Simply Soulful
Face to Face Yoga Classes
Advantages of Face to Face Yoga
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Build Social Connection
Face to face classes are excellent for honing your skills and for those who seek social and energetic connection and a greater sense of community. Whilst I’m currently taking a gentle pause from regular studio-based classes, there are still many ways to move, breathe and unwind together. I am continuing to offer my much-loved beach yoga, SUP yoga, private sessions, and pop-up sessions at Merrifield House. You are warmly invited to join me.
- Small, friendly classes for all abilities
- Hands on - close up and tailored
- Takes place in the beautiful Merrifield House studio, local beaches and estuaries waters of South Devon
- Sessions can be tailored to support most health conditions, pregnant and post-natal yoginis
- Different yoga styles for your personal health goals
- Helps build accountability, self discipline and commitment
Thank-you Donna for our 1:1 Flow Yoga session when we came to stay in Salcombe. We loved our gentle restorative practice, just what we wanted! Very highly recommended. We look forward to hearing about your retreats- any excuse to come and stay again! Thanks
A.R.
The class was really good and it felt like I had never been away from Yoga. It was great to see Donna again!
L.C.
I really enjoyed last Monday’s yoga class and came out of the class feeling really relaxed and super stretched
Miss J.
Myself and a group of ladies stayed with Donna at her retreat in September .. Donna made sure we had everything we needed for our stay .. we had 3 different yoga sessions, paddle boarding and hula hooping and cold water swimming plus much more …We enjoyed homemade nutritious food prepared by Donna which was so good .. Myself and my friends were so happy with everything and the surroundings of the retreat it was just stunning … we will all be back very soon xx Thank you Donna and your team for the memories in Devon.
E.B.
Design Your Own Retreat: Donna immediately put us at ease on arrival at Merrifield House. Our rooms were very comfortable and clean. We started the day with Hatha Yoga. We came out of the session revitalised and ready to start the day. Donna’s understanding of nutrition alongside the benefits of Yoga was also a highlight as she answered our questions thoroughly and knowledgeably. I would thoroughly recommend. We all came away with special moments, re-vitalised and re- energised.
Mrs P.T.
Beach yoga was wonderful yesterday. The session was well balanced … A fabulous way to start the day and I would highly recommend it. It is a good discipline to attempt yoga with lots of other things going on in the background and stay focused, quite different from the studio environment.
L.G.
As always Donnas practice was outstanding. I have now had a great stretch and a feeling of wellbeing. I highly recommend Donna’s [online] yoga classes.
E.C.
HOW WAS THE CLASS SET UP AND HOW DID THE TEACHER WELCOME PARTICIPANTS? Donna was chatty, warm and very welcoming. Obviously knows her students well and the students also very chatty amongst each other, radiating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere
L.R.
I recently had the privilege to have been observed by a Yoga Teacher in Training. This is an extract from the observation report:
Yoga on the beach with Donna is so special. What a way to start the day! Honestly can’t recommend it more. So grateful that Donna is doing these sessions in Hope Cove now. I will always make sure I book myself in when I’m down here. What a treat. And she is such a wonderful teacher
S.B.
Just wanted to say that having attended the online yoga session last night how much I enjoyed it. In these difficult times it is great to stay connected and grounded. Brilliant and thank you
M.D.
I did the beach yoga class at Jenkins Quay which is a stunning location. Donna made everyone feel welcome and comfortable in the outdoors. She guided us to connect with and immerse in our surroundings and I came away feeling uplifted and rejuvenated – a wonderful way to start the day
K.E.
Being connected to the Kingsbridge yogi community in online yoga with Donna has has been important in my lockdown year. We’ve all had difficult periods during the pandemic, but regular coming together in the routine of gentle exercise, listening to ancient fables, relaxation, challenging our bodies and getting to know the group in the friendly welcome is a positive help and support to me. What’s more, living in Manchester I’m connected to Donna and the friendly, cheerful and relaxed yogis who live in the beautiful South Hams, the location of our holiday home for over 25 years. Donna is a perfect teacher and host and it’s great to see the move to Merrifield House and the progress of a exciting project.
Mrs K.E.
Such an amazing, uplifting and empowering SUP & BEACH Yoga Retreat day with wonderful authentic people in beautiful surroundings! Thank you.
E.T.
I smiled immediately upon arrival at the SUP & BEACH Yoga Retreat day. It was such a treat to take time out to enjoy exercise, food and great company in wonderful settings. The next day I woke up feeling recharged, energised and grateful to have experienced such a lovely day. Thank you, Donna – I will have magic memories to look back on and can’t wait to do it again!
C.M.
I have just returned from a very relaxing weekend [yoga] retreat with Simply Soulful Yoga. Donna is an amazing host, very welcoming and attentive. I particularly enjoyed the beach yoga where Donna talked about all the elements and made the session extremely calming and spiritual. The accommodation and location is wonderful and the homemade breakfasts were delicious as well as nutritious.
H.M.
So uplifting to be able to see the sunshine and sea view, when I am practicing my yoga online [On Demand] on a rainy day in January. Awesome!
S.B.
I wish I lived closer ! slightly apprehensive going on my own but made to feel welcome the moment I arrived. The yoga on Hope cove was magical and the sup yoga was an incredible experience. Heartfelt thanks to Donna for the encouragement and guidance as never paddle boarded before but I DID it..!
. Thankyou for all you have taught me this weekend… I have taken so much away with me. Super grateful to have met you. Highly recommend this lovely lady and her yoga practice x
M.M.
After a year of yoga the difference in my flexibility and breathing control is amazing. It has improved my rowing dramatically and highlighted the need to balance aerobic and weight training, with the flexibility, calmness and balance of yoga. Donna is an intuitive and inspirational teacher and I totally recommend her.
K.C.F
What a brilliant SUP & BEACH Yoga Retreat day – energizing, revitalizing and relaxing all at once! A great combination of yoga, SUP and hula hoop in the most amazing landscapes. Thanks so much, Donna!
N.S.
One of the most wonderful, calming and positive yoga classes I have ever experienced. Donna has a beautiful way of creating a completely relaxed atmosphere with clear guidance that gives you great confidence in yourself… I can’t recommend her classes highly enough
K.J
I wanted to say how grateful I am to you for doing the Zoom classes throughout our lockdown period. They really have kept me focused and grounded off the mat as well as on.
L.G.
Todays [beach yoga] class was uplifting and energising in glorious surroundings. Thank you Donna.
J.K.
We have just completed a course of 10 personal face to face yoga sessions. We were both absolute beginners. Donna was fantastic – caring, patient, understanding and a true professional. We felt totally relaxed and knew we were in a very safe pair of hands at all times. We loved every single session and definitely feel the benefits of our yoga journey. So much so, that we have booked another 10 sessions. Looking forward to them already!
J. & I.R.
Another wonderful class. It was great to do [SUP] yoga on the water – it takes relaxation to another level! A great new experience. Thank you Donna!
K.B.
Had a fabulous day of yoga and paddle boarding with yummy food to energise us along the way. Such a relaxing, fun and uplifting day. You will never regret a day out like this! Thank you, Donna! X
A.S.
Thanks Donna for an amazing SUP & BEACH Yoga Retreat day. The whole retreat was well planned with a gentle pace, never rushed but no hanging about. Amazing locations and clear instructions for them all. I loved all the activities and will definitely return again.
J.M.
Beach yoga with Donna couldn’t be more perfect in beautiful Hope Cove and her practice is inspiring- thank you, will certainly book other classes
K.G.L.
Oh my goodness what a gem of a find!! This place [Merrifield House] is just amazing. Had the most beautiful relaxing and thought-provoking experience here. The food was just delicious. Can wait to go back [Relaxation Day – Yin Yoga & Forest Bathing 2022)
K.W.C.
The Chakra Yoga & Reiki Retreat was just what I needed to look inward, to feel grounded and relaxed. Thank you for a lovely day. xx
A.P.
I really looked forward to and enjoyed all of the online yoga workshops during isolation… The workshops felt like such a luxurious treat; 3 hours of me time, total yoga immersion and relaxation and it was lovely to be with the same ladies and share our thoughts. I look forward to more workshops in the new year.
L.G.
A wonderful [bespoke wellness & relaxation] day in a quiet and peaceful location. Donna is great – a calm and healing demeanour. The sound bath was amazing. Fully recommend.
