and am unable to take weekly classes from Melissa.

I’ve been to four yoga retreats in Mexico led by Melissa. She is a skilled yoga instructor and goes out of her way to ensure her yogis have an excellent experience. Her warm and inviting attitude creates a real sense of community among retreat goers. I’ve met some wonderful people on these retreats. I plan to continue as many of her retreats as I can in the future. Highly recommend!!