Yoga retreats with Vio - From Bulgaria to Bali

BaliYoga Retreats

24 May

Meet Vio: the mastermind behind Vinyasa flow classes and international yoga retreats

Violeta Dimitrova—known as Vio—is a yoga teacher from Sofia, Bulgaria, who discovered yoga at the age of 11. After years of practicing and studying, teaching naturally became her path.

She’s trained internationally with respected and well-established teachers, and has since developed her own unique style of Vinyasa Flow.

On Instagram, you’ll find her as @violetaflows.

Her classes are a beautiful symbiosis of asanas, breath work, alignment, and self-awareness. In addition to dynamic flows, Vio also leads restorative practices, guided meditations, and bodyweight training.

Beyond her regular classes, she has organised workshops for yoga teachers and, one of her greatest passions—yoga retreats.

Vio is one of the most beloved and trusted yoga teachers in Sofia. She had created a life of stability and comfort, teaching in her safe and nurturing space. But at some point, the desire for growth and challenge became stronger than the comfort of the familiar.

The need for expansion

She dreamed of moving to Southeast Asia—more specifically, to Bali, where she had already led several successful retreats. It was a bold and challenging decision, but in January 2025, Vio arrived in Bali with a one-way ticket.

She left her job in the yoga studio and routine behind to launch an online Strength and Mobility program and to continue leading yoga retreats in Asia for her Bulgarian students with the intention to expand internationally.

For her, this move was more than just a change of location—it was a leap toward expansion, purpose, and creating a life full of new excitement!

How I met Vio

The first time I joined Vio’s class was in 2021 at Yoga Vibe center in Sofia. I instantly loved her playful Vinyasa flows—they left me energised and grounded for the rest of the day. Her words often felt like therapy for both body and soul, weaving yoga philosophy and personal reflections into every session.

Back then, I knew she was organizing retreats, but they felt distant—something for others, not me. That changed when I was planning my move to Bali. Vio had just come back from a retreat there, and her students were glowing, full of stories and transformation. I told myself:

❝

If she hosts another one in Bali, I’m going.

Fast forward to April 2024: I joined my first-ever yoga retreat—with Vio, in Bali. It exceeded every expectation. Ten days of yoga, meditation, and breathtaking settings—all carefully curated to restore and energise. What truly made it special were the people—open-hearted and kind souls who quickly felt like lifelong friends.

In 2025, I joined two more of her retreats—one in Vietnam, and another in Bali. Each one felt like exactly what my body and mind needed. I realised retreats aren’t just getaways—they’re powerful resets, a gift to myself I now plan regularly.

Vio has a gift for creating spaces where people connect deeply—with themselves and with each other. Her retreats are more than yoga—they’re soulful experiences.

Here, she shares what inspires her, how she curates each retreat, and what you can expect if you join one. Whether you’re curious or already dreaming of your first retreat—this is for you!

Let’s dive in!

Vio, you’ve led 47 retreats in several countries now—what made you fall in love with organising them?

Initially, I just wanted to travel the world. Kind of egoistic, I know. However I have always had the skills to organise trips and events, lead and nurture groups. It was the perfect mixture of exploring new destinations, teaching what I love in more depth, taking care of people and…being in control. Hihi :))

But seriously, retreats give me time to really get to know my students and present more knowledge to them. It is a full experience that enriches one’s yoga practice, delights the senses and expands the circle of like-minded people. The effects are astonishing and the group’s feedback that i get at the end keeps me going.

How do you usually choose the destination and venue for your retreats?

What elements do you look for when planning the location?

For me as a host the venue is more important than the location (country wise). I don’t want to share all the details about how I choose a venue (because I am planning a whole course about it 😉) but I am always looking to offer comfort for all guests, relaxing atmosphere around nature, and suitable space for our sessions.

Of course, the budget is something to always consider since I want to offer high quality experience but at a reasonable price.

As far as it goes to destinations - honestly, every single place around the world is of interest to me. And I believe my groups appreciate every location.

Can you walk us through what a typical day on one of your retreats looks like?

Every day (usually not later than 8am) starts with a yoga session and/or meditation. Sometimes, it’s a shorter Vinyasa class just to move the body, other times it’s a much longer full yoga class. Always followed by nurturing breakfast.

Then off we go. I always propose some sort of activities - visiting beaches, temples, cultural sights, hikes, hot springs or whatever specific the destination has to offer.
The day program is not mandatory. I love to give freedom and remind everyone that this is not an excursion. It is a retreat. So we don’t need to do all the things that can be done.

Depending on how active people were during the day, I decide on the evening sessions. If we had a day trip, I would focus on relaxing classes such as Restorative or Yoga Nidra. If it was a chilled day, I would definitely challenge them with a longer, more dynamic session.

Depending on the topic of the retreat I also lead the students through different rituals or give them tasks that aim self-reflection and inner work.

I’ve experienced a good balance between yoga, relaxation, and adventure in your retreats. Is it always the case? Are there retreats that are less adventurous and more intention focused?

I love that you did. That is always my goal. To provide a full experience that includes movement, human connection, adventure and inner work.

However, I have a few events on my “menu” that are more educational. Those are more trainings than retreats. The schedules are more intense since there are more lectures and longer movements classes - similar to workshops. For now, those are offered only in Bulgaria.

What kind of people usually join your retreats? Are there often new faces or is there a “Vio community vibe”?
And how do you think that unique sense of connection forms so quickly?

It is a mixture. I have a fairly big group of people that are regulars. Some of them have joined 13 to 16 retreats in just 6 years. But there are always new faces and I love that. No matter if it’s their first or 10th time, everyone feels included and connects to others quickly.

