5.0
Verified
Beautiful grounds filled with nature
A clean, well-run, peaceful place to stay with nature all around (birds, bunnies, deer, and more)
RADIATING 2027: The Light of the Compassionate Heart
Cameron's Staff Pick
Top Rated
RADIATING 2027: The Light of the Compassionate Heart
4.8575 reviews
375 Panterkill Road PO Box 70 Phoenicia, NY 12464 United States
December 27, 2026 - January 1, 2027
About this Retreat
Krishna Das is a Grammy-nominated chant artist and has sung with people all around the world for over 35 years. His music offers the practice of chanting mantras– mostly in the Indian tradition, with some Buddhist and Gospel infusions. By sharing his life experiences on the path in his book Chants of a Lifetime, and workshops with people around the world, participants have found a way to integrate spiritual practices in their lives in a better way with some peace of mind. In 2018, Krishna Das released his 16th album “Peace of my Heart.” Learn more at www.krishnadas.com
Suggested Book & Recordings by Krishna Das
Chants of a Lifetime (Book), Kirtan Wallah (Music), Breath of The Heart (Music), Live Ananda (Music), Pilgrim Heart (Music), One Track Heart (Music), Heart As Wide As The World (Music) & Live Workshop from Menla (Audio).
To Learn More About Krishna Das please visit: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Nina Rao learned traditional chants from her grandfather in a village in south India when she was nine years old. The chants quietly stayed with her until she rediscovered chanting with Krishna Das in New York in 1996. For many years Nina has been Krishna Das business manager and assistant, and accompanies him musically. In 2007, she recorded the track ‘Nina Chalisa’ on Krishna Das’ CD “Flow of Grace” and in January 2013, she released her debut double-CD album, “Antarayaami – Knower of All Hearts“. She released her second album “Anubhav” in 2018. You can find her interviews on a number of podcasts, online courses, and documentary films on Bhakti Yoga, kirtan, and chanting the Hanuman Chalisa. She is also a podcast host on the Be Here Now Network. Nina regularly leads retreats, kirtan, and chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa, in her hometown of Brooklyn, New York and beyond. She is also founder and active chairwoman of SavingWildTigers.org. For more information visit NinaRaoChant.com
Arjun Bruggeman, world percussionist, drummer, composer and session recording artist, is highly acclaimed for his unique hybrid of East-meets-West rhythms. For the past decade, he's toured with Krishna Das worldwide and has recorded and performed with artists such as John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Brian Jackson, Jason Mraz, Belinda Carlisle, Jon Anderson, Colman Barks, Robert Bly, Trevor Hall.
Echoes of Stillness: A Rhythmic Sound & Mantra Journey
Step into an immersive sound journey where rhythm and mantra become the bridge between the outer world and the vast, uncharted depths of the inner self. Through the primal power of percussive instruments—frame drum, tabla, kalimba and hang drum—we create a pulsing, textured soundscape that gently dissolves the surface noise of the mind, guiding you into a deep state of presence and release.
This is a deeply nurturing practice. The element of sound works through the body, unwinding held tension, clearing pathways of energy, and attuning you to the resonance of something greater. As you surrender into the pulse, a profound sense of grounding emerges—one that is not heavy but vast, and steady.
Emerge with a feeling of renewal, a quiet yet undeniable transformation. This is more than just an experience—it’s a remembrance of the stillness that is always within you.
For this journey participants are welcome to sit, lie down, dance, do yoga, qigong or whatever moves you. If you know the mantra you are welcome to chant quietly.
Lea Garnier has worked in the healing arts for over 25 years and is an established practitioner in the field. She is the Director of Sage Academy of Sound in Woodstock, NY which she founded in 2007. She is an Upledger trained Craniosacral Therapist, practicing since 1990. She is a certified yoga instructor trained in the Desikachar lineage. Lea is a student of the shamanic arts which inspired her ongoing interest in therapeutic sound for healing, which led to the organization in 2010 of the first annual comprehensive Sound Healing retreat in the northeast, The Sound Healing Retreat Intensive. Now in its 15th year, it is an ongoing platform created specifically for the pioneers of sound healing to come together and share their knowledge and wisdom, often resulting in deeply transformational experiences for participants.
Due to its massive appeal, and to meet the demands of this emerging healing modality, Sage created The Sound Healing Certification Program in 2013. The program focuses on the fundamental areas of sound healing and caters to an international audience of practitioners working in the healing arts. In 2013 Gong Camp, with 91-year-old master Don Conreaux was created. In 2014 Lea created an innovative program integrating sound healing and various styles of yoga, specifically Yin and Vinyasa. This grew into a teacher training called The Yoga of Sound, a Nada Yoga Retreat.