P.K.
The SUP & BEACH Yoga Retreat day was a very well thought out, perfectly coordinated and well-suited to our group demographic (ladies wanting to relax but have fun in a group with the sea nearby!) I felt tired at the end but in a positive way.
V.C.
I had the most relaxed [yoga retreat] weekend with Donna at a friend’s birthday. Totally wasn’t expecting it to be quite so fantastic! Perfect mix of yoga, SUP, food, chat, relaxation. Accommodation was spotless and welcoming, and the location is stunning. Can’t wait to go back!
Anon
I had my first session doing SUP Yoga and it was amazing! I felt very safe and looked after. The Crabshell was a beautiful setting, and I didn’t fall in!! Highly recommend, will definitely be booking in again.
O.W.
Today’s beach yoga was wonderfully grounding and invigorating. Perfect location, the wind was a surprisingly enjoyable addition, and Donna is such an inspiring and skilled yoga instructor. Until next time… thank you x
A.D.
Great [livestream] hatha yoga class today after a few weeks out due to topsy turvy life! I loved the Tao of Pooh focus, empty mind and just being in the moment so relevant for us all and me in particular! Thanks Donna x
L.G.
Loved it! Donna is a great teacher. Her class was a delight to attend. It left me relaxed & ready to face the day ahead with a smile on my face. Can’t wait to join the class again when I am next around.
V.N.
SUP Yoga – That was amazing, quite challenging, but really, really cool and very relaxed. Lovely feeling of floating on the water and the sensation of being adrift, really enhances it!
P.S.
Lovely Laughter & Yoga Session, very playful… Sophie and Donna were very supportive… My face hurts!
K.L
Lovely day spent in South Devon doing a range of activities from SUP to SUP yoga, eating and beach hula. Doing yoga on the beach with the sun setting and the sound of the waves crashing in will be a memory I won’t forget. Lovely people, great instructor and added bonus of staying at Merrifield House [for the SUP & Beach Yoga Retreat Day].
C.P.
SUP Yoga – Brilliant, absolutely brilliant. Great way to start the morning!
G.T.
I just wanted to say I enjoyed the SUP Yoga & Beach Retreat so much. You planned it amazingly. The food was fantastic. Yoga sessions outdoors with beautiful scenery and making wonderful memories with beautiful people, nourished my mind, body and soul. Thanks again Xxx
E.B.K.
Brilliant [flow yoga] class with Donna – as a complete beginner she made me feel very comfortable! Really enjoyed it and would highly recommend
R.K.
Relaxation Package at Merrifield House – Meditating in the studio was an amazing and unforgettable experience. I am keen to book more sessions with Donna asap! My yoga session was magical, being immersed in the wonderful space and atmosphere Donna has created. A beautifully light and airy studio with fabulous artwork. What else can I say, although I arrived with no real expectations, Merrifield House delivered and exceeded. Thank you to Donna, Marcus and Deezil (The friendly Labrador) for making my stay so perfect xx
C.S.
Thank you, it was a great online yoga session – my first online and my first in this funny self-isolation world. Well done, you were quick off the mark. The setting for you is great, I can see you clearly and hearing your voice when I have my eyes shut is no different to when we are in the Hen House. Well done … you have helped keep us all connected
S.M.
I had never been on a retreat and wasn’t sure what to expect from a women’s yoga & nutrition retreat. I liked the variety in activities, it was not just yoga, as it included food demonstrations, essential oils blending, craft and a fantastic walk in beautiful surroundings. The weekend was interesting and inspiring; a good balance of free-time and activities. We had good conversation and some giggles! I would highly recommend the women’s retreat
L.H.
Thank you so so much for a wonderful [Relaxation & Wellness] day yesterday, it was a day that was very much needed and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a nicer experience. Your space and what you provide offers itself so well to grounding quality downtime and the yoga sessions you taught were really lovely, you are a wonderful teacher and it was so nice to be on the flip side of a class. The afternoon tea was lovely too.
A.F.
“What i liked about the Yoga Retreat” – Total self indulgence & escapism!! With friends. Fun. Aromatherapy oils to use. The snug was cosy & lush with the wood burner! Attention to detail on arrival – notebooks and stones were such a sweet touch. Donna was so accommodating – offering an alternative to paddleboard yoga, dropping us into Kingsbridge. Very kind & thoughtful.
L.W.
Thank you so much for today, I had such a good time at both [Sassy Saturday] sessions, and it was exactly what I needed! I really like the way you run your classes and it definitely helped me unwind. At times I forgot where I was, and when I opened my eyes, the views were stunning – what a day!!
I felt really relaxed and peaceful, and I want to try and hold that feeling, and those experiences, especially when times are hard.
I’d definitely like to join you again – your practice is definitely added to my map!
Anon
I booked for a relaxation day with Donna at Simply Soulful Yoga and the day couldn’t have been more perfect. Every detail is considered and thoughtful, from both coffee (!) and herbal tea on arrival, a beautiful space and surroundings to enjoy and enriching yoga and meditation sessions. Donna is a wonderful teacher and host and I’ll be returning again in future. I couldn’t recommend her more!
S.A.
Excellent. I was a little anxious how I’d get on after such a long gap without Yoga practice but I really enjoyed the session. Appreciate you providing options to enable me to take part while protecting old injuries.
K.P.
The 7.30am yoga class is a great way to start your day, fab for my back. I go into class with a stiff sore back and walk out pain free, then at 8.30 am you can get on with your day!
Mrs K.L.
Thank you Donna for an amazing SUP & BEACH Yoga Retreat day. I would highly recommend. Very well organized, great fun and good for the mind, body & soul.
N.C.
Wonderful SUP Day Retreat in beautiful locations, offering the unique opportunity to participate in SUP Yoga a truly amazing experience for anyone. Beach Yoga just stuff of dreams for anyone who loves the coast complete with a sea swim! Fabulous company, knowledgeable yet friendly tuition & generous food – iconic Devon Scones with clotted cream at a choice hotel terrace overlooking one of the best beaches in the area really tops of off 🙂 Thank you.
E.H.
The SUP yoga was great, a lovely mix of relaxing and challenging and a bit of a giggle too – just what we wanted. Thank you Donna.
L.C.
Fantastic online yoga session, so happy that you have set this up us, this will really keeping us going and sane
K.L.
We are new to Donna’s yoga class in Ringmore and have found her to be very friendly and professional in her tutoring. I am looking forward to my journey in Yoga. Thank you x
L.P.
I can thoroughly recommend Donna’s classes both studio and currently online. Her warmth, compassion and desire to promote connection and a positive sense of well-being in such challenging times really make a difference
K.F.
Fabulous [Bantham Yoga] class in an amazing location ! Will Be booking for the next class!!
S.S.
I have had yoga with Donna twice daily for a week now, never having done yoga before. I started the week being very stiff and tense with my lower back in spasm, following an accident almost 2 years ago, where I fractured my pelvis. Within 3 days I felt much more relaxed and free from pain. By the end of the week I am fully mobile and feel as I did before the accident. I cannot thank Donna enough for giving me my freedom of movement back
J.R.
You are calming, encouraging and inclusive, even on Zoom that comes across. You offer good explanation of the asana, their benefits and always give alternatives. Your classes are well planned and structured with a theme or asana focus to work with.
L.G.
What an amazing [Bespoke Yoga Retreat} experience! Five days away from the chaos focusing on the body, mind and soul. I came away feeling totally refreshed after we bathed in the forest and grounded ourselves with mother nature, laughed until our bellies hurt with laughter yoga, aligned our chakras and channelled into healing energies. The variety of yoga was beautiful especially as it was accompanied with poetic words which connected with our hearts. Thank you Donna, for creating a wonderful experience and memory that will stay with me for life! I feel strong, balanced, and empowered to create stillness, calm and tranquillity in everyday life.
J.M.
I am so pleased to have found a teacher who is so flexible and innovative. I will be using your classes when I am back in Devon and look forward to joining you again soon.
L.G.
Thank you Donna yet again another super [SUP Yoga & Beach Retreat] day and the weather didn’t make a difference – you handled it superbly!! Love the retreat – hoping to come in Sept too
J.M.
Brilliant location [for beach yoga] and Donna is a superb practitioner, thank you.
A.D.
Such an incredible SUP & BEACH Yoga Retreat day with lovely people. Thank you so much Donna – Looking forward to next year already.
N.K.
The wellness day was purchased for me as a gift from a friend, we attended this day together yesterday and I can honestly say it is one of the best gifts I have ever been given. We were made welcome from the start, the Yin yoga session was amazing, the location could not be better and my first experience of forest bathing was nothing short of a delight! I really did not want the day to end and would highly recommend Simply Soulful Yoga for anyone who wants to connect with nature, reflect and relax. Last but not least the food was delicious, I certainly hope to return. Thank you Donna.
S.H.
Loved this [beach] yoga practice with Donna, she’s a brilliant teacher as she made me feel like I could do what I was able to do on the day (no pressure!) and key comments to improve each pose. Lovely and friendly small group and definitely would go again. Also went for a dip afterwards which was refreshing on this sunny day! Thanks so much Donna!
S.K.
As always with any of Donna’s classes, I come away with a sense of achievement and peace [SUP Yoga].
M.S.
THANK YOU ? so much, I absolutely loved Beach Yoga. What lucky people we are to have such breathtaking scenery around us and as always you made the session so meaningful and joyful.
C.G.
Yoga with Donna is amazing. Very relaxing. It really helps you switch off
Anon
Absolutely loving the online Yang & Yin Yoga workshops, thank you Donna. Another amazing session today, you manage always to focus the intention that resonates with each of us in our own lives. Looking forward to next one ?xx
S.R.
I have been attending Simply Soulful Yoga’s beginners hatha class for 9 months and always find them friendly and invigorating with Donna always being aware of your ability, checking your alignment and comfort. I also had my first SUP Yoga session yesterday and loved it. I am trying to conquer a fear of being on the water and felt totally safe and happy in Donna’s hands, it was a beautiful experience which will be definitely be repeated. All in all, if your looking for a great yoga teacher, Donna is it!
J.D.
SUP Yoga – The PERFECT way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon. Yoga on a SUP board is EXTRA relaxing!! Loved it … thank you !!
J.L.
Beach Yoga was great! Donna combined the yoga movements and positions with awareness and connection to the natural environment around us to provide a deeper experience to our practice. Interruptions and distractions were met with mindful acceptance, and did not detract from the experience. A dip in the sea at the end was the perfect way to round off the session!
S.P.
Just to say thank you so much Donna for todays Yang & Yin Yoga workshop on Energy and Vitality – where did those 3 hours go? Feel well energised, you are a star!
K.L.
This was my first class with Donna which I really enjoyed. She was really welcoming and friendly love the way she teaches Hatha yoga I will definitely come again! Thank you
K.W.
Absolutely brilliant online classes with Donna. It feeds the soul as well as the body. Thank you
E.G.
Donna is a great Yoga instructor! I joined her on a Yoga retreat at the Hen House which I would highly recommend. Take some time out for yourself and treat yourself to one of Donna’s retreats, I left feeling rejuvenated and re-energised! Love it!
J.L.
SUP yoga was such a great experience! I started the session with one of my usual stress headaches and by the end of the session it had gone and I felt much more relaxed. At one point Donna told us to remember we could come back to this feeling at any point, and that has really stuck with me.
E.B.
My daughter and I had the best experience together and we are so grateful to Donna for her amazing support and teaching, allowing us to gently let go of our initial fears of falling off the board and fully immerse in the wonderful practice of SUP yoga set in the beautiful Kingsbridge estuary. We felt so relaxed and happy after the session and proud of ourselves for doing something new and out of our comfort zones!
F.B.
Travelled down to Devon for the weekend from Dorset to attend Donna’s SUP and Beach Yoga Day [Sassy Saturday]. A real treat, outside Yoga is the best and Donna and her Yoga group were so welcoming and friendly. Shall be joining the group again soon I hope. Thanks Donna.
S.T.
Donna provided three yoga sessions to our clients over the weekend and they were a real highlight. Guests varied massively in their yoga experience but Donna ensured that everyone had a positive experience and took something away with them. We have booked Donna again for future weekends, it just wouldn’t be the same without her!
Ronnie Masters, Co-founder Wild Coast Escapes
Thoroughly enjoyed the SUP yoga class. Felt peaceful and more centred after it. Very relaxing listening to the sounds of the water and feeling the water on my fingers. Great to try something a little bit different.
S.L.
I loved being able to continue with my regular yoga classes when I became pregnant, Donna offered variations or alternative poses and moves tailored to the different trimesters and my growing bump!
C.W.
This was my first experience of yoga. Donna was very welcoming and kind. I will definitely do it again. An excellent class, which was warm, friendly and supportive. Thanks
Ms S.
Thank you Donna, it was an amazing SUP & BEACH Yoga Retreat day; beautiful locations, great like minded people, stunning locations and each activity/ location well spaced out AND beautiful weather ! Very well organized, I certainly hope to be back next year. Thank you so much (and to Sophie too, hooping was fun!!)
L.R.
Donna is a fantastic yoga teacher helping you to find and embrace your practice. Glow in the Dark Yoga is energising and relaxing within the same hour. The lighting and music add something new to your practice keeping it refreshing and exciting each week. I love that I have found yoga and found a brilliant teacher
Mrs R.L.
I have done yoga ‘on and off’ for many years. Donna is expertly bringing back my love of yoga and flexibility.
K.J.
Donna is a brilliant yoga instructor. She is very kind and spiritual. She puts you at your ease and makes her classes interesting by explaining what we will be doing. It is not only good for body but also your mind and soul.
Mrs L.H.
The Yoga & Laughter Workshop was one of the most insane things I think I have ever done but REALLY glad i did!
L.R.
Donna was a skilled teacher and practitioner, but she also had a warmth that inspired trust and relaxation. I loved her beach yoga session in Hope Cove, which was an experience I’ll never forget. Thank you Donna x
J.F.
The Yoga Brunch was very enjoyable. The contemplative questions were good to guide the mind. Nice tone and pace. Feeling still and gently stretched. Many thanks. Namaste
E.P.
I’m really glad I’ve found Donna and her classes, I’ve done a few of her SUP yoga sessions which are brilliant! You don’t need to have SUP’d before, Donna guides you through it with calmness and confidence. It’s lovely to be out in nature while doing yoga and then to add in doing it on a board brings a whole new element to the holding poses… it’s just great and has me hooked!…. Thank you Donna x
L.P.
Really surprised by todays Laughter & Yoga Workshop – not what i was expecting but really enjoyed it. Delighted by the whole experience – thank you both 🙂
S.D.
Beach Yoga – I really love getting outside in nature, so it was absolutely perfect, especially today, as I was having a really busy day and I was tired … to do yoga here, with the sound of the waves, and being on the sand, feeling the sun tickle my face, has been absolutely amazing, really special …
N.M.
Donna, you are a breath of fresh air and your passion for the subject is contagious
C.G.
Your website it excellent, clear and easy to use and I really like the calendar of events and classes that gives all the sessions for the month at a glance.
L.G.
The pace of your yoga classes is good and your tone of voice and speed is great. It’s great to have alternative poses that I sometimes need to do – you explain them in a way that makes me feel that this is ok, I’m not failing it is just what I need to do today. Another day may be different, it is not a competition, this has been a big shift for me and zoom has really helped.
K.L.
Thank you, Donna for your patience, teaching, calm and supportive manner, and dedication to your yogis out there on Zoom over the last 6 months. I have really enjoyed and appreciated our mat journeys; it has been a unique and special time.
L.G.
Highly Recommend – I wanted a retreat where I could unwind and practice my yoga. I chose this retreat for the location, the SUP yoga, and the beach yoga, SUP yoga and time for peace and nature. Donna was a great host and great instructor.
G.E.
Well Woman Retreat – Thank you, I am feeling inspired, relaxed and rejuvenated with a good dose of food for thought. The yoga, meditation, food, company and ideas have been amazing
C.G.
Professional yet welcoming and inclusive; am like a novice again after so long, unfamiliar with the names of moves though could follow from clear instruction. Not sure what ‘type’ of yoga this practice is, but it was lovely not to have repetitious sun salutations. Yoga in the fresh air, how lucky, how restorative. Thank you.
S.B.
Thank you so much for a fantastic weekend at the Well Woman retreat. So pleased I booked on at last minute. The food was delicious. Really enjoyed the gentle yoga. You created a beautiful, safe place and I felt totally nourished and eager to do more research on my return home. Look forward to joining another retreat soon
T.W.
