Retreat Testimonials
The April Easter, and May Embracing Life! Retreats for 2009 were held back at Uki in the rainforest of northern NSW. Every time I run a retreat I am humbled by the beautiful, genuine and caring people that find their way to the retreat – and these groups were no exception! We had a remarkable time together and shared a very special journey over the weeks, that I know we will all remember for a very long time. Thanks everyone for the awesome testimonials below:
A big eye-opener! I’ll never see food in the same way again. The information is invaluable and Leisa is an amazingly gifted teacher. It’s hard to find someone who is as accepting, non-judgmental, willing to answer any question, and above all give you her time, knowledge and help in implementing new practices that work with your individual lifestyle wherever along the food journey you may be. Thanks Leisa and the Team!!!
Belinda C. Sydney
Even though this is my second time around (how fortunate, I know!) what I have learnt here completely opens my eyes to the way everything around me and inside me works and should work. The lectures are phenomenal and contain a level of dense education that I really struggle to obtain elsewhere. These retreats held by Leisa and her amazing team, instill a sense of passion for what life should be like and show you how you can make that difference. Don’t be surprised if you see my face again Leisa!
The food, the juice, the accommodation, the team! Amazing! RAW talent Thanks so much ladies!
Vanessa C. Sydney
I am so relaxed, calm and content and present it is almost challenging to focus on the details of the past week!
Wow…. It’s about time people had the opportunity to access a “lifestyle” health retreat of the next “evolutionary” level. Leisa truly has a passion for imparting her broad and extensive knowledge to people and by has successfully created a retreat program that allows one to directly experience the wisdom of her teachings.
I recommend Leisa’s Embracing Life! retreats to anyone and everyone who wishes to experience life as it was meant to be: full of vitality, joy, wellbeing and live! Keep ‘em coming Leis!
Rebecca K. Gold Coast
We only live once so to be open to new ways, is I believe, a priority in life. Life is for living – and eating live food allows you to live in luxury and abundance. Leisa in her very caring and loving way shows us a new way – a new direction. I am amazing how our body is open to be cured of any disease if we give it the best food.
If you are looking at nurturing yourself and living a life of real joy and quality them come to a retreat with Leisa.
Ron M. Gold Coast
This was my first raw food retreat with Leisa. I had an amazing week, met fabulous people and learnt so much regarding healthy lifestyle, detox and raw food. Leisa covered a broad range of topics, providing practical information to assist us to integrate this as a way of life. I am really looking forward to participating in another retreat soon!
Carolyn J. Gold Coast
Everyone should do this raw food retreat! If you want to heal your body, mind and soul form the ground up, you won’t be disappointed with what you will learn and experience with raw food. Leisa is a fountain of knowledge and a benevolent soul who is sharing this essential information with the world. What you will learn at her retreat is invaluable – you’d be crazy to miss it!
Natalie K. Brisbane
Leisa’s depth of knowledge blew my mind – I was glued to the lectures. The food was awesome and the staff were fantastic. Anyone who has the slightest interest in their health must come to one of Leisa’s retreats. And make sure you bring your loved one along too – we must get this information out!
Toni M. Brisbane

I arrived at the Embracing Life Retreat in a mess. I have always enjoyed a great life full of joy and happiness. Then 6 months ago – I fell ill with several viruses. After several blood and urine tests – I was put on a series of antibiotics – which cleared up the first issue but left me with side effects which then required further medication.
Needless to say – when I arrived at the retreat in a desperate state, I had been feeling sick, lethargic and exhausted for over six months – which felt more like a lifetime.
I came to the Retreat in desperation to try and sort out my continuous health issues.
What a great decision that was. One of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.
After six short days of detox and health education, I am cured of all my side effects from the prescription drugs, I feel like a teenager again – full of energy and inspiration. I am sleeping well. It is truly hard to try and explain the difference it has made to my life.
As happy as my friends and family are – they are finding it hard to keep up with the new me.
Although I am only 49 years old – I am going to make sure the Queen has my correct mailing address so she can send the birthday card for my 100th birthday.
Thank you to Leisa, Sally, Jo and Trish for the most wonderful week. And for giving me back the joy of being alive. All my friends and family would also like to thank you.
