Quantum Leap Retreats

Val and Ira were beyond accommodating hosts and knowledgable instructors. They truly tailored my stay to what I wanted and were always available to share recommendations and wisdom. Beautiful home, town and yard set up. Would recommend this retreat to anyone.

The personal care and attention received was over and above what I expected. Ira and Valerie really helped me solve some issues and reset.

Juicing/fasting detox, achieved my weight loss goal, walking 20000 steps every day, beautiful beach.

Thank you, Val and Ira, for an unforgettable few days with my 17-year-old daughter. I have never been to a yoga retreat and had no idea what to expect, but Val and Ira completely surpassed all our expectations. Their passion for what they do is obvious, and they are extremely kind and generous hosts. Val and Ira also went above and beyond to make my teenage daughter feel cherished and valued.

Their wealth of knowledge on yoga, meditation, nutrition, and a million other topics was truly impressive, and we learned SO much from them. We loved hanging out with Val and Ira, along with the three other women attending the retreat. We had many interesting and meaningful discussions that I am excited to incorporate into my daily life.

The retreat felt more like spending time with close friends who not only cared deeply about their guests but were also incredibly knowledgeable. Memorable moments included the sound bed, massages, hot/cold therapy, sunrise meditation on the beach, a tour of Bocca in their very cool VW Bus, as well as practicing different types of yoga, meditation, breath-work, and delicious morning and lunch smoothies.

Despite our brief stay, I already feel mentally and physically better. Val and Ira, thank you for creating such unforgettable moments with my daughter and for a truly special experience. We left the retreat feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and grateful for the time spent with you!

Ira and Val might be hosting a few people at once. It’s incredible how they make time to connect individually with each and every one. I’m a yoga teacher and I loved each class. My travel partner was new to yoga and she loved every class. Ira and Val also gave us tours of not just their property, but of Boca too. Which was great because we had never been there before. All in all, it was a fantastic retreat with fantastic hosts and I hope to go back as soon as I can.

I was able to reset mentally, emotionally, and physically during this retreat because of the valuable information gained from the instructors and therapy sessions. I am excited to incorporate these new tools into my daily life to help better my health and well-being. Life changing experience. If you are thinking about attending, don’t second guess it because you won’t regret it.

The overall atmosphere up positivity, tranquility, support and knowledge

Very enpowering

The best part of the retreat was the massage with Austin.

I really enjoyed going in the VW van to meditate on the sunset and doing Tai Chi on the beach. Ira also did a great job giving us a tour of the city after. Ira and Val provided an extensive list of recommended restaurants. All the food was amazing!! Many walking distance or short Uber/Lift. The yoga classes and instruction was superior. The services I had massage and facial were excellent. Ira and Val were kind, loving hosts and fun. The pools and grounds were very nice. Very close to grocery store.

Everything! Meditation classes, yoga classes, smoothies, accommodations. Austin’s massages were amazing. And Val and Ira were wonderful and gracious hosts.

This was the first yoga retreat for me and a bestie. It was a great experience to unwind, meditate, eat well and not be overwhelmed. Boca Raton is a lovely place to go and having a retreat there made everything convenient.

Great instructors and the best massage ever! Big variety of different yoga classes and meditation sessions. Nice garden, facilities, yoga studio and outside terrace. Healthy and tasty shakes, big, cozy rooms. Loved it all!

True healing happens here!

I also had instructors Claire and Austin. Both excellent!

- Learn a new healthy diet with juices and veggies

- Surrounded by like-minded and warm-hearted human

- Amazing body massage and spa experience

- Great location to walk or bike to explore local shops and restaurants

Zen Den Yoga School is wonderful place of living and practicing yoga in the same complex, the accessibility to the teachers and students for questions, support and help at any time, and, the beautiful integration of the retreat guests with the students.

It's one of those gems that you get lucky to find in your life when you open up your heart. I came to Zen Den Yoga school for the “disconnect to reconnect retreat”, and I found a joyful place, many friends and 2 amazing mentors, Ira and Valerie. Overall, it was one of the best experiences of my life.

Thank you, Zen Den, for offering such blissful space where people can come to grow, revive, and get back on track of life. Namaste!

The accommodations, the veggies provided for the juices, the hands on attention, the yoga, the PEACE! I am still in awe. Thank you.

everything is perfect

At age 70, was severely arthritic, depressed, hated everyone and everything. Hobbled into Zen Den with my cane, barely able to walk. With the help and guidance of Valerie and Ira, I left two weeks later walking much better and feeling I could manage my life in a healthy and spiritual way. They provide a judgement-free and compassionate environment. Definitely want to go back next year.

