REVIEWS

Your reviews kept our story growing and blooming. Your feedback, enriched experience, connections made and taking home with you more than memories. That is our inspiration and contribution. Looking forward to many more.

More then 70 beautiful reviews from people all over the world…..

Marin and Natali are amazing doing what they do. Was very easy to keep in touch and always very keen to help with any queries. TAKE ME BACK! Is my thoughts so many times 2 months after been there. M&N have the natural acknowledge how to get people involve in the elements of our life and enjoy the moment while in there. From the yoga classes 8am, the breakfast (SO yummy, full of goodness and healthy), the trips around Istra, the people you met and to what you learn/get from there its just AMAZING! If you are looking for a solo, friends or family retreat you must try. I wasn’t expecting so must. M&N just a BIG thank you for what you taught during that week. I feel more open to life and more relax and your book “Original5elements” (a must to have) its a good way to start make a change. I already achieved things in life I wasn’t expecting. Lots of love Joana
— Review from Google by Joana Timóteo
Wonderful retreat in Rovinj

Marin and Natali host a very special retreat involving a variety of adventures in beautiful rovinj. The guesthouse is lovely, clean, quiet and located within fifteen minutes walk to town. What makes it even more special is the hospitality of the hosts, their dedication towards the retreat and making the guests comfortable and at home. All the activities, from yoga to Kayaking and windsurfing, are very fun, the weather could be a wildcard, throwing in another element of the unexpected! The meals are prepared so thoughtfully with the freshest ingredients-I never thought vegetarian meals could be so delicious:)
This is a perfect vacation to recharge and possibly learn new things. Come with an open mind and you will love it. Big thank you to Marin and Natali!
— Review from Tripadvisor by bho_6
Wonderful family experience

Absolutely loved everything! Came with my (unwilling) husband, 17 year old son and 26 year old daughter wanting a different sort of family holiday and it had something for everyone. The balance of yoga, meditation and water based activities was perfect. Plus there were lots of special touches that were unexpected, such as grilled sardines on a boat in the sunset, and a lovely welcome ceremony The group size worked really well, you could be sociable or not depending how you felt. The food was plentiful and delicious, and it was a pleasure to sit together round the long table. We all came away inspired to change our lives, thanks to Marin, and that’s saying something! Plus Nathali gave the best massages ever, and we’ve had a few!
The accommodation was charming, everything was clean and pleasant and adequate, nice towels, not 5 star luxury, but who cared!
Many thanks to a beautiful couple!
— Review from Tripadvisor by Carolyn C
Absolute bliss - A fantastic retreat in a gorgeous location

I’m just back from Five Elements and am still bathing in the bliss! I’ve been on +50 retreats across four continents and it’s rare to get one led with such authentic purpose. Not only is the content fantastic, it’s a lovely location and the activities and food are just lovely - Highly recommended!
— Review from Tripadvisor by DublinGuy75
Fun, adventure with elements of serenity.

If you need to recharge your batteries, feel like you are living the dream, experience food like no other, and take part in yoga, kayaking, windsurfing, cycling, hiking and paddle boarding in the company of like minded individuals, look no further than Marin & Natali’s exquisite Five Elements in the lovely Rovinj. It was my second trip to the spell-binding fishing port and it has a charm all of its own. Daily morning yoga sessions based on the five elements, coupled with fabulous hospitality and company, daily adventures lead by Marin & Natali combine to make for a life changing experience. Just go, you won’t regret it!
— Review from Tripadvisor by Sandranyhan
“Amazing Experience with fabulous hosts and friends, feeds your soul”

