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Menla Create-Your-Own Getaway

Date
Flexible Dates

About this Retreat

Details of this retreat

Build a custom escape vacation by choosing activities à la carte.

Only two hours from New York City, Menla lies in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. De-stress on more than 300 acres of private wilderness. Unspoiled natural beauty adjoins state land, creating endless opportunities for wildlife spotting and discovering secret hideaways. Let fresh air, light, water, movement, and sound envelop your senses in the mystical act of forest bathing.

Serenity

A unique experience awaits with the ability to distance yourself from others while finding zen. Use the essence of nature to restore your mind and spirit in a peaceful refuge, far from the noise and anxiety of city life. Cozy, private villas are available if you need more personal space or are traveling with family. Our small staff offers minimal-contact service, and with plenty of room to spread out, interaction with other guests is optional.

Wellness

Improve your fitness and mental clarity with private qi gong, yoga, and meditation sessions available to book a la carte daily. Go on a guided hike or explore on your own – on-site and nearby trails range from easy to advanced.  Awaken new senses with sound baths and other sound therapy techniques that release stress through harmonic vibration. As the sun goes down, light up the night with bonfire magic under the stars.

Sustainability

From the bed linens to the cleaning products we use, every attempt is made to source ethically and sustainably. This is most evident in our food supply. Our vegetarian farm-to-table menu features organic dishes right from Menla’s gardens. Enjoy lunch and dinner (included in the price of accommodation) through the Lhasa Inn to-go service. Learn about how we grow sustainably on one of our many garden tours. We cover everything from ecology and horticulture to the healing power of medicinal plants.



Accommodations with meals are available Thursday check-in through Sunday check-out or just for the weekend Friday check-in - Sunday check-out. If you are interested in a longer-term stay that is unavailable through our website please reach out to us for a custom quote. 

It’s best to book any activities you are interested in prior to arrival to ensure staff, teachers, and therapists are available when needed. 

Rates reflect the minimum number of guests that can book a space. For example, if you are a group of two, any space that reflects a minimum of two guests will show the rate for two people combined for the full weekend. You will not be asked to pay separately. You will not be sharing bathrooms or sleeping spaces with guests who are not members of your party. Single accommodations include queen-size options and camping. Please email frontdesk@menla.org with any questions. 

Getting Here

Location icon Menla

Accommodation

Getaway Deluxe King

Accommodation
Getaway 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

Getaway Deluxe Queen

Accommodation
Getaway 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

Getaway Economy Premium Single - Shared Bath

Accommodation
Economy 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.

Getaway Deluxe Double (2 Person Minimum - 2 Person maximum)

Accommodation
Deluxe Double Room with Two Twin 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. Deluxe shared accommodations can be booked as suites for additional information please reach out to registration@menla.org

Getaway Potala House (5 Person Minimum - 10 Person Maximum if couples)

Accommodation
Potala is a stunning three-story home featuring a sundeck, full kitchen, cathedral ceilings, a large living room and open kitchen. This house can sleep 4-8 people. Cabin includes 3 queen rooms, 1 king room, and 3 full bathrooms with showers. There is no landline phone in the house, but high-speed WiFi is available throughout. Phone access available in nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa Inn. All calls are free of charge. This lodging type is not ADA compliant. *Note that cottages are available for larger parties and families. Rates reflect our minimum number of 5 people for this space. If you have a party of less than five people and would still like to book this cottage we do not offer rate reductions and recommend that other housing types that better suit your needs are booked. 

Getaway Dragon Cottage (5 Person Minimum - 9 Person Maximum Party or Family)

Accommodation
Dragon is a two-story cabin with a sundeck and small kitchen and can sleep up to 9 people comfortably. Cabin includes three singles, a double, and a quad, plus two and a half bathrooms. 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. *Note that cottages are available for larger parties and families. Rates reflect our minimum number of 5 people for this space. If you have a party of less than five people and would still like to book this cottage we do not offer rate reductions and recommend that other housing types that better suit your needs are booked. 

Getaway Garuda Cottage (5 Person Minimum - 9 Person Maximum Party or Family)

Accommodation
Garuda is a two-story cabin, situated adjacent to Dragon, with 5 bedrooms, a small kitchen, and a dining/living room. Garuda sleeps up to 9 people comfortably. Cabin includes three singles, one double and a quad, plus three bathrooms, including one with a jacuzzi tub. 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. *Note that cottages are available for larger parties and families. Rates reflect our minimum number of 5 people for this space. If you have a party of less than five people and would still like to book this cottage we do not offer rate reductions and recommend that other housing types that better suit your needs are booked. 

Getaway Snowlion Cottage (5 Person Minimum - 7 Person Maximum Party or Family)

Accommodation
Snowlion is a beautiful two-story cabin with an elegant 360-square-foot living and dining room with large windows and a cathedral ceiling, making it perfect for recreation or for meetings of 10-15 people. Relax on the upstairs sundeck and enjoy one of the best night sky views at Menla. Snowlion can sleep 11 people comfortably and was the Dalai Lama’s private house when he visited in 2006. Cabin includes one single, two doubles and two triples, plus two bathrooms and full kitchen. 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. *Note that cottages are available for larger parties and families. Rates reflect our minimum number of 5 people for this space. If you have a party of less than five people and would still like to book this cottage we do not offer rate reductions and recommend that other housing types that better suit your needs are booked. 

Getaway Eva's Cottage (3 Person Minimum - 4 Person Maximum: 1 Couple + 2 Guests)

Accommodation
Eva’s Cabin is a charming one-story cabin set next to the Conference Center. With a kitchen, large living room, and bathroom with large jacuzzi tub, this cabin is ideal for a small family or group of friends who want to stay together in one location and have the convenience of total privacy. Cabin includes a single queen room, a double room, and adjacent bathroom. *Note that cottages are available for larger parties and families. Rates reflect our minimum number of 3 people for this space. If you have a party of less than three people and would still like to book this cottage we do not offer rate reductions and recommend that other housing types that better suit your needs are booked. 

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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