The Laughter & Yoga Workshop was totally different from anything I’ve done before. I really enjoyed doing the yoga first… then the laughter yoga which was totally crazy, but so much fun… I laughed until I cried. Awesome morning. Thank you ladies!
J.L.
Going to a SUP Yoga class with Donna is one of my favourite things to do because her yoga sessions are great and I really enjoy being on the water – and it does add other completely different benefits to your practice – you are out in the fresh air and hearing outside sounds around you, being on the water is calming and meditative and of course it is more challenging requiring constant focus so you have no option but to be completely mindful! The SUP boards are easy to use and everything is set up for you to just turn up and go with some initial tuition on how it all works. Classes include the cost of all equipment (wet suits if desired too) and you can book easily online.
E.H.
I really liked your online yoga class…your delivery was as uplifting as ever…. Your classes either online or in person are always so welcome and grounding whatever way they are presented. Thank you for all you do, keep shining brightly
C.G.
I first heard about Donna through a news feature on the radio about yoga with goats and smiled inwardly at the thought of it but don’t let this light-hearted approach fool you. Donna is serious about her yoga and it’s obvious she takes Olympian pride in her preparation and classes. Her attention to detail is second to none and the narratives she weaves into her yoga, require skill and dexterity. More importantly though, to be on the receiving end of one of her classes, which I have, having worked with Donna on several camps for the past two years, is to be fully immersed in the landscape of yoga, quite literally in the landscape, whether it’s on a sandy Devon beach or a lolling river view field.
Ceri Rees, Founder Wild Running
These online yoga classes are an absolute life-saver. Donna is brilliant ❤️
K.F.
This mornings virtual yoga class was just what we needed in this stressful time. Thank you Donna for setting this up, and for helping us focus on the positives
J.D.
We loved our bespoke ‘design your own yoga retreat’ stay at Merrifield House and think you have a brilliant offering which will be so helpful to many people. Your practice is exceptionally good and you made us feel very at ease and relaxed. We both hope you go from strength to strength with this terrific venture.
E.W.F.
Last evenings livestream hatha yoga class was lovely, after a few weeks break it was some gentle stretching for the body and relaxation for the mind. Thank you Donna you were great as always.
B.B.
A month ago I tried my first ever SUP yoga class led by the beautiful Simply Soulful Yoga at Waterborn SUP in Devon. To do downward dog on a paddle board is no mean feet I tell you! We chuckled as we were guided through a meditation into the eye of the storm, and as if by magic the heavens opened. One of the most enjoyable & peaceful ways to spend a Saturday morning. Even if the weather wasn’t as kind as it could have been. Next trip back I’m booking like a shot!
R.A.
Brilliant teacher. Great to do in the fresh air on the sand at Hope Cove
P.D.
We booked Donna for two private sessions whilst hiring a house down in Salcombe last week. We are all pretty much beginners, but Donna made everyone feel very relaxed but gave a great insight into yoga (a couple were completely newbies) but we all really enjoyed the two classes. Thank you so much Donna… Hopefully see you next year!
J.R.
Donna is a wonderful human, a natural and authentic yoga teacher
L.T.
SUP Yoga – The experience was very rewarding. Relaxing and strenuous in equal measure. A great way to start the day!
D.
Donna’s talent truly lies in her ability to blend the physical benefits of yoga practice while also opening the door to the contribution it can make to your mental wellbeing.
Mrs L.M.
Your classes always leave me with a great sense of peace and relaxation – much needed with a busy lifestyle 🙂 I do love that we get A LOT of practice in an hour! I feel well stretched 🙂
K.B.
Donna led a beautiful yoga session on Hope Cove beach for my best friends hen weekend. Donna was communicative, helpful and professional throughout. I found Donna to be one of the most inspiring yoga teachers I have come across. We all found the session extremely beneficial and would definitely return to another session! Thank you Donna.
B.K.
Loved it! Love these [SUP Yoga & Beach] retreats regardless of weather. Thank you Donna at Simply Soulful Yoga for a fantastic day with wonderful company, great yoga and yummy food. I would recommend these retreats to all
C.M.
Oh my gosh Donna…. that [On Demand Yin Yoga Class] was just what I needed! I have been feeling a bit off kilter this week, bit busy emotionally and in my head … Lovely stretches in my old hips, I literally melted into the mat in child’s pose it was gorgeous and could feel my thoughts throughout the practice returning to my place of gratitude from its busyness and by the time you’d read the poem I felt so centred and calm to the point I had tears in my eyes!!! Thank you…. literally just what I needed!!!
L.P.
The overall balance between the spiritual aspects (perhaps more serious side of yoga), your clear instruction and the friendly and inclusive atmosphere, and your reminding us to work at our own pace, to listen to our bodies, for me makes the whole experience a well rounded, enjoyable and holistic one.
E.H.
Lovely beach yoga, fantastic location, great teacher, thank you.
D.E.
This was my first time at a yoga retreat, celebrating my sisters birthday. We were made to feel extremely welcome by Donna who was a superb host and yoga teacher. The timetable was a good idea as we knew when and what we were doing. Merrifield House is a fantastic location and we enjoyed evenings out in Kingsbridge and Salcombe. I would highly recommend if you require a few days rest, relaxation and reset to your busy lives.
Mrs N.M.
Just attended a wonderful 3 hour Yin & Yang Yoga workshop on zoom with Donna, amazing! I can really recommend this, thank you so much Donna, now feeling relaxed, happy and well stretched ?❤️
K.L.
Amazing Yin Yoga session, Donna explained all the moves so well and my arthritic hips felt much better after! Definitely a class to be done again.
T.F.
Yoga & Laughter Workshop – Totally amazing 2 hours. Thank you Donna & Sophie. What a Dream Team you make!
J. W.
Relaxation Package at Merrifield House – I was provided with the most delicious and nourishing plate of food for lunch, so many flavours and textures. Breakfast was also fabulous, a great selection to choose from (or have a little bit of everything!) I would highly recommend the overnight oats with raisins and cinnamon.
C.S.
From the beautiful bedrooms, to the chia seed breakfast pots, the kombucha, the lesson in composting to the starlit yoga nidra, your spirit and kindness shone through.
We really enjoyed every moment – especially the SUP yoga, the drizzly beach yoga and the incredible walk. I, for one, feel truly blessed to have shared this time with you and your other clients.
And, although my hips may never be open, I feel I worked every single part of my body and felt deep relaxation from our first yin session. Congratulations on building a really special offering, rare in the UK!
L.C.
What a beautiful way to spend a sunny [Sassy] Saturday – moving slowly and deeply in the Devon sunshine. First on a paddle board on the water in Kingsbridge and then on the sand in glorious Hope Cove. Donna has a lovely presence and taught classes that really connected with the natural environment. I felt refreshed, calm, and uplifted by the end. The dip in the sea at the end was the icing on the cake! I highly recommend a class with Donna, and I look forward to the next time I can join her.
G.H.
Donna is a fantastic yoga teacher helping you to find and embrace your practice. Glow in the Dark Yoga is energising and relaxing within the same hour. The lighting and music add something new to your practice keeping it refreshing and exciting each week. I love that I have found yoga and found a brilliant teacher
Mrs R.L.
A really great class, very happy and will definitely be coming back! Thank you Donna
L.Q.
Another awesome [SUP Yoga & Beach Retreat] day spent with Donna, Miranda, Crispin and Sophie. We embraced the elements of water and went with the flow. Thank you! See you again soon!
K.M.
Yin Yoga On Demand – My first session and it worked really well, I was a bit anxious as I had never done this before but I didn’t need to be. Feel well stretched now. Thank you Donna, love the new system means I can do yoga when ever I like.
K.L.
Donna I just wanted to say thank you for the fabulous online yoga classes during the pandemic. You are always so positive and the way you simply adapted your classes when you could no longer do face-to-face showed great resilience. You demonstrate so well all that is positive about regular yoga practice. ?
E. G.
Incredible first event with Simply Soulful for Sunset Beach Yoga. I felt so welcomed and at ease in the group, spectacular beach and sunset. Thank you for such a special evening to connect and regroup
S.T.
After yoga, I feel able to cope again! I feel stronger, saner and spiritually nourished.
E.H.
