WHAT SOME PEOPLE HAVE SAID ABOUT CLOONA

A recent recommendation from The Irish Times Sat Aug 4th, 2012, here: http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/travel/2012/0804/1224321322857.html

You can read some reviews of us at this independent website:
www.spas.ie/reviews/cloona_health_retreat-56/reviews.html

We're also on TripAdvisor here:
http://bit.ly/MMS53I

You can read a guest's recent blog about us here:

http://www.foodsmatter.com/blog/cloona/

"Just got home a while ago and just want to tell you how much I enjoyed my week with you. Bless you and your kindness always." (M. U'C, Jan 2012)

"Daragh, I feel so wonderful after my stay at Cloona. Friends and family are remarking that I am positively glowing. You should be given a medal for the way you facilitate transformation in people!" (J.M. Jan 2012)

"I had a wonderful time in Cloona I have to say I felt very at home there, I enjoyed the chatter with the other guests and have had regular chats with... from Dublin and we plan to go back to Cloona before next summer. I very much enjoyed the yoga and walking and I really enjoyed eating healtily and I acheived the benefit as I lost 6 pounds at the end of my week with you." (C.D. Dec 2011)

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for a great week in Cloona (Weight-loss, October). Two months later I am still feeling the health benefits from that time.
The dedication, attention to detail and interest of the staff was inspirational." (A.L. Dec 2011)

"Thank you for a terrific week... I have already told quite a few people what a great place Cloona is and how impressed I was with the integrity of what you do and the depth of your understanding of all kinds of things that are important to leading a healthy and happy life." (G.F. Dec 2011)

"What I went to Cloona for, I received ... The authenticity and integrity of your work is of fundamental significance for me. Each of you gifted me with that. How wonderful. And I love the photograph!" (J.K. Dec 2011)

"Such a wonderful weekend! I enjoyed it SO much and the group was a blast." (P.H. Nov 2011)

"My room was great, beautifully and simply decorated. Soups and salads superb.
Overall I enjoyed my time in Cloona and met some lovely people and had great laughs. It was a great "me" week and much needed." (M.C. Nov 2011)

"On a serious note I really benefited from the 5 days. Lost 5 pounds (which hadn't even been an aim), re-establlished an execise regime that had fallen by the wayside and discovered that Yoga can be fun and really beneficial for a bad back! I will definitely be back and would hope to make Cloona an annual, if not bi-annual, event." (A.M. Oct 2011)

"Thank you for doing what you do so very well." (C.N. Oct 2011)

"[He] can't get over how relaxed I look, never mind the weight loss. Forgot to tell you I lost 8 lbs. I am delighted because I have been exercising and watching my food intake since Sept and nothing was moving." (D.M. Oct 2011)

"Like any challenge, I'm finding that with each passing day since leaving, I'm realising just how beneficial and rewarding the experience was. I can't promise you I'll keep up the wheatgrass shots but I can assure you, I'm 'working' those hips in the office this morning and walking taller!" (D. McH., Sept 2011)

"I'm finally returning to do a bit of work at my desk after a really enjoyable and rewarding sojourn at Cloona. The compliments on my obvious well being and interest in what Cloona has to offer flowed over the weekend, and I'm busy passing on the 'full' details of what is available. It was a real pleasure to meet you all, and a privilege to share the time with you. Thank you again for all your and the team's work. Your quiet guidance and persistence is what we all needed!" (A.C. Sept 2011)

"Many thanks for a wonderful - if challenging - week. I personally found the benefits for my arthritic joint pains to be quite remarkable and am working hard to incorporate suitable dietary changes and increase my practise of yoga." (P.H. Sept 2011)

"Thank you for working so hard to create a great programme and being with us every (literally) step of the way.. I did have some bad thoughts about you on some of those ascents.. but they evaporated once we headed downhill!" (M.D. Aug 2011)

"Just want to say thank you so much for an excellent week, I arrived stressed and floated away after the 5 days. ... I feel amazing after the trip, and am definitely going to try to make it back to Cloona next year." (A.B. August 2011)

