About this Retreat
Dana Hancock is known for her soulful and creative vinyasa classes. Each class with Dana features fun, sweaty sequences, great hands on assists, spiritual teachings, music, and meditation. After many years of studying as a classically trained opera singer, musician, and composer, Dana sees yoga practice and teaching as an art form.
Dana has been studying yoga since 2003. She trained with
master teachers Lesley Desaulniers from the Jivamukti Yoga tradition, and Nubia Teixeira from the Bhakti tradition. Dana was also certified in a Baptiste-style program, and she studied harmonium and chanting from Grammy-nominated singer Jai Uttal.
Dana continues to study and practice yoga in her everyday life. She is thankful to all of the incredible teachers she has encountered on her path. Yoga practice has transformed Dana’s life, and she is dedicated to helping others and sharing her passion for yoga. https://danahancockyoga.com/
Melody had the desire to ease suffering in others at a young age. After working in the medical field as a nurse's aid and as an in-home caregiver for disabled persons, she decided to find a path that would better enable her to reach her personal and humanitarian goals. This led her to the healing arts.
After attending massage therapy school in 2002 she studied alternative medicine to have a deeper knowledge of herbs, ayurvedic medicine and TCM. Shortly after her studies she became an esthetician.
Melody has worked closely with acupuncturists, chiropractors and physical therapists. Working in conjunction with these professionals has deepened her understanding of the body as far as the benefits of manual manipulation, breath and encouraging an easeful nervous system. In 2017, Melody was reintroduced to the benefits of gua sha while learning to teach yoga at the Dhyana Center in Sebastopol, CA. After experiencing the personal benefits and the benefits her clients experienced from gua sha, she now incorporates gua sha in her bodywork and skin care. She also teaches self gua sha massage techniques at Radiate Studio, as well as Yin Yoga.
Details of this retreat
We welcome Dana Hancock and Melody Hopkins of Sebastopol to offer a nourishing self-care retreat that will leave you relaxed and renewed!
Pairing two powerhouses in health and wellness, this weekend retreat combines yoga practice with the traditional Chinese medicine of gua sha to invite self-care and overall wellness.
Attendees will enjoy refreshing vinyasa yoga counterbalanced by both restorative yoga and gua sha face and body treatments to create harmony in body and mind. You will leave deeply nourished by this unique combination of yoga, dharma, and meditation practices.
This weekend includes:
Daily dynamic and energizing Vinyasa yoga paired with restorative yoga in the evenings
Dharma and spiritual insights to inspire practice and integrate into everyday life
Specialized lymphatic facials and fascial release massage treatments offered (at an additional cost) by Melody Hopkins using organic oils and fresh, local skincare products
Delicious all vegetarian cuisine
Relaxing in the natural beauty of Ratna Ling among the redwoods
*If you'd like to book a massage or facial with Melody Hopkins during the retreat, please call or text her at 707-787-8076. These are an additional cost.
COVID POLICY: For your safety and ours, we require proof of vaccination AND negative test result from all visitors to Ratna Ling Retreat Center. We wish to provide peace of mind for all of our residents and guests.
SCHEDULE (subject to change):
FRIDAY
3:00-4:00 Check-in
4:00-4:30 Optional walking tour with Melody Hopkins (please attend if you are scheduled for wellness center appointments - meet in lobby )
5:30-6:30 Dinner
6:45-7:45 Opening gathering, including a slow, restful yoga session
7:45 Free time and/or gua sha massage or facials by appointment with Melody Hopkins
SATURDAY
8:00-8:45 Breakfast
9:00-11:00 Dharma, vinyasa and meditation practice
11:15-12:00 Optional nature walk with Dana Hancock (please meet in the yoga space lobby)
12:15-1:00 Lunch
1:00-4:00 Quiet time and/or gua sha massage or facials by appointment with Melody Hopkins
4:00-5:15 Restorative and yin yoga with massage by Melody Hopkins
5:30–7pm Dinner
7:00 Free time and/or gua sha massage or facials by appointment with Melody Hopkins
SUNDAY
8:00-9:30 Vinyasa yoga practice
9:30-10:00 Closing circle
10:00 Brunch
11:00 Gua sha massage or facials by appointment with Melody Hopkins
12:00 Checkout
For directions to Ratna Ling - Ratna Ling Retreat Center 35755 Hauser Bridge Rd Cazadero, CA 95421
Accommodations are beautiful lux cabins
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Transportation to/from Ratna Ling is NOT included - carpooling encouraged
Payments are nonrefundable and transferable to a future Ratna Ling stay or retreat
Each cottage includes TWO private rooms with queen beds, large dining & living area, gas fireplace,
spacious deck, jacuzzi tub, linens/towels/hand soap, kitchenette with tea & coffee, complimentary wireless internet. Towels and hand soap are provided.
vegetarian meals are served during our weekend together.
What people are saying about our retreats:
“The accommodations were great along with the beautiful surroundings - everything was so peaceful and nurturing”
“It was exactly what I needed – to disconnect, get in tune with my soul and recharge my spirit.”
“I loved having time to myself to reflect on my life and where I am going. Thank you Ratna Ling."
“Space for reflection while also giving me anchor points through teachings.
“Space and time for meditation and movement classes were truly wonderful.”
“Being able to move at my own pace is a luxury. And of course the food was delicious."
Last Chance
Top Rated
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Verified
Relationship & Community
Health & Wellness
Yoga
1 Space Remaining