Acoustic Garden: Music, wellness & Nature Retreat
Last Chance
Acoustic Garden: Music, wellness & Nature Retreat
VanVaas, Manali, Soil, Himachal Pradesh, India
Up to 24 in group
September 27 - October 31, 2025
Retreat Highlights
- Immersive 3-night, 4-day retreat in the pristine setting of Soil Village, Manali, surrounded by orchards, pine forests, and a glacial stream—perfect for deep relaxation and creativity.
- Led by renowned musician and mentor Rudy David (#rzhude), blending expressive art, music workshops, daily yoga, meditation, guided nature hikes, and wellness circles.
- Curated fireside open mics, HumDrum circles, acoustic garden performances, and opportunities for meaningful connections with like-minded seekers.
- Stays in boutique eco-lodges, all meals included (organic, locally sourced Himachali cuisine), with nature-focused amenities and digital detox (limited Wi-Fi).
- Optional add-ons: forest bathing, angling in trout streams, village walks, sketching, and mindfulness sessions for holistic well-being.
- Intimate, invitation-only group (ensuring personalized attention and community spirit), with immersive experiences designed to rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit.
- Part of a larger purpose—supporting reforestation, village-based sustainability, and the creative Sounds of Soil community for lasting positive impact.
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Rudy (#rzhude) is a musician, educator, and sound designer dedicated to nurturing talent and creating innovative sound intervention solutions. Through his purpose-designed HumDrum and Rudiments of Music programs, he teaches the language and mathematics of music to early learners and children on the Autism Spectrum—a practice that earned him a 2023-24 India Inclusion Summit fellowship and showcases at the Bangalore Lit Fest, Kochi Biennale, and Serendipity Arts Festival.
A seasoned performer and producer, Rudy has worked with Dr. L Subramaniam, Lucky Ali, and Raghu Dixit, and served as bassist, singer, and co-composer/producer with Thermal and a Quarter. As a Pro Audio Specialist with AVID Technologies, he collaborates with music directors, sound engineers, and designers on cutting-edge studio and live performance technology. He was the first Creative Director at Windmills Craftworks and headed the Total Environment Music Foundation.
In parallel with his professional career, Rudy designs and delivers college-level courses on music, sound design, and music technology. A lifelong student of yoga, he integrates its principles into his teaching and creative process.
Details of this retreat
Acoustic Garden - A Unique Art, Music, and Wellness Retreat
Immerse yourself in the transformative Acoustic Garden Retreat at VanVaas, Soil Village near Manali, unfolding over three nights and four days.
This exclusive retreat, led by the visionary Artiste-in-Residence Rudy David, a renowned musician and mentor, offers a rare fusion of art, music, and wellness amidst the breathtaking Himalayan landscape.
Nestled in the serene embrace of Soil Village’s lush orchards and glacial streams, VanVaas provides an eco-conscious haven that amplifies the retreat’s soul-stirring essence.
This journey begins with your arrival, greeted by the tranquil beauty of the region. Temperatures range from 13°C to 20°C, with occasional misty rains, perfect for indoor creativity and outdoor exploration.
The retreat weaves a rich tapestry of experiences: daily yoga and meditation to center your mind, guided nature hikes through verdant trails, and expressive art sessions to unleash your inner artist. Dive into Hum Drum circles and music workshops led by Rudy, where his mentorship inspires both novices and seasoned musicians.
Evenings come alive with fireside open mics and captivating live performances, complemented by farm-fresh meals that nourish body and soul. A highlight includes a guided tour of Naggar Castle and Roerich Art Gallery, offering a cultural deep dive into the region’s heritage.
What sets Acoustic Garden apart is its secret sauce: the unparalleled location of VanVaas, its panoramic Himalayan views and grounding connection to nature, and Rudy David’s passionate leadership. His expertise transforms the retreat into a creative crucible, fostering a community of artists, changemakers, and seekers.
With all-inclusive packages, featuring stays at VanVaas Orchard Retreat, Wilderness Eco Lodge, or Eco Lodge, plus pickups from Manali (or optional cabs from Chandigarh/Delhi), every detail is crafted for immersion.
Bring a portable instrument, yoga mat, or art supplies to personalize your journey, and consider small gifts like pens and notebooks for local kids to spread joy.
Designed for responsible tourism, the retreat encourages zero-waste practices and supports reforestation, aligning with urgent SOS causes. Given the remote setting, travel insurance is recommended to cover medical needs or trip interruptions. With a vibe of unity and creativity, this retreat promises an unforgettable awakening.
Immerse yourself in the transformative Acoustic Garden Retreat at VanVaas, Soil Village near Manali, unfolding over three nights and four days.
This exclusive retreat, led by the visionary Artiste-in-Residence Rudy David, a renowned musician and mentor, offers a rare fusion of art, music, and wellness amidst the breathtaking Himalayan landscape.
Nestled in the serene embrace of Soil Village’s lush orchards and glacial streams, VanVaas provides an eco-conscious haven that amplifies the retreat’s soul-stirring essence.
This journey begins with your arrival, greeted by the tranquil beauty of the region. Temperatures range from 13°C to 20°C, with occasional misty rains, perfect for indoor creativity and outdoor exploration.
The retreat weaves a rich tapestry of experiences: daily yoga and meditation to center your mind, guided nature hikes through verdant trails, and expressive art sessions to unleash your inner artist. Dive into Hum Drum circles and music workshops led by Rudy, where his mentorship inspires both novices and seasoned musicians.
Evenings come alive with fireside open mics and captivating live performances, complemented by farm-fresh meals that nourish body and soul. A highlight includes a guided tour of Naggar Castle and Roerich Art Gallery, offering a cultural deep dive into the region’s heritage.