This is my second time at Five Elements I loved every minute. Taking time out to nourish yourself, it was simply bliss. Natali and Marin are so welcoming and hold the space for everyone so beautifully, nothing is too much trouble. The adventures, yoga, food, sightseeing trips and the like minded friends you meet make the experience all the more special. This is a retreat like no other just fantastic.
— Review from Tripadvisor by gwynne c
I’m just back from Five Elements and am still bathing in the bliss! I’ve been on +50 retreats across four continents and it’s rare to get one led with such authentic purpose. Not only is the content fantastic, it’s a lovely location and the activities and food are just lovely - Highly recommended!
— Review from Google by Chris Flack
Best holiday I had in a long time! It was wonderful, from the first day to the last, from the calm and spiritual Marin to the bubbly and super-lovely Natali and their mega nice and excellent (!) chefs, from The Best Breakfast Ever(y day!) to all the other things we got to taste with them. And yes, I’m also and especially talking about the activities: The Windsurfing, the spiritual and just-the-right-amount-of-challenging hiking, the kayaking, swimming, Stand-Up-Paddling, cycling - I adored every moment of it. It was just what I needed. Doing Yoga in the mornings was surprisingly relaxing and preparing for the awesome day ahead. Loved it all ‘round, felt so blessed. Thanks.
— Review from Google by Kat Zi.
The Five Elements Retreat creates a space where knowledge and friendship can flourish. Of course the group makes a big difference to any experience and ours was a fantastic mix of cultures and personalities. Each day consisted of varied and well thought out yoga, meditation and activity sessions. The food was also fantastic and was always accompanied with a good explanation. Marin and Natali were wonderful hosts, always happy to help and advise. I left after the week happy, relaxed and with lots of new thoughts on the workings of the world.
— Review from Google by Conor Ward
I spent an amazing week with Natali and Marin. The concept is surprisingly unique. I loved every moment of the day from the yoga training to the adventure activities. The homemade food was delicious and you can taste the love it is made from. I did appreciate a lot the structured flowing of the retreat with this special caring and spiritual touch. Thanks a lot for this great experience! I can only recommend this retreat, the people and the location!
— Review from Google by Salvatore Leone
It was a very nice experience! Very kind instructors who also take the time for an interesting conversation in between sessions. Amazing food and relaxed people. For me it was an inspiring retreat. Would really recommend it.
— Review from Google by Marina Bos
“Highly recomended”
Yoga class, lecture, food and hosts
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Rebeca Jimebez
“This retreat will uplift your spirits”
The whole lot... exciting new experiences/adventures every day, amazing people to connect with, delicious meals, traveling&exploring beautiful hidden little towns near by, philosophy of 5 elements and unique personalities of organisers. This retreat will uplift your spirits and put a smile on your face;)
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Victoria Sargent
“The missing element :)”
Extraordinary yoga, delicious food, phenomenal adventures, all in all an adventure that must be lived :)
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Maja Mule
“Great retreat, I highly recommend it!”
Each day is dedicated to a different element and the retreat feels a bit like a path you do together with other like minded people. Everything was better than I expected... The whole organisation was very good from the moment of booking to the end of the programme, as well as the care of the guests. I loved Natali’s yoga classes, each class was based on a different element and therefore the routine was different everyday. The breakfasts were amazing (thank you Ana!): fresh and homemade, very rich and with different food everyday; basically you could arrive at dinner time without feeling hungry :-) The adventures were great: we visited beautiful places in combination with some physical activity (kayak, cycling, windsurf, SUP and hiking) and we always stopped for lunch in very nice places with great quality fresh food. Thank you Marin for sharing your personal experience and knowledge about the 5 elements.
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Alba Avarello
“Amazing Experience”

The 5 elements retreat was a truly fantastic experience. Marin and Natali are an inspirational couple who made me feel very much at home and went out of their way to help everyone on the retreat. I met many lovely like-minded people and enjoyed lots of new experiences. I hope to implement many of Marin and Natali’s practices into my own life.
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Sheila Omahony
“Yoga Retreat in Rovinj”
This was our first Yoga Retreat and we had a brilliant experience. The organisation from the moment the Retreat was booked was excellent and continued throughout our holiday. The hospitality, food and accommodation exceeded our expectations. It was a wonderful holiday. We met a fantastic set of people and the yoga and activities were so special it is something we will never forget. Marin and Natali are wonderful people.
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Katherine Doherty
“Wonderful experience ! Great mix between pleasure & yoga “
Quality of food is incredible great ! Thanks to chef Paul Wonderful experience: new insights, great moments and wonderful encounters
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Nathalie Girardin
“A perfectly balance retreat with insightful guidance “
When sourcing a suitable retreat we knew that we were not looking for total silence and mindful simple household tasks. We wanted some calm reflection, stretching of our bodies, to learn something about ourselves and others but also to appreciate the beauty of the country and some water sports - 5 elements provided this. Not only did it provide but exceeded our expectations. The cuisine showed that vegetarian cooking can be so varied and was fine cuisine standard. The hosts were generous and accommodating, the space charming and relaxed. Also loved the bike mode of transport which enables you to see so much.
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Katie Banfielf
“My first yoga/retreat experience”
The overall picture was right. Rovinj is a beautiful place like in a fairy tale. The accommodation has everything you need. I really liked the bikes which we could use to go to the city/beach whenever we liked. The food was restaurant quality and I really liked the vegan/veggie experience (might try it at home). Marin and Natali immediately make you feel welcome. I’ve learned so much from the lectures and during yoga class but also from the other participants. There was a very good atmosphere in the group. I think the success factor of this retreat is the combination with the activities. I loved each one of them! And I can definately recommand Natali’s massage, she is doing magic with her hands!
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Irene Wielemaker
“Most amazing experience”

