Andrea Blumenstein, Chicago.
In addition to her coaching, Ellen provided me with a series of Reiki sessions. Though I carried a mild skepticism, I approached the therapy with an open mind for “whatever” and wound up with an experience that was beyond what I could have anticipated. I am in awe of her abilities, and the unique sensations – during and after – a Reiki session. It makes me smile every time I think of her. I am so grateful for this experience and would a thousand times over, to the moon and beyond, recommend her to others. - Andrea Blumenstein, Chicago.
Rob Hessels, Trainer & Coach (NL)
Marianne Williamson wrote in A Return To Love: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” I have experienced up close how Ellen has left her (false) modesty behind and more and more became the person she was always meant to be; powerful, sensitive, smart, wise, bon vivant and inspired. Qualities that everyone who comes into contact with Ellen both privately and professionally, will enjoy to their heart's content. Ellen is like no other able to help people realize that all kinds of paradoxes in life are in fact two very valid sides of the same coin; Strength & Vulnerability, Comfort & Challenge, Lust for Life & Tranquility, Creative & Intellect… The fact that Ellen herself can move smoothly and skillfully between these extremes of life makes her ideally suited in her role as teacher and coach, to teach people how to experience life in all of its fullness. - Rob Hessels
Devatma Saraswati, Owner Tripura Yoga, School of Vedic Arts & Sciences (USA)
Ellen is a very sincere and dedicated yogini, her commitment to spiritual life is impressive! Devatma Saraswati
Patries van Elsen, Writer and visual artist, lightworker & life coach (NL)
Ellen is a professional healer, coach and yoga teacher, intuitive and playful. She is compassionate and conscientious in all she does. She creates a calm and caring environment full of inspiration in which harmony and balance appear in a natural way.
What makes Ellen so special is that when she gives yoga, healing or does a retreat, she automatically channels and passes on the loving and healing energy of Mary Magdalene. This may not be something everyone is familiar with, but it is a very special ‘force’ and it is beautiful to have been a witness of in our work together. This natural flow of the powerful divine feminine, which stimulates healing and raises vibrations in this time of transmutation, makes Ellen and her work very special. - Patries van Elsen
Willem Buys, Teammanager & colleague in Amsterdam
I know Ellen Aarts as a very reliable and honest colleague who knows her profession inside out. She is a driven coach who is analytically very strong. She understands the needs of colleagues, customers and the organization well. She, therefore, scores very high on organizational sensitivity and loyalty.
Ellen thinks and learns very quickly. She is creative in approaching problems and can inspire and connect people. She also proved this in her professional choices that were motivated to serve the customer and organization.
Ellen is goal-oriented and with good argumentation, flexible and decisive enough to deviate from her direction, and then be back at the helm of the new challenge. - Willem Buys
Jeanne Stolzenbach, Owner spiritual centre & Trainer Reiki Masters (NL)
For 41 years now I have my own spiritual center (Guide to Harmony) and my own beauty salon Agency of Beauty in Den Bosch, the Netherlands. I have introduced many students to Healing and learned to work with the energy of Reiki, Angel light masters and Sjamanism. I have been able to train Ellen Aarts to become a special Reiki Master according to the Usui system. She has beautifully combined her qualities as a yoga teacher with the loving Reiki energy. Her ability to work with diverse energies during her healing work, retreats and courses she gives has only strengthened my confidence in her skills and her PURE way of working. From my HEART I wish you all the best in both your working and private life! - Jeanne Stolzenbach
Sonia Bem, Rota, Es
When I went to Suryalila I was expecting to take a break in my hectic lifestyle where I can recharge, but little did I know that the retreat imparted by Ellen Aarts did not only replenish but also rebalance my mind, soul and body.
Every morning we started with a different meditation, we also practised restorative yoga, nidra yoga, and now my favourite, thanks to Ellen, yin yoga. We took a scenic path by a river in a National Park nearby. The weather was wonderful the whole stay.
