Hear From Our Retreaters

I recently returned from the most tranquil yoga retreat in stunning Mallorca, Spain—and it was truly hands down magical. The location alone felt like a dream, but what made the experience unforgettable was the balance of energizing yoga and fitness sessions paired with deeply relaxing moments of rest and reflection. The teachers were incredible—knowledgeable, grounded, and inspiring—and the excursions added a sense of adventure and fun to each day. The group itself was full of warm, wonderful people, which made every shared meal and conversation feel meaningful. This retreat was nourishing for the body, mind, and soul. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Melissa brings a ton of energy to her retreats! Her vinyasa flow is a great way to start the day and I love the barre classes she adds in !

I attended my first wellness retreat and solo trip with Ritual Union/Melissa in Costa Rica and I cannot recommend this experience more. Transportation and logistics throughout the trip were seamless, everything was taken care of from the moment I landed in Costa Rica. Everyday consisted of yoga and workout classes, with the perfect balance of time to relax and reset!

Melissa curates a welcoming and inclusive community, I was hesitant in joining a trip like this not knowing anyone but I was quickly met with open arms, vulnerability, and amazing discourse. I left the retreat feeling refreshed and with so many new friends!

If you are looking for a safe space away from your regular bubble or have not traveled solo before, I highly recommend joining one of Melissa's retreats, I will definitely be going back again.

I had the most amazing trip on my first Ritual Union retreat! I went on this retreat with a group of friends and we had an unforgettable experience sailing around the Greek islands, practicing yoga, and exploring. I made lots of new friends too who were also on the retreat, and felt like the time was a perfect balance of planned activities and free time. I will 100% be booking another retreat with Ritual Union.

I’ve been on 6 ritual union retreats and I can’t recommend them enough. I’ve attended retreats in Ely, Costa Rica, and Mallorca. Whether you come alone or come with friends, you’ll feel welcomed and part of a community. The retreat leader, Melissa, is accommodating and has a gift for always making everyone feeling included. There are several yoga/pilates classes everyday and you can do as much or as little as like without feeling pressured. There are also excursions and other activities you can choose to participate in if you choose like hikes, spa treatments, catamaran rides (depending on the retreat). Each location I’ve visited is beautiful, the food is amazing, and accommodations are stunning, clean, and comfortable. I’m already signed up for another retreat!

I’ve done two retreats with Melissa and I’m sure to do more. This is a great way to go on a trip solo when you need some time away - and bonus you’ll come out with a new community of friends. I can describe my last international trip with Melissa as entirely stress free ! All travel to and from the resort was handled. Then on the retreat itself, there’s a great structure of you want it, and Flex Time if you want it. You get to be on your own journey !!! I also think these trips are worth every penny, and I feel I get a lot of value and experience for my money. I can’t recommend these enough.

Five retreats. Four countries. Solo traveler. What I love most is how each retreat with Melissa is unique—energizing and restorative yoga, unique venues and experiences, inspiring people, amazing food, 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 and each retreat has exceeded expectations. Melissa’s gift lies in effortlessly creating welcoming spaces where you can show up as your authentic self. 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 --they've become my sanctuary for growth and renewal!

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!

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!

Southern France, near the Pyrenees mountains and the border with Spain, lent the perfect backdrop to practice yoga surrounded by the countryside's natural beauty. Lovely and unforgettable memories! I look forward to participating in another retreat led by Melissa, an exceptional yogi and wellness enthusiast!

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.

I absolutely love RU retreats! Melissa is amazing! I have been on several retreats with Melissa now and they have all been wonderful. The atmospheres are always warm and welcoming. They always feel like I am returning home. I made friends for life! And when I get the opportunity to meet some of them again on other of RU’s retreats, it’s a magical time. I can’t wait for my next retreat with Ritual Union!

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. I also attended more local destinations (Joshua tree and Santa Margarita). And the third favorite trip was either Iceland or Bocas del Toro. I took my 80 year old mom for her birthday to Bocas and it was unforgettable. Everyone loved her and she was amazed by the wonderful meals that were prepared. I made her a book about it :) These trips are incredible and I was feel 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.

There are many things I love about Melissa and her approach to yoga and fitness, and I’ll highlight a few.  First, Melissa has an endless stream of physical and relational energy that she pours not only into every class but also into every interpersonal connection with every individual in her studio.  This energy makes her classes more rewarding, physically challenging, and more inspiring.  And it makes coming to her studio feel like home, and place of being seen and belonging.  Secondly, Melissa creates community… strong, loving community.  She finds common interests across her clients and seamlessly connects people to each other and new friendships are formed.  In addition to lots of sweat, her classes are filled with laughter, hugs, and motivating cheers.  Further, Melissa possesses deep knowledge across many fitness & health disciplines and the human body, and she generously shares her expertise during and after classes to ensure her clients maximize their potential and experience.  My flexibility, strength, and agility have grown significantly as a result of Melissa’s guidance.  Finally, Melissa finds a way to perfectly blend pushing your physical edges, tapping into your 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 went to Costa Rica with Ritual Union. I had a great time, the organisation was perfect, the yoga classes sporty. I definitely recommend Melissa and her team.