The food the yoga the activities were fabulous making the week both relaxing, physical and mentally stimulating and you were made to feel like part of a family. The only negative was having to come home!
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Rebecca Wilkinson
“Outstanding and enriching experience! “

There was truly nothing I did not enjoy. Marin and Natali offered a truly amazing experience and I am so grateful to them!
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Louise Toyberg-frandzen
“100% recommended”

This yoga retreat has been an amazing experience. It’s a perfect balance between nice yoga, meditation and water activities to enjoy beautiful croatian’s landscape. During these days I could discover and feel a lot of things about my self, about nature and concerning the other people experiencies. Thanks a lot to excellents coockers to make us find out such a delicious and healthy food every day. Thank you very much, Marin and Natalie, for give us the oportunity to life this retreat: fabulous planning, plenty of nice moments and where any detail was made with love. It was a wondefull week that I will never forget. ❤
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Sara Ruiz Chaves
“Perfect 5 elements.”

I loved the whole concept and design of the course. The significance of the 5 elements have been recognized in all cultures all over the world since the early beginnings. I liked the way each day was dedicated to a certain elements. 90 minutes of yoga in the morning followed by the most amazing vegetarian breakfast that anyone could dream of (really amazing food). We then had a philosophical talk and meditation paired with our daily element. A wonderful lunch followed. Then some free time and a daily activity such as kayaking, wind surfing, hiking, boat trips, SUP, etc. Both Marin and Natali were wonderful and caring hosts. The perfect re-introduction to yoga dn meditation for me. I would highly recommend this retreats to all looking for a combination of yoga, meditation and activities. Rovinj is also a beautiful part of the world. The water, climate and old town are all just perfect! Enjoy!
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Jake Corke
“Perfect balance of yoga/meditation and adventure activities “
A fantastic stay with a range of different yoga styles, different meditations, info about the five elements, really enjoyable adventure activities, delicious food and a beautiful location! Exactly what I needed, Natalie and Marin are great hosts.
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Anonymous
Very balanced :) mixture of “food” for mind, body and spirit
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Irena Raeva
“In our element!”
Courteous, professional, skilled and fun hosts. Food was amazing. Yoga very varied and absorbing with new approaches that were enlightening. Natalie’s teaching was gentle and graceful - so inspiring. Adventure activities were really well planned, took us to places we would never usually see, and catered for all fitness levels.
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Anonymous
“A wonderful place!”

A perfekt mixtur between yoga, meditation and ”adventure”, nice atmosphere, wonderful food and nice caring leaders. Marin shared his thoughts of life with us in a personal way and Natali was an inspirational yoga leader. The vegetarian food was delicious and it was nice to be in a group and get to know people from different countries. Perfect to have your own bike!
The bike saddles of the mountain bikes was to narrow and hard (maybe not for younger persons). I put a pillow on the saddle...and it is hard to bike if you are not used to leaning forwards by biking.
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Anonymous
“Best holiday I had in a long time - so good! “

OMG what DIDN’T I like?! It was wonderful, from the first day to the last, from the calm and spiritual Marin to the bubbly and super-lovely Natali and their mega nice and excellent (!) chefs, from The Best Breakfast Ever(y day!) to all the other things we got to taste with them. And yes, I’m also and especially talking about the activities: The Windsurfing, the spiritual and just-the-right-amount-of-challenging hiking, the kayaking, swimming, Stand-Up-Paddling, cycling - I adored every moment of it. It was just what I needed. Feeling so blessed.
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Katrin Zincke
“A fabulous week with inspiring, friendly and fun hosts.”
The warmth of Natali and Marin was evident from the introductory talk, ceremony and the excellent finger buffet. I felt a real sense of welcome and willingness to help. The daily yoga was based upon the day’s theme.This was taken from the 5 elements. i.e. Monday Fire, Tuesday Water, Wednesday Air, Thursday Earth and Friday Spirit. The yoga was taken by Natali, who was able to provide challenges for all levels of experience, whilst ensuring people undertook the practise safely. The yoga sessions lasted for approximately 90 minutes. An amazing breakfast was served after the yoga. Home made breads, humous, vegetable dishes and preserves were made from local, organic produce presented by the very talented chefs Paul and Naomi. After the breakfast Marin provided a talk upon the Element of the day. This was always interesting, Marin spoke from the heart, with good humour and opportunity created for discussions. After the talks we took part in meditation ( a first for me) and Marin provided thorough explanation and guidance to ensure that optimum benefit was gained from the session. Lunch was always excellent, filling and served with joy....again by Paul and Naomi. The late afternoon adventures took advantage of the lovely, refreshing Adriatic waters. No experience was necessary and real fun was had. I learned to stand up on a windsurfer and paddle board. Snorkelling, kayaking and a hillside hike to a cave were also amongst the adventures. The whole programme was great fun.
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Andy Hooke
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5 Elements Rovinj-a life experience.