More here: https://sageacademyofsound.com/our-programs
Michele Loew is an international yoga teacher & practitioner of Hatha & Tibetan Yogas & the co-founding director of the Vajra Yoga School of Comparative Buddhist & Indic Yogic Studies where sheco-teaches with Professor Robert A.F. Thurman at Menla & abroad.
She has taught, practiced, & studied avidly since 1998, and continues to run her longtime yoga school and beloved studio, The Yoga Space in Portland, Oregon. She is also on the Board of Tibet House US and is devoted to supporting His Holiness The Dalai Lama’s mission, as well as preserving Tibetan Culture and Dharma. You can find her often in New York sharing yoga at Tibet House or upstate at Menla Mountain Retreat.
Her love and commitment to the unexcelled yoga tantras of Vajrayana as a path we can take towards perfect enlightenment and the integration of those teachings with the Hatha yogas more broadly practiced today, seeing both as powerful and not separate extensions of one another, infuses her work with great joy & commitment to a more compassionate and awakened world.
She honors the lineage of teachers she comes from and bows to her longtime Hatha & Classical Yoga teacher, Richard Freeman for elucidating the middle path of love with the utmost clarity and kindness. To Robert Thurman, her beloved principle teacher in Buddhist science and her root guru His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the deepest bow for empowering her in the anuttara yogas.
Michele teaches regular classes and 200 & 500 YA trainings in Yoga & Yoga Nidra in Portland &; New York, as well as retreats and workshops internationally. Follow her on instagram @micheleloew
Paul studied Chinese philosophy and history at Harvard and Columbia Universities. He has studied and practiced Classical Qigong with Kwan Sai-hung for over 30 years; Zen Buddhism with Roshi Joan Halifax, Roshi Enkyo O’Hara and Sensei Kazuaki Tanahashi; and Tibetan Buddhism with Professor Robert Thurman and Gelek Rinpoche. Paul has led Qigong workshops at the Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, NY; Tibet House, NYC; Menla Retreat, Phoenicia, NY; Casa Bellavista, Montezuma, Costa Rica; and at Buddhist retreats nationwide. He presently teaches throughout the Hudson Valley, including Menla Retreat Center and Zen Mountain Monastery in Mt. Tremper, and at Tibet House in NYC. He lives in Woodstock, NY. www.paulbloomqigong.com.
John Campbell is a Dharma and yoga teacher, Mysore yoga school graduate, initiate of senior Tibetan Lamas, and graduate of Columbia University Buddhist Studies. He is a senior Certified teacher in the Ashtanga Yoga lineage of southern India, and a practitioner-teacher of Tibetan internal yogas.
A scholar of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, he received a PhD in Religion from Columbia University, and has been the recipient of numerous scholarly awards for his research on the history of tantric Buddhist yoga systems India. After two decades teaching in academia, he now focuses on translation, regularly collaborating with his mentor Prof. Robert A. F. Thurman key tantric Buddhist works of the Nalanda University tradition from Sanskrit and Tibetan. He serves as a core faculty member with the Vajra Yoga center for the study and practice of Indo-Tibetan yogic sciences based at Tibet House US in New York City. A native New Yorker, he lives in Newburgh, NY with his wife, children, and assorted animal friends.
Nena is the Executive Chairwoman of Tibet House US in NYC and its Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in the Catskills. She was a successful fashion model in the 1950s and ’60s before becoming a psychotherapist. She has been married to Robert Thurman for over 50 years, and together they have raised four children, including Tibet House US Executive Director Ganden Thurman and renowned actress Uma Thurman. In 1991 Nena join the board of the newly established Tibet House US, and in 2001 she began working on establishing and developing Menla. Nena oversees the general management of Menla as well as all interior design. She spent six years overseeing all aspects of the design and construction of the Dewa Spa.
Details of this retreat
As we enter the Year of the Fire Goat, we are invited to cultivate compassionate courage and heartfelt connection. This year's energy encourages us to lead with kindness, embrace our authentic nature, and welcome the year ahead with purpose, harmony, and joy.
Join friends of Tibet House US | Menla for an 19-year tradition as our community gathers in the magical valley of the Medicine Buddha to celebrate the New Year. Over five inspiring days, we'll practice, pray, and play together through teachings, yoga, breathwork, astrology, meditation, devotional chanting, and more. Together, we'll release old patterns, set meaningful intentions, and begin 2027 with open hearts and renewed inspiration.
The retreat opens with an unforgettable kirtan experience featuring Krishna Das, Nina Rao, and crew. Throughout the week, Michele Loew and John Campbell will lead daily morning yoga, Paul Bloom will offer afternoon Qi Gong, and Arjun Bruggeman will guide an immersive rhythmic sound experience. Krishna Das, Nina Rao and Nena Thurman will also share additional kirtan sessions and participate in engaging conversations throughout the retreat.
