In Her Words

Today, Holly and I had the pleasure of attending Akua’s Return to Yourself event in Bristol, part of The Unbecoming Journey—an afternoon dedicated to slowing down, reflecting and reconnecting with who we are beneath all the roles we take on in life.

The afternoon created such a safe, thoughtful space for women to pause, reflect and reconnect with themselves—something so many of us don’t give ourselves permission to do.

As a mum, and someone who’s spent a lot of time putting everyone else first, it was exactly the reminder I didn’t know I needed.

Akua, thank you for sharing your heart, your story and your passion. It’s been a privilege to watch your journey unfold over the years, and even more of a privilege to experience it in person today.

If you ever get the chance to attend one of Akua’s events, I’d definitely recommend it.

Anything I might have hoped for before coming was exceeded tenfold. This isn’t your typical beach retreat. Every moment was thoughtfully curated in a way that helped us slow down, connect, and see Zanzibar through the eyes of the people who live here. It opened something in me that I didn’t even realise needed space.

What surprised me most was how deeply we connected as women. We arrived as strangers, yet by the end it felt like a sisterhood was forming in real time.

Akua held the space with so much intention. You can feel her genuine relationships across the island and the love she pours into curating theses experience. Because of that, we were welcomed into places and moments that felt truly special, the kind you simply wouldn’t find on your own.

I would recommend this to absolutely everyone. You get to experience the culture, the traditions, the food, the rhythm of life here but you also experience yourself in a new way. The connections, the insights, the sense of belonging, they stay with you. ‘Magical’ is the only word that comes close to describing this experience.

Conscious integration is a luxury I rarely give enough space to. And I deliberately say give myself as opposed to have time for, because the Unbecoming Retreat process reminded me that I am in the driving seat of my life.

Before leaving for the retreat, I made a promise to myself to explore what unbecoming meant to me and the things I wanted to let go of.

Unbecoming means exploring the shadow, the parts of myself holding me back from my greatness. The things I avoid giving time to and, most importantly at this point in my life, my fear of myself. Unbecoming individuality to be all of me.

Through connection with the land, the people, and the simplicity of life around me, I could see how I had silently been sabotaging myself. In that moment, I allowed myself to fall apart. I cried shamelessly all day. My tears burst through without notice and far beyond my control, so I let them flow and grow. And they did. They flowed and grew and grew. I cried through breakfast, lunch, dinner, and right through the night. Held by you, Akua, and by the sisterhood that was silently forming around me, from the children to the mammas and the new friends.

I was unbecoming, but I was not alone.

Amazing Akua. I have been touched, moved, and enriched by this experience in infinite ways, and I wanted to take a moment to celebrate and recognise the foundational role you’ve played in that. Akua, take a bow. You reach the parts no others can.

I think not only of my personal gains and enjoyment when I say this, but also the many opportunities your work has created for your partners and the communities involved in this epic adventure. It was great to be part of an experience that celebrates, champions, and fosters partnership, mutual benefit, womanhood, and respect, all too rare.

Thank you for the time and opportunities you provided for me and everyone else to connect with Zanzi, its people, its culture, its nature, ourselves, and each other.

Wow… these two weeks in Zanzibar have been such a gift. I feel so lucky to have shared this time with 13 amazing, inspiring women, each at different stages of life and each with her own story. We opened up to each other, shared some of our deepest feelings and experiences, and it honestly felt so healing and uplifting.

The villa was perfect: beautiful, calming, and such a safe space for us to relax, laugh, and be ourselves. I loved the little adventures too… making chapatis together, kayaking, learning how to use banana leaves to create things, making beaded bracelets, drinking coconut water straight from the coconut and then scooping out the flesh. Simple things, but so special.

Some of my favourite memories were dancing with the local women who dressed us in our own kangas and taught us new moves, and watching the Masai warriors perform their traditional Adumu, which was incredibly powerful.

One of the highlights for me was visiting the local farm. Seeing organic food growing in such abundance and watching how Zanzibaris use every single part of their crops, with absolutely no waste, was so inspiring. From coconuts, seaweed, herbs, spices, papayas, bananas and more, my senses were alive the whole time. We ended the day watching the blood moon eclipse while sitting together in a circle of reflections and new intentions for the coming months and the year ahead.

