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.
Paulina Daemmrich is a yoga and meditation teacher and artist based between Mexico and Catskills. Born in Poland, she has practised and studied yogic and tantric mind-body practices internationally for over 18 years and her teaching practice is influenced by hatha yoga (Ashtanga Vinyasa in Krishnamacharya lineage), tibetan yogas (Nejang and Trulkhor in Yuthok Nyingthig lineage), tantric science of Vajrayana tibetan buddhism and Ati Dzogchen tradition. Paulina is a Tibetan medicine (Sowa Rigpa) counselor, NeuroMeditation Level II instructor and Yoga Nidra teacher. Before her heart took over, she worked as an international lawyer in Scotland and Germany and experienced the consequences of living under chronic stress and a transition of unplugging from the corporate matrix.
Inspired by her passion for contemporary dance choreography, Paulina tenderly guides her students through the yogic asanas, free flow movement and breathing practices, bringing together the art of embodiment and mind/ dream architecture from across different traditions. Empowering movement with sound and mantra healing is an integral part of her practice. Her main objective as a teacher is to gently hold space with her students, meeting each practitioner where they are at. She takes a non-dual, holistic approach to yoga practice and study and loves to have a good laugh with her fellow yogis and yoginis.
Paulina has been blessed with studying the yogic and tantric mind-body practices with Professor Bob Thurman, Michele Loew, Kalu Rinpoche and Lea Garnier (Menla, New York); dr. Nida Chenagtsang, dr. Caroline van Damme and Christiana Polites (Pureland Farms, California); Cris Shanti and Jorge Espinoza (Mexico); Kat Shaw (Edinburgh, Scotland); Sharath (Mysore, India) and dr. Jeff Tarrant (Neuromeditation Institute, Oregon), among others.
Follow her on instagram @skydancer.art.studio
Join us for a joyful, week-long immersion in yoga, meditation, and dharma with master teachers of Vajrayoga™, Tibet House US’s school of yoga and Indian inner science, integrating physical, meditative, and philosophical disciplines common to Hatha Yoga and the Indo-Tibetan Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
This retreat is an opportunity to locate your yogic practice within the living context of Indo-Tibetan spirituality and the evolutionary principles of enlightenment. Teachings draw from Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras, the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā, and the sutras and tantras of the Buddhist masters, offering participants an experiential entry into the shared inner sciences of Indian and Tibetan wisdom traditions.
Throughout the retreat, legendary scholar-yogi Robert Thurman guides your way to grounding your yoga in wisdom teachings, so that practice becomes a vehicle for uplifting the mind—from stress to joy—while opening the body to vitality, balance, and inner freedom.
Master instructors John and Paulina provide instruction in the transformative methods of Hatha and Tibetan healing yoga, supporting the opening of both the physical body and subtle nervous system. Evenings will conclude with deeply restorative Yoga Nidra vocalization, and visualization, to support integration and rest.
All levels are welcome. Practices will be accessible and adaptable, with modifications offered to support those with injuries or physical limitations.
*The style of the upcoming teachings differs from traditional, academic presentation. What is being relayed is not simply information, but an invitation into a living wisdom tradition. At the heart of the retreat experience, is the presence of teachers, and the presence of yourself, as student. This relational emphasis, and your innate capacity to absorb, question, and clarify are your keenest assets in an unfolding, and at times, unpredictable atmosphere of learning.
7 - 8 am Morning Yoga
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 12:30 pm Philosophy & Dharma Talk
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free time for Dewa Spa Healing Treatments or Time in Nature
4 - 6 pm Meditation and Yoga
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Yoga Nidra and Chanting
Friday, April 10
7 - 11 am Check-out of Rooms
7 - 8 am Yoga
8 - 9 am Breakfast
10 am - 12 pm Fire Puja
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch & Departure
*Please note this schedule is subject to change.
Getting Here
Menla, 375 Panterkill Road PO Box 70 Phoenicia, NY 12464 United States
Accommodation
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.
