High Spirits Retreat Reviews

Tracy Metin 2024.06.19

     

No star review!!!! A friend and I booked a retreat with these guys 19months ago, and paid in full. Retreat was cancelled due to Convid. We were contacted to say they would credit our money to another Retreat. We are no longer able to attend the retreat. I have phoned and emailed them several times asking for our money back. They are not answering our calls or emails. DO NOT GIVE YOUR MONEY TO THESE PEOPLE!!! VERY DISAPPOINTING AND UNPROFESSIONAL!! As of Nov 2023 my friend and I have still not received our $1000 each from this company. They also fail to mention that we emailed to say we could no longer attend future seminars, due to the original airline no longer operating out of Wellington New Zealand (new flights return required, and have doubled in price), and after the pandemic NZ quarantine, restrictions also meant we were unable to travel to the retreat but still they wouldn't refund our money. I see they have refused to refund another kiwi person who has paid full in good faith, with also a genuine reason to not be able to attend. Where is the care, respect and kindness you are promoting? This is not fair or professional business practice. Stay clear away from this awful company!!

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Reply from High Spirits Retreat 2023.12.04

Dear Tracy.
Thanks for your feedback. Since 1996 we have offered students to transfer their course payment to a later date should they be unable to attend the course they have been booked into due to circumstances which are outside of their control such as natural disasters government rulings or illness. This have been very positively received throughout all the years. We were of course hoping that you would also attend the retreat you have booked with our company. However, we accept your decision to not attend any courses or retreats but we are not in a position to change our policy just for you. Kind wishes the High Spirits Team
Nb! for anyone reading this message - please rest assured that you will never loose a course payment should you not be able to attend a course due to circumstances which are outside of your control.

Saffron & Emmanuel 2024.03.16

     

We simply cannot praise Mette's facilitators at High Spirits Retreat enough. Our recent six-day journey to refine our Ka Huna massage techniques under their guidance was nothing short of phenomenal. These extraordinary women didn't just instruct us; they inspired us to transcend our limitations and let go of what no longer benefits us. Their teaching is infused with an abundance of love, presence, joy, and genuine laughter—accompanied by moments of poignant tears. These facilitators possess an intuitive sense of when to offer assistance and when to provide us with the necessary space to explore on our own. They are adept at creating a nurturing environment for personal growth and generating incredible connections among all participants. This experience is truly magical. Our hearts are full of gratitude—Mahalo Nui Loa. We are profoundly thankful. Saffron & Emmanuel 💜💜💜💜💜

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Reply from High Spirits Retreat 2024.04.09

Aloha you two wonderful professional dedicated bodyworkers
Thank you for your kind words
Are proud of our facilitator team and the high spirits retreat as the venue
Thank you also for giving profound treatments to your lucky clients
Aloha Mette and team

Tara Long 2024.02.29

     

Amazing experience I recommend to all. Professional body workers, welcoming, and so wholesome! Thanks for having me : ) I'll be back!

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Reply from High Spirits Retreat 2024.04.09

Thank you too ;) see you again
Aloha

Carlo Arrengaard Andersen 2023.12.20

     

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Reply from High Spirits Retreat 2024.04.09

Thank you Carlo

Peter Birkkjaer 2023.12.20

     

Such a great experience! If you need to find a new purpose in life this is a beautiful place to learn the art for Ka Huna Bodywork. Highly recommend it!

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Reply from High Spirits Retreat 2024.04.09

Thank you Peter - We appreciate you and all the AMAxing work you do to help people live a healthy life

Sigrid Fletcher 2023.12.13

     

Love this place! Best training for KaHuna bodywork in Australia. There is so much love and connection poured into every level of training ❤️ 10/10

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Reply from High Spirits Retreat 2024.04.09

Thank you Siggy ♥️♥️♥️

Lorin Thorp 2023.12.13

     