As a relatively new yoga practitioner and having never practised meditation, it was with some trepidation that I arrived to 5 Elements for my week long Yoga and adventure experience. And what an experience it turned out to be! Absolutely everything about this centre is magical. The warmth of the welcome from Marin & Natali, the charming and homely accommodation, the magnificent vegetarian food, Natali’s thoughtful and body fulfilling yoga, Marin’s life-changing meditation, the cycling, hiking, kayaking and windsurfing through the spectacular island coastline that is this lovely country. New friends made for life in this grouping of eleven random people from all over the world. No words I can write can do justice to this experience. Thank you Marin and Natali.
— Review from G+ by Sandra Nyhan
My best friend and her husband recommended my fiance and I to Five Elements as they had the best holiday with them last year. We had a wonderful week with Marin and Natali being the best hosts. We woke up to yoga every morning followed by a different freshly made healthy breakfast every morning. Every day, there was a different adventure to go on; our highlights being kayaking and windsurfing. Met lovely people on the group. The guesthouse was comfortable, clean and very relaxing. We felt we were living in nature. We would recommend anyone to this amazing experience. Plus Rovinj is an amazing place to visit; beautiful and tranquil. Melissa & Daniel
— Review from G+ by Melissa Tang
Natali and Marin are so cordial hosts. I liked Yoga with Natalie very much and the sound mediation on the last day was the best. I will now integrate the five elements always in my daily yoga!
The Istria program was soooo overwhelming beautiful. They showed us so great places, and that always in perfect combination with particular activity, finely adjusted to the element of the day. That was very well considerate.
Since they put so much focus on healthy nutrition, we got delicious food at very special places. Same with the home-made breakfast: it surprised me every day again (the recipe for the musli I just tried at home).
The city of Rovinj is also very nice. All places are easily accessible with the bike they placed at our disposal. Several supermarkets were nearby.
My room with the small kitchenette was very nice, I slept always very well.
I got to know cool people and want to repeat these days!
— Review from G+ by Kerstin Rudnik
I had a really great time at Five Elements Guest House! Marin and Natali were warm hosts and catered for every need. Nice clean rooms and comfortable beds, but most of all amazingly delicious home-cooked food! I am planning to come back for another visit:)
— Review from G+ by Indre Jakumaite
Natalie and Marin are the most amazing hosts! Genuinely the best place I have stayed. I joined them for the adventure yoga retreat and every day was packed with yoga, meditation and an activity which allowed me to view some of the most beautiful places in Rovinj! The guest house is clean and tidy and the rooms are ideal for single travellers of couples! Natalie also offers massages and after receiving one, I have to say it would be worth going to the guest house just for the massage! I will be back!
— Review from G+ by Kayleigh Carr
I had an amazing time  Such a memorable week. Marin and Natali are amazing hosts. Our apartment was comfortable and clean, the food that Natali made for breakfast and lunch was so delicious, the yoga classes were challenging and the lectures and Marin’s stories always fascinating to hear. My absolute favourite part were the activities, in particular the kayaking and the wind surfing days. It might have been our group in particular, but there was such an amazing vibe at the guesthouse throughout the week and by the end we were all feeling so close, like a new found family. And Marin and Natali always went the extra step to help us with whatever they could. I have such amazing memories from the week, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat!
— Review from G+ by Alex Marmo
I had the BEST experience with Five Elements. Marin and Natali are amazing hosts, warm, friendly and so accommodating!

Lets start with the food, its all vegetarian, and everyday Natali provided yummy homemade locally sourced meals. Breakfast consisted of locally sourced fruits, eggs and homemade muesli and fresh Turkish coffee. Lets not forget those freshly baked cakes from Marin’s mum too! Our lunches were different each day with veg stir fry one day, stuffed Aubergines with melted cheese the next, one day Natali made the most incredible roasted beetroot with Ricotta cheese and fresh from the garden basil! She should be posting more of this food on Instagram and Facebook!! You eat together with Marin and Natali and the rest of the group, sat outside and its a great way to bond with the other people booked onto the 5 Elements programme.

The yoga in the morning is at 8am sharp and is mostly ashtanga, I have problems with my hips so was a bit nervous about the levels of experience of yoga in the group, but I thought I’ll book it anyway! So glad I did, although I struggled with some poses Natali always gave me some alternatives and I never felt out of place, which was a massive relief for me.