Shirley B. Brisbane, QLD
Coming here was an awakening for me on many levels, firstly the importance of nutrition and body balance – emotionally, spiritually and physically.
The retreat has been a wonderful gift that has taught me to take time out to care and nurture myself on all these levels, so I can move on in a more empowered and healthy way.
I have met and shared stories and learned from Leisa and a whole bunch of wonderful, interesting and caring people. I am forever grateful for the tools you have provided and the direction of my first steps to embracing health on my journey.
Sharyn M. Gold Coast, QLD
I am a 21 year old, meat-eating, vodka-drinking girl. I have never even considered going raw – until going to Leisa’s retreat. I didn’t realise how much flavour, variety of dishes and amazing health benefits there are to eating raw food! Leisa and Jo’s food preparation classes were really interesting and I am surprised by how easy it all is! Plus the food prepared tastes AMAZING! After 6 days of massages, detoxing, great information, a fantastic group of people and unbelievably delicious food, I have no doubt that from now on the way I eat and my lifestyle will be different. Thank you Leisa for helping me to be a healthier, better me!!
Danielle F. Sunshine Coast, QLD
The Embracing Life! Retreat is a truly wonderful experience, a chance to learn, heal and detox with a great like-minded group. Leisa is a marvelous host, who is incredibly knowledgeable in a holistic way. The gourmet raw food is amazing, and the recipes and (un)cooking demonstrations have given me some truly healthy and very simple, yet very tasty ideas for meals to make at home, even though I’ve been experimenting with raw for a while now.
Leisa manages to blend some of the best aspects of a luxury spa, with real healing and the result is wonderful. I will be back.
Katrina P. Gold Coast, QLD
I procrastinated for ages before finally coming along – I’m so glad I did. The retreat reminded me of the power of good living and lifestyle and taught me a lot new things too. The juices were varied and interesting and the raw food absolutely delicious!
Jean P. Sydney, NSW
The Embracing Life! Retreat is the perfect place to learn how to heal and nurture yourself and put yourself first for a change. Here, nestled in the mountains of Uki, I was a million miles away from things that stressed me and filled my day, and small miracles started shining through.
The fasting experience was gentle on my body (to my surprise) as I have never done It before and it leaves you feeling clean and light and quite proud of yourself!! The raw food was delicious and time spent chatting over dinner, lunch & brekky was lots of fun. Most importantly for me was learning how to take better care of myself and my family – Leisa and her staff showed us how to prepare delicious, easy, healthy meals and provided lots of information to take home and digest. Thank you Leisa, Trish, Sally and Jo – I will definitely be back!
Beth M. Brisbane, QLD
I am so grateful to have had a opportunity to relax and detox in such a supportive and beautiful environment. The structure to each day had the right balance of free time and informative group sessions. Leisa assembled a brilliant support team who looked after us all so amazingly. Leisa created such a wonderful informal atmosphere that after six days, life-long friendships have been made. I now feel equipped to begin a new phase of health. I am excited by the prospect of optimum health and energy which has come out of six days of re-education about good food – and sampling it!
Abi C. Melbourne, VIC
The best detox I have had! It was wonderful, the people were great and Leisa, Sally, Jo and Trish are fantastic hosts. Thanks for my great time!
Jodee A. Brisbane, QLD
I am on my way to finding my life again, I have been very lost since I truly found out how my now ex-husband treated me. Unfortunately for me I believed it all. This retreat has given me the tools for a better way to live, my physical may not change too much, it is the spirituality, my being and soul which I need to transform myself, so by eating well, looking after one individual, I can accomplish this.
The retreat has got me back on track and given me direction in how I want to live my life, that is – MY LIFE. By being physically healthy I am looking forward to improved energy. They are small changes for big steps. Thank you Leisa. xxxx
Rachael C. Brisbane, QLD
Leisa creates a week-long cocoon where you can detox, heal, relax and absorb an abundance of vital information – and even more vital food! – away from the busy-ness of the outside world. A perfectly healthy way to pamper yourself.
Ghita L. Melbourne, VIC
The six day detox retreat is a wonderful personal adventure and one receives a great sense of achievement after detoxing with juice fasting and moving into the experience of eating raw live food. A feeling of clarity and purpose unfolds, on so many levels, with an eagerness to implement lasting change into one’s nutrition. It is somehow no longer in the too hard basket and is exciting and uplifting.