My journey at High Spirits began back in 2019 when I was in a bit of a stagnant time in my life. The retreat came highly recommended by a friend who had attended 8 years earlier so I trusted the established history of the program. 2 weeks later I was there, learning Ka Huna Bodywork Level 1/2 intensive! Learning another style of massage actually wasnt my main motivation for enrolling, however I was assured that this retreat as a whole, was exactly what I needed to make a change! It sure was. The personal development component of the program was the perfect compliment. I did not ‘just learn a massage’, in fact my whole perception of massage was completely re-framed in the process, as was my appreciation for my own body. This is a soul expression, a dance, a philosophy for living and it is what the world needs more of. Blown away by the support of an epic team of facilitators for the entire 6 day journey sparked my curiosity into REAL facilitation which led me to return for the Leadership and Facilitation retreat with Mette and her team. A totally different experience of learning. The rolling hills of Kin Kin kept calling me back for the next level, the next growth point and each time I would be welcomed by open arms, hearts and a ‘Welcome home’ Fast forward some time and now, as a facilitator, I get to be that smile that ‘welcomes you home’ So, whether you feel ready or not, lean in and trust. We welcome the wholeness of you. See you there, Aloha!

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Reply from High Spirits Retreat 2024.04.09

Aloha Lorin
We appreciate you very much and enjoy being on team with you
🌺🙏🏼♥️

Lily Alvarez 2023.12.10

     

Mette & her team at High Spirits are truly a divine energetic portal, if you are lead there it is all within higher reason. This training has changed my spiritual journey in ways of deeper connection to self & source as well as guiding me further within my calling. KaHuna is such a beautiful practice and offering that is so sacred and special. Thank you High Spirits, I am manifesting the ability to complete all levels with you in time. xx Aloha

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Reply from High Spirits Retreat 2023.12.11

Aloha Lily, thank you for your very kind note, we too look forward to you coming back to learn and transform more. We are grateful to you for passing on the healing to many lucky people . Love Mette

Jaime-lee Hind 2023.12.07

     

A heartfelt, playful and uplifting community inspiring connection, empowerment and joyful living! Through Highspirits I have made some deep friendships that will last a lifetime. The bodywork skills taught here are both effective and soulful... they will be welcomed by family and friends, but are also a real opportunity to expand your professional bodywork scope, or change your vocation altogether. I also often recommend people who simply need a retreat or an energetic make-over to go to Highspirits... they offer some of the best trainings and retreats you can get.

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Reply from High Spirits Retreat 2023.12.07

Hi Jaime-lee we are so grateful to know you and to see how you have taken the work out into the world helping many people get a better life 🙏🏽
Thank you for being part of our team
Love Mette

MsBlueRyan 2023.12.03

     

I am doing an update of my experience with High Spirits Retreat. At this point, I am absolutely horrified at their mistreatment and unprofessional way they have handled my request for a refund. Honestly, they are acting like narcissists... I know I am not going to get my $1.198.00 AUD back. They have STOLEN this from me. I accept that.This has gone on for 4 years. They admit they ignored my emails, Mette and Jogen never once apologised. What I don't accept is poor behaviour and so will post their email online for all to see. Also, I have contact with 2 other kiwi ladies that you have fobbed off in the same way. This seems like normal protocol for these people. I am passing your information on to the appropriate authorities to deal with..you are far too unreasonable to negotiate with. Any one in same boat, hit me up. Dec 2, 2023, 7:32 PM (17 hours ago) Hi Alaina, Thanks for your message. We have viewed your friend/psychologist review on how you were feeling at the time and note that you were feeling stressed, as were we all. She then goes on to explain to us how you were in need of dental work and therefore were feeling financial hardship. However, we don’s see anything unique about this situation and we are not offering refunds to students who find themselves in financial hardship due to having dental work done.We will leave it with this and let you know that you are quite welcome to leave your negative Google review. It has of course been created in order to do us harm but probably actually has the opposite effect. Regards, The High Spirits Team (YOU have twisted my words to your benefit while being passive aggressive and not answering my question..Where in your policy does it say I cannot get a refund?)

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Reply from High Spirits Retreat 2023.12.05

Hi again Alaina. We have since 1996 transferred course payment to a later date should the students/guest not be able to attend a specific course/retreat due to circumstances which are outside of their control. This has been very positively received throughout the years and you also accepted when you were unable to attend our retreat. This is what you wrote "I am willing to accept your offer of further postponement to attend the original retreat I have paid for so that I can achieve my goal on condition that your offer is valid for as long as I need". Later we then receive a cancellation from you due to your level of stress but also due to the following "Moreover, she has recently had to undergo bone graft surgery for a serious tooth infection which has added to her financial hardship". You also mentioned that you saw yourself as a "unique" situation which we don't agree with. We would like to stress again that we are happy transfer this payment to a later retreat but we are not in a position to change our policy just for you.

