Retreat Stories and Testimonials

Ayọ̀ Retreats are intimate luxury wellness, yoga, art, and meditation retreats taking place in Africa and Southern Europe. 



This is the Ayọ̀ storyboard for you to be lifted, inspired and encouraged. You are not alone on your journey to reclaim the joyful birthright of your and our collective ancestors.



Here, you can hear the Ayọ̀ stories from the mouths of the people it was created by and for, and scroll through images of our experience in the photo gallery. Soon, you will also be able to enjoy the Ayọ̀ podcast, where our founder Adéọlá and her guests will have intimate conversations on joy!

For now, watch the joyful stories of our guests below!

Words from Kenya 2024 guests:

Judicaelle Irakoze shares reflections on how the Affirmation session with Adeola had a profound impact, helping her recognise and address aspects of her life she had unknowingly normalised as acceptable.

Watch her below:

Yema Ferreira shares with us her experience of working together with all our Watamu guests through her ancestral and psycotherapist approach to reclaim their power and move forward in their purpose.

Watch her below:

Elizabeth Maina shares with us her deeper discovery of her desires, power and how the sessions with the facilitators as well as other guests support this self discovery.

Watch her below:

Muthoni Njogu shares her perspective on Ayo Retreats, highlighting her role as a healer. She emphasizes the importance of guiding participants to view pleasure not only as a tool for self-awareness but also as a pathway to healing.

Seyi Akiwowo shares how her experience at Ayo's Retreats has been transformative, helping her cultivate a deeper sense of self-confidence and trust.

Watch her below:

Kagz shares how she is intrigued with the idea of rest, being surrounded with beautiful and meaningful connections who share same values as she does, the support she enjoyed and her resolve to incorporate it in her daily lifestyle.

Watch her below:

Words from Benin 2023 guests:

Sophie discusses below how the Benin 2023 retreat enabled her to realise that rest, peace and joy are innate ways of being for her, not things she has to strive for!

She explains further below:

Kadine discusses how the authenticity of her spiritual experience during the Benin 2023 retreat is flowing out into her plans for her career and daily life!

Watch her below:

Njoki talks about the incredibly peaceful boat ride along the Black River (La Rivière Noire, in Adjarra, Porto-Novo), and reflects on learning to be playful with yoga!

She expands on this below: