While we don't verify specific claims because reviewers' opinions are their own, we may label reviews as "Verified" when we can confirm a business interaction took place. Read more
To protect platform integrity, every review on our platform—verified or not—is screened by our 24/7 automated software. This technology is designed to identify and remove content that breaches our guidelines, including reviews that are not based on a genuine experience. We recognise we may not catch everything, and you can flag anything you think we may have missed. Read more
We are Liam and Niamh Colfer, partners in life and business. We are from the Hook Peninsula in County Wexford in Ireland sunny South East. In 2018, we decided to shake things up and go on an adventure so we packed in our jobs and packed our belongings into our campervan and we hit the ferry to France to explore Europe with our children Ellen & Alex. It was then we set up our blog and livin’ off the Hook became our brand. We were livin’ off the Hook not just physically living off the Hook Peninsula but also living an alternative holistic lifestyle while home-schooling the children. We left with the intention of learning about the world, meeting new people. We are very passionate about nature, outdoor living, health and well-being. We built a thriving wellness business on the Hook Peninsula and we run retreats at Suryalila Retreat Center in Andalusia, Spain where we offer a programme with a variety of group and private classes including personal training, Fascia training, yoga, breath coaching and strength and mobility training, hiit classes as well some exciting events, live music and workshops. Niamh is a qualified personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, Fascia trainer and certified yoga alliance professionals yoga teacher RYT-500. She has worked from our her gym studio on the Hook and from their geodesic dome studio located just outside Fethard-on-Sea. With a focus on alignment and mobility she uses a variety of training styles including yoga, gymnastics, mobility development, myo-fascial release techniques, breath-work, weight lifting and body weight training. Her interest in movement naturally led me towards training to become a yoga teacher. She has taught yoga at various locations around Europe over the passed number of years including one of the most beautiful yoga retreat centers in the world Suryalila Retreat Center where she trained and qualified as a yoga alliance international teacher in the Frog Lotus school of yoga. She teaches Vinyasa Flow, Yin & Restorative yoga. With a passion for movement and spirituality she love combines elements of Celtic mythology and eastern philosophy into her classes bringing an authentic, non-judgmental teaching style with a compassion-centered approach. In her classes, she loves to combine creative sequencing, a spirit of playfulness and a dose of inspiration to help you deepen your practice and to keep you coming back to your mat. Liam grew up here on the Hook and spent most of his life building boats and houses as well as maintaining helicopters and lighthouses both in Ireland, throughout Europe and Australia. He has always been passionate about sustainability and working with the Earth’s natural cycles and combines all the knowledge and inspiration that he has picked up from the places he has traveled to and from the unique and wonderful projects he has worked on in Ireland and in Spain gaining a wealth of knowledge from his studies in medieval architecture and from his years of travelling, living off grid and studying ancient builds and learning new techniques. He has been studying breath work for the past seven years and is a yoga alliance certified breath coach. Realising the power of the breath he teaches conscious breath work here on the Hook and online. His teaching style is in the Irish tradition, passing on knowledge through music, stories and a bit of craic. He brings his creative energy into every class and inspires others to take the plunge and delve deeper into the world of breathwork. As well as building projects and breath coaching, Liam is a qualified regional tour guide of Ireland and takes small groups on hiking tours around the Hook, Fethard and Tintern.
Ireland
4.5
13 reviews
No recent history of asking for reviews
This company hasn't invited customers recently, so reviews may not be representative
How this company uses Trustpilot
See how their reviews and ratings are sourced, scored, and moderated.
Had a PT session with Niamh at Suryalila. She is very knowledgeable, fun and a delight to interact with. After we figured out areas that I need to work on, she helped me to drastically improve my routine. Also her yoga classes are great and the myofascial release routine that she teaches is fire! Thanks again Niamh, another happy customer :)
Liam and Niamh are fantastic leaders and totally committed to the develooment and enjoyment of their guests. They have great knowledge of their subject área and transmit this passion and enthusiasm. I highly recommend.
What a superb week, the venue is amazing, great space for yoga, meditation & breath work. The food was unreal, so much choice & the quality was so good! It was great to meet like minded people to share the experience with, of course there was plenty of opportunity to spend time alone too if that’s what you wanted.
However, the hosts…. Wow - talk about above & beyond, Liam & Niamh were amazing, always available & put a way more into the week than what you signed up for! I can only say good things about them, but don’t take my word for it, go do it!
You will not regret it & will come away with memories that will last forever!
🧘♂️ ☺️❤️
Niamh and Liam are really special people and superb coaches and teachers in their respective areas of expertise.
They have the magic and attract like minded people - the vibe is totally relaxed - you won’t find a Namaste in sight - the end of class was more time for a creamy pint!
There’s plenty of activity and also time to chill, they’ll encourage you to do what’s right for you and manage to combine being really present with not being in your face. We were blessed to have their beautiful children’s company for a few days too, adding to the family feel.
It’s a magical week you will float home from, with not an ounce of cortisol left in your body.