I felt at home since the first moment, everyone is helpful and supportive. You choose the activities you want to participate but the programme is guided by the hosts. The facilities are perfect and the location too. Making your own juices / smoothies really helps in bringing home something you can replicate and continue. Meditation and yoga help the detox process. All activities are worthy. Val, Ira, Austin, Tiff and Rose are exceptional people.

Loved the experience. Very chill and comfortable with a diverse group of lovely people. The yin yoga was my favorite. The activities were fun and varied. Plenty to do including exploring the town and beach. Using the complimentary bicycles is a must.

This resort is tucked away but close to a ton of shopping and restaurants in Boca Raton. There’s a hidden oasis in the back with hot tubs, two pools and a pickle ball court. Everything is spotless- the pool meticulously monitored, the pickleball court swept clean and the yoga studio ship shape. It’s as relaxing as anyone would want while also close to downtown if more action is desired. As far as yoga, I left thinking I had blindly stumbled through 9 years of yoga (Hot vinyasa and Bikram) practice only to have my eyes opened at Zen Den. Really experienced professionals are teaching yoga here.

Easy access to town and beach, comfortable room, nice outdoor space, variety of activities, Val and Ira are wonderful humans, we enjoyed getting to know them and the other retreaters.

LA CEREMONIA DEL 31 Y LAS CLASES EN GENERAL

- Rose, the Yin yoga instructor, was great.

- The massage was very relaxing.

- The other guests and yoga teacher students were awesome.

The place was clean.

I went for the Yin Yoga and restorative Retreat. From the moment I arrived I knew I needed to be there. Val and Ira were so welcoming. All of the other guests were beautiful people. And I am blessed to have met them all. I was at peace there. The experience is very zen and go with the flow. You have a few scheduled things but plenty of you time to do as you please. I loved the Tia Chi and meditation especially. Val made learning it easy. Ira helped me through a panic attack due to recent health reasons. There are really no words, no review I could ever write that would properly describe my spiritual awakening from this retreat. If you want to find yourself, book the retreat. Go with an open mind and heart. You won’t be disappointed.

The environment was great peaceful the students were open and full of hope. Valerie and Ira were so supportive I felt as if I were visiting Family. That is the take away from my experience just awesome freeing and so renewed with clarity for the future! Because I went in with no expectations I was open to the experience. That is the change I am beyond grateful. I encourage the reviewers to take a step of faith and try something different. And meet new amazing souls that are all searching for unity within one self, because you are worth it. If your concerned about the virus rest assured Ira and Valerie go through extra miles to make sure safety is first and foremost. They are extremely clean and organised I felt safe and at peace.

It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.

David Attenborough

Valerie and Ira are a loving and caring couple that make sure their guests feel supported and special. From the minute I stepped into the main home, the students were eager to welcome me, get me situated, get to know me, and make me a smoothie. I stayed in the Beach Room, which was fantastic. The morning meditation and yoga classes put me in a deliciously optimistic mood for the rest of the day. They are very cathartic classes. The afternoon Vinyasa/Ashtanga inspired classes gave me a lot of strength and the direction or cues I always felt I needed but never got in yoga classes, previously. The retreat is packed with optional activities. I really enjoyed the evening Sutra (close reading) classes because I contemplated new ideas that enhanced my stay. The dialogue between teachers, guests, and students is priceless. Overall, I had a wonderful time. I was just a walk away from the beach (Valerie has a beach pass set up for her guests, so we can hang out under an umbrella and on a beach chair), the supermarket, and tons of amazing restaurants and bakeries. Zen Den is such a fulfilling treat to give oneself!

Zen Den Yoga Disconnect to Reconnect was an amazing experience for my sister and I. We spent a nice long weekend doing yoga, meditation, and improving our overall spiritual health. Each person is there on their own individual journey, and the environment makes it very easy to enjoy the company of other attendees for as much or little as desired. Valerie and Ira are fantastic hosts and put a lot of attention to detail in the entire experience. The Yin weekend yoga class with Rose was challenging and incredible! We were able to take daily yoga classes, make delicious/healthy smoothies, and partake in the local Boca community. Valerie and Ira provided recommendations to wonderful restaurants and local activities that were most appreciated. To relax the backyard pool and hot tub were readily available. The beach and downtown area are close biking, walking, or uber distances. The massage/spa experience at Maui Spa was an unexpected delight in pampering for sure. This was walking distance from Zen Den for us. Although walking back feeling so relaxed took a bit longer! We also had an opportunity to observe some of their Yoga Instructor trainees in action – those girls worked hard!! It is obvious they take training their new Yogis very seriously. Highly recommend!