Made to feel welcome, encouraged and supported throughout [yoga retreat]
M.M
Donna and Simply Soulful Yoga … very personal, caring, attentive – with a great balance of relaxation and exertion. Just what I [you] need!
M.L.
Relaxation Day at Merrifield House: Donna was friendly and courteous and answered any queries straight away. Our group were all at different levels and had different expectations of the day. Donna was able to empathise and explained what was going to happen during each session of the day. Donna set the pace for yoga perfectly and gave us different options for the poses so we could all achieve. I particularly enjoyed the Meditation and Reiki sessions. I would thoroughly recommend the Relaxation Day and the benefits that you gain from it. We would all love to do it again.
Ms P.T.
Donna is an excellent yoga teacher and gently and clearly guides you through your practice, giving you lots of alternatives to make it your own. The yoga studio is well equipped, airy and bright, and parking is freely available at the [Merrifield House] venue.
F.B.
This mornings yoga class was perfect in every way – setting, ambiance and of course the yoga itself. Feel uplifted, calm and so happy. Thanks Donna
K.P.
A one hour yin yoga class [online] with Donna is very fulfilling – it leaves you feeling complete and satisfied, like after eating a good meal or hearing a beautiful piece of music. Thank you as always Donna for the love, thought and care you in still into each and every yin session.
R.S.
Hi! I just want to say again what a fantastic yoga session on Jenkins Quay, it was a magical and spiritual experience, what a perfect location. The weather was amazing and I can honestly say that was the best yoga experience I have ever had, just perfect. You are such a star, a sun in fact!
K.L.
Chakra Yoga & Reiki Retreat – A very relaxing way to spend a Sunday. Lovely company, nutritious food, fantastic opportunity to learn something new and i go away refreshed and ready for the week ahead!
S.D.
I Just wanted to say a very big thank you to Donna for helping me get me back on tract, her advice on diet and exercise have really made a difference, I am now sleeping better and I love the Yoga classes, very uplifting and I am really looking forward to Laughter Yoga and the Goat Yoga that are coming up soon. Thank You Donna.
Mrs K.L.
I enjoyed this [yoga retreat] weekend of not too complex yoga, no expectations or need for small talk, being able to just be. I spend a lot of time talking so it was nice to be still and quiet for a couple days of days not feeling pressured to share or speak. Thank you Donna
J.S.
Wonderful candlelight Yoga Nidra session – relaxing and rejuvenating. Donna is so lovely and welcoming. Thank you
S.B.
My friend and I arrived and were met by Donna and Marcus, such a lovely welcome, then Donna did a complete review of what was happening on our three night stay. All the details that I had asked for had been recorded and actioned, including dietary and
movement issues, this was all so much appreciated. I really relaxed and enjoyed every minute and we will be back again. Thank you both for your hospitality.
S.N.
I joined Donna today for SUP Yoga in Kingsbridge. Wow what an amazing experience in a magical place. Donna was so friendly and very conscious of our individual needs. Donna expertly instructed us through some beautiful postures, which boosted the body both physically and mentally. Thank you so much Donna, I loved it and will definitely be back!
J.P.
Donna created an amazing and wonderful [bespoke yoga] weekend for us all. Everything was thought of. Loved the outside space and the communal area was perfect. The yoga was great and location beautiful, Kingsbridge and Hope Cove are hidden treasures. Thank you so much Donna
N.F.
As part of a corporate away event and team building exercise, Donna organised and delivered two wonderful yoga classes and a talk on nutrition. Our group was of mixed experience and ages, Donna did an amazing job of delivering sessions that were at the right level for the team. Thank you Donna for making our event inclusive and memorable.
Graham Bidwell, Office Labs
We really did have an amazingly relaxing day and absolutely loved all aspects of it [bespoke relaxation & wellness day]. We felt welcome from the moment we arrived and left feeling like we’d made a friend. Personally, I had felt slightly apprehensive about the [back and head] massage, having always avoided one in favour of a facial, but how wrong I was. It was so, so relaxing! Thank you so much for your kindness.
S.S.
I attended beach yoga for the first time today at Hope Cove it was great. It felt so good to be doing yoga with the sounds of the sea in the background. Donna is an excellent teacher. Thank you Donna
L.C.
Donna is a fantastic, extremely knowledgeable and experience teacher, and really knows how to bring a group together and make everyone feel relaced and welcome. If I lived closer, I would be at Donna’s classes every week. Instead I’ll be on regular trips to the area
L.F.
Fab beginners hatha yoga class at Cliff House! Joined the class during my holiday stay in Salcombe. Very impressed- Donna was so well organised to make the class a success with extra yoga mats, lavender masks and blocks – enough for everyone in the popular class of regulars! The instruction was clear and supportive- with different levels of practice to try & a lovely message of peace – left feeling cared for & stronger! #fabyoga
H.G.
I have been attending the 7.30am flow yoga class with Donna for sometime now and I must let everyone know what a fantastic way this is to start the day. You can see the sunrise and hear the birds sing whilst you energise yourself for your day ahead. I was unsure of flow yoga at first as I go to a beginners class but Donna is always on hand to help you and you can go at your own pace. I now begin my days work on a Friday feeling calm, ready to go and ever so slightly self righteous!
Mrs J.D.
Relaxation Day: The yoga and meditation gave me just what I was looking for. Donna is a very positive person with an amazing soothing voice. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will definitely be back!
Mrs L.H.B.
Donna, just wanted to say how much I am enjoying and benefiting from the Yin and Yang workshops on Saturdays during lock down. It is wonderful to have 3 hours of me time on the mat with you and the other ladies. The balance of Yin and Yang is something so restorative and necessary for life off the mat, especially at this time. I highly recommend the workshops to anyone and such great value! Thank you for your time, your patience and your teaching… Namaste
L.G.
Donna was fab from start to finish, having had the pandemic affect our booking she communicated with us really well and on the day she was just great and pitched the [SUP Yoga] class perfectly for the mixed ability in the group. She was clear in her instruction and gave encouragement to us all. Thanks Donna for a yoga class we won’t forget!
I.S.
Great weekend with Simply Soulful Yoga in South Devon. A few weeks ago, I decided to book a birthday break away just for me and it was just what I needed! Beach yoga, SUP yoga, sea swimming, coastal walking, evening meditation, nourishing food and some essential oils to ease the everyday stresses away. I can’t recommend Donna enough, happy to build you your own getaway package too and great company. A lot of the food grown onsite too or locally sourced. Something a little different, enjoying the outdoors and beautiful country we live in! Namaste
S.H.
A thoroughly enjoyable day. The yoga was set at a good level for us as we were beginners. It wasn’t too hard but was challenging. Loved the essences. Gaps between treatments meant we could relax whilst the other one was receiving their treatment. We both went for the head massage which was fab. The meditation was good – my first time and I felt relaxed. The lunch was beautifully presented and very tasty. We felt able to help ourselves to drinks in between because we felt welcome. The location is lovely looking across the fields was calming. It was really good value for money and I would recommend to friends. Thank you Donna we had a great time.
T.A.
The SUP & Beach Yoga Retreat Day fits in so much without feeling busy. I love all of the activities
N.C.
That was a wonderful online class – such a beautiful way to start the day and I love that even though these sessions are online, you are still able to personalise them for me, suggesting ways to modify the practice while I am pregnant. The classes are now providing a structure to each day and I wake up each morning looking forward to joining you and the other yogis
S.D.
Chakra Yoga & Reiki Retreat: I found the day extremely relaxing. The mix of more strenuous yoga in the morning and meditative yoga in the afternoon worked really well. A great intro to reiki which I will definitively follow up and use on my family.
S.E.
Really enjoyed our [Beach Yoga] class on Hope Cove beach today in the sunshine.
D.W.
I have just come back from one of the my best weekends of my life! I went there with my daughter as she was celebrating her 21st and I am turning 50 soon 🙁 and we met other lovely people along the way! The accommodation was lovely and Super clean. Donna had thought of everything as my daughter is celiac – she provided completely gluten free options. We ate and chilled out in the ‘snug’ chalet which was so cosy with the fire. The food was amazing – home cooked and super tasty – I loved the energy balls and juice on arrival. We did 5 yoga sessions and each one completely different! There was beach yoga, SUP yoga, yoga inside and outside. Donna has obviously got a lot of experience in Yoga and made the classes suitable for beginners like ourselves. Swimming the sea was something I did not think I would enjoy but it was amazing and a picnic gazing over the sea with homemade treats felt great She made me love my body and introduced us to more of the sights, smells and noise of the outdoors. We even got to see a full sky of stars with hot chocolate one night and spotted a seal in the sea too! The location near the Devon coastline is just what i needed coming from the midlands! I would highly recommend Donna’s Yoga retreat or any of her classes – It makes you feel wonderful. Thank you, Donna, for a BRILLIANT weekend. I shall never forget it.
