Cameron's Staff Pick iconCameron's Staff Pick

Dragon Heart: A Women’s Retreat

Location icon
375 Panterkill Road PO Box 70 Phoenicia, NY 12464 United States
Date
Jul 16 - 19, 2026

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

Awaken the feminine witness. Ignite the sacred fire within.

Dragon Heart is an immersive women’s retreat dedicated to descending into the deepest chambers of the heart — where truth, instinct, and ancient feminine wisdom converge. In many traditions, the dragon is not a creature of fear, but a guardian of untapped power, the keeper of hidden realms, and the protector of the heart’s most sacred truths.

Here we call upon the Sacred Dragon as a guide, an ally, and a mirror — one whose fearsome gaze pierces illusion, dissolves old narratives, and invites us to stand in the unshakable truth of who we are. Through guided inquiry, ceremony, embodiment practices, breathwork, and circle work, we soften the layers of the self while awakening the fierce clarity that lives beneath.

This transformation is amplified by the land itself. Menla, long regarded for its potent healing energies, carries the presence of the Naga — ancient serpent-dragon beings connected to water, medicine, and unseen realms. Tibetan Masters and Indigenous elders who have visited Menla describe these Naga as protectors and guardians of profound esoteric wisdom. Throughout the retreat, we honor and attune to these subtle forces, inviting their guidance as we navigate our own inner landscapes.

We will also enter the sweat lodge, a sacred space of purification and prayer. Held by earth and fire, we shed what no longer serves, open the heart through humility and courage, and call forth the ancient knowing that has always lived within us.

Together, we explore how to hold softness and strength, stillness and power, tenderness and truth, allowing each to inform and transform the other.

Return with a renewed sense of purpose, clarity, and inner fire — connected to your Dragon Heart and supported by the women who walk beside you.



Schedule:

Thursday, July 16

3 - 5 pm Check-in
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Opening Circle

Friday, July 17

8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 - 11:30 am Serpent Movement Class
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 3 pm Free Time
3 - 5:30 pm Inquiry & Breathwork
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Night Forest Circle

Saturday, July 18

5 am Sweat Lodge
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4:30 pm Spa Appointments and Free time
4:30 - 5:30 pm Intuitive Movement
7:30 pm Celebration Dance

Sunday, July 19

8 - 9 am Breakfast
10 am - 12 pm Closing Circle
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch

*Please note this schedule is subject to change any time.

Getting Here

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

Accommodation

Deluxe Queen

Accommodation
Deluxe Queen Room with Queen Bed and Private Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning All Rooms in Lhasa are Handicap-Accessible, Including Four Rooms with Wheelchair Accessible Showers. Deluxe Queen Rooms are Available in Lhasa Inn and Kathmandu House * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations

Deluxe Double (Shared Room)

Accommodation
Deluxe Double Room with Two Full Size Beds and Private Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning All Rooms in Lhasa are Handicap-Accessible, Including Four Rooms with Wheelchair Accessible Showers. Deluxe Double Rooms with Private Bathrooms are Located in the Lhasa Inn * Please note rates include meals and accommodations. This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You a Roommate if You Do Not Register with One.

Standard Single - Shared Bath

Accommodation
Menla Private Queen Room with Queen Bed and Shared Bathroom Public Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available This lodging type is not ADA Compliant Private Queen Rooms with Shared Bathroom are Available in Thimpu House, Panther Cottage and Potala House * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations

Standard Double Full - Shared bath (Shared Room)

Accommodation
Deluxe Double Room with Two Full Beds and Shared Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning This lodging type is not ADA Compliant. Please note that due to the stairs we recommend that guests with mobility issues book other accommodations. Deluxe Double Rooms with Shared Bathrooms are Located in Thimphu * Please note rates include meals and accommodations. This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You a Roommate if You Do Not Register with One.

Standard Double Twin - Shared bath (Shared Room)

Accommodation
Deluxe Double Room with Two Twin Beds and Shared Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning This lodging type is not ADA Compliant. Please note that due to the stairs we recommend that guests with mobility issues book other accommodations. Deluxe Double Rooms with Shared Bathrooms are Located in Thimphu * Please note rates include meals and accommodations. This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You a Roommate if You Do Not Register with One.

Economy Premium Single - Shared Bath

Accommodation
Standard Premium Single Room with a Queen or Full Bed and Shared Bathroom Up to 10 guests share two large bathrooms. Each bathroom has two shower stalls and two toilets. A phone is not available but high-speed WiFi is available in the room Phone Access Available in Upper Level Of Conference Center. All calls are free of charge This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant. * Please note rates include meals and accommodations.

Customer Reviews

4.80 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Peace and serenity
I really enjoyed my stay at menla. I slept well and I liked the classes. The grounds were beautiful too. It reminded me of college. I liked the food and the people were nice too. I think it’s a great place to go if you want to unplug and get away from it all.

5.0
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A long weekend retreat in February
The setting was beautiful and the food was healthy, delicious, and plentiful! The housing and meeting rooms were beautifully colored and airy.
The staff was helpful and pleasant, but didn't overwhelm.
I would definitely come back to Menla for another retreat.

5.0
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Love my time at Menla
This was my second visit to Menla and it did not disappoint. The accommodations are lovely and comfy, the food is delish, the staff super friendly and the grounds are simply breathtaking. The retreat, Healing with the Elements: Breathwork, Yoga & Nervous System Reset, and the programs led by Sheila and Jackie were amazing and a little life-changing :)
I spent the whole weekend filled with peace and serenity. I cannot wait to go back!
Colleen R.

5.0
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Winter retreat
The serenity and beauty of a winter retreat can't be understated. The staff were kind and helpful and the food was amazing.
I had a Thai massage in the yurt that was exceptional. My room as cozy and comfortable in the conference center building- everything you need. The hot tea station was much appreciated.

5.0
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An amazing experience, as always!
Menla impresses me year after year. The feeling is like none other. Spiritual, safe, calm, even when the outer world is chaos. The staff are not just friendly, but make Menla feel at home and the event seamless, no matter the weather or obstacles that seem to pop up. My members had an incredible experience. We will continue to come back year after year to host the retreat in this magical place!

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