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The Great Sound Escape: A Winter Retreat for Hibernation with Sound Healing, Mantra, Meditation, Movement, Intention Setting, and Vision Board Creation

Name: The Great Sound Escape: A Winter Retreat for Hibernation with Sound Healing, Mantra, Meditation, Movement, Intention Setting, and Vision Board Creation
Start: 2026-12-11
End: 2026-12-13
Location: Menla
Rating: 4.86

4.86100 reviews

Phoenicia, NY 12464, USA

December 11 - 13, 2026

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Lisa

Michele

Lisa Annese

Lisa Annese is an author, motivational speaker, teacher, sound therapist and owner of The Space by Lisa Annese, a spiritual healing and retreat center in Wyckoff, NJ. As a divorced woman, single mother and hearing loss advocate (supporting the needs of her son who has permanent hearing loss), she has chosen to dark into light in her own life, embrace challenges as lessons, and forever change the narrative of her future and that of her family. In her first book, I Am Light, Lisa openly shares stories from her path about finding her own light as an opportunity to educate and help others to do the same for themselves. Learn more about Lisa’s service offerings, retreats, workshops, events and more at lisaannese.com or on Instagram @ lisaannese.

Michele Marason

Michele Marason is a sound healing practitioner, energy worker, and founder of Maratash Vibrations, a holistic wellness practice based in Oradell, New Jersey. Through sound baths, private healing sessions, meditation, and intentional wellness experiences/retreats, Michele creates supportive spaces for relaxation, energetic balance, and self-discovery. Her healing journey began in 2010 when her young daughter was diagnosed with a rare and very serious illness. During that time, Michele was introduced to energy healing and experienced firsthand its profound impact on her daughter and family. What began as a search for support became a transformative spiritual awakening that inspired her path as an energy and sound practitioner. In 2025, while navigating both a breast cancer diagnosis and a corporate restructuring, Michele felt called more deeply toward her soul’s purpose and founded Maratash Vibrations to help others reconnect, or more deeply connect, with themselves through sound, energy, intention, meditation and self-love. Michele’s training includes Jikiden Reiki, The Silva Method, Tibetan Singing Bowls, Crystal Singing Bowls, Tuning Forks, Gong and Sound Meditation Training, Crystal Healing Practices and hospice/end-of-life caregiving. Learn more at Maratash Vibrations or on Instagram at @maratashvibrations.

Details of this retreat

Join Lisa Annese and Michele Marason for a weekend of deep reflection, surrender and a safe sanctuary to hibernate as 2026 comes to completion. Through Tibetan sound healing, mantra, meditation, yoga and sacred ceremony, participants will be guided to honor with gratitude the journey lived thus far and plant blessings of intention as our journey evolves into 2027. Throughout the weekend, Tibetan singing bowls, gongs, tuning forks, mantra practices, and vibrational sound healing will help restore harmony, balance and clear the chakras and energetic blocks allowing our intentions to flow naturally. We will hibernate with deeper intention and self-awareness, remembering who we are and our purpose. Guided by the path of spirit and love, we will plant seeds in your heart to receive abundant blessings for the new year. The retreat will also include Kundalini yoga, meditation, a cacao ceremony, intention setting, affirmations and free time to enjoy the grounds at Menla, creating a sacred space for reflection, release, and deep connection with yourself and the participants sharing this experience.

“Hibernation is not disappearing. It is preparing." - Unknown

Schedule:

Friday, December 11

3 - 6 pm Guest Check In
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9:30 pm Opening Circle and New Moon Sound Bath Meditation with Cacao (Yoga Studio)

Saturday, December 12

7:15 - 7:45 am Early Morning Mantra Practice (Yoga Studio)
8 - 9 am Breakfast

9:30 - 10:30 am Kundalini Yoga, Meditation & Gong Bath

10:30 - 11 am Intention Setting Meditation & Journal Exercise

11 am - 12:15 pm Vision Board Creation
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 6 pm Free Time(Private Treatments with Lisa and Michele, Spa Treatments, Garden, Reading, Hiking, Explore Menla)
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9:30 pm Group Discussion & Sound Bath Meditation (Yoga Studio)
7:30 - 9:30 pm Tea Ceremony after Sound Bath Meditation

Sunday, December 13

7 - 11 am Check-out of Rooms
7:15 - 7:45 am Early Morning Mantra Practice (Yoga Studio)
8 - 9 am Breakfast

9:30 - 11:30 am Chakra Balancing Meditation with Sound Healing

11:30 am - 12:30 pm Closing Circle & Affirmations
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
12:30 - 2 pm Free Time / Departure

*Please note this schedule is subject to change.

Getting Here

Menla, Phoenicia, NY 12464, USA

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.

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

4.86 out of 5.0 average rating

Nancy • Oct 16, 2026

5.0

Verified

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!

Marcello • Oct 15, 2026

5.0

Verified

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!!

Jordan • Oct 14, 2026

5.0

Verified

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.

catherine • Oct 14, 2026

5.0

Verified

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.

Gloria • Oct 08, 2026

5.0

Verified

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!

The Great Sound Escape: A Winter Retreat for Hibernation with Sound Healing, Mantra, Meditation, Movement, Intention Setting, and Vision Board Creation

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Lisa Annese

Michele Marason

Details of this retreat

Getting Here