I found the location of the retreat very accommodating and centrally located. I met some new friends whom I am grateful for. I enjoyed the Yin and Restorative classes very much. I did enjoy the Spa and the Beach with complimentary chairs and umbrella.

The spa, Thai chi, meditation

Ira didn't teach much when I was there and Val did most of the work (teaching, cleaning, taking care of guests, etc) but the one class Ira did teach that I attended (he only taught the beginning) he stopped the class just to demand we were not listening, we were ALL doing it wrong, that we needed to listen to him, and restarted the sequence.

They didn't ask about injuries/conditions when I arrived in person or ask first if they could offer hands-on assists.

The amenities and the program were quite disappointing. The yoga house desperatly needs renovations. Neither of the houses have a state-of-the-art kitchen as advertised. I didn’t find the space to be very clean, they do not let you use the dishwasher they do not change the dish sponge when new guests arrive (super unsanitary during COVID times). 

The light in our bedroom in the yoga house didn’t work, so we asked to be moved to the other house. They moved us, but the process was a hassle and inconsistent. 

My mom and I only made 3 smoothies out of the 7 days we were there, we mostly ate out and bought our own food. On one of our last days there, we were accussed of taking more food than we were “allotted.” This was extremely unprofessional and frustrating considering we did not eat their food and we spent $167 on our own groceries. 

WOW! What an incredible journey on my 5 day disconnect to reconnect! From making nourishing smoothies, to the peaceful yoga studio, to the comfortable bed, and the amazing teachers, Val and Ira! Through this journey, I was able to decompress and learn (and relearn) how to create space in my life for self care, space in my heart for extending grace and love to others and myself, space in my lungs and body for invigorating oxygen, space in my life, through the different breathing techniques to reduce my chronic illness symptoms. And, oh, my…the hydro-therapy and massages were fabulous! Sunrise meditation on the beach was a dreamy as it sounds. The yoga practices were both challenging and educational. Val and Ira were amazing hosts, bringing all the guests together as we all walked our own journeys, sometimes in a quiet space, sometimes laughing and sharing stories around the campfire. The picturesque beach is a short 2 mile run (for me) or an Uber or bike ride away. I did not do much touring as I wanted to just “be” and spend some time journaling. A group of us went to a drum circle on the beach one evening. It was a very cinematic event! Thank you so much, Val and Ira for such a wonderful retreat! I am anticipating returning next year and possibly with some friends. Thank you Zen Den!!!!

The peaceful energy of Love and acceptance that permeated this compound filled with natural beauty/flowers palms/bamboos creaking in the gentle tropical breeze

Enlightening. Homey. Comfortable. Experiential. Receptive to needs. Accommodating.

I really loved this retreat! It was exactly what I needed. I came after a year of lock down in cold New York, and experiencing post covid weakness. The beautiful sunny warm weather, the relaxed atmosphere, the excellent yoga and meditation classes, walks on the beach, salt water pool and hot tub, nutritious shakes and having roommates to talk to was exactly what I needed. The owners are practicing loving and peaceful yogis who provide enough structure to feel supported, but give you enough freedom to rest and have an actual vacation experience. Besides excellent yoga and meditation classes which are different every day, I experienced the following:

- beautiful sunrise mediation on the beach

- amazing Qigong on the beach

- one of the best massages I every had

- amazing acupuncture and Chinese medicine consultation (extra payment for that)

- guided Shamanic journey which brought up and cleared past emotions ready to release

- biking around nice residential area around the yoga retreat

- super healthy and nutrition packed shakes

- nice conversation with the owners who are caring and loving Yogis

- fire ceremony upon arrival (with yoga teacher training students)

- bonding and hanging out with fellow yoga retreat roommates

- just about the best Thai food dinners at the beach

- walking 13-15000 steps each day

- free access to 2 lounge chairs and an umbrella on the beach

- reading life changing books from the library at the retreat

Very happy and will do it again!

They brought me into their community. They taught me so much about nutrition. I felt like part of the family within minutes of arriving.

I immediately felt welcome in this relaxed and peaceful environment. It's an urban oasis with paths here and there to open and inviting spaces to practice, meditate, read, talk, paint, whatever you care to do. Two zen chickens will come out to quietly watch you. I fell in love with the Lychee tree with branches twisting in all directions, absolutely magical. Every corner of Zen Den is thoughtfully and creatively tended. The property has a soul, so if you're looking for a sterile, corporate, polished atmosphere, go there. Not here.