A.W.
Donna was very welcoming and helpful from our first telephone call. I arranged a bespoke package with her for my sister’s 40th Birthday present. With her accommodating attitude we created a fun filled day of SUP yoga and beach yoga with a massage treatment in between at Merrifield House. We both felt at ease in Donna’s capable hands, we’ll look forward to returning soon.
J.R.
Because Donna shares the stories of the yoga traditions, expertly making links between the metaphoric adventures of Hindu gods and kings, animals and celestial beings and the daily challenges of 21st century life, Donna’s classes not only serve the body but also the mind.
Mrs L.M.
Wonderful [livestream] Yin session last evening on Cat Napping, it was so relaxing. All of us who participated expressed how well the session had gone with us all feeling very relaxed at the end of the hour. It was also great to have the opportunity to chat before and after the session. I really recommend all who would like to relax try the Cat Napping on demand session (the series on Cats and Dogs). I will be doing it again, thank you Donna xx
K.L.
Chakra Yoga & Reiki Retreat – Thank you Donna for a warm, nourishing and healing day. You held a beautiful space where it felt safe to open and explore. I loved the whole day
W.A.
Wonderful class with Donna! Warm, friendly welcome and beautiful, tranquil, surroundings making you feel at ease as soon as you arrive. Really great that all props are available to use whilst practising (blocks, blankets, straps and eye pads) Donna is an extremely accomplished teacher and guides you through all movements, offering alternatives for more challenging poses. I came away from class feeling super stretched, revitalised, relaxed and content.
J.C.
I went to the Chakra Yoga retreat on the 9th Sept. A lovely day with lovely people and lots of Yoga, Reiki, and a delicious lunch. Donna guided us through an informative and rejuvenating day. I left relaxed and inspired, more in tune to look after myself better. Highly recommended.
C.F.
Great class on the beach.
J.G.
Immensely enjoyable [Yoga Retreat]. Loved being in the open air practising yoga and loved the connection with Donna, who was very helpful and supportive all weekend. Excellent choice of locations and settings for the yoga. Beautiful breakfasts to set you up for the day and good to have the opportunity to sort out your own lunch and evening meal. The snug was a lovely intimate place for getting to know other guests in a relaxed way, and it was easy to come and go, exploring the spacious and airy site and surroundings, after chatting in the snug. I’m glad I took the opportunity to try the SUP yoga – it was more accessible than I thought (I hadn’t experienced paddle boarding before). The weekend offered challenge but in relaxing and encouraging ways.
S.J.
A lovely [Relaxation & Wellness] day in a beautiful setting. I came away from the day feeling refreshed. I really enjoyed laughter yoga, especially being able to do that outdoors. The saying, laughter is the best medicine, is so true.
S.S.
A wonderful [online yin] class that left me feeling incredibly relaxed, I think I actually nodded off a few times ❤️ Thank you
S.B.
The best part of my week! Yoga at Bantham with Donna is a truly amazing experience – she has a natural calm flow that benefits my practice and the sessions are held in a truly idyllic beautiful location sheltered & next to the water – all the senses are engaged providing an immersive natural escape from the stresses of day to day! Just wonderful – thank you
E.H.
A well balanced [beach yoga] class in a wonderful beach location. The perfect start to a Saturday morning.
L.D.
Donna was very professional, knowledgeable and guided us through our yoga movement with expertise
T.G.
Cannot recommend Donna’s classes enough- whether local or on holiday, her [Beach Yoga] classes are excellent and cater for everyone, regardless of experience.
K.G.L.
It was great doing yoga back on the beach again! Donna always makes the class interesting, varied and fun.
R.A.
Donna was a fantastic yoga instructor for our Goat Yoga class for the Google Executive Summit. The guests thoroughly enjoyed themselves and had a once in a lifetime experience that was made better by Donna’s fantastic teaching. We will definitely work with Donna again
Talisa Adstock, Producer, AMV
I have benefitted so much from regular weekly online yoga practise, I feel so much stronger and flexible, particularly in my hips. I started 2020 on a planned programme of transformation with yoga. I never dreamed the year would pan out in such a strange way, but the constant of yoga has been such a blessing and support both physically and emotionally.
L.G.
This was simply the best yoga [retreat] weekend imaginable – packed with the perfect balance of joyous activities and time for relaxation and reflection – and fantastic food. There was something new and exciting for everyone, both those new to yoga, and experienced practitioners, whether it was the combination of yoga and SUP, giggles during hula or the magical way that Donna themed the yoga to the relevant elements. Nothing was too much trouble, and we felt like welcomed friends into a much-loved home. A huge and heartfelt thank you, for one of the best weekends I have ever had, in such a hidden gem of the South Devon coast.
A.H.
[The Relaxation Day at Merrifield] Absolutely superb! Amazing experience from start to finish. Donna is an excellent teacher and host and the afternoon tea was delicious. We trepidatiously booked the Laughter yoga as it is way outside our comfort zone but we loved it, everybody should try this kind of yoga once, the positivity and joy lasted for days after. We will definitely return, I cannot recommend Donna and Simply Soulful yoga highly enough.
R.I.
We had a fantastic [retreat] weekend with Simply Soulful Yoga. It was a perfect celebration for our friend’s big birthday and one that we will all never forget. Donna and Marcus were fantastic hosts – a weekend is only that much fun and goes that smoothly with a lot of care and attention. Highlights included SUP yoga and campfire music. I came back full of energy with so many happy memories! Thank you.
A.D.
The Spring Virtual Retreat was a great day I really enjoyed it, I am looking forward to the next one. I loved the Barre Work. I felt like I had really worked and made me evaluate my level of fitness. Donna and Chloe worked very well together.
K.L.
A fabulous retreat- made to feel at home from the start. Amazing hosts … attention to detail outstanding. Location stunning. Food delicious and generous. Timetable perfect. Only criticism is that although the weekend is paced so well, time still goes too fast- but nothing can be done about that! Don’t hesitate to book!
F.M.
Donna is an amazing yoga teacher and having done SUP and beach yoga with her I cannot recommend these experiences enough.
The locations are stunning and whatever your experience level she always makes sure it works for you.
If you’re down in the South Ham’s area, check out Simply Soulful Yoga and get in touch with Donna.
S.B.
This was my first Hatha yoga class which I was inspired to attend after a trial at the beach session held during the Hope Cove weekend. Donna was extremely encouraging and patient and made me feel very welcome. She has such a calm and positive approach which spreads throughout the class.
S.C.
Donna’s yoga classes are very calming with considerate teaching
Anon
Online Yoga – That was so cool … I loved it! … I felt connected to you and the class, became absorbed in the practice and relaxed … It has made a huge difference to my day so THANK YOU … lucky to have you and the technology to help us on this strange and bewildering path
M.H.
I love the fact that you are “normal” not some unreachable Guru! You are funny, sensitive, kind and lovely and so open you must have very wide apart toes!! What more could anyone want in a yoga teacher and friend.
K.L.
After Yoga I feel calm, balanced and energised. My husband has noticed positive changes in me since practising with you regularly.
L.G.
The Merrifield House studio is beautiful Donna. So clean, fresh and airy. I did not feel worried about the virus at all. And of course, it was absolutely amazing to see you after lockdown and to be taught by you again.
Mrs J.D.
I take away a sense of peace with my surroundings and proud of myself for taking the time to enjoy Donna’s [SUP Yoga] class. Always such a good experience. Happy to attend on my own. Always feel welcome.
M.S.
Donna is an excellent teacher. 100% recommend.
A.V.
Donna made my group and I feel instantly at ease. She seamlessly guided us through all the activities of the [retreat] weekend and made us feel confident and inspired to try new things. She is a talented and inspirational teacher, and I came away from my time spent at Merrifield House with her feeling ‘lit up’ yet relaxed. A truly special time, spent in a magical and transformative place. I can’t wait to return.
