Set against the quiet grandeur of New York’s high peaks, this retreat invites you to settle into the gentle pace of autumn through daily yoga, seasonal meals, and the peaceful atmosphere of a mountain sanctuary. Whether you’re longing for a deep reset, fresh inspiration, or simply time to breathe, it offers a grounding blend of nature and community to help you reconnect with your inner rhythm.

“From the moment I arrived, I felt a sense of joy and peace. The schedule was perfectly curated to blend invigoration with relaxation. Each morning began with a serene meditation, followed by fun creative yoga flows. The restorative and yoga nidra classes included soothing sound baths and ‘head tucks’ to help everyone sink deeply into relaxation. The meditative hike, the delicious food, the nourishing conversations all allowed me to feel refreshed, centered, and full of gratitude. I highly recommend a retreat with Vicki and Megan for anyone looking for a holistic, transformative getaway!”

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

As summer’s energy softens, autumn draws us inward. This retreat creates space to step away from the pressures of daily life, slow down, restore your energy, and reconnect with what matters most. It is an invitation to align with the season’s natural rhythm, reflect deeply, and rediscover clarity, steadiness, and your own inner light before winter arrives.

Nurturing Your Body

Seasonal Vegetarian Cuisine: Enjoy three chef-prepared meals each day, with nourishing vegetarian and vegan dishes made from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

Mindful Eating: Meals are served in a serene dining hall, often shared with the resident community in an atmosphere of quiet reflection.

Daily Practice & Reflection

Morning Meditation & Yoga: Begin each day with sun salutations and guided meditation as the light rises over the high peaks.

Restorative & Evening Practices: Ease into the evening with gentle restorative yoga, Yoga Nidra, and healing sound baths designed to calm the nervous system.

Sharing & Journaling: Join intimate sharing circles and dedicated journaling time to process your experience and set intentions for the months ahead.

Release & Gratitude: Throughout the weekend, practices centered on letting go and cultivating gratitude will be woven into the program.

Connection with Nature

Nature Bathing & Hiking: Spend time across 90 acres of private forest, with guided nature walks and forest bathing experiences among the Catskills’ peak fall colors.

Exploration: Wander wooded trails or head to nearby mountain paths for sweeping valley views.

A Sanctuary of Stillness

Digital Detox: To support deep rest, guest rooms do not include internet, telephones, or televisions.

Serene Amenities: Between sessions, enjoy quiet time in the extensive spiritual library or meditate among the outdoor statues and pavilions.

Come experience a sanctuary where turning leaves and mountain air support a deep return to balance. Your journey toward inner peace and seasonal alignment begins in the Catskills.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
Group journaling and dharma talk session
Daily guided meditations
Walking meditation through the wooded grounds with beautiful flora and fauna
Group hike to explore cliffs and scenic trails with breathtaking views
Kintsugi: Beauty in the Brokenness art project
Evening relaxation with yoga nidra, restorative yoga, and a sound bath
Delicious all-vegetarian meals with organic, local ingredients
Option to extend your stay on Personal Retreat
Extensive library of dharma books

OPEN TO ALL

The program is open to participants with prior yoga experience. Classes are offered for all levels, with options for advancement.

SCHEDULE

(subject to change)

Thursday, October 29

3:00-4:00 PM: Check in
4:30-6:00 PM: Welcome Circle
60-minute Yoga Practice
6:00-7:00 PM: Dinner
8:00-9:00 PM: Restorative Yoga
10:00 PM: Lights out

Friday, October 30

7:00-8:00 AM: Morning Sun Salutations and Meditation
8:00-9:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00-11:30 PM: Guided Walking Meditation and Gratitude Practice
12:00-1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00-3:00 PM: Free Time: hike, read, rest
3:00-4:00 PM: Dharma talk, Meditation, Journaling
4:00-5:15 PM: 75-minute Gratitude Yoga Practice
6:00-7:00 PM: Dinner
8:00-9:00 PM: Restorative Yoga
10:00 PM: Lights Out

Saturday, October 31

7:00-8:00 AM: Morning Sun Salutations and Meditation
8:00-9:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00-10:30 AM: Free Time
10:30 AM-12:00 PM: 90-minute Halloween-Inspired Yoga Practice
12:00-1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00-3:00 PM: Free Time: hike, read, rest
3:00-5:00 PM: Breathwork, Meditation, and Restorative Yoga
6:00-7:00 PM: Dinner
8:00-9:00 PM: Yoga Nidra & Sound Bath
10:00 PM: Lights Out

Sunday, November 1

7:00-8:00 AM: Morning Sun Salutations and Meditation
8:00-9:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00-10:30 AM: Free Time: hike, read, rest, pack
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: 75-minute Yoga Practice
Closing Circle
12:00-1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM: Checkout and Departure

Teachers

Megan Martino, RYT-500

Megan was first introduced to yoga by her mother at a young age. After years of practicing alongside her, she began developing her own yoga and meditation practice in college. She completed a 200-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training at the Yoga Center of Columbia in 2022 and a 300-hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training with Jason Crandell in 2024. Megan is also a certified Y12SR (Yoga of 12-Step Recovery) Peer Support Guide, Certified Sound Healer, and Power Pilates Mat Pilates Instructor. Her teaching philosophy centers on cultivating strength, resilience, and peace in both body and mind through proper alignment and steady practice.

Vicki Bannister, E-RYT-200

Yoga has been part of Vicki Bannister’s life for more than 20 years. In 2009, she completed a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Program at the Yoga Center of Columbia. She later deepened her studies through an extensive Yoga Immersion program in 2010 and an Ayurveda Immersion program in 2019. Vicki enjoys weaving these connected principles into her own practice and sharing them with her students. In her classes, she offers alignment-based yoga guided by the breath to support a stronger, healthier body-mind connection.

Events in Pine Bush

Events in Pine Bush