Ira and Val are generous in all they do. Val explains the schedule, any changes, how to prepare juices, smoothies, etc. as if it's the first time. Each of them guides meditation and yoga classes with their whole heart, with complete focus and devotion. Adjustments in posture are freely offered FOR you, not for themselves. Their depth of knowledge is truly a gift there for the taking.

You will be free to structure your time as you like. If you're someone who needs constant entertainment with everything scheduled, go on a cruise. I met incredibly interesting, sweet people. Along with beautiful yoga and meditation, it was fun to be here. I wouldn't want to change a single thing.

I had the pleasure of staying and practicing with Valerie and Ira in June of 2020 for 4 days, and it was exactly what I needed! I had a cozy accommodation in one of their Boca homes and participated in 2.5 hours of meditation, breathing, and yoga practice each morning. I enjoyed a couple of healthy smoothies for breakfast and lunch, and explored some of Boca's top eateries each evening. By committing to detox from coffee, wine, and screens, coupled with the daily practice, I can honestly say I have never felt better in my mind since being an adult. The reset helped me re-evaluate some business and relationship hurdles with clear thinking. I would recommend a retreat with them, even as short as my stay.

Inclusion of various faculty of yoga and bringing in resource personal to enhance the art of teaching was impressive

Instructors good Not enough Meditation or Yoga sessions

I loved the actual sessions doing yoga and meditation. The instructors are very knowledgeable about poses and breathing. I loved my massage and acupuncture experiences. The local restaurants have a delicious variety for health conscious eating. The beach was absolutely breathtaking! It was a bit of a hike, I would recommend an Uber. I went with two wonderful ladies and it ended up being the best time I had.

This was my second stay at Zen Den and I still loved it as much :). I experienced everything that I wanted to. An amazing detox leaving me feeling healthy, clean and alive as well as the best Yoga ever... I love this place and will continue to return for my me time fix...

Boca Raton was warm and sunny and it was a nice group of people.

The hosts are just the most wonderful, loving people. They truly care for their retreat guests and their yoga students, and do everything possible to make the area comfortable and inclusive for all.

The Zen Den Yoga school is in a fantastic location. Meditation on the beach was fabulous and it was nice to have a grocery store and a handful of restaurants in walking distance. Having an acupuncture experience and massage included with the yoga classes and meditations is a nice touch.

the hands out the timing the knowledge the work on the mat

The space held by instructors and fellow students to travel through the personal journey to become a teacher/sharer with unconditional love, support and grace.

Loved the flow of our day. Each day was filled with something new, always learning and growing strong! I was unsure about breakfast and lunch smoothies but they were perfect and now doing them at home along with the flows I learned. I feel confident now and ready to teach my first class this Saturday! So thankful for my teachers at Zen Den so much love there🌼🌻🌺🌹🕯

I was at Zen Den when there was no teacher training going on and no other retreatants participant. This turned out to be to my advantage. I had a room to myself and some great instruction and personal attention from Valerie and Ira, who took some extra effort to also adapt the program to suit my interests. Valerie, who has dietician training also coached me on ways to make my diet more balanced. I also found it wasn't difficult on my time off to meet people from the area, who are pretty friendly. I recommend the Wednesday drum circle in Del Ray Beach. Coming home, I've been sustaining some of the good suggestions and my yoga practice has become a notch more rigorous -- not just yin or restorative yoga!

All of the instructors, each one, were attentive and patient with me. Very knowledgeable on yoga and nutrition. The other ladies attending were wonderful. All positive with the staff. I felt comfortable despite not being able to do everything--without falling down. I'm pretty clumsy. I am continuing with the program at home. They are available to help you even after the program ends.

Ira is a very knowledgeable instructor and is happy to share. He answers any questions and teaches a variety of techniques. He was so supportive during the entire stay. Valerie was hospitable and knowledgeable, as well, but she had to leave for a business trip, so most of the stay was with Ira. I learned so much, have become stronger physically, and found a new level to my meditation. What a great experience!

I also liked the opportunity to meet others from around the world who were participating in a yoga retreat or were there learning to be instructors themselves.

I will definitely be returning in the future!

My 300-hr training at Zen Den was an incredibly transformative experience. I grew not just as a teacher, but also as a person. My confidence in my teaching and my depth of knowledge has greatly increased. I learned about Sivananda, I picked up vital skills in keeping class flow going, I gained the confidence to help individuals deepen their practice and adjust alignment while still speaking more generally to the whole class.