The activities were fantastic and well thought out, Marin is an incredible man with an incredible mind and an infectious passion for the elements! To get to the kayaking and windsurfing activities you can use a mountain bike or Natali does offer to drive if you’d prefer. I loved every single activity, especially the kayaking and windsurfing! Either during or after each activity Marin holds an hour lecture on the element of the day which I found really interesting, I loved hearing all about my element; water!

The evenings you have to yourself and Rovinji is a great town to explore with great restaurants; we visited Serjios in the old town (Pizza) and La Pulina (Sea food) which served great meals and would highly recommend a visit.

Some of our group stayed for an extra day after the 5 Elements programme had finished, I’d recommend to do that as the 5 days can be quite full and intense with yoga, meditation and lectures, I know I definitely needed a chill out day before heading home for sure!

If you are looking for an adventure with a mix of sun, this retreat is for you! I loved every moment and would go back in a heartbeat! Great hosts, great location, only 2 kilometers from the beach and 45 minutes taxi ride from the airport. GET IT BOOKED NOW!
— Review from G+ by Lisa Mulhall
From the first minute after arrival for the 5-elements-retreat I felt so welcome - like visiting old friends!! Natali & Marin are so easy-going, authentic with an open heart and caring great for all of your needs.

Atmospheric yoga shala and lessons with charming Natali. Interesting 5-elements lecture with Marin, which gave me a more structured view on the interaction in human life. I also enjoyed the chilled (not too over styled) activities like kayaking, hiking etc. - try a drumming session with Marin, it’s real fun!

Located close to the beautiful southern beaches of Rovinj in a peaceful, green living area. Cosy shady garden with common outdoor kitchen and different places to socialize, relax or read. Loved my appartment with balconies, kitchenette and own bathroom (with good water pressure ;-)!

During the retreat food was served twice a day, which was always delicious, plenty and served with a smile. The value of price and service is highly reasonable and I can absolutely recommend this guesthouse to anyone, who doesn’t expect high perfection, but warmth and authenticity!!
— Review from G+ by Susanne Brunner
As a beginner to yoga dragged there by by my yogi wife this was honestly the best holiday I have had in years. A fantastic week with great people. Food and accommodation great. Hosts loveliest people you could meet. The afternoon activities memories I will keep. Top holiday. Thanks Natalie and Marin.
— Reviews from G+ by Lloyd Williams