Returning this year, master astrologer and astronomer Alexander Mallon will present his Astrological Forecast for 2027, offering practical insights into the celestial influences shaping the year ahead, along with chart-reading sessions and consultations.
On New Year's Eve, we'll gather for our beloved annual sound bath with Woodstock's Sage Academy of Sound, followed by our festive countdown celebration at the Nalanda Conference Center with music, refreshments, dancing, and community.
This year's special guest Nena Thurman will be offering wisdom and inspiration throughout the afternoon sessions
Together, we'll recharge, reflect, and welcome 2027 with creativity, compassion, and a shared commitment to building a more joyful world.
Additional guests will be announced soon!
We encourage you to register early, as space is limited.
Schedule
Sunday, December 27
3 - 8 pm Arrival & Check-in
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Welcome with Lynn Schauwecker & Kirtan with Krishna Das, Nina Rao & Friends
Monday, December 28
7 - 8 am Vajrayoga Asanas with Michele Loew
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:15 - 10:45 am TBD
11 am - 12:30 pm Prayers for the Goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati and Tara with Nina
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free Time for Spa Treatments, Astrology Consultations, Relaxation, etc
1:45 - 3:15 pm Qi Gong with Paul Bloom
2 - 3:30 pm Rhythmic Sound Journey with Arjun Bruggeman
4 - 5:30 pm Afternoon Teaching with Nena Thurman & Guest
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Kirtan with Krishna Das, Nina Rao & Friends
Tuesday, December 29
7 - 8 am Vajrayoga Asanas with John Campbell
8 - 9 am Breakfast
10 am - 12 pm Class with Michele Loew
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free Time for Spa Treatments, Astrology Consultations, Relaxation, etc
1:45 - 3:15 pm Qi Gong with Paul Bloom
4 - 5:30 pm Afternoon Class with Krishna Das
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Kirtan with Krishna Das, Nina Rao & Friends
Wednesday, December 30
7 - 8 am Vajrayoga Asanas with John Campbell
8 - 9 am Breakfast
10 am - 12 pm Morning Class TBD
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free Time for Spa Treatments, Astrology Consultations, Relaxation, etc
1:45 - 3:15 pm Qi Gong with Paul Bloom
4 - 5:30 pm Afternoon Class Nena Thurman
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm 2026 Astrology Forecast with Alexander Mallon
Thursday, December 31
7 - 8 am Vajrayoga Asanas with John Campbell
8 - 9 am Breakfast
10 am - 12 pm “Magic Hat” Public Astrological Chart Readings with Alexander Mallon
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free Time for Spa Treatments, Astrology Consultations, Relaxation, etc
1:45 - 3:15 pm Qi Gong with Paul Bloom
4 - 5:30 pm Afternoon Class TBD
6 - 7:30 pm Special New Year’s Dinner
8 - 9:30 pm Group Sound Bath with Sage Academy of Sound
10 - 1 am New Year's Countdown and Celebration Dance Party
Friday, January 1
7 - 11 am Check out of Guest Rooms
7 - 8:30 am Qi Gong with Paul
8 am - 7 pm 108 Hanuman Chalisas with Nina Rao, KD & Friends: All Day from Tibet House US in NYC (virtual offering)
8:30 - 9:30 am Vajrayoga Asanas with John Campbell
10 am -12:30 pm Brunch & Departure
1:30 - 4:30 pm Individual Astrology Consultation with Alexander Mallon by Appointment
*Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
Join friends of Tibet House US | Menla for an 19-year tradition as our community gathers in the magical valley of the Medicine Buddha to celebrate the New Year. Over five inspiring days, we'll practice, pray, and play together through teachings, yoga, breathwork, astrology, meditation, devotional chanting, and more. Together, we'll release old patterns, set meaningful intentions, and begin 2027 with open hearts and renewed inspiration.
The retreat opens with an unforgettable kirtan experience featuring Krishna Das, Nina Rao, and crew. Throughout the week, Michele Loew and John Campbell will lead daily morning yoga, Paul Bloom will offer afternoon Qi Gong, and Arjun Bruggeman will guide an immersive rhythmic sound experience. Krishna Das, Nina Rao and Nena Thurman will also share additional kirtan sessions and participate in engaging conversations throughout the retreat.
Returning this year, master astrologer and astronomer Alexander Mallon will present his Astrological Forecast for 2027, offering practical insights into the celestial influences shaping the year ahead, along with chart-reading sessions and consultations.
On New Year's Eve, we'll gather for our beloved annual sound bath with Woodstock's Sage Academy of Sound, followed by our festive countdown celebration at the Nalanda Conference Center with music, refreshments, dancing, and community.
This year's special guest Nena Thurman will be offering wisdom and inspiration throughout the afternoon sessions
Together, we'll recharge, reflect, and welcome 2027 with creativity, compassion, and a shared commitment to building a more joyful world.
Additional guests will be announced soon!
