***UPDATE*** Dear Durga’s Tiger School Team, Thank you for taking the time to respond to my review. I appreciate the space you hold for transformation and community and the aspects of the training that were indeed meaningful. However, I must gently clarify that I never stated, at any point, that this was “the most transformative experience I ever had before.” While I certainly found value in the connections made, it’s important to ensure that feedback is represented accurately. Transparency is a key part of growth for any transformational space, and I share my reflections in that spirit. I respect the school’s unique approach and understand that it is not meant to be a typical Western retreat. My review was never about expecting luxury or conventional comforts but rather about ensuring the foundational elements of a supportive learning environment—one that meets basic needs, welcomes feedback, and maintains open communication between leadership and participants. I sincerely hope my feedback, along with that of others who have expressed similar concerns, serves as an opportunity for continued refinement and growth. My intention has never been to diminish this space but to contribute to its potential in an honest and constructive way - as well as to help future potential attendees make a well-informed decision. May this space continue to evolve in alignment with its highest potential. And may this dialogue serve the highest good of all involved. With gratitude, Selina ***ORIGINAL REVIEW BELOW*** ========================================================================================== ***A YOGA EXPERIENCE WITH POTENTIAL, BUT SIGNIFICANT ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT*** I recently attended a 28-day yoga training at Durga's Tiger School in Ecuador, and while there were some meaningful aspects—especially the wonderful community of attendees—the experience as a whole left much to be desired. THE CHALLENGES: One of the biggest issues was the lack of consistent hot water, which made bathing difficult. Upon arrival, I was unable to bathe for two days (the water was ice cold), and while the staff attempted to fix the issue, the problem persisted throughout my stay. Many attendees reported ongoing shower problems that were never fully resolved. Similarly, cleanliness was a concern, with frequent bug issues in rooms, yoga pillows/blankets not frequently washed, and the yoga shala bathroom at times being too smelly to use. Additionally, the laundry service was unreliable, with items being lost or damaged—including a pair of my pants that came back with a bleach stain. Multiple attendees had similar complaints. When concerns were raised about the facilities and services, the response from staff was often dismissive, with comments like "this is Ecuador”—which felt misaligned given that the training is marketed toward and priced for international clientele. THE RETREAT STRUCTURE & LEADERSHIP: The program itself felt disjointed and overly rigid, with long, back-to-back days lasting 10-16 hours, leaving little personal time for rest or reflection. The classes lacked a clear progression, making it difficult to see how each session connected to the overall learning journey. Rather than following a cohesive structure, we were led through various processes that, while interesting and insightful, felt random and less impactful than they could have been with a more intentional curriculum. Instead of a structured course manual, we were given access to a Dropbox folder with various materials, which made it difficult to follow a clear path. Perhaps most disappointing was the lack of leadership availability. Retreat leader, Iris Disse, was largely inaccessible and unreceptive to feedback. When I attempted to speak with her about my concerns early on, she dismissed me, and a follow-up request through staff was ignored. Other attendees also struggled to have their feedback acknowledged, which made it difficult to feel heard or supported. THE SAVING GRACE - THE COMMUNITY & ASSISTANT TEACHERS: Despite the challenges, the retreat had one undeniable strength—the incredible group of attendees. The connections I made were the highlight of my experience, and ultimately, what kept me from leaving when I was offered a refund. The assistant teachers were also supportive and helpful, which provided some balance to the overall experience. They were warm, engaging and kind - as well as wonderful teachers. HOW I ADJUSTED: Early on, I knew that I didn't desire long days while there were challenges in having my basic needs met (proper sleep, nutrition, routine). I desired peace, rest, relaxation, reflection, and to be my best self while connecting with the other attendees. I chose to withdraw from the 200-hour yoga certification and effectively go on "yoga vacation." Although the retreat leader, Iris, referred to my decision as "knowing my limits," this wasn't a question of limits but priorities. I don't regret my decision. I was able to make the best of things and fulfill my intentions of loving community connection. FINAL THOUGHTS: This training has great potential, but it requires better organization, professionalism, and a stronger commitment to guest experience. A retreat center and school is not just about yoga—it’s also about creating a nurturing, functional space for learning and transformation. Simple but crucial improvements—such as consistent facilities, better communication, and leadership that listens to feedback —could make this a truly special place. I sincerely hope the team takes this feedback to heart because we need more conscious spaces like this. With the right changes, it could be an incredible experience, but as it stands, I wouldn’t recommend this to those seeking relaxation or a restorative experience. Would love to see this space evolve into what it has the potential to be! Thank you.