”I HAD SO MUCH FUN!!!! LOVE MARIN&NATALI! “
The place is very tidy and clean. The breakfast is all natural home made and just so delicious!! The adventure is so great, the couple really do put so much effort in making this a great retreat.
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Mustafa Alkhowaildi from Saudi Arabia October
“Everything was great!”
Retreat was super organised, food was amazing (Iskra congratulations for your cooking:). I loved meditation with Marin, specially the last one with sounds. Lectures about 5 Elements were very interesting and eye opening. Yoga with Natali was super nice as she is very dear and caring person. Overall retreat was exceptional. Thank you Natalie and Marin!!
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by anonymous
“Perfect Retreat”
This retreat was exactly what I was looking for. Natali & Marin provided a beautiful space to explore my spirit, the 5 elements, while offering fantastic food, incredible yoga and adventure activities. They are unimaginably kind & fun. A significant part for me was connecting with my fellow retreaters, as we all got along and enjoyed the experience wholeheartedly together. Rovinj is beautiful and this retreat provides a thorough opportunity to see many parts of it.
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by anonymous
“Family Experience”
Absolutely loved everything! Came with my (unwilling) husband, 17 year old son and 26 year old daughter wanting a different sort of family holiday and it had something for everyone. The balance of yoga, meditation and water based activities was perfect. The group size worked really well, you could be sociable or not depending how you felt. We all came away inspired to change our lives, and that’s saying something! Plus Nathali gave the best massages ever, and we’ve had a few!
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Carolyn Crafer from Great Britain
“I would come to such a retreat again. Great experience!”
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Olena Krynychna from Ukraine
“This trip really lived up to and exceeded my expectations. “
The range of activities was excellent, so was the food, the yoga and the people. Marin and Natali were excellent hosts, very warm and accommodating. There was very little waiting around, activities were well planned and smooth running. This course was very suitable for people who are reasonably fit, who can cycle, swim, hike etc. My favourite thing was kayaking to an island and then exploring this island and swimming in the surrounding water, before paddling back as the sunset.
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Dominic Waithe from Great Britain
“A fullfilling experience”
The contents of the retriet was very nice - a good combination of yoga, meditation, theory on the 5 elements and nice activities. If you like the above elements, you cannot find a better option!
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Raija Laaksonen from Finland
“Highly enjoyable week! Thank you!”
Marin and Natali were the most welcoming hosts that you could hope for. I enjoyed starting the day with Natali’s yoga session and was interested in the philosophy of the five elements. It proved to be a useful discussion point for the week and I will keep thinking about ideas raised. Breakfast and lunch were veritable feasts. I particularly enjoyed all the activities that brought us close to the water and the heart of Croatia. There was plenty of organised time but also enough unstructured time. We were all happy cycling to get around during our free time. The beach is about 5 mins away by bike and the town was about 10-15 mins. We were encouraged to share evening meals together (a group whatssapp was formed) and one of the many highlights was a visit to an organic vineyard/ olive oil farm where we luxuriated in the sunset, company, good food and wine tastings.... followed by a swim in the moonlight.
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Alexandra Helm from Great Britain
“Excellent value for money and a wonderful time “
I absolutely loved the daily adventures. Marin put a lot of thought into how to make the adventures exciting and reflective of the local area. eveeything was made easy for us so we could relax and enjoy our time. Natalie’s yoga was a beautiful way to start the day and she was so kind and hospitable. It was great to have each day based on an element. The food was beyond lovely and we were very well fed. I met a lovely group of people and enjoyed my time very much. Perfect for a solo traveller.
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Jenna Sullivan from Australia
“An amazing experience!”
Where to start? The room, I stayed in the fire room, perfect, perfect size, lovely balcony, lovely en suite, spotless! The food, the food! The delicious homemade granola and fresh fruit for breakfast, the bread and homemade jam, the savoury cheese or egg dishes everyday. Then there was lunch; every day a different dish, rice, quinoa, pasta all flavoured with different sauces and spices, different vege burgers, and so much of it, then the sweet dessert after lunch, lemon cheesecake has to be my favourite! The yoga, Natali was amazing, she didnt push us all too much and was so respectful of our different abilities, she knew every day where our aches and pains were and she guided us through yoga so well! The lectures and mediation were brilliant; Marin explained the elements so well and how they relate to life and he was a fantastic guide for our daily meditations. The location, Rovinj is beautiful and being able to hop on the bike and go to the beach or the town was so great, some fantastic local restaurants too! And finally, the adventures, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, windsurfing, cycling, hiking. I had so much fun doing all the activities, it was great to be outdoors in the elements experiencing all these different activities in such a beautiful place! Thank-you to Natali and Marin for being such wonderful hosts, I will hopefully return soon!
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Esther Purkiss from Ireland
“This was the most amazing retreat!”
Hi had the most amazing week! It was way much better than I expected! Marin and Natali were so hospitable and took good care of every single person who participated. The food! Yoga! Meditation! The activities! The garden! Everything has been incredible. I’ve been playing for a whole week and laughed so much! I have so many new experiences and memories. I feel so grateful - Thank you! Love! Jeanette
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Jeanette Bergh from Sweden
“An unforgetable experience in many ways”
Marin and Natalie were very welcoming to my daughter and myself. We immediately felt comfortable on arrival. The expectations of the week were clearly laid out to us in a respectful manner. The week really ran like clockwork, but with a laid back vibe - we all knew where and when we needed to be somewhere and the whole group responded well. Activities were amazing, lecture and meditation was surprisingly interesting and effective and the yoga was energising at the start of the day. As an experienced yogi it was good to have some alternative routines and my daughter as a beginner was able to follow most of the yoga. Having access to bicycles for the duration was great. Rovinj is beautiful, shops were close by and the accommodation was fine.
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Jayne Bailey from Great Britain
“Excellent variety!”
I particularly loved this retreat as it was a more mature group (i.e. not a bunch of partying 20 year olds :) ) It was also great having yoga and meditation in the morning, and doing amazing adventure activities in the late afternoon. The food was top notch and catered for difficult people like me (vegan and gluten free) They also weaved in the 5 elements into everything we did. It’s really quite well done. Everything was done with love and care, and it was truly an exceptional experience.
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Michael Anderson from US
“Discovery and exploration of the self through the 5 elements”
The philosophy and concepts were very interesting and easy to implement into daily practices and activities.
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Suzana Brooke from Qatar
“Life Changing Experience”
Marin & Natali are the most wonderful hosts, teachers & loving people. From day one I felt relaxed & at home. Met a wonderful bunch of people from all over the world. So much fun, laughter & learning together. The mix between yoga, meditation & activities along with free time is perfect. (Especially if you use some of that time receiving a massage from Natali) There were some very special moments & experiences. This trip has changed my perspective & made me much happier and able to deal with the stresses of life. I will return in a heartbeat. I must also mention the food. An abundance of beautiful veggie & vegan creations. Thank you Iskra the cook & Natali.
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Hayley Sulsh
“Balanced, restored and relaxed”
This retreat was superb in so many ways. Marin and Natali are amazing hosts who make you feel at home and go out of their way to meet your needs. The retreat was coordinated wonderfully and we really felt taken care of. We were transported to and from the ferry upon our arrival and departure. The entire retreat was coordinated wonderfully and we thoroughly enjoyed the yoga classes, the meditation sessions, the adventures, the accommodations and the amazing food. We could not have asked for anything more. I’m so grateful for all of the experiences that were available during this retreat and for the wonderful people I had the opportunity to meet.
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Lucrecia Sandoval from United States
“An adventure in relaxation”
This was my first yoga retreat and I found it to be the perfect balance between yoga, adventure activities, and doing absolutely nothing. The house is a place of great peace and even sharing a room, I slept so well. The food by Iskra was absolutely incredible and for those with special dietary preferences (vegan, gluten free) she made special. The adventures in the afternoon were my favorite, particularly learning to windsurf, a special love for host Marin. There were bikes always available for going into town or the beach.
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Jennifer Hutain from Sierra Leone
“A perfect place to reset, relax, and ruminate :)”
Natali and Marin have clearly put a lot of thought and effort into organizing this retreat, and it’s very obvious that they care deeply about how everyone is doing and feeling during yoga, meditation, activities, breakfast and lunch. They are extremely receptive to feedback and always try to accommodate everyone’s needs. Natali and Marin are extremely quick to get back to you if you have any questions before booking your retreat, and they are very helpful in making sure that all prior necessities (e.g. booking, transactions, transportation to and from the bus station, etc) are planned for and taken care of. For scale: this was the first time I have ever done a foreign transaction, and Natali was extremely helpful in confirming and making sure that all of the money was received for the deposit. She also made sure that I was picked up from the bus station in Rovinj even though it was my first time in Croatia and I wasn’t familiar with the area, and I had also arrived a day late. The yoga and meditation were exactly what I needed, and I really liked the different lectures that Marin provided. I also really enjoyed how the activities played into each meditation and element. Biking, kayaking, wind surfing, and hiking were only a the starters of what I consider one of the best experiences I have ever had. Natali, Marin, and everyone who was a part of the retreat truly made this experience special for me – notwithstanding how beautiful Croatia is :)
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Namquyen Le from United States
I liked everything about this place, Marin and Natalie were wonderful to meet and spend time together. The retreat was well organised and managed. Rovinj is a beautiful place to explore and Marin took us to see the best of it.