Thanks to Leisa and her great enthusiasm for putting together this unique opportunity.
Marlene L. Northern NSW

The first Embracing Life! Retreat for 2009 was held back at the beautiful Nirvana on the Sunshine Coast of QLD. It was a group of wonderful people who were mainly new to detoxing and the raw food lifestyle, and the way they embraced the knowledge and the process of detoxing was amazing to witness. We had a fabulous week, and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! Thanks everyone for the great testimonials below:
The first day of the detox was hard and I was not sure if I could do another two days – but the following 2 days got a lot easier and I could feel the benefits to my body. I lost the bloated feeling in my stomach and by the end of the third day I was actually wanting to go another one!
With the introduction of beautiful fresh Raw Food on the fourth day – WOW! It was like I could actually taste the individual flavours of each mouthful. It was like an explosion to my taste buds. I didn’t realise just how dead mine had been for so long! And the “Green Smoothie” – Yum!
My hair shines again and feels so soft, without any products! My skin has never felt or looked so fresh. I feel like a new woman!
I recommend a “Retreat” to EVERYONE!!!!
Marion D. Sunshine Coast, QLD
I was impressed by the tremendous amount of knowledge Leisa possesses, her passion about raw lifestyle, her spiritual and human background. She is a gentle, kind little angel who enlightens people around and shares her endless energy, making us better and healthier human beings on this planet. Thank you Leisa, Jo, Sally & Trish
Tatiana M. Cairns, QLD
Thanks to Leisa and her passion for life, I have found a new life for myself and my family. To learn that I have been poisoning my family was a real eye opener for me. I will be going home to change our eating habits and look forward to many years of healthy, vitality life!
Susan E. Brisbane, QLD
I was very impressed with the professional conduct of Leisa and the Staff. Leisa’s educational material was informative and interesting and very up to date!
Personally I have valued the time away to recover, repair on all levels. I loved the introduction to Yoga stretches. The venue is superb, and a great lot of people. Thanks a million.
Barb M. Brisbane, QLD
There is an old saying – nothing good comes cheap, there is another saying – you pay for quality. Embracing Life is not cheap BUT boy the quality is excellent. What is learnt is for a life time, so with saying that, it really boils down to very affordable.
Veronica S. Sunshine Coast, QLD
The experience isn’t for the faint-hearted. You have to want to make the change to improve your health. The Embracing Life! Retreat was such a relaxing and restorative environment, and the support of the Embracing Health Team was priceless – I wouldn’t detox any other way.
Imogen R. Melbourne, VIC

There are not many words to describe the experience we shared at the Gold Coast Embracing Life! Retreat at Uki just over the border of NSW, in November 2008. It was a very special retreat, and whether that was due to being nestled in the rainforest at the foot of Mt. Warning, or due to the deep and heartfelt connection of the people who attended – it was an experience that I know touched us all and left us with a greater appreciation of life.
Although it sounds quite cliche, I am humbled and in awe of the beautiful souls who came together to share this space and open their hearts. It was transforming, life-changing and also a great deal of fun! Thanks to everyone who gifted me with their testimonials below:
A wonderful experience for my first healthy food retreat. The food was great and tasted wonderful and is so easy to prepare. Doing the three day fast (juice only) was a bit daunting, but by the end of the third day I had nothing to worry about. A very gentle fast with great results and I felt much better afterwards. The people on the retreat were absolutely marvelous and with their information and Leisa’s knowledge you wouldn’t need a pharmaceutical pill ever again!
Rudy A, Sunshine Coast, QLD
This very special retreat exceeded my expectations on all accounts. The venue was peaceful and although there were minor issues with the accommodation, the rooms were comfortable and clean. The detox was gentle and the staff fully supportive and caring. The food and juices were of exceptional quality and variety.
Leisa ensured that the atmosphere was conducive to an enriching and life changing experience. The lectures were concise, well prepared and most importantly backed up by evidence. The balance between activities and free time to either rest or use the pool, sauna, steam room and spa was perfect with no pressure to participate if chosen. I had done a detox residential previously, but the way Leisa organised the six days was truly holistic in its approach and perfect to attain my desired results.