E.B.
Yin Yoga livestream, first session and it worked really well, I was a bit anxious as I had never done this before (livestream) but I didn’t need to be. Feel well stretched now. Thank you Donna. Love the new system, means I can do yoga when ever I like.
K.L.
The Alchemy Yoga Workshop was excellent. A total sense on inner peace came through. Donna led the whole workshop and yoga session with such warmth and positive sense. Excellent group of people attended. Positive and calm from the start
L.C.
Donna, your online class was amazing, and just what we needed! Absolutely great idea not only to keep practising the yoga but also for the ‘contact’ with others. Well done. You’re a star. Thank you
A. P.
Donna brings humour and insight to her teachings – if a balancing move doesn’t work for me, we laugh and consider how the wobbles on the mat reflect those off it – and this helps me integrate what I am learning with her into my life outside the classes.
Mrs L.M.
WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE CLASS STRUCTURE, THE FLOW AND TIMING? The class flowed really well, with the postures being intense enough for the class to feel like they’d really worked. The timing felt spot on, with a variety of postures, keeping the class interesting and finished with a really great Savasana – one of the best I’ve seen outside of our TT course
L.R.
I recently had the privilege to have been observed by a Yoga Teacher in Training. This is an extract from the observation report:
I loved Donna’s [Bantham Yoga] class – stunning location, fairly challenging flow whilst no pressure, encouraged to listen to your body and do what’s comfortable, lovely affirmations aligned to the environment, energising and inspiring. One of the best yoga sessions I’ve ever had !
G.H.
Relaxation Package at Merrifield House – From the moment I arrived Donna was the perfect host. Fresh juice on arrival and a little chat about what I wanted from my relaxation package was the perfect way to settle in. My room, aka The Green Room or Ustra Shala was very welcoming and calming. The room has everything you need including a great selection of teas and a little sweet treat! The bed was unbelievably comfortable with lovely crisp white linen (I slept all night which is a rarity for me).
C.S.
The SUP & Beach Yoga Retreat was a fabulous event. Yoga in beautiful locations and SUP/yoga on the estuary. Well thought out and planned. The afternoon tea was a lovely treat, and I had a great day.
L.C.
I was unsure what to expect of a 12 hour retreat day but the reality was more than anticipated. The warm welcome before the SUP
session put me at ease, and from that moment onwards, every part of the day got better and better. Donna is a superb host who
included everyone and checked in on their wellbeing throughout the day. All the locations, suppliers and activities were brilliant. So much food to enjoy, and views that were out of this world.
Thank you so much for creating such a wonderful event, I cannot wait to come back again!
A.B.
Gently introducing myself to the joy of yoga – Thank you Donna you’re a great teacher
P.H.
The Spring Virtual Retreat was an excellent way to start the beginning of spring with positivity, energy and mindfulness. The cardio resistance training and barre class in the first half of the day was a great way to push yourself with the yoga sessions in the afternoon were a great way to centre and stretch yourself after the energetic morning. The guided meditation left me feeling clear and centred and was a lovely way to finish the day. Both Chloe and Donna were fantastic guides who kept motivation and engagement high, and most importantly made it fun! A fantastic way to enter into spring!
L.T.
SUP Yoga was simply excellent and very rewarding. Thank you for being an inspiring yoga teacher and being very good at what you do; professional, calm and gorgeous. Also a brilliant businesswoman too, working with your local communities like the free yoga at Hope Cove this weekend. So looking forward to next Saturday and chance to do it again. From a Chuffed Water Yogi
K.E.
A huge thank you for Sunday morning’s SUP Yoga for our Hen Party. It was fab and so much fun, all the girls seemed to really love it and it set us up for a super fun day
M.A.
A wonderful [retreat] weekend, of relaxing yoga, SUP and SUP yoga, swimming and hula hooping and not forgetting a lovely cream tea. All put together by amazing hosts, nothing was too much trouble. Thank you.
J.M.
Donna created an amazing and wonderful [retreat] weekend for us all. Everything was thought of. Loved the outside space and the communal area was perfect. The yoga was great and location beautiful, Kingsbridge and Hope Cove are hidden treasures. Thank you so much Donna xx
N.F.
I am feeling both energised and relaxed after a Hatha Yoga class with the wonderful Donna. I attended the class in the Merrifield House studio and was so happy that I did as it is such a serene, warm space that I felt totally relaxed and ready to yoga!
Mrs J.D.
I cannot recommend [Simply Soulful Yoga retreats], highly enough the experience my friends and I had at Merrifield House last weekend, to celebrate my birthday. Donna and Marcus are incredibly hospitable hosts, and nothing was too much trouble and Donna is an amazing and inspiring Yoga teacher. We enjoyed SUP boarding and SUP Yoga, beach yoga, hula hooping, wonderful accommodation in their gorgeous corner of Devon, all topped off with a firepit and live music in their top field. Really, really magical. Highly recommend!
E.B.
An idyllic [beach yoga] practice in an amazing location, thank you!
G.M.
The SUP & BEACH Yoga Retreat day was a blissful day from start up to finish. Couldn’t have asked for more. Thank you.
L.B.
Unforgettable [Sassy Saturday] day! Gorgeous, sunny beach and SUP yoga with lovely Donna. Thank you so much! Would 10000000% recommend without hesitation
M.W.
Had a great SUP & BEACH Yoga Retreat day. SUP was a first for me and really enjoyed it. Donna is a great teacher – very patient and inspiring. The organisation of the day was seamless with the healthy cream tea being delicious!! Would defiantly go on another retreat day. Thank you Donna!
M.D.
Took part in beach yoga on the 14th June. What an amazing setting and great session, really enjoyed it!!!
B.S.
After class I feel loose limbed which I love. I move differently, and somehow this impacts on how I feel mentally and emotionally. I feel strong, centred and at peace.
K.L.
Well paced, supportive, balanced Alchemy Yoga workshop. Good time management. Able to listen and respond to different needs of the group. Appreciated the mix of movement, stillness, thinking and being. Just what I hoped for! Thank you!
Ms L.L.
Cream Tea Yoga was a wonderful relaxing experience. One that needs repeating regularly. Thank you Donna
A.R.
I had the most wonderful weekend at Donna’s Simply Soulful Yoga Retreat in beautiful Devon. Donna is a wonderful host, and the food was deliciously nutritious, homemade and mostly grown by her. The accommodation was lovely, everything was so well organised, and Donna’s yoga sessions struck the perfect balance of supportive yet gently challenging. The extras made it unforgettable, a sea swim, SUP yoga that tested my balance, a yoga cliff walk, and magical star gazing. I left feeling truly cared for, deeply rested, and completely switched off – An experience I’d recommend to anyone looking for a magical escape.
C.K.
I recently spent a wonderful weekend at Merrifield House to celebrate a friends birthday. The welcome from Donna and Marcus was warm and heartfelt and the accommodation was calming and beautifully clean. We spent our time enjoying SUP, SUP yoga, beach yoga and hula hooping. We watched the sun go down whilst sitting around the firepit and listening to live music – the perfect end to a truly memorable weekend. I would recommend Simply Soulful Yoga and Merrifield House to all, Donna and Marcus made our weekend – they are an amazing team! Thank you to you both. ❤️
C.W.
The whole [Bespoke Yoga Retreat] experience from the calm and tranquil setting to the wonderful yoga sessions was hugely beneficial in focusing some much-needed time on myself! Donna and Marcus were warm and hospitable, and the food was delicious. Donna is nurturing and supportive and extremely knowledgeable and I had the most amazing time and have come away with practical tools to be able to support me in my day-to-day life!
S.G.
Thank you SO much for the Summer Solstice Beach Yoga on Saturday – it was an amazing experience, listening to the crashing waves, bathed in sunshine & tickled by a light breeze. I felt almost euphoric from the intake of ozone & was tickled pink by the view of an inverted sea/sky in down dog 😉
D.G.
Fabulous SUP & BEACH Yoga Retreat day retreat packed full of different yoga in and off the water, in the best locations with various other precious experiences and supper on the beach and watching the sunset – just amazing!
E.H.
Perfect retreat day to rest and recharge the soul. Thank you Donna for providing a blissful flow of yoga, reiki and inward reflection
A.P.