I loved having the space to meditate and deepen my own practice while delving deeper into yogic philosophy. Most of all, I made beautiful connections with everyone at the school during my time there. Especially Val and Ira. They are two very beautiful souls on a journey together to teach and hold space for other to grow and develop. Their eclectic approach was exactly what I was looking for, but even more than expected. They have complementary teaching styles, and I learned so much from both!

I highly recommend this life changing training to anyone considering it. It will challenge you physically, mentally, and emotionally, and you will come out the other side a better teacher. If you are not yet a teacher and considering the 200-hr training, I’d say dive right in. I couldn’t think of a better place to set off on your teaching journey and deepen your connection to your own practice.

Great place great location,,,,great classes learned a lot,,,,,got inspired,,,to go home and change body.

Cozy accommodations in residential houses repurposed for yoga retreat. A small and family run business with a relaxing and familiar vibe. Both Ira and Valerie were so welcoming. Very flexibel with bookings for SUP and very helpful around the clock. Yoga lessons daily with varied styles and flows. Delicious and nutritious breakfast and lunch smoothies.

This is the first time my husband and I have done yoga. We found both Ira and Valerie to be outstanding teachers and individuals who walk their talk. The yoga instruction and explanations were excellent. We loved the variety of health-oriented activities: Paddle-boarding, acupuncture and massage to calm the nervous-system, colonic and juices / smoothies for internal cleansing, energy-healing sessions with Valerie are available. I personally benefited from this. Successfully meeting the needs of all levels from beginner to teacher training. Our week was transformative, eye-opening, restorative and fun. Can't remember having felt so good physically and mentally after a week's break.

everything about this retreat was fabulous .

Immediately taken into the folds of the lifestyle at Zen Den Yoga School, you become family. The daily practices of guided meditation, yoga, philosophy and meal planning leave you at the end of each day with an abundance of gratitude and quiet inner calmness. You are able to close the door to the outside world and step into the mindfulness of the here and now. All due to the peaceful guidance, knowledge and support of Ira and Valerie. These two amazing individuals truly have a gem in South Florida.

Literally everything. We started teaching day 2 and when week 3 came we were all teaching full 90 min. classes! The smoothies were amazing and definitely provided energy. I’m home now and still drinking the green smoothie! This was an amazingly well rounded training. We didn’t just become teachers and yoginis, we learned nutrition, business, and energy as well. We also got the Shamanic Breathwork once a week and once week 3 came you could see how much healing and growth takes place here. It’s really amazing how much love Ira and Val put into Zen Den and all of their students and retreat guests. It truly is an amazing experience. These 28 days were truly transformational. I came here with armor and walls everywhere but they completely removed them and held the space I needed so I could truly and freely soar. I’m definitely 100% ready to hold space for others and teach yoga to all levels.

My stay with Zen Den was just three nights, I wish I’d been able to stay longer but I got so much out of my short stay.

Val and Ira are both wonderful people and great yoga teachers. I felt very welcome and supported in my yoga practice, making great progress in the few days that I was there. I really think I saw my potential in yoga for the first time.

The yoga studio and outdoor deck were ideal for yoga and meditation and the hot tub and pool were a really welcome addition each day after practice.

The massage was good and the acupuncture excellent, I received good advice about my future health and wellbeing, with a lengthy consultation with the doctor and a list of reading for me to research afterwards.

As is often the case I enjoyed meeting the other yogis, just as much as the retreat, we shared experiences and our stories of how we came to be there. The support, compassion and shared learning was inspiring. Some were attending for detox and weight loss which motivated me to stick to the juicing plan and I felt invigorated from just a few days of the programme.

For me, the highlight was the sunrise Meditation on the beach. My last morning and a spectacular sky. My time at the Zen Den was about healing and believing in my body again after a period of sickness. I still have a way to go but I feel that the time I invested here, both alone and amongst kind supportive people has helped me on my way.

The yoga instructor named Ginger Fawn Bowden was amazing! She truly made the entire retreat phenomenal. If you’re looking to clear any “issues in your tissues” Ginger is your girl! A yin yoga goddess!

The property was nice.

Everything I loved their space and energy very giving and loving they are the real deal

The compound sings with positive communal energy.

Highest quality yoga instructors who clearly and consistently demonstrate the values of yoga.

Les quelques cours de yoga que j'ai eue étaient bien, la "massage" (energy healing) et l'acupuncture étaient super.