New Year's Silent Retreat: Transform Yourself, Transform the World
New Year's Silent Retreat: Transform Yourself, Transform the World
Up to 30 in group
December 29, 2025 - January 2, 2026
Retreat Highlights
- Experience the power of silence for clarity, healing, and renewal
- Practice yoga, meditation, pranayama, and deep relaxation daily
- Engage with yoga philosophy and guided self-inquiry
- Receive written Q&A support and optional private mentoring
- Start the new year feeling grounded, inspired, and refreshed
About this Retreat
Swami Karunananda has had 50 years’ experience teaching all aspects of Yoga. She designed and conducts teacher training programs in Raja Yoga and in Meditation. She served as president of Satchidananda Ashram in California and in Virginia, and as director of the San Francisco and Santa Barbara Integral Yoga Institutes. She compiled and edited The Lotus Prayer Book and Enlightening Tales as told by Sri Swami Satchidananda. Her book, Awakening: Aspiration to Realization through Integral Yoga, makes the Yoga teachings accessible and provides inspiration and guidance for the spiritual journey.
Swami Priyaananda is a senior disciple of Swami Satchidananda with thirty years of experience in the practice of Integral Yoga. She served in the Integral Yoga Health Services division and the Distribution Department at Satchidananda Ashram in Connecticut, as well as Executive Secretary and Coordinator of the Living Yoga Training program at the Ashram in Virginia. Currently, she is Vice President of the Office of Spiritual Development and Manager of Satchidananda Archives.
Satya Greenstone has been a student of Sri Swami Satchidananda since 1971. She has shared the teachings of Integral Yoga® in many diverse settings with students of all ages and backgrounds and combines a natural, practical, down-to-earth approach to Yoga with a gentle humor. Since 1999 she has been a primary teacher for the 200-hour and the Intermediate Integral Yoga Teacher Training programs. While serving as teacher training coordinator, she helped to develop and teach the first Gentle Yoga Teacher Training program. She has also developed and teaches training programs in Restorative Yoga, Adaptive Yoga, and Yoga and Meditation for Children. In 2005, she received certification in Therapeutic Yoga and is currently certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). She also is certified in Yoga for the Heart and Yoga for Osteoporosis.
She gently adapts the Yoga practices to individual needs and always finds a way to encourage and inspire her students who soon recognize that, for her, Yoga is an experience, not a subject for academic study. First and foremost she is a yogini, and her teaching is an extension of the experience gained from her Yoga practice. Satya exudes the joy and exemplifies the benefits that come from living the yogic lifestyle and she shares that joy and those benefits with her students.
Always thankful to her Guru Swami Satchidananda, Satya believes that he has created the perfect environment in which to practice Yoga and experience the peace of one’s true nature. It is that personal recognition of one's true Self that she tries to facilitate in every program.
Details of this retreat
"Whatever change we want to happen outside should happen within."
— Swami Satchidananda
Ready to welcome the new year with intention, peace, and self-discovery? Start your journey inward at our Silent Retreat, held at Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, nestled in the tranquil foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains—a haven for reflection, renewal, and healing.
This annual retreat is designed for those seeking to escape the noise of daily life and reconnect with their inner selves. Through the powerful practices of mouna (silence), yoga, and meditation, you will rediscover your inherent nature of peace and joy in a peaceful oasis. Swami Satchidananda taught that inner transformation is the key to outer change. When we nurture peace and happiness within, we naturally radiate positivity to the world around us. Join a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to personal growth and mindfulness.
What awaits you:
Healing Silence: Discover the power of quietude for deep personal insight and lasting serenity.
Guided Practices: Experience yoga philosophy, meditation, breathwork, postures, and relaxation led by experienced instructors.
Support & Connection: Reach out with written questions, or opt for private mentoring, so your journey is always supported.
Open to All: Whether you’re new or experienced in yoga and meditation, everyone is welcome.
Take a break from daily demands and reconnect with your inner joy. Leave feeling restored, inspired, and equipped with simple tools for lasting happiness and well-being.
Testimonials
Ahh. All the Yoga, food, good thinking, time walking, tea, chanting, and meditating were so restorative. The staff was always joyfully caring for my needs without me even asking—especially in the dining hall and Yoga classes. — Abbey Camel
Silence—so refreshing! Environment—so uplifting! Community—So inspiring! — Betty McGonagle
I needed to reset physically, mentally, and spiritually. I needed my world just to stop so I could rest and regain inspiration and well-being. I received what I sought! A beautiful experience of silence and support. I have never felt so optimistic about a new year! Each of the Yogaville staff is a gift to each of us, retreatants. Thank you. — Sheila Sheppard
I’m so impressed by the warmth, love, commitment to detail, and making everything as perfect as possible. You have high standards for yourselves and your program, but you are so flexible and loving at the same time. — Kathryn Biegman
Beautiful and restorative experience. I was able to reset, rest and access an important part of myself. I feel deeply nourished and ready to reintegrate back into my homelife. — Claire Pallandre
View Daily Ashram Schedule →
— Swami Satchidananda
Ready to welcome the new year with intention, peace, and self-discovery? Start your journey inward at our Silent Retreat, held at Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, nestled in the tranquil foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains—a haven for reflection, renewal, and healing.
