As spring unfolds, we are invited to meet its fresh energy with openness, curiosity, and intention. In the spirit of the women who came before us, this retreat offers a chance to root more deeply into ourselves while stepping into new possibilities with clarity and strength. Together, we move beyond the stillness of winter and rise into a more authentic expression of who we are, creating fertile ground for what we long to bring into the world.
Rise Rooted is a path of return: to self, to memory, and to inner wholeness. It is a homecoming.
Shaped by the rhythms of Nature and the shared story of the feminine experience, this retreat invites you to explore the divine feminine within yourself, within the land, and within the archetypal patterns we all carry. Through somatic, meditative, and breath-centered practices, we will work with elemental energies and archetypal expressions that influence both our inner and outer lives.
We will gently meet both the strength and the shadow of these energies, making room for what has been forgotten, suppressed, or left behind. From that place, we can nurture, restore, and embody the parts of ourselves that help us rise with greater authenticity, power, and ease.
Held in a sacred ceremonial container, you will be supported in releasing patterns that have kept you feeling stuck, while reclaiming your center and restoring the natural flow of your energy. This is deep, intentional work—an experience of healing, celebration, and embodiment.
This carefully designed retreat weaves together yoga, therapeutic nature practices, breathwork, somatic exploration, energy medicine, and archetypal wisdom. Grounding yet expansive, it is intended to reconnect you with your body, your intuition, and the living world around you.
Throughout our time together, you will be guided through practices that nourish transformation during the retreat and offer practical ways to carry this work into daily life, allowing the experience to continue unfolding long after you leave.
Choose between simple, comfortable single or shared rooms, each with a private bathroom. Many accommodations offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The Mountain is a beautiful retreat center set on a mountaintop just minutes from downtown Highlands, North Carolina.
From the Dining Hall, Lodge, and many of the accommodations, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Smoky Mountains.
3872 Dillard Road (Highway 106), Highlands, NC 28741. The Mountain Retreat Center is 4 miles southwest of Highlands, NC and 10 miles east of Dillard, GA on GA Highway 246/NC Highway 106.
Our time together begins with Thursday dinner and ends with Sunday lunch. All meals are included, and you can expect healthy, freshly prepared food. Dietary restrictions and sensitivities can be accommodated with advance notice.
Join Wendy Swanson, a yoga teacher, acupuncturist, nature lover, and travel enthusiast, and Kathleen McIntyre, a nature therapy and adventure guide, embodiment coach, forest ecologist, and educator, on this transformational journey of a lifetime.
All pricing is per person. All meals, lodging, and programming are included. Transportation to the retreat is not included. We begin at 6 pm on Thursday, April 8th, and conclude at 1 pm on Sunday, April 11th, 2027.
Shared Twin Bed Double Room with Private Bathroom $1,395
Single Twin Bed Room with Private Bathroom $1,835
Designed for solo travelers seeking comfort and privacy, this single accommodation option offers a peaceful place to unwind during your stay. The room provides a simple, welcoming setting where you can relax, recharge, and enjoy your time at your own pace.
Ideal for guests who value independence and quiet, it creates a calm atmosphere that supports rest after a day of retreat activities, wellness experiences, or time spent exploring the surroundings. Whether you are visiting for a restorative getaway or a focused personal journey, this space gives you the freedom to settle in and feel at ease.
With its understated charm and practical layout, the accommodation is a comfortable choice for one guest looking for a private and restful stay.
Designed for those who value both comfort and space, this double accommodation option offers a welcoming stay for friends, family members, or retreat guests traveling together. The room features two queen beds, creating a restful setting with plenty of room to unwind after a full day of activities.
Thoughtfully suited to shared stays, this casita provides a relaxed and practical atmosphere while maintaining a sense of privacy and ease. It is an excellent choice for guests looking for a comfortable base during their retreat, whether the focus is on rest, connection, or simply enjoying a peaceful environment.
With its inviting layout and convenient sleeping arrangement, this accommodation makes it easy to settle in and feel at home. Guests can enjoy a calm, comfortable space that supports a restorative and enjoyable stay.
Wendy Swanson
Since 1998, Kathleen McIntyre has been guiding individuals and groups into the wilderness, creating space for meaningful connection, reflection, and healing. In 1999, she earned a Master’s in Forest Resources, deepening her lifelong commitment to land conservation and restoration while weaving in the wisdom of nature for personal growth and transformation. Her work brings together somatic therapy, nature therapy, and Presence-based...
Read more
Thu, Apr 8 – Sun, Apr 11