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

Getting Here

Location icon Menla, 375 Panterkill Road PO Box 70 Phoenicia, NY 12464 United States

Customer Reviews

4.84 out of 5.0 average rating

4.0
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Lovely location with beautiful views and a peaceful feeling
I came as part of a retreat with a plus size wellness group and loved the Menla campus. The space felt peaceful and was so wonderfully green and bright. There were stars everywhere in the sky at night. Wild animals were everywhere - I saw bunnies, deer, turkeys, chipmunks, all sort of birds.

I loved being there, getting to feel connected to nature, and to catch up on reading.

There was food every day offered by Menla staff. Good quality, though very high fiber. Worth considering bringing a beano tablet with you.

Staff had some awkward moments. My group was definitely treated with the sense that we were a fat camp (we were not) and talks were very gendered, even though I am nonbinary I was lumped in with women and sacred womanhood talk.

The Spa was wonderful - big showers, the robes fit my plus size body, no one was weird about my body. I got a wonderful and super relaxing facial and I took a salt bath which was wonderful. The tub might not be well suited for a very tall person but I am 5'2 and so I fit perfectly fine.

We had a bonfire, which was so nice. They offered smores supplies. Loved it.

Overall a wonderful experience. I would love to come back.

5.0
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Past life regression and sound healing
It was my first time here at Menela and it was wonderful. I love the energy of the land. The people are so nice. I Took advantage of the spa and had a relaxing and incredible massage. The retreat was amazing with Lisa and Alicia facilitating the weekend events. I recommend this oasis and gem in the Catskill area.. planning to return next year when Lisa Annise organizes her yearly women retreat. Great recharge to head back into September .

5.0
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Beautiful grounds filled with nature
A clean, well-run, peaceful place to stay with nature all around (birds, bunnies, deer, and more)

5.0
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A beautiful place to disconnect and reconnect
Menla was the perfect setting for our women’s retreat. Surrounded by beautiful nature and so much peace, it gave us the space to slow down, disconnect from everyday responsibilities, and simply be present. I left feeling refreshed, grateful, and more connected to myself. Such a beautiful and special experience…. And the food was absolutely amazing!!

5.0
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Energy Medicine retreat.
What struck me most about our Menla retreat was the energy of the LAND. Serenity. Peacefullness and sheer beauty of the place held me, and also, the natural wildlife.. abundant. Safe. Peaceful. The following important highlights was the loving preparation of beautiful food which of course supported our practice. I was in the Dragon living accomodation and found the surrounding forrest and trail access to be superb. I also enjoyed walking in the gardens and admiring all that was growing there.

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