About us &
our vision
Vidyamor: A healthy life in harmony with nature
Our goal was to create a place where body, mind, and soul could live in harmony with nature. After many years of traveling across all five continents, we finally found the perfect spot on the beautiful island of La Palma to bring this vision to life. And so, a wild and romantic valley in the mountains on the sunny west side of La Palma became our home.
ㅤTogether, over the course of more than twenty years, we have transformed an overgrown almond grove into a blossoming paradise – stone by stone, with great attention to detail. What was once in ruins is now Vidyamor – our oasis for naturopathy, yoga, detox and wellness in the Canary Islands.
Without groups or anonymity, you’ll find your own personal retreat at our Vidyamor eco-oasis on La Palma, which gently takes you away from everyday life and reconnects you with yourself. Whether you’re on your own or with a partner, our idyllic retreat offers you peace, contentment and a sense of well-being.
Yamuna ~ My life’s journey through yoga and healing to an idyllic floral oasis
From a young age, I have been deeply involved with yoga and spirituality. When I was 17, I completed my first Reiki training course and, at the same time, decided to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle. Even back then, I sensed that health, mindfulness and yoga would play an important role in my life.
After I finished school at the age of 19, I set off on a journey that lasted several years. Among other places, I travelled around India, lived in various ashrams and immersed myself ever more deeply in yoga, meditation and the Indian philosophy of life. It was during this time that I also discovered my love of bhajans and mantra chanting. To this day, these spiritual songs run like a common thread through my life and are something that Olay and I share in a special way.
I then spent over four years training as a naturopath at the Paracelsus School in Tübingen. As well as anatomy, pathology and the fundamentals of medicine, I learnt about a wide range of naturopathic therapies there – including homeopathy, acupuncture, phytotherapy and various detoxification methods.
The training combined in-depth knowledge with practical application and has had a significant influence on my view of health. I have been a state-registered alternative practitioner since 2003.
After that, I worked for two years at an allergy and naturopathy centre in the Black Forest. My main areas of specialism there included detoxification treatments, bioresonance and holistic massages. During this time, I also developed a particular interest in a mindful and wholesome diet. Fresh, natural food, plenty of fruit and vegetables, salads and herbs became increasingly important to me and remain an essential part of my lifestyle to this day.
My journey then took me back to India once again. There, I deepened my yoga practice and completed a yoga teacher training course. I also learnt and developed my knowledge of Ayurvedic massage under the guidance of an Indian teacher.
In 2006, Olay and I went to La Palma together. Over many years, we have built up our idyllic floral oasis, Vidyamor – a place where our expertise in naturopathy, yoga, fasting, detox and mindful eating all come together.
Our shared love of yoga, meditation, bhajans and making music has stayed with us to this day.
Olay – on my spiritual journey to the Garden of Eden through yoga and detox fasting
When I was 18, I set off for the first time to discover the world. My journey took me through Spain and Morocco to the Canary Islands. Even back then, I felt remarkably at home here and developed a deep connection with the islands. Somewhere during that first trip, the seed was already sown for the idea of living here one day.
About a year later, I visited India for the first time. It was there that I discovered my connection to Indian philosophy and yoga. What began as mere curiosity gradually became an integral part of my life over the years.
From 1998 onwards, I felt drawn to embark on a grand journey around the world. I travelled to many countries in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and Central and South America, and in doing so got to know a wide variety of cultures, people and ways of life.
Yoga, too, was a constant companion on these journeys. I took part in numerous yoga workshops and retreats and also had the opportunity to teach yoga myself – in Turkey, Israel, Mexico, Brazil and Bulgaria, amongst other places.
I have always seen yoga as something that comes to life through practising together, sharing experiences and passing on knowledge.
Over the years, alongside yoga, health, detox and fasting have become increasingly central to my life. I have studied these topics in depth, read numerous books, and tried out much of it for myself, incorporating it into my own daily life. What I am passing on today is therefore based not only on theoretical knowledge, but also on my own experiences. Über die Jahre durfte ich meinen Erfahrungsschatz mit vielen Menschen teilen und sie als Coach auf ihrem Weg begleiten.
In 2006, Yamuna and I came to La Palma together and began to realise our vision here, step by step.
Over the years, we have planted several hundred fruit and nut trees, as well as vegetables, herbs and medicinal plants. Thanks to the different microclimates in our valley, something different grows and ripens all year round – from bananas and mangoes to apples, strawberries and many other fruits. Our garden has become a little paradise for us, a Garden of Eden which, with its abundance, continually bestows gifts upon us and sustains us.
For me, the Vidyamor eco-oasis on La Palma is far more than just a beautiful place. It is part of a vision: if people create little paradises in their own surroundings, these will gradually come together to form one great paradise – where people and nature once again live together in peace and harmony.
What sets our Vidyamor retreats on La Palma apart
Our own, holistic approach
Over many years, we have drawn on our experience to develop our own, holistic concept, in which detox, yoga and wellness are harmoniously combined. This programme combines a wide range of treatments, including yoga, fasting, massages and various naturopathic therapies.
You don’t need to commit to a rigid programme in advance. You can also decide with us on the spot which treatments and areas of focus best suit your break. This is how our various options come together to create a retreat that can be tailored specifically to you.