I believe it is because my students are always very warm -hearted and welcoming. Of course, I break the ice with an opening circle and tasks which make people open up and resonate with each other.

What have been some of your favourite moments or stories from past retreats? Any memories that have stayed with you long after the retreat ended?

Oh gosh, there are so many. There was this retreat in Mallorca some years ago where it was raining almost the whole week. Nevertheless, everyone was so uplifted, and the weather couldn’t break anyone's mood. I remember all of us being stuck in cafés for hours, just talking and laughing.

I also remember every time that I included a sunrise trip or walk. All of us are sleepy but happy to be together and to enjoy the beauty of nature. Or every single car or bus ride in which we dance and sing. All the circles in which we share and, at times, cry. You know, the simple moments that are so meaningful!

And of course, all sorts of failures and chaotic situations that we laugh about after.

What can someone expect to take away after joining one of your retreats—physically, emotionally, or spiritually? What do you hope they carry home with them?

Physically - I would love for everyone to try their limits. To try something new. To feel more courageous and capable at the end. To tap into their discipline but also passion for movement. To feel a sense of balance between being active and being relaxed.

Emotionally - to feel relieved. Supported through their own process and period. To accept their emotions and find inner strength to carry on. To reach a state of happiness and fulfillment even if it is for a brief moment. You won’t believe how powerful a weekend or a week of these events can be emotionally. Just because we give ourselves space and time to work with our own being.

Spiritually - this is very subjective and personal. I am trying to introduce and deepen the concept of Spirit with different meditations, rituals, ceremonies and lectures. I am definitely not able to guide anyone towards spiritual enlightenment but even if 10% of the group get the sensation of being guided and protected, I would be the happiest.

How do you prepare mentally and emotionally for holding space for a group over multiple days? What does that process look like for you as a teacher and facilitator?

That’s a tough one and I am still struggling to find the best formula.
A week before an event I am usually very focused on final touches, coordinating and accounting. This is the period I would probably say No to social events, my mind is just too busy.

Then the retreat itself is a tricky period for me as a person because naturally I am an introvert, although it might not seem that way. So longer interactions get me tired and I need moments on my own, in silence. That’s why I almost never share a room while leading a retreat and my family knows at this time I would be quite unavailable for chats and calls. Not to mention that I often feel overwhelmed by all the questions of the students, the managing of the venue’s team and the following of the schedule. On top of that, I am overstimulated from social media in which I constantly post stories of what is happening during the event.

So not to complain, but this is the reality of a really dedicated facilitator who so far, doesn’t have an assistant :D

My ways to cope include morning meditation before I teach. Time in silence when I have the chance. Keeping up with my own routine - squeezing in my movement practice. Massages and walks do miracles. And even though I hate to miss out time with the group, yes, I usually go to my room early, to reflect on the past day and plan the details of the next one.

“I always put a name on the event that sets the tone and direction of it. So that people know what to expect (with a pinch of surprise).”

You design your retreats around a particular theme and intention. Is the theme influenced by your current state of mind and needs?

As I mentioned, I don't want people to perceive these trips as excursions. They are so much more than that. There should be depth and more meaning. I want people to leave with the feeling of some sort of progress or insight.

That’s why I always put a name on the event that sets the tone and direction of it. Even for the ones that are more adventurous and not that educational. So people know what to expect (with a pinch of surprise).

And to answer your question, yes, they are often influenced by what I am personally experiencing at the time. Sometimes I get inspired by a training I attended, other times by a personal situation or emotion I went through. But yes, usually the themes are representing something that is of personal interest to me. They are never randomly picked.

mediation after practice — *Meditation after a morning Hatha yoga practice*

You also include elements like meditation, restorative practice, and mobility—why is it important for you to mix modalities? How do they complement each other on retreat?

We are such complex beings. With so many systems and aspects that need attention and care.
Throughout the years, I figured for myself that there is not 1 single practice that can give me all I need as a healthy woman, striving for a balanced way of life, constantly working on improving the quality of communication with others, nurturing the spiritual connection, etc, etc.

So I find it very important to have different tools that “workout” different parts of the body and all other more subtle planes of a human. Being able to do a handstand doesn’t make you a calm, mindful person. And being a calm, mindful person doesn’t make you adventurous, curious and strong.

So that’s why we have philosophy, rituals, meditations, gymnastics, strength training, relaxation sessions, journaling, and so much more. All of those teach us something different.

I love to touch and nurture all aspects and needs of my participants.

*The closing circle at a Women’s yoga retreat, Bali 2025*

For someone who has never been on a retreat, what would you say to encourage them to join one? What’s your message to first-timers?

Trust yourself.

Many people are anxious to sign up because they are not good enough (not prepared) or they don’t have anyone to come with and are afraid that they will end up being an outsider.

Trust yourself more.

You are absolutely capable of having a great time with yourself. You deserve to give yourself time. You are allowed to retreat, rearrange and recharge yourself. You are likeable and loveable, and you will be in a safe space with people that are on a similar journey as yours. These events are suitable for everyone.

No matter if you are seeking restoration, physical challenge, social connection or solitude.

You’re returning to Bulgaria this summer—can you tell us more about the upcoming retreats and events/classes you'll be hosting there? How should people connect with you?

Yes, I am returning in June. I am so excited to go back to my studio and teach workshops and regular classes.

I have plenty of ideas but everything is still in process, so I can not share anything more.
Just follow me, my journey and my offerings at @violetaflows on Instagram.