"I have to confess an interest here, for I've been a fan of Cloona for a long time, one of the many repeat visitors who feel rejuvenated and reinvigorated after the week." Deirdre McQuillan (Irish Times, Jan 2010)

"I really enjoyed Cloona this time, even more than before. The wheatgrass was energising and the juice day was very beneficial. I think the laghoo added to that. I felt very energised after that day. I think it would be great if we could do one juice day every week after we leave, can you recommend any books with recipes for juices?
The program is even better this time around, I'd love to do the liver flush if you're running it again and I get the time." (M.G. July '11)

"It was only when I arrived home and was in my own surroundings that I truly recognised how wonderful I felt. My whole being and spirit is totally lifted and rejuvenated.
The passion you show for what you do is refreshing and I wish you every happiness and success in your life.
Thank you to you and all the staff for a very positive experience at Cloona. I have continued with yoga thanks to Caitriona's CD; I get in walks and I am eating better and in a more conscious way. Please pass on my thanks to Caitrona - she is inspirational and such a character, Donal for his wonderful massages and of course Ann and Pauline for their lovely gentle work." (P.C., July '11)

"As a regular visitor to Cloona I always look forward to spending time there.The wonderful peaceful atmosphere, yoga, walking, treatments and amazing lunches made with such care. This time I went to the weight loss programme and I came away half a stone lighter which was a real bonus as well as enjoying all the usual activities. It is such a great experience to go to Cloona and meet wonderful interesting people and spend time having great discussions or you can just chill out by yourself whatever you want to do. I always come home full of energy and feeling great till I return every 6 months. Looking forward to my return visit already.Thanks again for everything.." (G. C. June 11)

"Just want to thank you so much for a wonderful week it was just what the doctor ordered! I haven't stopped raving about my week to any one who'll listen!" (C.O'S, June 2011)

"I just want to thank you all for a wonderful lifechanging week at Cloona. It's very difficult to fully explain to others the 'Cloona experience'. Suffice to say the total experience is more than the sum of its parts. I've been waxing lyrical since I ve come home and continuing with the good habits learned." (M.McC, June 2011)

"I cannot thank enough you and your helpers for the nourishment I have received this week for mind, body and soul. I cannot remember feeling better in all three than since the last time I left here at least 15 years ago". (H. McG, June 2011)

"I wish to thank you sincerely for a life-changing week. It turned out to be not so much about losing physical weight, although this effect is welcome and continuing. More importantly, thought processes during walks and yoga gradually led to losing and straightening out mental clutter, some of which I was not even aware I had! I felt light and peaceful when I left, and still do one week later, hurray! I go for a walk every day, and do yoga with the discs - to the amazement of all those around me:-) So, great compliments to you all for the wonderful impact the Cloona week has had on my well being. Of course I plan to come back..." (M. S.E. June 2011)

"Really enjoyed my stay last week. Got more out of this one then last time probably because I was better prepared so next year should be even better again." (A.H. June 2011)

"Much to my surprise, I lost 7lbs! I have to be honest and say that I didn't think such loss was possible, even in Cloona, but clearly I was wrong. Even better, everybody I've met has commented on how well and fresh and glowing I'm looking, many without knowing where I've been. And I am still caffeine and sugar free, and intend to stay that way for the foreseeable future. So Cloona has once again weaved its spell!" (M.G. May 2011)

"Thank you so much for a wonderful break - I feel so revived and fit to face the world... Looking forward to next year's visit already! PS Donated blood on Sunday 8th May (2days after leaving Cloona) and my haemoglobin level has never been so high! (I'm usually borderline)" (A. M. May 2011)

"I had the most wonderful time and loved every minute of the 2 weeks I spent at Cloona. I came home feeling revitalised, rested and wonderful. Ready to enter a new chapter of my life. The treatments were excellent, the yoga was inspiring and the sauna and cold shower invigorating. The beautiful simplicity of the the house has a supportive and relaxing atmosphere. The heartfelt caring nature of the owner Dhara shone through always especially on our daily walks including a stunning beach walk and a secluded wood trail. The food all organic was incredibly delicious. I can't wait to go back again and again!" (M. O'D. May 2011)