This annual retreat is designed for those seeking to escape the noise of daily life and reconnect with their inner selves. Through the powerful practices of mouna (silence), yoga, and meditation, you will rediscover your inherent nature of peace and joy in a peaceful oasis. Swami Satchidananda taught that inner transformation is the key to outer change. When we nurture peace and happiness within, we naturally radiate positivity to the world around us. Join a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to personal growth and mindfulness.
What awaits you:
Healing Silence: Discover the power of quietude for deep personal insight and lasting serenity.
Guided Practices: Experience yoga philosophy, meditation, breathwork, postures, and relaxation led by experienced instructors.
Support & Connection: Reach out with written questions, or opt for private mentoring, so your journey is always supported.
Open to All: Whether you’re new or experienced in yoga and meditation, everyone is welcome.
Take a break from daily demands and reconnect with your inner joy. Leave feeling restored, inspired, and equipped with simple tools for lasting happiness and well-being.
Testimonials
Ahh. All the Yoga, food, good thinking, time walking, tea, chanting, and meditating were so restorative. The staff was always joyfully caring for my needs without me even asking—especially in the dining hall and Yoga classes. — Abbey Camel
Silence—so refreshing! Environment—so uplifting! Community—So inspiring! — Betty McGonagle
I needed to reset physically, mentally, and spiritually. I needed my world just to stop so I could rest and regain inspiration and well-being. I received what I sought! A beautiful experience of silence and support. I have never felt so optimistic about a new year! Each of the Yogaville staff is a gift to each of us, retreatants. Thank you. — Sheila Sheppard
I’m so impressed by the warmth, love, commitment to detail, and making everything as perfect as possible. You have high standards for yourselves and your program, but you are so flexible and loving at the same time. — Kathryn Biegman
Beautiful and restorative experience. I was able to reset, rest and access an important part of myself. I feel deeply nourished and ready to reintegrate back into my homelife. — Claire Pallandre
View Daily Ashram Schedule →
Getting Here
Directions
Yogaville offers transportation from the airport, train and bus stations in Charlottesville, VA. If you are driving Google Maps has reliable turn-by-turn directions.
Accommodation
Availability of complimentary accommodations is determined by the order of booking.
Dormitory
The most popular accommodations we have are Dormitory Accommodations – shared room and shared bath. We have two dormitories, Vivekananda Vihar and Ramalinga Nilayam, which are centrally heated and air-conditioned and convenient to meals and programs.
Lotus Guest House (Private Room)
Each room in our six unit guest house is equipped with a small refrigerator, queen size bed and full bath. Each room in our nine unit guest house is equipped with a queen sized bed and full bath, and no refrigerator.
Tenting
Set off in a quiet, wooded area adjacent to the Lotus Guest Houses are twelve campsites. Campers have use of the bathroom, shower, and laundry facilities nearby Vivekananda Vihar dormitory. Camping is available from March 15th to December 1st.
Shared Dormitory: Bottom Bunk
Bottom bunk in a shared dorm room.
Dorm rooms contain 4-8 beds.
Shared bathroom
Dorm rooms are not coed
Availability is Gender Specific
Private Dormitory
This is a private room with a shared bathroom in our Ramalinga Nilayam Dorm - Females Only
LGH: Full Bed
Private room and Private Bath. A single Full bed and a private bath designed for those seeking peace in solitude.
LGH: 2 Twin beds
Private Room and Private Bath. Two twin Beds and a private bath that is ideal for friends looking to experience the bliss of Yogaville.
LGH: Queen Bed
Private Room and Private Bath. A queen bed or a queen with two day beds and a private bath that is perfect for couples and families searching for a peaceful time together. Please put in the personal comments if you need a room that includes trundles.
Tent-Site
Open from Mar. 16–Nov. 30. Closed from Dec. 1–Mar. 15
Set off in a quiet, wooded area adjacent to the Lotus Guest Houses are Eighteen campsites. Campers have use of the nearby bathhouse as well as laundry facilities at the LGH Building 3. Also, all tent sites have tent platforms for a more comfortable and dry tenting experience. Fires and Stoves are not Permitted. Price is per person per night.
Please bring your own tent, tie downs, tarp (weather protection). bedding and towels.
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Yogaville is home to the Light of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS). The LOTUS is a unique temple dedicated to interfaith understanding and the Light within all faiths. Individual altars represent and honor the different world faiths and spiritual paths. The vision, design and inspiration of Sri Swami Satchidananda, LOTUS was dedicated in 1986. It demonstrates, “Truth is One, Paths are Many.” In the peaceful countryside of Virginia, the doors of LOTUS are open to welcome people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Organic, vegetarian/vegan food
Labeled ingredients
Lacto-vegetarian
Gluten-free and vegan options
Salad bar
Large herbal tea selection
Coffee is available for purchase at Mandala Cafe
What's Included
- Accomodations
- Meals
- Meditation Sessions
- Yoga Classes
What's Not Included
- Transportation
- Airfare
Last Chance