The participants of this retreat were all amazing people and everyone joined in and supported each other without any “cliques” forming, although we all came from various stages of knowledge, health, and walks of life. An annual event for my husband and I. Same time, same place next year! Namaste
Liz A, Sunshine Coast, QLD
I came here to just BE!
Instead
I learned!
I loved!
I laughed!
A lot.
Christine S, Melbourne, VIC
I had been looking at several health retreats, as I felt the need to have a break from being a wife and mother and just be “me” for a while, when an e-mail arrived from Leisa telling us about the retreats she was now holding. As I had met Leisa in 2005 and found her to be very warm and caring, I jumped at the chance. Going away on my own for the first time was a little scary for me, but my fears were soon put to rest as I could not have asked for a more friendly group of people to be with, and the venue was lovely.
The knowledge that Leisa has with regard to health and wellbeing is truly amazing and her lectures very interesting and informative. The support through the week was wonderful and when we did finally eat food after the detox, it was fabulous.
I found this week to be one of the best things I have ever done and I look forward to doing it again in the future. I would highly recommend Embracing Life! Retreats to everyone.
Vicki D, Melbourne, VIC
This is my first retreat detox and I am amazed at the wealth of knowledge I have learnt , the amazing raw food I have eaten and the lovely like-minded people I have met. Congratulations Leisa, I’m so happy I met you.
Rhonda K, Tweed Heads, NSW
Even though I have done other detoxification programs, I still found this an extremely valuable and enjoyable learning experience. Leisa is such an inspiring person and so passionate about health that one feels motivated to make changes in ones lifestyle and eating habits. The juices and food are so delicious and easy to make. Information on the Green Smoothie Challenge; that one can go on the website, obtain recipes etc, just the idea of commitment to doing this is so good, so easy and this information can be given to family and friends. The staff at the retreat are all such beautiful, knowledgeable informed people and the other participants so enthused and friendly that the experience is a positive, supportive one. I can wholeheartedly recommend this retreat. Thank you Leisa & staff.
Judy P, Adelaide, SA
I am so grateful to my family for giving me this time, and I really loved it and in return, learned a lot so I can nurture them with everything I experienced. Thank you all for your love and support. Oh! Wisdom and healing.
Fran H, Tweed Heads, NSW
I thought my lifestyle was healthy and balanced until spending a week with Leisa at the Embracing Life! Retreat at Uki. I have been inspired, motivated and educated to eat more raw foods. Her attention to detail was impeccable and I have come away feeling nurtured and energised. My experience here has been life changing!! Anyone wishing to improve mind, body and spirit can not afford to miss her next retreat. I will be back next year!
Sue P, Sydney, NSW
I came to the retreat knowing that I was to be here, I had NO questions about that. I was in need of time out on all levels of my being. No physical illness, but I didn’t want to wait for one occur. Prevention is better than cure!! As we all know!
The retreat fulfilled every aspect. There was time alone to reconnect and find myself. There was knowledge, time with the group, lectures and discussions. The physical body was rested, cleansed, nurtured, sunned, pampered and fed wonderful raw food.
Friendships were made from very old friends from another time. A place where you could be with like-minded souls, sometimes that is rare.
The whole package is just fantastic! Life changing on many, many levels. Thank you again for creating this space, I was truly honoured to be here! Much love,
Mandy T, Sydney, NSW
I don’t want anyone to know about the great experience I had at the Embracing Life! Retreat….
I don’t want to write this…
I really don’t want to write this…
I want to send my terminally ill friend to the next retreat
I want to send my totally exhausted friend to the next retreat
I want to send the friend who has just maybe survived cancer to the next retreat
AND I want to come myself.
So that’s 4 places. Then I know that the other beautiful women and men I have spent this last week with are also going to want to send ones they love and want to help.
There is just no room for the throng that will arrive when word gets out about Leisa and the life changing information she has to impart!
Leisa – you need to take an apprentice on now!
Cheryl P, Sydney, NSW
Thanks Embracing Life! Girls, I had a very relaxing, happy week. Learnt heaps!
Julie M, Tweed Heads, NSW

The Perth Embracing Life! Retreat on the Sunset Coast of WA, October 2008, was a great success thanks to the delightful group of people who came along and shared the experience. A huge thank you to everyone who participated and gave their feedback – it was a pleasure to meet so many new people and to also meet those that I had only spoken to over the phone. I’m sure we will be back next year!