Also I personally wanted to thank Marin for making me feel confident and comfortable during windsurfing and kayaking, as it was my first time to try these activities out and I do not swim well. It was a great experience.

I wanted to thank Natalie as well for gluing the team together, treating us with her great hospitality and being so wonderful with us. I had a great time!
— Review from bookyogaretreat by Iroda Asqarova from Ukraine (
“Great experience and insight into the five elements. “
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Cormac Corcoran from Ireland
“My thoughts.”
I liked the mix of activites/yoga. Food was brill. Lectures and meditation provided a nice counter balance to the activities. Nice group of well matched people. Close to town but not “in town” I liked all the activity afternoons. I liked the yoga sessions they were a good start to the day even though I may not be the most flexible.
— Review from Bookyogaretreat by Michael John Delaney from Ireland
“Amazing! Enjoyed everything about it!”
I like everything! All adventures, Food, location, hosts, and mostly yoga & meditation! People who I have met in this retreat also made it enjoyable and pleasant.
— Review from bookyogaretreat by Gowsi Ananthan from Great Britain
Marin and Natali who were both hosts and teachers have enabled us to have both a wonderful personal experience as well as a wonderfully relaxing yet exciting holiday.

Natalie is great at teaching yoga in her second language which cannot be easy. The content of the classes perfectly matched the concept of the five elements.

Marin was our guru and delivered thought provoking and inspiring lectures on the five elements and guided us through life changing meditation ( for me personally).

They both served us with delicious home cooked vegetarian food and nothing was too much trouble to make our stay enjoyable.