"I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Cloona and would love to return. The surrounding area was beautiful and close to nature, I found the program very well-organised, sociable yet plenty of time for myself and the place had a very healing atmosphere! I would highly reccomend it to anyone who is stressed or recovering from illness.
I felt wonderful with the green juices and when I arrived home I was pleasantly surprised to have lost 4 lbs! I found the yoga excellent for beginners like myself and the massages were amazing and an ideal end to the day. The food was of a high standard and Dhara was very accomodating as I follow an all raw diet but had no problem as there was an abundance of raw food and juices.
Thank you for a wonderful 5 days!" (K. McC. May 2011)

"Just wanted to say thanks ever so much for a fab week at Cloona (I was on the Liver & gall bladder flush from Cork)! Been singing the praises of the place since so no doubt I am getting more new customers for you. When people hear that I lost a half stone on the 5 days (I'm working in a gym so everyone wants weight loss) that gets quite the reaction." (Brighid, April 2011)

"I was nervous doing the flush wondering would it work but Dhara provides you with lots of knowledge while allowing you to be at ease! Catriona's yoga sessions were just fab. She brings a real warmth to the sessions. Unexpectedly lost a half stone, couldn't believe it! Indulge yourself in the beautiful place for any of the weeks & you are in for absolute magic. Thank you so much Dhara for you warm hearted welcome & to Catriona for sharing her passion. It is a true awakening of the senses!" (B.L. April 2011)

"It was a wonderful week and I feel well and truly cleansed, refreshed and restored. When my daughter in Australia saw me on Skype she said "Your whole face has lifted!" Cloona magic! The therapies, diet, walks and accommodation along with the daily Yoga, all contributed I am sure." (M.O'R. April 2011)

"Once again thank you for an amazing week." (P.R April 2011)

"Thank you so much for the nourishing 5 days that I spent at Cloona last week. Since I returned, I've been extolling the virtues of you all to anyone that will listen. Every part of the experience was just perfect and I wanted to take the time to tell you that." (T.R. March 2011)

"Thank you so much Dhara for a really enjoyable and beneficial retreat. I am 5 pounds lighter.... really delighted about that... but even more delighted at the feeling of well being as a result of the week." (D.C. March 2011)

"I meant to write to you before to thank you for such a lovely stay at Cloona. I felt so relaxed and "alive" when I left and still feel some of the benefits despite being back in Dublin! I'm really looking forward to coming back to Cloona, it was such a wonderful stay. See you soon" (N.M. Feb 2011)

"I had to write to thank you so much for the wonderful weekend at Cloona. Only onecomplaint, not long enough! I must ensure I book in for the 5 day programme next time.I enjoyed everything about the stay; the peace, calm, fun, food, fruit, wheatgrass, water, bed, sleep, sauna, massage, reflexology, facial, weather, walks, yoga and the wonderful people that travelled alongside me for the break, just nourishment for the soul." (A.S. Dec 2010)

"I'd just like to thank you and the team for the pleasure and experience of an enlightening and uplifting time in Cloona, it is a delightful spot to do this given the amount of areas for peaceful walks, the very tranquil setting and serene athmosphere.... its so neatly nestled away from all distractions.
I must say the liver flush was slightly daunting and i was a bit fretful entering into something i've never experienced but i have to say the benefits far out weigh any apprehension i may have felt. It creates a great sense of awareness of your body especially the internel workings of it, that wonderful feeling of being clensed and i am still feeling the benefits even though this week am back to the hustle and bustle of life i feel more energised and aware of my body than before.
I'd like to thank Dhara for his ongoing attention and service to us all and his never ending source of excellent information so brillantly expressed and Catriona, her yoga classes were fun, relaxing, centring, challenging and energising." (C.S. Oct 2010)

"Many, many thanks to Dhara & all at Cloona for a heavenly week.....
My body, mind and soul are refreshed.
I am still glowing with happiness and bursting with energy." (M.K. Oct 2010)

"I was away for the week and so just received the email and photo, thanks a million. I also want to say a huge thank you for the wonderful week I spent at Cloona last week. It was everything I had hoped for and more!!!!
I have embarked on detoxes before but none organised with such expertise and professionalism. You and your team are inspirational and your commitment to the wellbeing of all the guests is obvious. The sense of community you create is key to the success of the detox too I think, and that certainly is unique to Cloona." (B.C. Aug 2010)