The return on my investment (ROI) exceeded my expectations. I came to the retreat looking for an “instant fix” to my health issues and instead rediscovered my passion and purpose. The challenge now will be to keep the momentum. The way is so much clearer now the fog has lifted. A lot more work to do but I have cleansed the physical body and kick-started a healthier lifestyle and topped up the emotional tank along the way. Leisa and her team live the healthy life. An empowering, life changing experience that has raised the bar in so many ways. Well done ladies.
Toni B, WA
A big thank you to the organisers for making me feel very at home. This retreat has given me such great information to take away with me to embark on such a healthier and better way of life. Not only good nutrition have I learnt, I have taken a good look at changes I also need to make in my life, with the people around me, my job and even myself. A great life changing experience for me. Thanks Leisa for being you, and I thank God I found you xxxxx
Karen C, WA
The Embracing Life! Retreat has motivated me to do some deep soul searching. On reflection, I find it is easy to neglect myself in the “busy buzz” of everyday living. This inspirational retreat has got me back on track to healthy eating and to take some time out for self nurturing – me time. Thanks so much to Leisa and The Team.
Helen R, WA
A big thank you to Leisa and ALL of her team! The wonderful and empowering information and experience has been inspiring and stimulating. Retreats like this should be a part of every busy woman’s life. I go home rested and renewed and in just 6 days the pain has gone from my hands and arms. Please come back to WA!
P.S. Another thank you for making the retreat affordable so that it is within the reach of a greater number of people who need this essential understanding of a better and healthier way to live. Hopefully one day the greater numbers of people who choose to live well and care for the environment will sway the medics and politicians globally to stop leading us “up the garden path”
Elle R, WA
For me to be able to come away lighter in weight, clearer in body and soul with the tools to bring this lifestyle into my home and life is a blessing. Thank you to all the wonderful staff and to Leisa – well done for following your dream!
Cheryl E, WA
The wonderful knowledge and insight gained has been amazing. I wish I had this experience 30 years ago before I raised a family! What a head-start in nutrition information I would have had. Hooray for Raw! + Wow! For Superfoods.
“I’M NEVER GOING TO COOK ANOTHER MEAL AGAIN” isn’t a threat now! It’s a healthy sounding promise. I never need “slog” over the stove again! I never knew a “gourmet three course raw meal” was so delicious. I’m changing my ‘title’ from Cook to “Gourmet Fresh Food Designer”.
Rhoda V, WA
A well balanced, highly informative and very enjoyable retreat. I am so glad I attended and feel I received excellent value for my investment of time and money! I highly recommend this retreat, congratulations Leisa.
Dr. Bernie V, WA
I liked Leisa’s presentation style / knowledge and the quantity and quality of the information given to the participants. I thought Trudy / Kate / Maggie did a great job of supporting Leisa to make the retreat so successful.
Martina G, WA
Thank you very much for the really wonderful experience I has at the Yanchep Retreat. I had a terrific time and came away with a lot of very useful information and am enthusiastic to continue the healthy habits I was introduced to during the week. I found the content of the lectures to be very interesting and the timetable well balanced. All in all, I had a bloody great time!
Michelle J, WA
I loved the whole experience, the nice peaceful environment, enjoyed the views from our chalet and especially the feeling that we were the only occupants there. We kind of had everything for ourselves – you hardly saw other people there. For me a retreat like this is not about luxury but peace and quiet and a natural environment – and we had all of that!
The team was great! I always felt well looked after and everyone was so knowledgeable even the “kitchen aids”.
The detox program was great! You were including every little bit of our bodies. Of course I’m still on a raw diet and I’m feeling really good and energetic! I really thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, thanks for everything Leisa, it was really nice to meet you in person.
Adriana B, WA
I just wanted to say, the retreat was (I cannot even find a word to tell you how I felt about it), – I did not want it to end so soon. I hope that I can get to another one. Take care of yourself and best of success in everything you do.
Lyndsay W, WA
This was my first retreat so I had nothing to compare it to, but I have to say it was absolutely fantastic! I learned so much; not just from the lectures, but from the whole fasting / raw food, detoxing experience as well as the little tidbits of information that you gain from the group discussions and from chatting to the other “retreatees”.