We encourage you to register early, as space is limited.
Schedule
Sunday, December 27
3 - 8 pm Arrival & Check-in
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Welcome with Lynn Schauwecker & Kirtan with Krishna Das, Nina Rao & Friends
Monday, December 28
7 - 8 am Vajrayoga Asanas with Michele Loew
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:15 - 10:45 am TBD
11 am - 12:30 pm Prayers for the Goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati and Tara with Nina
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free Time for Spa Treatments, Astrology Consultations, Relaxation, etc
1:45 - 3:15 pm Qi Gong with Paul Bloom
2 - 3:30 pm Rhythmic Sound Journey with Arjun Bruggeman
4 - 5:30 pm Afternoon Teaching with Nena Thurman & Guest
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Kirtan with Krishna Das, Nina Rao & Friends
Tuesday, December 29
7 - 8 am Vajrayoga Asanas with John Campbell
8 - 9 am Breakfast
10 am - 12 pm Class with Michele Loew
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free Time for Spa Treatments, Astrology Consultations, Relaxation, etc
1:45 - 3:15 pm Qi Gong with Paul Bloom
4 - 5:30 pm Afternoon Class with Krishna Das
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Kirtan with Krishna Das, Nina Rao & Friends
Wednesday, December 30
7 - 8 am Vajrayoga Asanas with John Campbell
8 - 9 am Breakfast
10 am - 12 pm Morning Class TBD
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free Time for Spa Treatments, Astrology Consultations, Relaxation, etc
1:45 - 3:15 pm Qi Gong with Paul Bloom
4 - 5:30 pm Afternoon Class Nena Thurman
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm 2026 Astrology Forecast with Alexander Mallon
Thursday, December 31
7 - 8 am Vajrayoga Asanas with John Campbell
8 - 9 am Breakfast
10 am - 12 pm “Magic Hat” Public Astrological Chart Readings with Alexander Mallon
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free Time for Spa Treatments, Astrology Consultations, Relaxation, etc
1:45 - 3:15 pm Qi Gong with Paul Bloom
4 - 5:30 pm Afternoon Class TBD
6 - 7:30 pm Special New Year’s Dinner
8 - 9:30 pm Group Sound Bath with Sage Academy of Sound
10 - 1 am New Year's Countdown and Celebration Dance Party
Friday, January 1
7 - 11 am Check out of Guest Rooms
7 - 8:30 am Qi Gong with Paul
8 am - 7 pm 108 Hanuman Chalisas with Nina Rao, KD & Friends: All Day from Tibet House US in NYC (virtual offering)
8:30 - 9:30 am Vajrayoga Asanas with John Campbell
10 am -12:30 pm Brunch & Departure
1:30 - 4:30 pm Individual Astrology Consultation with Alexander Mallon by Appointment
*Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
Getting Here
Menla, 375 Panterkill Road PO Box 70 Phoenicia, NY 12464 United States
Accommodation
Deluxe King
Deluxe King Room with King Bed and Private Bathroom
Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available
Air Conditioning
This Space is not ADA compliant.
Deluxe King Rooms are Available only in Kathmandu House
* Please note that rates include meals and accommodations
Deluxe Queen
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)
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
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)
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)
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
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.
Economy Single - Shared Bath
Standard Single Room with a Twin Bed and Shared Bathroom
Bathroom is Shared with One to Six Other Guests on Your Floor.
A phone is not available but high-speed WiFi is available in the room
Phone Access Available in Nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa in Business Center. All calls are free of charge.
This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant.
* Please note rates include meals and accommodations.
Economy Double - Shared Bath (Shared Room)
Standard Double with Twin Beds and Shared Bathroom
The bathroom is Shared with other rooms on the same floor.
High-speed Wi-Fi is available in the room.
Phone Access Available in Nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa in Business Center. All calls are free of charge.
This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant.
* Please note that rates include meals and accommodations
* Please note: this is an open door policy room, meaning there are no keys to lock the door (we have lockers you can use at Lhasa if needed)
* This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You Roommates if You Do Not Register with others
Economy Quad - Shared Bath (Shared Room)
Standard Quad Room with Quad Twin Beds and Shared Bathroom
Accommodations Fee Includes All Meals.
High speed Wi-Fi is available in the room.
Phone Access Available in Nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa in Business Center. All calls are free of charge.
This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant.
* Please note that rates include meals and accommodations
* Please note: this is an open door policy room, meaning there are no keys to lock the door (we have lockers you can use at Lhasa if needed)
* This booking is for one bed in a quad shared room: We May Assign You Roommates if You Do Not Register with others.
Customer Reviews
Verified
5.0
Verified
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
Verified
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.
5.0
Verified
Accomodation
Peaceful and refreshing
5.0
Verified
Four winds master retreat
Everything is wonderful and perfect. The food is amazing.