"Thank you for the photo - it is exactly how I imagined it would be - a bunch of windswept but healthy women.
I want to thank you so very much for totally 'overhauling' my body and eating habits. Since I came home I have kept, more or less, to a healthy eating pattern and am eating fruit and homemade soups as my meals. My only 'vice' is coffee but I am having low fat milk and decaf now.
I thorougly enjoyed staying a Cloona and lost 10lb in weight which was a wonderful bonus.
I would like to thank you sincerely for a wonderful week and if anyone had told me that I would enjoy a week of detox before this I would have laughed at the idea." (A.C. July 2010)

"A quick note about the retreat at Cloona:
something a bit mad happened...
10 days before the retreat i decided to die my hair with a permanent dark mahogany colour (first time ever!).
Well, during the retreat my hair lost all its fake colour and i am now back to my blondie-brown. I could not believe it.

Anyhow, this is just a physical manifestation of what is really going on...
I want to experience wisdom.
Fitness and knowledge are human.
Wisdom is sacred.

For this,
thanks to Surya for her inspired teaching
to Jaquelin for her disarming kindness
and to you for making people happy" (M.A. F. June 2010)

"Thank you for the email and photo. I really enjoyed my stay in Cloona and would like to thank you and all the therapists and staff for an absolutely wonderful stay. I feel really restored to good health after the week. We were blessed with the weather and the group was exceptionally nice. So thanks a million to you for the warm welcome, the delicious food, the wonderful walks and all the excellent facilities. (J.D. May 2010)

"I am writing to say a very BIG THANK YOU for all the effort you put into making last week at Cloona a very memorable & most rewarding experience, I thoroughly enjoyed it & certainly will DV be returning next year. I feel as if my energy has been given a tremenduous boost, & I learnt so much about myself , I found that really exciting." (A. McC. May 2010)

"I had a really wonderful week and am buzzing with energy since I came back. It's a wonderful feeling to feel so alive and well" (G.B. April 2010)

"I must say the liver flush was slightly daunting and I was a bit fretful entering into something I've never experienced but I have to say the benefits far outweigh any apprehension I may have felt. It creates a great sense of awareness of your body especially the internel workings of it, that wonderful feeling of being cleansed and I am still feeling the benefits even though this week am back to the hustle and bustle of life I feel more energised and aware of my body than before.
I'd like to thank Dhara for his ongoing attention and service to us all and his never ending source of excellent information so brillantly expressed and Catriona, her yoga classes were fun, relaxing, centring, challenging and energising." (C.S. Oct 2010)

"I just wanted to say that I had a fantastic time at the weekend and came back refreshed and full of beans. Your centre is just perfect for a real rest and break from the hurley burley of every day life. Time to reflect and consider the more important things was extremely valuable.
Thank you so much" (Sonya, Nov 2010)

"Cloona is like a little retreat but without the religion". Clare Short (Sunday Times)

"I am a Cloona junkie who needs a yearly fix". Maureen Cairnduff (Irish Independent)

"I had fun, companionship, comfort, carea wonderful time, and came home not just physically and mentally well, but in great good humour - in short, detoxified body and soul". Patricia Redlich (Sunday Independent)

"And as the days went on, the pattern at Cloona began to take on a meaning. Middles were tightening up; muscles long since neglected were starting to function; skin was brightening and foreheads began to unfurrow". Kathy Sheridan (Irish Times)

" . a powerful restorative for the soul". The Guardian

"No cosmetic treatments and no frills means Cloona is definitely not for those seeking luxury but a loyal clientele return year after year." Image Magazine

"The beauty of Cloona is that it truly is a health resort at its most basic definition. Everything you see, do, drink, touch or smell is probably good for your health. Skin brightens; muscles tone and the mouth feels fresh and unpolluted." The Irish News

"I feel as though for the first time in my life, I understand the hippie expression, go with the flow I never knew what it meant before but I discovered what it feels like to be in the flow at Cloona." Mary Kate O'Flanagan (Wellbeing Magazine)