Unforgettable Retreat with Ritual Union

My first retreat with Ritual Union was truly unforgettable. I had never participated in such events before, and I was a bit anxious about meeting new people, accommodations, and meals since I have my own restrictions: no gluten and no meat. But all my fears were unfounded.

The chef surprised us with dishes that were not only incredibly delicious but also aligned with my dietary preferences. The group turned out to be surprisingly friendly, even though all the participants were of different ages. Thanks to Melisa, we bonded so well that everyone felt interested and comfortable with one another.

This experience will forever remain in my memory as something magical. It was complete trust in the universe—everything went so smoothly since my first retreat.

A huge thank you, Melisa, for the daily yoga sessions and so much more. We also practiced barre, and after the retreat, I feel toned, nourished by delicious food, and heard in a warm company. I definitely want to return! 🌟

I've been fortunate enough to do 2 retreats with Melissa and her crew!  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.  Melissa or team-member will tell everyone the schedule and let everyone know what you're in for before you go into the day's session. If you know it's a more difficult session, they're gonna 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! My wife and I both went with Melissa to Italy and had separate schedules. She wanted to do the day trips and see the sights and I wanted to walk and read and be alone with my thoughts and sounds of the mountains. 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 of 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. 

From day one, Melissa became my absolute favorite yoga teacher and retreat leader! I met Melissa about 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 and 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. In short, 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 found Ritual Union Retreats via a random Google search on a frigid evening in November when my soul was craving sunshine and rest.

I have never booked a trip like this on a whim, and I am grateful to say that joining Melissa in Costa Rica was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

If one of her retreats is calling you, don’t hesitate. You won’t regret it.

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. Whether you were a seasoned yogi or a beginner, there was something for everyone. One of the standout highlights was the hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Floating above Morocco’s vast landscapes as the sun painted the horizon was an experience I will never forget. Equally mesmerizing was the camel ride through the golden dunes of the Sahara. The food was exceptional—an authentic celebration of Moroccan cuisine. Each meal was a feast of vibrant flavors, from fresh tagines to delicate pastries and refreshing mint tea. Our trips to the souks were both exciting and educational. With local guides helping us navigate the labyrinth of colorful stalls, we discovered everything from intricate handwoven rugs to beautifully crafted ceramics and fragrant spices. This retreat was an incredible balance of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, ensuring that each participant felt cared for and inspired. It was more than a yoga retreat—it was a journey for the soul, offering moments of peace, wonder, and connection. 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 and the rest of the teachers at Hola Yoga.

The Ritual Union Retreat with Melissa in San Luis Obispo was the perfect getaway to the hustle and bustle of work and parenting. This trip truly allowed me to step away and reset.

Melissa masterfully curated the entire experience—a seamless blend of nutritious meals, revitalizing yoga, hiking, and relaxing wine tasting, along with many laughs. The true magic, however, was in the agenda that allowed me to completely surrender control and simply go with the flow. Not having to manage a single detail gave me the space to breathe and be present with the small group setting. It was an invaluable chance to replenish my energy, leaving me feeling grounded and completely refreshed. I always say, "We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us," and I would recommend stepping away from your daily routine to experience a RU Retreat.

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!

An Incredible Experience!

I’ve been on a few retreats with Ritual Union Retreats, including one with my daughter, and every single one has been absolutely amazing. These experiences allow you to see the world, meet smart, thoughtful, and fun people, and strengthen your practice in the most inspiring way. The multi-generational aspect makes it even more special.

Melissa is such a bright light—an amazing, intentional, and deeply thoughtful leader. She creates an atmosphere where everyone feels seen, connected, and open to growth. I’ve had so many deep and meaningful conversations on these trips… as well as plenty of good old-fashioned belly laughs!

Each time I return home more energized, refreshed, and grounded than from any other trip I’ve ever taken. I would recommend Ritual Union Retreats to anyone who wants to deepen their practice, explore the world, build genuine community, and create lasting friendships.

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 of that. I’ve been on three winter retreats. One in Ely, Minnesota, the other two were in Detroit Lakes at Maplelag. All of them were a wonderful experience. I also attended a retreat in Montana at the Dancing Spirit Ranch, where I was enthralled with all the spiritual sites and intentional grounding areas at that Venue. 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.

When I first learned about Melissa's yoga retreat in Tulum of course I thought it sounded and looked amazing but I wasn't sure if I could justify the indulgence. Well I know now it is worth every penny! In the one week I felt stronger, relaxed and more in balance that I had in years. The yoga is amazing - it doesn't get better than working out surrounded by jewel toned water, powder soft sand, and  blue skies. The food is unbelievable - healthy, delicious, fresh, and beautifully presented. And fresh juices with every meal! When I wasn't working out I was reading a book in a hammock, exploring the ruins or the cute shops that were right outside our resort, or walking along the beach. There's something about spending a week surrounded by beauty and by lovely, regular, down to earth people, with zero demands or distractions. I can't wait to to do it again - now I just have to decide which retreat to go on next year - this will definitely be an annual tradition!

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!!

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.