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YOGIC LIFESTYLE RETREAT: A Weekend Immersion into Yoga, Meditation, Ayurveda, Nature

Location icon
Phoenicia, NY 12464, USA
Date
November 12 - 15, 2026

About this Retreat

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Details of this retreat

Weekend Immersion into Yoga, Meditation, Ayurveda, Nature
In a world spinning faster than our nervous systems can track, what does it actually mean to be well?
The ancient traditions of Meditation, Yoga and its sister science of Ayurveda offer ancient wisdom to our modern lifestyle - practices that balance, heal and transform mind and body to uplevel your health, reduce stress, strengthen your immune system and soothe your spirit. Learn how to integrate these practices into your life. More than a retreat or escape from life, this is about remembering how to fully and vibrantly live it. You will emerge inspired and renewed.
Join Sue Bonanno—yoga teacher of 25+ years, founder of Soulspace Meditation & Wellbeing, and Certified Ayurveda Instructor for an immersive introduction to the yogic lifestyle. Together we will follow the rhythms of nature, engage in foundational yogic and meditative practices, eat nourishing food and rest deeply. We will exist among the mountains and trees on sacred land in the serenity of Menla’s 330-acre private nature reserve. Sitting at the head of a breathtaking glacial valley, it’s one of the most beautiful parts of the Catskills. Deluxe accommodations and a world-class spa add comfort and ease.
This 3-night experience includes:
Yoga: Energizing vinyasa flow sessions to awaken the body, alongside candlelight restorative and yoga nidra practices to deeply relax and restore.
Meditation: Silent mantra and mudra meditation to steady the mind, expand awareness, and cultivate inner stillness.
Ayurveda: Detoxification & Rejuvenation: Learn practical, time-tested tools to balance your system through daily rituals, sensory awareness, and alignment with nature’s rhythms.
Sound Healing: Experience the subtle yet powerful effects of breathwork and crystal alchemy bowl sound bath to regulate the nervous system and harmonize your energy.
Nourishment:Enjoy vibrant, organic meals, designed to support vitality, paired with inspiring views, warm fires,  and a peaceful, grounding environment.
In-Depth Teachings: Explore the foundations of yogic philosophy, including the 8-limbed path, along with accessible teachings on yoga, meditation and Ayurveda that you can carry into daily life.
Connection & Integration: Spend unstructured time walking in nature, hiking a trail, journaling, resting, enjoying an herbal tea or optional spa treatments (booked separately). Evenings invite deep, restorative sleep in cozy, tranquil accommodations.




Schedule
Thursday November 12


3 - 6 pm Arrival and Check-in
4:30 - 5:30 pm Opening Group Session
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Evening Session

Friday November 13
7am Meditation


8 - 9 am Breakfast
10 am - 12 pm Morning Session
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 5 pm Free time
5 - 6 pm Afternoon Session
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Evening Session

Saturday, November 14


7am Meditation
8 - 9 am Breakfast
10 am - 12 pm Morning Session
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free time
4 - 5:45 pm Afternoon Session
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Evening Session

Sunday, November 15


7 - 11 am Check-out of Rooms
7 am Meditation
8 - 9 am Breakfast
10 am - 12 pm Group Session
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch & Departure

*Please note that the schedule is subject to change at any time.

 

Getting Here

Location icon Menla, Phoenicia, NY 12464, USA

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.

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

4.86 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Seeking a REAL retreat - this is for you!
I attended Menla in early October for a Holotropic Breathwork workshop. It is nestled in the Catskill Mountains in NY, so serene, quiet, safe, and the food was INCREDIBLE, and so healthy & delicious. It never felt like anyone was around (unlike other retreats I have been to). If you are looking to unwind, just be with yourself and eat healthy, delicious food - Menla is the place to be! Highly, highly recommended!

5.0
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Unforgettable Experience of the Soul
I've wanted to visit Menla for many years, and have followed the work and incredible life of Robert Thurman for some years. The Kundalini Yoga Immersion with Jai Dev, somehow connected all of the dots so that even without the physical presence of Tenzin Bob, his rainbow body was felt in the rooms, the valleys and natural environments. The meals were an amazing complement to the comfortable rooms, the breath taking setting that all supported completely and fully amplified the journey.

One Note, that is just a personal suggestion and not to be seen as a criticism or judgment in any way. It would be nice to feel a presence of the great history, tradition, and culture of Menla, the Tibet House and the entire amazing project connected to the life work of Robert Thurman and his lifelong dedication exploring, educating and sharing the beauty of the Tibetan culture in all its facets. The stories of the Naga and Dalai Lama, the historical evolution of the area are all such unique elements that create the wonderful base of energy that permeates the experience of being there. The walks along the paths, discovering improvised shrines all create a magical experience that would be only honored by a bit more of a historical / cultural backdrop for visitors that may or may not know the deep importance of the work behind it all.

Thank you once again and can't wait to visit next year!!

5.0
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Life Force Academy Kundalini Yoga 5 day Immersion
I attended my first retreat at Menla about 6 years ago and was immediately hooked by the energy and beauty of the grounds. This is a very unique experience as in addition to the retreat content there is also an opportunity to explore the grounds, experience the very well curated art works throughout the grounds, set off on well marked hiking areas and have a glorious treatment at a world class spa that is beautifully designed.
The pacing of all of the programming lends itself to allow for in depth class experiences, time for rest, hiking, socializing, and enough time for meals which are prepared with love and care with the freshest ingredients and interesting choices.
The LFA Kundalini retreat was excellent and inspiring in content and delivery. Jai Dev is a master in his work designing material that is relevant to all levels of practitioners. The addition of live music was the icing on the cake.
I look forward to my next visit.

5.0
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So much fun coming from hard work
It’s ironic that in order to relax, we need to generate Physical pressure on the nervous system. I love how the tools of Kundalini Yoga facilitate this outcome. But Life force academy, takes it all to another level with the mastery of Jai Dev and the music of Simrit.
I have participated in over 1000 Kundalini Yoga sessions over the last three or four years and two of the classes offered at this retreat are in the top 1% of the peak experiences I’ve ever had.

5.0
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A Great Retreat Experience
The staff was very friendly and accommodating. The grounds are so tranquil and beautiful and the facilities were very clean. My only suggestion for improvement is to provide a more private dressing area after taking a shower.
Many of the attendees I spoke with felt the same way. Thank you!

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