"A serious tribute to Mother Nature". Jillian Bolger (Food & Wine Magazine)

"Time to go. Hugs all round and I hit the high road. Back home I feel absolutely wonderful and am told I look it too. I realise what the indefinable something is that I would not have got at home it is the emotional space offered when you take time out for yourself" Ann Dempsey (Woman's Way)

"I also want to say a huge thank you for the wonderful week I spent at Cloona last week. It was everything I had hoped for and more!!!!
I have embarked on detoxes before but none organised with such expertise and professionalism. You and your team are inspirational and your commitment to the wellbeing of all the guests is obvious. The sense of community you create is key to the success of the detox too I think, and that certainly is unique to Cloona. It was really great to meet you Dhara and I look forward to returning to Cloona". B.C. (Galway)

"Thank you all for a transforming week". F. McD. (Connemara)

"Thank you for your newsletter It brought back wonderful memories". T. A.(Cork)

"I really enjoyed the warm and supportive atmosphere you created. It was just what I needed to restore myself and my sense of self-worth". N. Q. (Belfast)

"Thank you again for an invigorating, peaceful and illuminating week" L.D. (London)

"I feel well, I have energy, something I haven't had for years, my skin looks healthy, my attitude to life is great". B. C. (Athlone)

"Thanks again for your graciousness and the understated excellence of the course."K.H. ( Monkstown)

"Sincere thanks for the experience of Cloona. The respect for people was tangible. I have come away with a greater respect for me - and what a gift that was." M.M. (Mayo)

"I feel at least ten years younger, am lighter and more alive. Keep up the wonderful service you give". D. McC. (Limerick)

"Thank you for another healing week.Everything about my stay was wonderful" R.C. (Dublin)

"I have never come back from a break feeling so good and ready to take on anything" LB. (Dublin)

"A thousand thanks for making my visit with you so happy, wonderful and nourishing for body and soul" M. Ni C. Dublin

"Yet another perfect week" D. T. (Dublin)

"Thank you for a lovely time as usual, my favourite holiday and rejuvenation spot" M. M. (Clare)

"Cloona is a delight - spotless, comfortable, attractive accommodation hosted by charming, hospitable people". M. H. (Missouri)

"Thank you for a lovely week-end at Cloona you looked after us all so well and it was good to be back" R.W. (Donegal)

"I have never enjoyed a week as much as I did at Cloona. Thank you I look forward to another visit sometime soon. On this occasion it was a birthday present to myself! Next time, I won't need an excuse." Rosemary (N.Ireland)

"I'm writing to thank you and all at Cloona for such an important week of retreat and detox, in such a beautiful atmosphere and landscape.. It was like an exquisite piece of dance everything in its place, thoughtful, mindful, open, flexible, healthful and sensuous, reminding me at least of how to re-begin my life" Jane T. U.K (Kent)

Many, many thanks to you and all your team for such a precious week at Cloona. I will be back" Melanie Co. Dublin

"The Cloona magic works again!" M.O'S. Co. Dublin

"It was a fabulous experience and thanks for the care, attention, expertise and professionalism. I have been singing your praises among friends and colleagues since my return" Mary C. (Mayo)

"A big "Thanks" for an absolutely brilliant week - just what was needed to revitalise me. I feel totally relaxed and ready for the challenges ahead. Already I am planning my return visit." C. McG. U.K. (Surrey)

"I really enjoyed my few days in Cloona and only wish that it had been longer. It is a very tranquil place and you run it so well. It was lovely and all of the care that went into everything" Aideen H. (U.K.)