This journey was such a beautiful mix of community, adventure, relaxation, reflection, and above all, love. I am going home with a full heart, wonderful memories, and new sisters for life.

Thank you, Akua

I loved the immersion into the community. The people we met had such beautiful spirits. Since returning, I feel more able to be still and pay attention to my surroundings. I take more time for myself, and I carry far less guilt about it.

I am still basking in a high from the experience. It was refreshing. I felt a deep connection with the women. I am normally a solo traveller and have always enjoyed moving through the world that way, but the women on this retreat were all such a good fit. I felt genuinely connected and was positively impacted by our time together.

I feel privileged to have been part of this perfectly curated experience. Everything was so well planned and considered, and I cannot think of a single thing I would have wished to be different.

I look forward to the opportunity to experience another journey with Akua.

I have done many retreats, and I thought that through my travelling and my journey, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally, I had cleared a lot of my old stuff. This retreat helped me understand, after a long time of not being involved in a retreat, that the age I am now is actually a good time to explore other levels of myself as a mature student and that there are no barriers.

As we grow closer to immortality, for me, being submerged into so many of the things we did created a new childlike understanding of life. After all, we are still children on this path, growing, evolving, learning new things every day. I felt that you’re never too old to learn.

While building on and speaking from my heart, I recognised myself as the older person I am, but also remembered the times when I didn’t fear things the way you do as you age. In my mind I’m young, and being around a group of beautiful women who ‘got me’ helped me believe more in my own self-worth and in my courage to challenge new avenues of my cultural identity and agelessness while being held in a safe and supportive space.

Sacred Steps Hike, UAE – Nov 2024: The hike had a profound impact on me in several ways, emotionally, and physically. Mentally, it offered a much-needed break from the constant noise and distractions of everyday life.

The beauty of the natural surroundings brought a sense of gratitude. It was a reminder of the simple yet powerful joys in life, and it helped me reconnect with myself. There were moments of peaceful solitude, as well as shared experiences with others, that provided a deep sense of emotional fulfillment.

My recent trip to India, organised by Akua, Founder & Co-Adventurer at Dream Catcher Global, was nothing short of life-changing. From the moment I landed, every detail was meticulously planned, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes without a single worry.

Dream Catcher Global crafted an itinerary that felt both personal and transformative. Whether it was witnessing the sunrise over the Taj Mahal, exploring the bustling streets of New Delhi, or finding peace during a serene yoga session at our Himalayan resort, Dea Avnova Boutique Retreat, each experience was thoughtfully curated to inspire and awaken the soul.

What truly set this journey apart was how seamlessly adventure blended with authentic cultural encounters. Our local guide was knowledgeable and passionate, offering insights that deepened my connection to every place we visited. The accommodations were comfortable, the food experiences were unforgettable, and the warmth of the people we met along the way left a lasting impression.

This wasn’t just a holiday, it was a journey of self-discovery, growth, and inspiration. Thanks to Dream Catcher Global, I returned home with not only incredible memories but also a renewed sense of purpose and wonder. If you’re looking for more than just a trip, if you crave an experience that will stay with you forever, I wholeheartedly recommend Dream Catcher Global. They don’t just organise travel; they create transformative journeys.

This retreat to India was a chance to pause and really look inward. It helped me reconnect with myself understanding my strengths, my challenges, and how to live in a way that feels more meaningful.

One of the most beautiful moments was staying in a local village and being invited into a family’s home for tea. Sitting with them, sharing stories, and feeling their kindness reminded me how powerful human connection can be. It was such a simple gesture, yet it left a lasting impression.

Since coming home, I’ve felt a real shift in how I see things. I’ve become more grateful for what I have and inspired to embrace a simpler way of living. Letting go of the unnecessary whether it’s physical clutter or mental noise feels like a small but meaningful step toward more peace in my life.

The retreat left me feeling lighter, clearer, and more in tune with myself. It wasn’t just about escaping daily life, it was about coming back to it with a fresh perspective and a stronger sense of what really matters.

This retreat was life-changing. Being in nature and finding the strength to face my fears was something I’ll never forget. It helped me realize just how much I’m capable of.

Since coming back, I feel more present than ever. I’ve been focusing on staying positive and not letting negativity affect me. It’s amazing how much lighter and clearer life feels now.