What sets Acoustic Garden apart is its secret sauce: the unparalleled location of VanVaas, its panoramic Himalayan views and grounding connection to nature, and Rudy David’s passionate leadership. His expertise transforms the retreat into a creative crucible, fostering a community of artists, changemakers, and seekers.
With all-inclusive packages, featuring stays at VanVaas Orchard Retreat, Wilderness Eco Lodge, or Eco Lodge, plus pickups from Manali (or optional cabs from Chandigarh/Delhi), every detail is crafted for immersion.
Bring a portable instrument, yoga mat, or art supplies to personalize your journey, and consider small gifts like pens and notebooks for local kids to spread joy.
Designed for responsible tourism, the retreat encourages zero-waste practices and supports reforestation, aligning with urgent SOS causes. Given the remote setting, travel insurance is recommended to cover medical needs or trip interruptions. With a vibe of unity and creativity, this retreat promises an unforgettable awakening.
Schedule
Day 1: Arrival & Welcome
Arrival and check-in at VanVaas eco-lodge in Soil Village, Manali.
Welcome circle and orientation with Rudy David and facilitators.
Guided forest walk, opening group activities.
Relaxation and a local Himachali dinner.
Evening acoustic performance and open-mic session by the fire.
Day 2: Music & Nature Immersion
Sunrise yoga/meditation in the orchard.
Farm-fresh breakfast.
Expressive Art & Music Workshop with Rudy David.
Guided pine forest walk or trout stream session.
Picnic lunch amidst orchards or by the stream.
Afternoon HumDrum circle—collaborative music-making.
Evening sharing circle, bonfire, acoustic garden concert.
Day 3: Culture & Creativity
Early forest bathing and nature movement.
Breakfast outdoors.
Songwriting circle with Rudy David.
3-4 hour excursion: Visit to Naggar Castle & Roerich Art Gallery for Himalayan art, culture and mountain vistas.
Return to VanVaas for community lunch and networking.
Wellness workshop or creative free time.
Sunset performance, fireside music and stories.
Day 4: Old Manali Experience & Farewell
Closing yoga or meditation.
Farewell gratitude circle, group sharing of insights and creative breakthroughs.
Brunch with locally sourced ingredients.
Guided tour of Old Manali: Café hopping, exploring local shops, and souvenir shopping.
Drop at Volvo stand, Manali for onward journeys.
Arrival and check-in at VanVaas eco-lodge in Soil Village, Manali.
Welcome circle and orientation with Rudy David and facilitators.
Guided forest walk, opening group activities.
Relaxation and a local Himachali dinner.
Evening acoustic performance and open-mic session by the fire.
Day 2: Music & Nature Immersion
Sunrise yoga/meditation in the orchard.
Farm-fresh breakfast.
Expressive Art & Music Workshop with Rudy David.
Guided pine forest walk or trout stream session.
Picnic lunch amidst orchards or by the stream.
Afternoon HumDrum circle—collaborative music-making.
Evening sharing circle, bonfire, acoustic garden concert.
Day 3: Culture & Creativity
Early forest bathing and nature movement.
Breakfast outdoors.
Songwriting circle with Rudy David.
3-4 hour excursion: Visit to Naggar Castle & Roerich Art Gallery for Himalayan art, culture and mountain vistas.
Return to VanVaas for community lunch and networking.
Wellness workshop or creative free time.
Sunset performance, fireside music and stories.
Day 4: Old Manali Experience & Farewell
Closing yoga or meditation.
Farewell gratitude circle, group sharing of insights and creative breakthroughs.
Brunch with locally sourced ingredients.
Guided tour of Old Manali: Café hopping, exploring local shops, and souvenir shopping.
Drop at Volvo stand, Manali for onward journeys.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
VanVaas, VanVaas, Manali, Soil, Himachal Pradesh, India
Directions
VanVaas is located right at the end of Soil road, 2km from Soyal village which is 16 km from Manali town and about 30 km from the Kullu-Manali Airport.
Accommodation
Multiple eco-conscious accommodations: choose from The Wilderness Lodge (communal, rustic vibe), The Orchard Retreat (premium rooms with private patios and panoramic views), or The Eco Lodge (intimate, streamside rooms crafted from stone and wood).
Shared Deluxe Double room with king bed - 2 people in 1 room
Private Deluxe Double Room - Private room for 2
Shared room in the wilderness lodge homestay - 2 in 1 room (bathroom outside)
Private room in homestay - max 2 people in room (bathroom outside)
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
Surrounded by flourishing orchards of apple, plum, and pear trees, offering direct access to the outdoors and serene, scenic walks.
Dedicated communal areas: cozy living room, spacious attic sit-outs, and forest-view patios—perfect for group sessio
Dedicated communal areas: cozy living room, spacious attic sit-outs, and forest-view patios—perfect for group sessio
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Locally sourced, organic meals blending Himachali flavors with fresh apples, millets, trout, and live grill options—nourishing, wholesome, and crafted for retreat wellness.
What's Included
- 3 nights accommodation
- 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals
- Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day
- Welcome drink
- Daily yoga classes
- Daily meditation classes
- Group excursions/activities
- Nature hikes with a trusted guide
- Free excursions to sites of interest
- Specialized workshops
- Gift: Natural Organic Honey, Amaranth, Kodra or Cow Ghee
- Transportation during the retreat
- Parking
- Luggage storage
- Wifi connection
What's Not Included
- Flights costs
- Travel insurance
- Visa fee
- Additional treatments
- Additional activities not included in the itinerary