"The week was a deep, complete and cleansing experience for me; de-tox for mind and spirit as well as body. Best of all, I made some great new friends and laughed more than I have in years. It's a wonderful thing that you do; thank you." Lucy U.K. (London)
"The week has given me a great kick-start to a re-formed life." M.R. Co. Dublin

"Thank you on behalf of Joe and myself for a very different few days with you in Cloona. Joe survived and enjoyed meeting all the ladies and the break certainly helped him to unwind and relax. As for myself, it was a joy to be in such a quiet, peaceful and beautiful place. No phones, no doorbell going, no television, no radio!!! Having said all that I am glad to be refreshed and back to them all in moderation!! .. Dhara, thank you for all your encouragement especially on the walks. I never thought I would complete all the walks but with your patient encouragement I did !! It was a fun group of ladies to be with and I enjoyed the chats and bit of craic in between activities. Oh! and the food was so refreshing. Thanks" M.B. Co. Dublin

"Thank you for a wonderful few days in Cloona. I am sure it is the first of many visits!" Karen (Co. Dublin)

"Many thanks for everything, loved it as always I'm still feeling the benefits three weeks later!" Pauline (Dublin)

"Thank you all for your kindness and your healing" M.C. (Dublin)

"You create a lovely warm atmosphere, many, many thanks" Maureen -

"I spent five days at Cloona .. I have meant to write so many times to thank Dhara and his team for that unique experience it was such an escape from the noisy, greedy and fairly superficial world so many of us live in. Throughout my stay there the word that kept coming to mind was 'integrity'. I am looking forward to my next visit" M.K. (Dublin)

"Just a note to say thank you for my stay recently with you it seems like a dream now!'' M.M. (Sligo)

"I'm just writing to let you know how much I enjoyed my stay in Cloona a few weeks ago. I loved the walking, the food, the rest, the saunas, the massage and especially the yoga . I also really enjoyed the group and thought everyone got along really well and that there were lots of really funny moments" Maureen McC. (Co. Dublin)

"Thank you once again for Cloona. Sorry it has taken me nearly two months to write this card.. I'm not able to express at the moment what I got from the week, I just know I will keep coming back. Thank you." B.C. ( Athlone)

"Feeling much better after my week in Cloona and I am spreading the 'good word' Please forward brochures to my friends I will be back someday." N.B. (Galway)

"I'm writing to thank you and all at Cloona for such an important week of retreat and detox, in such a beautiful atmosphere and landscape. It was like an exquisite piece of dance everything in its place, thoughtful, mindful, open, flexible, healthful and sensuous." J.T. (London)

"I have never enjoyed a week as much as I did at Cloona. Thank you." R.D. (N. Ireland)

"I spent five days in Cloona in April. I have meant to write so many times to thank Dhara and his team for that unique experience. Throughout my stay there the one word that kept coming to mind was 'integrity'". M.K. (Dublin)

"Thanks so much for a very insightful, gentle and awakening weekend. You do what you do so well. I look forward to returning." C. O'M. (Cork)

"A big 'Thanks' for an absolutely brilliant week just what was needed to revitalise me. I feel totally relaxed and ready for the challenges ahead." C. McG. (U.K.)

"Only getting around now to saying what a fantastic week I had in Cloona..
it was a huge challenge for me to do the advanced programme, but I felt brillant after it and still trying to maintain the discipline and carry your inspiring ethos with me.. I hope to return next year and please pass my thanks to Caitriona, her enthusiasm for yoga and life is infectious.." M. D. (Wexford)

"I would like to thank you for the excellence of the program, its refined simplicity and deft delivery. I arrived thinking I would lose a few pounds and feel less sluggish. I left joyful and optimistic: here was a way of living, an ethos I could adopt which offered endless possibilities in terms of health and happiness. Thank you." S. C. (Dn Laoghaire)

"Just a note to say thank you again for everything last week. It was a special experience. I really feel better in myself, slowed down and very relaxed. And the added bonus of course, is the few lbs weight loss. I look forward to going back, hopefully next year." H. O'N. (Dublin)

"Thank you for the photo, a nice reminder to have.
Every week I spend in Cloona is different and yet so much stays the same.. Its all of this that I love. Its the time we have for self and the time the group spends together that is so good, especially when the group is as lovely, and interesting as we had this week. I know its only a week, but still feeling good and full of energy, and hope to continue like this till next time when I return for another boost." (P.B. Dublin)

"It was a profound experience for me at your centre. I hope to come back again." (H.B. Cavan)

"I got down to 10 and a half stone which was excellent for my age. The two weeks gave me great hope. I felt absolutely fantastic and know I can do it again. I will be keeping in touch." (Angela, Co. Mayo, Dec 2010)