I didn’t think anything could top my first visit to Suryalila, but Living off the hook with these guys was next level 🙏❤️
Loved it! Every moment and every bit of it! The wonderful embrace of knowledgeable and openminded people, the serenity of the place, the laughter, the fine timeless moments by the campfire. The challenging exercises, helping me realise that I can do it and that the mind puts barriers where none exist.
Liam is amazing and I highly recommend spending a week with him. As he said:"Everything is optional!"
I would add: Time itself too! Time and ego dissolved as the spirit rose, the mind awakened and the body strengthened!
Best 7 days I've spent in years!
I got home three days ago from Liam's retreat at Suryalila in the deep south of Spain and am still awash with the experience and energy of being with a band of random pilgrims revealing their strengths & vulnerabilities one by one.
The location is at the crossroads of nowhere & now; a perfectly planned environment to relax & slide out of your comfort zone into Liam's program of breath awareness & brotherhood.
This exotic oasis of Asian & Indian details set in the undulating dune-like hills of Andalucia vibrates with an irresistible tranquility & openness, which Liam transmits effortlessly with some hard work & lots of mirth.
"We're almost there" & "everything is optional" may not seem like profound mantras, but in the context of our experience, they will resonant for some time to come.
Without a doubt I will return to the middle of nowhere & give Liam un abrazo muy fuerte!
Muchas gracias hermano!!
(Highly recommend) x 100
I needed to get away - if I was a Dr I would have diagnosed and prescribed a much needed break - 50 years old - solo traveller - a real change of scene - I wasn't looking for beach and clubs - I wanted somewhere 'cool' with serenity & growth - no egos and laughs - a dash of luxury accomodation (but just a dash) - a good shower (hot & cold) - oh and definitely good food and good company.
I googled everything - budget £600 - £1000 , 5-7 days duration
Day 1 - I searched "mens retreat" "yoga and mediation" then I tried "yoga & surfing" (I can't surf I'm from Cheshire!)
Day 2 - "serenity and activity" etc etc - I gradually widened my search - and included life coaching in my search - what was I thinking ? UK, then Europe and then Africa - Ive zoomed in on so many camp fires and breakfast tables - I nearly booked an intense 5 of Yoga + detox in Portugal (I've only 2 yoga classes under my belt - and I'm already detoxed - but it the best I could find ) - the dates didn't work.
So pleased they didn't.
I was lucky after 3 days of tweaking my search I finally found Liam Colfer (I need to have a word with Liam
about his SEO) - Liam was hosting his 1st Men's Mind Body, Breathe retreat, at the incredible Suryalila Retreat Center in the South West mountains of Spain - what a place (UK fly into to Seville 60 mins or Malaga 90 mins away - shared taxis were arranged so if sharing = approx 50 euro)
Liam's 6 day retreat ticked every box …
Breathwork - a new experience for me - breathing through your nose is a game changer (nitric oxide) - box and then O2 and CO2 extremes - (brilliant) X10
Ice baths - the above helps - as do Liam's words as you are submerged - it is a challenge - I loved it as did the other 9 guys - one had to be coaxed out after 3 mins as he had embraced the pain and was in the zone - another went back in again when we had closed up shop - great.
Hike, circuits, yoga (loads of types - in the most incredible dome - morning and night - most people were advanced and thankfully as a result were chilled with me being a keen beginner)
Throw in unbelievable food prepared by smiling staff and volunteers 3 times a day (the place has its own cookbook) - also throw in a saltwater pool that you can enjoy in your downtime - campfire + live music - and then add a large dash of treats at the honesty bar (choc peanut cupcakes!) - every box and more had been ticked.
Accomodation is brick, yurts & eclectic glamping - I stayed in a family yurt - it was great - beyond expectation.
Places and courses like this attract quality people, (and mainly those in the know and not the ones searching on Google for 3 days) - the best of the best (without the ego ;) - alot of wisdom and alot of laughs from all walks of life.
Thank you Liam, Niamh, Ellen and Alex - thank you for having the courage to go off grid and create something special - all are keen to book again so please keep up the great work.
It was such a great experience - just what the Dr ordered 🙏
I went to Niamh and Liam’s yoga retreat not knowing anything about Livin off the hook or Suryalila. As a result, I was a little bit nervous, but there was no need. From the minute I arrived, I felt at home. Niamh and her lovely family could not be more kind and thoughtful. The yoga is incredible and Niamh and the other teachers do a fantastic job of meeting you at your level. There’s also amazing Breathwork sessions, which I found incredibly helpful. Overall, I think that you’ll struggle to find a better yoga retreat setup- I’m very glad to have found livin off the hook!
The retreat Center itself is also wonderful, I still really miss the food! The final standout point for me are the people I met, such a lovely and open gang of people. I came away from the retreat feeling soo happy and grateful🙏
Magical Experience!