Chrissy Seymour 2023.02.05

     

High Spirit Retreat is not a place it's a home. Training in Kahuna Massage with the team at high spirits has been a highlight in my life. So much self development, education, practice and real community. I love going back each year to gain more skills and deepen my connection with myself..

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Reply from High Spirits Retreat 2023.02.26

Aloha Chrissy 🫶🏼go well and thank you for passing on your skills and care 🍀we love having you at High Spirits

Kate Martelli 2023.02.01

     

My experience learning Ka Huna at Mette's institute was literally life changing. This is not just a massage course, it's an opportunity to change the way you see yourself and your place in the world. I felt such a sense of community with the group of men and women I trained with. I left my week of training not only with valuable skills, but with a renewed sense of self-confidence like I've never experienced before. I am so grateful for my training, and will be coming back for more! I've recommended this to so many of my friends and hope my amazing massages will encourage them to try it out too! xx Thanks, Mette and the team <3

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Reply from High Spirits Retreat 2023.02.26

Hi Kate Thank you so much for passing it on and for making the world a better place too 🙏🏽

Ivana 2023.02.01

     

High Spirits is an amazing place. It is set in a beautiful natural environment that welcomes relaxation and nurtures the body. The courses are professionally prepared and executed and take one on a journey of self discovery and growth. Staff are amazingly friendly, well prepared and create and maintain an environment of fun, joy and deep understanding. Embarking on a journey at High Spirits has been transformative. I have met wonderful people. I cannot imagine my life without the gift of Ka Huna massage. So grateful to the team and Mette.

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Reply from High Spirits Retreat 2023.02.26

Aloha Ivana
Blessings to you dear heart . We are grateful to you too
Keep passing on the aloha and KaHuna massage 😀

Mon van 2023.01.31

     

Wonderful place of learning and healing!

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Reply from High Spirits Retreat 2023.02.26

Thank you Mon

Jodie Lea Cleave 2023.01.29

     

It can be tricky sometimes to navigate all that is on offer in the world of Retreat...and then there's Hight Spirits Retreat. My spirit was definitely lifted then, and still now, nearly a decade on from my last visit. Mete and her amazing team walk their talk and are dedicated to making a difference, to you, me and our world.

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Reply from High Spirits Retreat 2023.01.30

Thank you Jodie🌸hope to see you back one day
Sending aloha

Lindy Oneil 2023.01.29

     

This work is truly life changing, heart opening and lots of fun! I've completed all 7 Levels, several more than once and I continue to keep coming back as I love the space, the learning of both the massage and more importantly of self. Now I'm also getting paid to do what I love with my own Ka Huna Massage business. I can't recommend this any higher! Just do it!! Aloha

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Reply from High Spirits Retreat 2023.01.29

Aloha and thank you Lindy
We are happy for you and the world is a better place because of you 🌺

Annelet Esterhuysen 2023.01.27

     

I decided to learn this massage modality to support my journey as a yoga student and teacher. It has really deepened my connection with my own body and also taught me so much more! About love, about connection and about living my best life. Thank you for all you do high spirits team ♥️

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Reply from High Spirits Retreat 2023.01.29

Aloha Annie thank you for your kind words 🌺
May you continue to have fun doing what you love 😉

Jolene Moran 2023.01.24

     

Beautiful people, amazing retreat. So much love put into every detail of the experience!

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Reply from High Spirits Retreat 2023.01.25

Thank you Jolene 😁

Lawrence Mitchell 2023.01.23

     

What an amazing experience. After a number of false starts due to the pandemic, I finally did levels 1 & 2. It was an intense, fun and very enriching learning experience. Looking forward to level 3 🙏

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Reply from High Spirits Retreat 2023.01.25

Thank you Lawrence we are grateful to you - see you on KH level 3 aloha

christa thoma 2023.01.23

     

High Spirits is a place I never will forget in my life. I received at High Spirits the gift of my life the wisdom of KA HUNA , Self-Development , Courage, Empathy, Joy and Freedom . I am now 74 years old, but still practicing in my clinic MAURI ORANGA and enjoy every minute.

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Reply from High Spirits Retreat 2023.01.25

Aroha Christa nice to hear your still putting hands on ♥️🙏🏽