Your flow studio sessions on Monday evening are excellent, well balanced, challenging but with good guidance and options given for asanas to suit your own body. I love the flow and energy created with the breathing and postures. I feel completely energised, stretched but calm afterwards.
L.G.
AMAZING experience! Tranquil and gorgeous! If you haven’t tried SUP Yoga yet- you most definitely should!
N.S.
A great day of yoga and other activities [Summer Solstice Yoga & Wellness Festival] that helped me reconnect with myself and others. Happiness flowed into me right from the beginning as I tuned in to all the positive energies available, from landscape to laughter, sound healing to soul sharing, plus so much more. I came away from this beautiful retreat with my body, mind and spirit nourished by so many wonderful things.
P.S.
What a wonderful day! Thank you so much Donna for the yoga retreat held on Saturday 10th September. The activities, the food, the company and even the weather was perfect, and I returned home feeling refreshed and content. Can’t wait to return next year!
C.M.
I booked a [bespoke] relaxation day for myself and my mother for her 70th birthday. From start to finish Donna has been amazing in helping to build a tailored day for my mum (who is new to yoga/ relaxation techniques) and for myself (who is currently recovering from surgery).
The day itself was incredibly restorative, and helped me bring some balance back into my life. My mum really enjoyed herself and has asked when we can go again. The food was great. And, the location amazing.
The forest bathing was new to both my mum and myself, and we had an wonderful unique moment when we encountered a beautiful fox in the distance who spent some time observing us, and us it.
I would thoroughly recommend Simply Soulful, the place is filled with warmth, kindness, and care. We came away calmer, more relaxed, and with great memories.
Thank you Donna!
S.L.
My first yoga class and Donna was very welcoming, the exercise easy to follow and well explained, came away feeling nice and relaxed.
C.B.
Brilliant [flow yoga] class with Donna – as a complete beginner she made me feel very comfortable! Really enjoyed it and would highly recommend
R.K.
Thank you for a warm welcome and forever helpful attitude. You have created a beautiful place to come and retreat to, re-energise in and to go away from with goodness inside. All the [yoga retreat] activities were thoughtful and fun. Organisation top notch. Food for the soul.
J.L.
WHAT DID I LIKE THE MOST ABOUT THIS CLASS? Donna. This woman is phenomenal. I loved everything about her as a teacher. Her voice, her manner, the way she held herself and interacted with the class. A really excellent teacher with a beautiful ethos and style
L.R.
I recently had the privilege to have been observed by a Yoga Teacher in Training. This is an extract from the observation report:
Lovely beginner’s hatha yoga session for me and my baby bump tonight. Donna is very patient and knowledgeable and I felt confident and relaxed
E.C.
I just wanted to say a big Thank You for the Yoga & Reiki retreat last weekend. I floated home afterwards! From start to finish it was a wonderful day, incredibly well organised, excellent guidance, delicious lunch and ultimately very healing. Thank You Donna, it was just what I needed.
J.W.
Donna was fabulous. Gorgeous location [for Beach Yoga] on beautiful Hope Cove then SUP Yoga in the afternoon was just perfect. We were so lucky with calm, sunny day! Thank you Donna from Martha and I.
L.B.
Loved it! Donna is a great teacher. Her [beach yoga] class was a delight to attend. It left me relaxed & ready to face the day ahead with a smile on my face. Can’t wait to join the class again when I am next around.
V.N.
During the pandemic and the lockdown in Italy, I enjoyed – and I am continuing to do so – online yoga classes with Donna and also the online weekend workshops that are on Yang and Yin yoga.
Joining these online yoga classes from Sicily was simply wonderful. They were – and still are – very useful and calming, interacting with the local community of Kingsbridge where I live in England, receiving also solidarity in a period of very severe lockdown, not being able to even go out for a walk and only allowed out if necessary to go to the supermarket or pharmacy.
These active classes helped me to move at home, giving me support and balance between body and mind during severe lockdown.
I am happy to continue to do online yoga classes now that life is starting to be “normal”. So I hope that the online yoga classes will be offered also when the pandemic will be ended. Thank you Donna! Namaste’ from Syracuse (Sicily – Italy).
D.M.
Loved the Yin Yoga class with Donna, felt amazing afterwards and slept so well.
C.H.
Thank you so much Donna!!! The Yoga & Walking Retreat was such a lovely brilliant relaxing day – just what I needed! I thought it was perfect … a lovely coastal walk, two yoga & meditations that complimented each other really well, plus delicious food!!
S.E.
I contacted Donna about a bespoke mindfulness and yoga retreat for myself and my friend and was so impressed with the way that Donna handled our enquiry and then put together our package, taking all of our requirements into consideration.
Upon arrival, our booking did not disappoint – beautiful accommodation, delicious vegan catering, stunning coastal walks, the most magical forest bathing experience, relaxing treatments, enlightening yoga sessions and the loveliest of hosts.
Donna, Marcus and Diesel really looked after us and we had the best and most relaxing time. I can’t recommend Simply Soulful Yoga enough
S.G.
I really enjoyed the [studio] class. As a beginner Donna made me feel welcome and explained the positions well. I will return when I can.
H.M.
…. Donna has given me my most favourite yoga session ever, leading a group of friends and I in a serene, sunset beach yoga session…. pure bliss!! Whatever session you do Donna will give you a warm welcome, intuitive professional delivery and a calmly held practice that leaves you feeling nurtured and a little bit more Zen! Thank you Donna x
L.P.
Brilliant [SUP yoga] class, Donna makes the whole thing so enjoyable, would thoroughly recommend everyone to try a yoga class on water.
M.S.
Fun yet relaxing, my first-time beach yoga class was a real revelation. Thank you Donna.
J.T.
Great 3 hour yoga workshop doing Yang and Yin Yoga with Donna, wonderful session feeling very relaxed but also full of energy, thank so much Donna, looking forward to next Saturday’s session.
K.L.
Beach Yoga – It was amazing. I felt really in touch with the earth, whish was lovely, as I have only ever done yoga in the studio before, so I felt great!
P.S.
Thank you so much Donna for a wonderful relaxed and inspirational day. I didn’t realise how much I needed time out in the open air
connecting back to nature. I absolutely want to attend more sessions and events. I would recommend anyone who is thinking about taking part in something offered by Simply Soulful Yoga, to just take the plunge, you wont regret it!
C.H.
It’s been been fabulous doing your online yoga classes for a couple of reasons. Great for maintaining a routine and a semblance of normality and connection during lockdown, and so lovely to see and hear from all my yogi friends on the other side of the world (C.B. in Tasmania)
C.B.
I was recommended Donna to hold a yoga class for my best friends hen party by another yogi. You know you’re in for a good session, when your instructor is recommended by another, and Donna didn’t disappoint. Donna organised a beautiful and bonding yoga class for us (twenty ladies), it was a lovely sunny day so Donna took the class in the garden, and we worked in pairs to hold our poses – she even bought 20 mats! It was the perfect way to kick off our hen weekend. Really recommend!
C.A.
Love the post-natal yoga classes! Donna is a wonderful instructor and it’s great to have some time during the week to take a class while my two year old is completely distracted with the soft play, and new-born alongside. A lovely relaxing window in an otherwise hectic week!
S.E.
Just to say Thank You Donna for keeping me going with the yoga, it’s working very well with zoom and I’m really enjoying it…. You are a Star
K.L.
I enjoyed yesterday’s yoga class very much – I have woken up some very sleepy muscles!
Mrs H.
[SUP Yoga] Class was brilliant and challenging. Donna was an amazing instructor. I felt held and safe at all times. I was really welcomed by the other members of the group, even though I had not met them previously. I will definitely be back for more classes.
L.H.
Fantastic beach yoga class. Donna has such a warm welcoming manner and tailors the class to accommodate all abilities. Extremely restorative – totally recommend.
S.M.
Thanks Donna for a fantastic morning online yoga workshop. My Yin and yang are nicely aligned. Completely chilled all day
E.G.
I joined Donna on her SUP yoga and beach yoga retreat this weekend and can not say enough how highly I would recommend this event. This was exactly what I needed at exactly the right time and can honestly say the experience was life changing for me in so many ways – and so desperately needed – it was more than I could have ever hoped for and something I will always treasure – so thank you sooooo much can’t wait for next year xxxx
M.N.
Very well guided yoga, then need to be able to let yourself go for the laughter yoga. Very satisfying with a lovely meditation at the end
S.R.
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