I had been attending Niamh and Liams classes in Ireland for almost 2 years in their magical dome and miss them terribly here but our loss and definitely Suryalilas gain. Niamh always spoke so fondly of The Suryalila Retreat Centre in the gorgeous countryside in the South of Spain. Anytime I heard the stories about it, it sounded like the worlds best kept secret! I was thrilled when i got the opportunity to experience it for myself. The week was exactly what I was seeking and left with much, much more! Niamh and Liam are so knowledgeable in their field and I learned so much from them as always! Gorgeous views, fabulous grounds, perfect for different walks and a fireplace in the main common area to sit and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee! The organic food also served 3 times daily was some of the best food I’ve ever had! I had been slightly apprehensive as it is all vegetarian on offer but I honestly couldn’t get enough of the food, so much so that I purchased the Suryalila cook book also! Niamh and Liam organised a great week for us from yoga, breath-work classes, chilling in the salt pool, strength and mobility classes, day trip tours to nearby towns, a hike to the local Irish bar, horse riding excursions, sauna nights, a music night in the magical Om Dome, a trip to the local Bodega, and plenty more. You didn’t feel any pressure either to sign up for everything and you could go to anything on offer to your own preference which I thought was ideal! I came home feeling so relaxed, refreshed and had so many laughs with friends old and new! If you’re looking for something a little different or a retreat good for the soul this is definitely for you. Already counting down the days until I get to go back in April! Well done Niamh and Liam, ye really are the best hosts! Thank you so much. Janet
What an amazing experience Livin’off the Hook’s retreat in Suryalila turned out to be.
The whole week was so well planned and the mixture of fun and work was terrific. We had trips to local places of interest, yoga, breath work, meditation, chats and if all that wasn’t enough, we ate the most amazing food!
Every day was an opportunity to meet new people and to take part in well delivered classes and workshops. There were days when we felt we were floating out of the dome - a terrific blend of yoga styles! There really was something for everyone.
Liam and Niamh were the perfect hosts and made us all fall in love with Suryalila.
Reply from Livin' off the Hook
Thank you for your lovely review Trish. We are so glad that you came and that you enjoyed it. We thoroughly enjoyed your company too that really helped to create a great week of retreat X We hope you stay in touch and maybe book another in ´23! Lots of love, Niamh
When I saw the light in Niamh when she spoke about Suryalila I knew I had to go. I did, it was everything I thought it would be and more, Feicin EPIC. The Centre, the classes, the food, the massage, day trips, fantastic staff and people. I loved it all and I'm booking to go back again in April.
Reply from Livin' off the Hook
Feckin epic! So looking forward to seeing you again in April Brid. Thank you as always for your continued support and love. You know we appreciate you. Much love from all of us xxxx
A great blend of varied and accessible styles of yoga to suit everyone, including very rusty people like myself and more regular practitioners. I loved the way there were options to take things at my own pace, skip a class if I needed to or join classes that were part of other retreats going on, which I did a few times (a yoga nidra session, a yin yoga and a vinyasa session).
Niamh is the real deal - she really knows her stuff about the practice and the philosophy behind it and is amazing to learn from. Liam generously shared his extensive knowledge of breath work, eco building and so much more. I learned a lot from this week! They both put their hearts into creating an unforgettable retreat for our group.
The food was absolutely delicious and prepared with love, like the whole retreat. Combining that with the gorgeous, tranquil surroundings, optional massages, walks, swims, laughter and lovely conversations, I came away feeling totally nourished and so relaxed. I would definitely recommend Suryalila and especially one of Niamh and Liam’s retreats.
Reply from Livin' off the Hook
Hey Holly, Thanks so much for taking the time to write this lovely review. It was so great to meet you and have you join our retreat at Suyalila. Our aim is to provide retreats that are open to all levels of yoga experience, all ages, couples, friends, solo travellers and of course sisters like yourself and Sarah.
We are so glad that you put your trust in us and that you enjoyed our retreat and that you went home with that feeling of well being and connection. I hope that you do come back again in the not too far away future for another week of nourishment and relaxation x
Niamh & Liam have created this wonderful retreat and get away in the south of Spain in Suryalila retreat centre. There’s something for every one ! Yoga, breathwork, strength & mobility classes, local guided hikes, day trips! The accommodation, the views, the energy - it’s a credit to Niamh & Liam! If you’re reading this - then hit book! You won’t regret it ! ✨💜
Reply from Livin' off the Hook
Thank you Emma for bringing the magic too! We loved every minute of this retreat and we are so glad that you did too! Sure well be seeing you again very soon, can't wait x
Anyone can write a Trustpilot review. People who write reviews have ownership to edit or delete them at any time, and they’ll be displayed as long as an account is active.
We use dedicated people and clever technology to safeguard our platform. Find out how we combat fake reviews.
Learn about Trustpilot’s review process.
Here are 8 tips for writing great reviews.
Verification can help ensure real people are writing the reviews you read on Trustpilot.
Offering incentives for reviews or asking for them selectively can bias the TrustScore, which goes against our guidelines.