Idyllic countryside spread over three hectares
Vidyamor is situated on a site covering around three hectares, set amidst idyllic countryside with views of the Atlantic Ocean. A short, romantic walk takes you through the green valley to our blossoming oasis. Just arriving here is a heart-warming experience.
Its unique setting within a nature reserve, the tranquillity, the view of the Atlantic Ocean and the lush landscape create an exceptional place for retreat and self-reflection, inviting you to linger.
At the same time, you’re not far from the action: the beach is about a 15-minute drive away, and restaurants and the surrounding towns are also within easy reach.
Exclusive tour for one or two guests
For us, a fresh and wholesome diet is an integral part of our philosophy. All year round, our garden produces a wide variety of fruit, vegetables and herbs, which we incorporate into our diet.
Thanks to the unique climate of our valley, a wide variety of crops thrive, so that something different ripens in every season. For us, this abundance is a completely natural part of Vidyamor and an expression of our connection with nature.
A vegan diet straight from nature
A fresh and consciously vegan diet is an integral part of our concept. Many of the ingredients for our lovingly prepared dishes and delicacies come straight from our own garden: sun-ripened fruit, vegetables and medicinal herbs.
Thanks to the unique climate of our valley, a wide variety of crops thrive here, meaning that something new is ripening all year round. Anything that doesn’t come from our garden, we supplement with carefully selected fresh produce. This results in a varied, natural diet that reflects our connection with nature.
Sustainable, close to nature and comfortable
Sustainability is a matter close to our hearts and shapes many aspects of Vidyamor. Our solar power supplies the Oase with energy; the hot water is mainly heated directly by the sun. Our drinking water is natural, chlorine-free and energised, and is available to you free of charge throughout your stay.
When designing our rooms, we also prioritise natural materials and use eco-friendly paints and varnishes, amongst other things. At the same time, you won’t have to compromise on comfort when you stay with us: Air conditioning, a cosy wood-burning stove with a viewing window and comfortable gas heating with a thermostat ensure a pleasant indoor climate all year round. This is how we create a place where sustainability and modern comforts come together in perfect harmony.
Selected evidence of formation and qualifications
Yamuna (Nicole Riedemann) – State-registered alternative practitioner
Over a period of four years, I completed my training as a naturopath at the Paracelsus School in Tübingen. As well as the basic medical subjects such as anatomy and pathology , I became familiar with a wide range of naturopathic therapies there. These included, amongst others, homeopathy, acupuncture, phytotherapy and various detoxification methods. The training was not merely theory-based, but also closely linked the knowledge acquired with practical application.
This wide-ranging training has had a lasting impact on my view of health and naturopathic principles, and has become an important foundation for my future career. I have been a state-registered alternative practitioner since 2003 and have been able to further develop my knowledge and practical experience over many years.
Today, this experience is incorporated, amongst other things, into the personalised support and guidance I provide as part of our detox and wellness retreats at Vidyamor.
Yoga teacher – Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre
I completed my yoga teacher training in southern India at the Sivananda Ashram near Trivandrum in Kerala. There, I was able to experience and deepen my understanding of yoga in its holistic combination of physical exercises, breathing, meditation and spiritual philosophy.
In January 2005, I was awarded the title of Yoga Siromani – Teacher of Yoga by the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre. My time at the ashram and my in-depth exploration of traditional yoga teachings were an important part of deepening my own spiritual journey.
To this day, yoga remains an integral part of my life. Today, I combine the experiences I gained during my training in India with my many years of practice, and incorporate them into our yoga retreats and the personalised support we offer at Vidyamor.
Reiki – 3rd Degree and Master’s Level
When I was 17, I received my first Reiki attunement. Over the years, I went on to achieve the second and, finally, the third degree in the Usui system of natural healing, Reiki / Tera Mai. Each of these steps deepened my personal connection to this tradition and guided me on my journey from there.
Along with the third dan, I was also awarded the master’s degree. As part of this tradition, I was therefore also granted the authority to give Reiki initiations and to teach Reiki courses. The certificate shown here confirms that I have completed the third level and attained the associated master’s qualification.
Reiki has been a part of my life since my youth and is therefore one of the early stages of my personal journey, which remains part of my wide-ranging experience to this day.
Further training and qualifications
Over the years, I have expanded my knowledge through numerous further training courses and professional development programmes. During my studies to become a naturopath, I learnt not only about naturopathic therapies but also about various massage techniques, including lymphatic drainage, hot-stone massage and foot reflexology. These also included detoxification treatments, Bach flower remedies and initial experiences with fasting, det oxifying teas and various naturopathic treatments as part of my training and subsequent practical work.
I also completed two courses in bipolar magnetic therapy in Berlin with Dr Isaac Goiz Durán, the founder of Par Biomagnético (biomagnetism). Whilst working at the naturopathic centre , I also expanded my knowledge in seminars on vitamins, minerals and trace elements, as well as on a diet rich in vital nutrients. These diverse experiences complement my many years of work in naturopathy, nutrition, yoga, fasting and detox , and continue to inform my treatments and coaching to this day.
Sometimes you need a special place to really find yourself again. A place where nature, tranquillity, exercise and mindful living come together, and where you can recharge your batteries.
At Vidyamor on La Palma, you can look forward to a bespoke retreat featuring yoga, detox or wellness programmes in the heart of our blossoming oasis – drawing on our many years of experience, warm hospitality and an atmosphere where you can truly find yourself.