About Menla
Mission & Vision
Surrounded by thousands of acres of Catskills forest preserve, Menla is nestled in a magical mountain valley. Throughout the year, guests enjoy deep serenity, abundant wildlife, and can explore many different levels of hikes.
Area Information:Menla is 1,500 feet above sea level and set on a 325-acre private nature reserve. At 3,720 feet above sea level, the peak of Panther Mountain is one of the tallest in the Catskills. Menla is located in a region of the Catskills renowned for its unspoiled beauty, variety of wildlife, abundance of rushing streams and rivers, and ancient forested mountains.
The Catskills are one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world and used to be connected to the Alps before the continental divide. Aside from its natural splendor, the area offers such activities as hiking, swimming, kayaking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. For avid downhill skiers, the noted Belleayre and Hunter Mountain resorts are just half an hour away.
An easy drive from New York City, Menla is located in Phoenicia, NY—voted one of the “Top 10 Coolest Small Towns in America”—and just 20 minutes away is the most famous small town in America, Woodstock, known for its deep-rooted culture of music, art galleries, and great restaurants.
Meals:Menla’s wellness cuisine is centered around serving fresh, delicious and healing foods. We source primarily from local farms with an eye toward seasonal and organic fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. We also receive a wonderful bounty from our on-site organic garden throughout the year.Our Executive Chef, Charles Goodall, loves to explore the fantastic flavors of various regional cuisines through their use of different ingredients, particularly herbs and spices. He and the kitchen team create combination of traditional and modern dishes that showcase what the Hudson Valley has to offer in a delicious and healing way.Most of our offerings are vegetarian and vegan with an emphasis on excellent taste and texture as well as balanced nutrition and wellness promotion.We work with a number of dietary restrictions and allergies, so let us know your needs in advance, and we’ll work with you to give you a fantastic dining experience during your time with us.
Accommodation:Upon arriving at Menla, you enter into a natural paradise. Our accommodations are extremely comfortable, and the décor is accented with a touch of Tibet. Guests can choose from a variety of different rooms, from our deluxe private suites to shared housing.
Additional Activities:○ Skiing (Belleayre, Hunter, and Windham Mountains)○ Hiking○ Art galleries○ Fine dining○ Antique shopping○ Music○ Theater (Upstate Films, Woodstock Playhouse)
Upcoming Retreats at Menla
YOGIC LIFESTYLE RETREAT: A Weekend Immersion into Yoga, Meditation, Ayurveda, Nature
HearthSpace: A Sacred Winter Retreat of Jiva-Lini Yoga & Solstice Preparation
IGNITING 2026: Light the Fire of Joy through Compassion - Annual New Year’s Dharma, Pranayama, Yoga, Kirtan & Astrology Celebration
Revealed by Breath: A Gentle Breathwork Retreat for Winter Renewal
Healing with the Elements: Breathwork, Yoga & Nervous System Reset
Chöd Healing Retreat: The Fierce Feminine Heart of Tibetan Buddhism
Raised By This Place: Ritual Theater, Ecological Identity, and Spiritual Nurturing
Time to Meditate: A Five Day Meditation Retreat - Sponsored by Tibet House US
Holistic Healing Ketamine Retreat During the Summer Solstice
Your Guides
Getting Here
Customer Reviews
Amazing!
Exactly what I needed in this retreat….
Reconnection Retreat
I reconnected with myself in a way I really needed. The sound of the river, the trails, the beautiful spaces… it’s like time slows down there. The rooms were cozy, the food was delicious (and made with so much love), and the whole vibe was just nourishing for the soul.
If you ever get the chance to visit Menla or join a retreat there do it. It’s one of those experiences that stays with you long after you leave. The spirit of Naga the Dragon was with me even before arriving there.