The retreat had such a big impact on me. It’s helped me grow in ways I didn’t think were possible. If you’re looking to reconnect with yourself and embrace change, this is the kind of experience that can truly transform you. Sharing those moments with incredible people made it even more special.

Time of my Life!!!

I had an amazing time on the retreat in India! It was a truly spiritual journey in a beautiful country. Everything was perfect! Akua is an extraordinary woman who crafted this unforgettable experience. I made life long friends and would highly recommend this retreat to every woman. The itinerary was not only informative but also full of delightful surprises. This is a journey I believe every woman should take at least once a year to reflect, let go, and nourish the soul.

This retreat was a life-changing experience! From the breath-taking beauty of India to the delicious cuisine, everything exceeded my expectations. Akua is a powerful and inspiring teacher who created an amazing atmosphere for growth and connection. I cherished the time spent in yoga, forest bathing, and journaling each moment was a gift. The highlight for me was reaching the top of the Himalayas. I made incredible friends and left with a full heart. I can’t recommend this retreat enough!

Thank you Akua, this adventure will always stay close to my heart.

Akua is a true catalyst for personal and professional growth. Her ability to pinpoint strengths and areas for improvement is uncanny. She helped me recognise my potential and guided me towards realising my goals and ambitions both for my start up business and personally. Akua’s insights, strategies, and unwavering support were instrumental in supporting my growth.

Akua is not just a coach; she is a mentor, a confidant, and a trusted advisor. What sets her apart is her genuine care for her clients. She took the time to invest in understanding my unique journey and tailor her approach to my specific needs. Her commitment to my success is palpable, and it’s a rare gift to have someone in your corner who believes in you wholeheartedly.

If you’re looking for someone to guide you, inspire you, and propel you toward success, I wholeheartedly recommend Akua.

A life-changing shift occurred on the ‘Embolden’ new coaching program! After years of fear and indecision I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone embracing new adventures and possibilities. I’m finally living for myself, shedding old roles.

The personalized guided meditation has been a game change. Grateful to Akua for her unwavering support. Highly recommend for those at a crossroads in life. Excited to continue my journey and join one of her transformational retreats next year.

After experiencing some upheaval in my life, I found myself unsure about my career goals and what I truly wanted in life. Akua provided one-on-one sessions to help me work through my self-limiting beliefs and discover my transferable skills. These sessions helped me narrow down my top five skills and realize that coaching and mentoring were my true passions. Akua’s unique perspective and lived experiences empowered me to break free from my past and recognize my potential. Having a safe and non-judgmental space to share my fears and doubts was crucial in this process. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Akua in this capacity. In my opinion, it is essential to have a supportive sounding board when making important life decisions. Akua’s wisdom and guidance were instrumental in helping me gain clarity and confidence in my chosen path. I am now proud to say that I am in the process of launching my coaching business.

I recently had the pleasure of embarking on a one day, one on one adventure to rediscover myself with Akua, and the impact it had on me was truly remarkable. In just a short time, I was able to gain a newfound sense of clarity and purpose that will stay with me for a lifetime. Akua’s guidance allowed me to visualize what true freedom means to me – creating and living my perfect day. This experience has given me the courage and motivation to pursue my dreams with conviction. I am deeply grateful for Akua’s support, patience, and dedication throughout this journey. I highly recommend this adventure with Akua to anyone looking to reconnect with themselves and discover their true potential.

I had the most wonderful experience with Akua. Her beautiful spirit and loving nature lifted me up and showed me a level of care and attention that I had not received in a long time. Akua has a heart made of pure gold. I am grateful for the meditation, work ethic, and commitment to self that she instilled in me during our time together. She helped me understand the importance of staying true to my authentic self and remaining present in every moment. I cannot express my gratitude enough for the positive impact Akua has had on my life.

Akua, I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for introducing me to Ethiopia. When I first came to you, I was definitely feeling stuck and wanting more from life. I never imagined that the experience would have such a transformative impact on my life. This was truly unique and provided me with an opportunity to break out of my comfort zone and explore new aspects of myself. Looking back on the experience, I can confidently say that it has had a long-lasting impact on my life, going so far as providing me with a deeper appreciation for other cultures, a greater sense of self-awareness, and a renewed passion for life. Thank you.