I will repeat this retreat! - Soniam Bem
Laura Hoerath, Berlin
You know I really enjoyed the retreat and I am so thankful that the glow still continues to shine weeks and weeks later. And I guess that is because you gave us the opportunity to experience the practice, instead of explaining it. To me, the retreat was the rarest of opportunities to get out of my head entirely. And my head was until then the one and only thing I used to work on stress.
And that is (one of ) the gift you gave: Through a simply structured day, just enough activity to have the feeling of being carried by the program and not to worry about how to spend your time, I got to really calm down. - Laura Hoerath
Dani Bell, Afghanistan
The week-long Relax and Restore retreat with Ellen was terrific. A perfect balance of amazing morning yoga, interactive discussions and evening relaxation yoga, together with the wonderful food and surroundings at Suryalilla. Massive thanks to Ellen for cultivating a warm, creative, fun and restful environment, and leading us on a very relaxing and soul-nourishing experience. Highly recommend Ellen's retreat :) - Danielle Bell
Sharon Olver, Dorset, UK
I had a truly beautiful and magical experience at Suryalila in July 2019. This retreat was perfect for me and I found the program stimulating, inspiring and at the same time restful with grounded spirituality underpinning the ethos.
The yoga is wonderful and meditations deeply personal and set within such special surroundings and fabulous facilities, including the magnificent OM dome, and of course the food is delicious and nourishing and sustainably sourced. - Sharon Olver
Ellie S., Brussels
Ellen created a wonderful and relaxing programme filled with kindness. It taught me to be calm, listen to my body and most importantly to be present. I have become a lot more aware of what is good for me and my body and I try to apply these methods and ideas in my everyday life. - Ellie S., Brussels (surname and photo left out for professional reasons)
Simon Turner, London
Ellen's retreat was the perfect antidote to a busy and crowded life. I found calm and created inner space through wonderfully curated meditations, yin and restorative yoga sessions, and a group hike in the beautiful nearby national park. Ellen made sure the whole group felt at ease, and instilled a sense of serenity from the start. Highly recommend this for anyone looking to slow down and take a break from a busy life! - Simon Turner, London
Ken Devaere, Gent
In November 2019 I followed the relax and restore retreat at Suryalila led by Ellen. Just what I needed to recharge after a very intense professional period. The retreat contained everything that I was looking for. When I arrived at Suryalila I was received very lovingly. The setting and Ellen's soothing energy offer everything to unwind and disconnect from the daily worries and rat race in which we dare to lose ourselves. The combination of the yoga sessions, the environment, the loving energy, the incredibly tasty food ensure that you feel at home in no time and are reconnected with yourself. The balance between me-time and group events is perfect. I strongly recommend the media detox and switch-off your smartphone to fully enjoy the now.
Thanks Ellen, I left with a clear mind full of energy after a week of relaxation and self-love. - Ken Devaere
Janice Garnett, Liverpool
Dear Ellen, thanks for all of your heartfelt and beautiful teachings. I really needed the retreat to find my balance and journey into my centre, and you gave us such gentle yet strong guidance and support that I was able to fully relax and let go of stresses that had built up. I have somewhat let go of my personal yoga practice in favour of strength and weights exercises (keeping me young as I am nearly 50!!) and am now reminded that it is as necessary for my mental and spiritual wellbeing as it is physical. It's great to be in touch, and I will always be glad to hear from you. Much love. - Janice Garnett
Sophie, Utrecht
Amazing, really wonderful. Ellen's retreat was very personal and varied. What I found very special is that Ellen talks about the spiritual in a very down-to-earth way. And that was what I could use. I am more in my body now, it has helped me to feel again where I am in my life and in my body. And also what I need: that retreat certainly contributed to that. What made the most impact on me (after I received a healing on that day) was a particular yin class on Saturday in the Dome. It was really magical - and the whole group felt like that. I will really remember in my heart. - Sophie (surname and picture left out, for professional reasons)