Cathy B, WA

Here are some of the testimonials from the amazing people who enjoyed the Embracing Life! Retreat on the Sunshine Coast of QLD, September 2008. Thanks to everyone for your positive and valued feedback!
“Thank you Leisa for a truly wonderful week of health and knowledge. The week has been a fascinating journey. When I arrived I was full of aches and pains as well as being tired and run down due to my hectic lifestyle. I have come from feeling like I could not get out of bed in the morning to jumping out of bed to have a jog (something I have not done for many years). Not only do I feel absolutely fantastic, I have skills and knowledge to take with me to enhance my life from here on in. I am very grateful to you and your wonderful caring team for the work, knowledge, effort and patience you have given all of us this week. Your attention to detail from the goodie bags on arrival to the hand-outs and lists of resources is truly appreciated. Thank you Leisa, Trudy, Trish and Annie.”
With love from Jo P, Brisbane
“It was great to take time out and do the six day detox program with Leisa at the Embracing Life! Retreat. It wasn’t arduous at all, as the juices were delicious and sustaining and the raw food tasty and well presented. There were many little touches that showed thought and attention to detail. I feel re-invigorated with fresh enthusiasm to incorporate the raw food style of living into my families life. I heartily recommend this program to anyone interesting true “health insurance”. Apart from not having colonics, I think the program was well rounded and complete.”
Helen P, Melbourne
“Lowest stress, most enjoyable detox ever. Got lots of great info to take home.”
Tom C, Gold Coast
“Thank you! I have learnt heaps of information to use at home. Impressed with the retreat and appreciate how much effort has been put in. Feel great!”
Amanda O, Rockhampton
“The experience of being one of the first people in the first group to experience the first Embracing Life! Retreat, I feel truly grateful. Leisa Wheeler and her team are sensational. My life is more positive and I feel very healthy. Also I have gained so much more knowledge. Thank you Leisa, you are very special.”
Pauline S, Newcastle
“Leisa and her team have created an amazing space where I felt totally relaxed and nurtured. Having experienced detox retreats during my path to healing and well being, Embracing Life! Retreat certainly delivered, and surpassed all my expectations! Leisa’s attention to detail fulfilled my hearts desires while detoxing – wonderful massages, concise and understandable lectures, delicious organic juices, rainbow coloured raw food meals, far infra-red sauna’s were re-energising, energetic morning walks, serene and calming yoga, wonderful discussions with like-minded souls. I would absolutely recommend the Embracing Life! Retreat to anyone interested in radiant, vibrant health!”
Deborah L, Sydney
“Leisa, you covered everything you promised and more. Your team was excellent, your knowledge is amazing. Thank you for helping me in life and guiding me in this crazy world. Can’t wait for the next one! God Bless.”
Love and Light
Christine G, Melbourne
“Leisa went to such attention to detail with the little touches – e.g. organic soap, skin brushes, journal, face mask etc. the food was superb – no expense spared as far as organic fruit and vegetables – taste was superior. The talks were very informative and interesting – Leisa is very knowledgeable. Also Trish, Trudy and Annie were excellent. I enjoyed this retreat very much.”
Julie F, Gold Coast
“If you have health problems, are just not feeling good or just want to pick yourself up, then this program is what you need. After six days I feel fantastic, full of energy and vitality. A major plus is having Leisa presenting the health information of which she is extremely knowledgeable. Great job Leisa!”
Walter W, Byron Bay
“This was a very positive informative and empowering retreat. I am leaving feeling so much healthier and will take with me many helpful ideas to make valuable changes to my life.”
Pauline W, Byron Bay
“As a 20 year old it was great for me to learn more about the importance of food and nutrition, I feel that now I can attempt to implement this way of life and slowly integrate it into my daily routine. Even if I do not stick to it completely at first, I feel that I have layed down the foundation for my future health. I learnt so much about the importance of live nutrition and quality, it really opened my eyes to see the true injustices we force our planet to live through every day (and in turn the disregard we hold for the value of life) The DVD’s were amazing and 100% effective in demonstrating the true messages behind the importance of food and its magical qualities. The food at the retreat was amazing and showed me things I never thought possible with just the raw ingredients of our planet. Thanks so much to Leisa and her team of Raw Super Hero’s!”
Vanessa C, Sydney
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