PASSADHI Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat — Hotel in Boyacá

This is the first time in my life that I am writing a review, and I want to emphasize that I am a digital nomad who attends at least 8 retreats annually worldwide. I have successfully completed panchakarma over a dozen times in five countries, giving me a broad basis for comparison. I am taking the time to share this review after much deliberation; "do no harm" is a motto I live by, and my intention is to offer insights to potential visitors so they can avoid the ordeal I experienced.||||To begin with, the process of booking the personalized "panchakarma" retreat was a nightmare. It involved numerous messages with the owner, who promotes the retreat with misleading advertisements featuring outdated prices. Notably, there was no mention of a price change until the last minute, and the increase from one year to the next was astronomical. In Colombia, prices generally increase in line with the national IPC (Consumer Price Index), which for this year was 7.18%. However, the hike I encountered was at least six times that amount (from $4,200,000 COP to $5,900,000 COP). When I raised concerns about this abrupt price change not aligning with the advertised rates, my feedback was met with personal attacks. The owner accused me of being overly distrustful, completely overlooking how her sudden and unexplained price adjustment had created a lack of trust.||||Upon arrival, I encountered further unpleasant experiences. When I politely requested the schedule of activities for the retreat, I received a curt refusal without any logical explanation. Throughout my stay, I was subjected to constant negative comments about my character. The owner labeled me as the most difficult client she had ever dealt with and made disparaging remarks such as "you are the most reticent person I've ever met." During the Ayurveda questionnaire, she even asked leading questions that presupposed negative traits about me, such as "you are an angry person, right?" As someone who values personal boundaries and non-judgmental environments, it was deeply upsetting to be constantly criticized by the very person from whom I sought acceptance and safety.||||The situation deteriorated to the point where I felt so uncomfortable that I avoided leaving my room on the first day just to minimize interaction. Even this decision was met with negative comments about my choice to "lock myself up." Additionally, she made derogatory remarks about my attire -"you came dressed as for the North Pole" and even criticized my decision not to wash my hair one day after a treatment. Despite my request for silence during the retreat, she continued to send unnecessary reminders via WhatsApp for each activity, undermining my efforts to detox from technology and maintain inner calm.||||The final straw came when her husband aggressively confronted me about being late for a yoga class, despite the fact that the scheduled time had not yet arrived. This incident, coupled with numerous others involving Gisel (the owner), compelled me to leave prematurely. I attempted to seek a refund for the days I did not receive treatments but was only reimbursed $200 USD ($600,000 COP). To put this into perspective, I paid $5,000,000 COP ($1,245.49 USD) for a 5-day retreat, completed only 2 days, and received inadequate reimbursement. ||||What's most striking is Gisel's complete lack of awareness of how her behavior contributed to my discomfort. In her final message, she claimed not to understand and asserted there were no objective reasons for my departure. This demonstrates a profound lack of empathy and insight into how her words and actions negatively impact others. She even mentioned that this was the first time such an incident had occurred in her 15 years of operation, which suggests a refusal to acknowledge feedback and learn from it.||||It might be that other customers tolerate and overlook her toxic behavior, allowing her to judge and label them. However, I am someone who firmly establishes boundaries and refuses to let individuals, especially those responsible for promoting well-being, undermine my self-worth. No one should have the authority to define another person's character in such derogatory terms. If others accept this treatment, it's a clear indication that this establishment is not conducive to a positive and respectful environment, and for me, it's an experience I will not repeat.||||In conclusion, my experience at this retreat was deeply disappointing. If you seek a place where you can feel safe, comfortable, and respected, I strongly advise against choosing this...

Fabulous experience at many levels. First the place, Villa de Leyva is a charming colonial town with a relaxed atmosphere and where you feel safe and surrounded by local markets, friendly people and stunning natural landscapes and something spiritual in the air. It gets even better at the Passadhi Guesthouse. It's a magical place where I spent a week out of time and surrounded by beautiful nature and positive vibes. |The yoga lessons to start the day are a blessing and I met very nice people who were all enjoying this fine mix of peace and fun. The hosts are super friendly and I discovered Ayurveda in the expert hands of Gisele (the owner). With her husband, they were always available to share tips about excursions or things to do but also to have a nice chat about all kinds of topics. They are lovely and making sure their guests are enjoying their retreat in the best conditions. |Rooms are very comfortable and nicely decorated while breakfast is just delicious! The best reward after my morning yoga:) |I'm looking forward to coming back, hopefully soon and bringing my partner this time.|A huge thanks for everything and...

Passadhi guesthouse is an amazingly refreshing place to stay near Villa de Leyva. The architecture is beautiful, and everything from the bedsheets to the sunbathing terraces to the artwork and trees in the landscape are carefully thought out by Gisèle and Edmundo, who will make you feel right at home.

Breakfast consisted of coffee/tea, Greek yogurt with an assortment of fruit and preserves, juices, and eggs cooked to your liking.

Be aware that the theme of the guesthouse is Ayurveda and Yogini, which stems from Gisèle, Edmundo and their family's extensive travels and work in South Asia and that it is about 20mins away from Villa de Leyva, which makes it an amazing spot to rest in nature and, if you so wish, enjoy some yoga and ayurvedic massages with the hosts.

I was surprised to find out that Edmundo, the host of Passadhi guesthouse, is also its architecht, and every space feels intimate, homely, clean, and peaceful.

Stay at least 2 days to enjoy the hosts' excellent hospitality and rest in this special Mediterranean microclimate...