The activities programme was fun filled, challenging and unique. Marin took us to visit places and people that we would never have experienced if we had visited Croatia by ourselves.
— Review from bookyogaretreat by Michelle Moran from Great Britain
PROS
I loved how the yoga and activities were centred around the five elements. Relaxing, exciting & thought-provoking all at once!
The food is up there with the best vegetarian food I’ve ever tasted and even as a non-veggie, I promise you, you won’t go hungry!
Guest house is spotlessly clean and comfortable and has all the facilities you’ll need.
Natali & Marin were the perfect hosts and I would recommend the retreat to anyone.
— Review from bookyogaretreat by Cheryl Anson from Great Britain
The guest house was very clean and tidy with regular cleaning times done by Natali herself! All the food was amazing and was freshly prepared everyday by Natali. Marin did lectures everyday on the elements and how this related to the yoga and meditation he is insightful and knowledgeable and his book complements his wisdom. The time effort and preparation that went into the adventure activities was beyond anything I’ve experienced! The yoga lessons delivered by Natali were active and easy to follow while challenging you mentally and physically. Natali and Marin clearly put their heart and soul into the retreat to ensure you have the most amazing time!
— Review from bookyogaretreat by Kayleigh Carr from Great Britain
“In my element”
Great concept combining the 5 elements with the yoga sessions, activities and at times even the food. All in all a wonderful way to experience both yoga and the surrounding area. The food was excellent and rooms clean. Very relaxed accomodation and hosts. Thanks again Marin and Natali
— Review from bookyogaretreat by Leon Kuhn from Sweden
“Thank you so much, had amazing vacation!”
Super super super retreat! Guesthouse is comfy and silent place in a beautiful city of Rovinj. It’s was perfect combination of yoga and other activities, we got a change to see such a beautiful places and scnereries. The canyon we went to see, oh my! That place would be great place for a meditation :) Marim and Natalie, it was great to meet you! Your presence is calm and peaceful and you made your effort for us to feel great, thank you so much! The food you prepared was super delicious! Big hug!
— Review from bookyogaretreat by Erika Boström from Finland
“Amazing time at the Five Elements Retreat (Rovinj)”
The combination of relaxation (yoga) and adventure (hiking, cycling and kayaking) was just what I needed....... made even more memorable by the great company of fellow travellers at the retreat :-)
— Review from bookyogaretreat by Danielle Bromage from Great Britain
“I was so happy in the 5 elements retreat, such a nice place!”
Thank you, Marin and Natali, for all you did for me. You ´ re wonderful people!
— Review from bookyogaretreat by Manuela Kallinger from Germany
“Wonderful journey!”
— Review from bookyogaretreat by Ine Verlinden from United States

”Amazing retreat”
I had a great retreat in 5 Elements. We had different adventures every day, food in the guest house was simply amazing. My room was very clean and comfortable. All activities were safe and well organized. The Rovinj region by itself is very lovely with a clear blue sea water and beautiful landscapes. Thanks to Marin and Natali for the organization
— Review from bookyogaretreat by anonymous
“Great retreat”
The five elements retreat was a fantastic experience. The balance between doing things and learning stuff, between doing things and doing nothing is outstanding
— Review from bookyogaretreat by Rosan Breman from Netherlands
“Awesome”
— Review from bookyogaretreat by Edouard Steinthal from France
Die Yogaeinheiten waren sehr gut, die Nachmittagsaktivitäten waren super! Das Essen sehr lecker und alles mit viel Liebe zubereitet. Nette, sehr engagierte Kursleiter!!!
— Review from bookyogaretreat by Carola Ehret from Germany
“Entspannende Woche”
Sehr gute Programm. Feines Essen. Tolle und professionelle Yoga-, Meditations- und Sportessions. Alles in allem ein sehr gelungener Aufenthalt.
— Review from bookyogaretreat by Marcello Gariglio from Switzerland
I’ve had the opportunity to stay 2 more days in the lovely guesthouse and reflect over the past week. It has been an amazing experience for body, mind and stomach :) The passion and professionalism of Marin and Natali is unseen, whether it is yoga, massage, meditation, supporting the sports activities, cooking.... I really liked the balancing of the more ‘quiet’ activities and the sports, suitable for every level. Being with them and the whole group gave me new insights and great talks with like-minded people, but also a lot of fun and laughter. The nature around is stunning and we discovered great places: small islands, hiking in the wild...Definitely will come back again to get more of these experiences!
— Review from bookyogaretreat by Marlies Naeyaert from Belgium
“Tolle Kombi Yoga und Aktivitäten”
Morgens Start mit abwechslungsreichem Yogaprogramm, tolles Frühstück, wir haben einiges über die 5 Elemente und Meditation gelernt, supergute Aktivitäten!
— Review from bookyogaretreat by Hartmut Haubrich from Germany
“Wonderful hosts, program, yoga and food. ❤️”
— Review from bookyogaretreat by Arjet Stevens from Netherlands