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
Commuter
Commuters
Menla Encourages Members of the Community to Participate in Our Wonderful Programs!
Includes Meals, Public Phone, Public Computer, and Wi-Fi Internet Available in Lhasa Inn.
Accommodations Fee Includes All Meals.
Customer Reviews
4.75 out of 5.0 average rating
5.0
Verified
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!
5.0
Verified
An Awesome Retreat Experience for mind and body
I went into IGNITING 2026: Light the Fire of Joy through Compassion at the Menla Institute thinking it would be “nice.” It ended up being so much more than I expected - one of those retreats that leaves you feeling genuinely lighter, more grounded, and strangely energized in the best way.
Food: Truly ah-mazing. Since it was vegan and gluten-free, I was expecting it to be… fine. Instead, everything was full of flavor, thoughtfully prepared, and satisfying. And the desserts at dinner? Honestly, a highlight on their own.
Dr. Bob Thurman: The star of the show. Every one of us LOVED his talks. He’s wildly knowledgeable, sharp, and somehow manages to make profound teachings feel totally alive and accessible. Also: he is hilarious. We were completely locked in listening to him - equal parts learning and laughing.
Yoga (Michele Loew): I loved Michele’s classes. She guided the whole group through a beautiful sequence - warm-up, deep stretching, and meditation - in a way that felt supportive and skillful. Her Yoga Nidra was especially powerful, and having Arjun join for the sound bath made it even more immersive.
Krishna Das: Forever the best. He’s the reason we showed up - and he delivered that heart-opening magic he always does. What I didn’t expect was how much I’d also love Michele and Dr. Thurman. This retreat wasn’t just “Krishna Das + extras” - it felt like a complete, beautifully balanced experience.
Marina Abramović: What a soul. Hearing her story - where she came from, what she endured, and how she continues to transform - was deeply moving. She carries a kind of strength and honesty that makes you reflect on your own life in a meaningful way.
Gratitude: Special thanks to Piotr for the tech setup. He was fantastic - calm, capable, and it made everything run smoothly.
Overall, this retreat felt like a real New Year reset - a blend of dharma, movement, music, and reflection that actually lands in your body and your life. I left with more joy, more clarity, and a very full heart.
5.0
Verified
Delighted and Ignited!
Everything was wonderful. The lodging, (Eva's cabin), the amazing food, and especially, everyone who works there, soul food on every level. Michelle's yoga and yoga nidra were unexpected highlights for me. She is emobodied wisdom. Can't imagine this retreat without her. I loved yoga with John Campbell of course--it would be wonderful to have both!!! Like she could do morning and he could have afternoon offering? The yoga nidra and soundscape were very powerful and transformational. Of course, Bob Thurman is a delight and central. The kirtan was so nourishing and pure pleasure. I am just awed by the experience that was created. Divine abundance. The part that couldn't be "controlled" of course by Menla, is the other retreaters--and my fellow passengers were so wise, funny, earnest, kind, considerate, adult--exactly who would be drawn to such an event, at that time, as I had hoped. Did I mention how amazing Michelle is :-)?
5.0
Verified
Menla is a warm supportive space for personal growth and transformation
Everyone at Menla is devoted to provided a supportive space for personal growth. I am deeply grateful. And, the food is delicious.
5.0
Verified
Healty Place with nice peoples and magical nature. Rejouvinate and
Rejuvenating and restorative.Well equipped. Excellent food. Competent staff.
Select your options
Available Dates
Apr 5 - 10, 2026
Select a Room
Deluxe Queen
$2,460.00
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)
$2,095.50
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
$2,167.50
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)
$2,001.00
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.
Economy Premium Single - Shared Bath
$2,014.50
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
$1,848.00
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)
$1,803.00
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
Commuter
$1,245.00
Commuters
Menla Encourages Members of the Community to Participate in Our Wonderful Programs!
Includes Meals, Public Phone, Public Computer, and Wi-Fi Internet Available in Lhasa Inn.
Accommodations Fee Includes All Meals.
Cameron's Staff Pick
Verified
Last Chance
