Well I did it. After a long search, I've secured the perfect venue for a weekend yoga retreat while I'm out in California. It's a beautiful ranch with an open floor plan and lots of privacy, peace and quiet. There's a beautiful pool and I envision sweaty yoga, profound meditation, laughs, swimming and just total relaxation. This retreat is for people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle with a little mini vacation and nourish the mind, body and soul with playful, creatively sequenced yoga classes, thoughtful guided meditations and lots of cold pressed fresh juices. I'm so excited, and I hope you'll join! The first three people to pay in full will receive a free 30 minute massage, so let's get to it. Here's the run down:
Weekend Yoga Retreat in California, The Basics
Who: Me (read my bio here and check out the YogaByCandace YouTube channel for a taste of my teaching style), my husband and our 5 year old Siberian husky (a gentle soul), and you!
Where: A beautiful ranch on a 20 acre hilltop in the middle of Santa Ynez valley
What: A super laid-back weekend yoga retreat. Five yoga classes, four meditation and pranayama classes. Option to do a juice cleanse the entire time, or eat organic, healthy meals.
When: June 20-22, 2014
How many: Nine yogis sleeping at the venue, tops.
What's included: two night accommodation in the room/bed of your choice, five yoga classes, four meditation/pranayama classes, all juices (or add $100 to sub five organic meals for juices), a/c, wi-fi, laundry service, movie night on Saturday, welcome gift bag.
Who's teaching: Me. You can check out my teaching style on my YouTube channel. Each class will be completely different, and playfully sequenced with attention to alignment. You'll be guided into going a bit deeper in your personal practice, and invited to sift through whatever it is going on in your life and let go of what's not serving you.
Juicing / Meals
The retreat is intended to be a juice cleanse yoga event, but I don't want anyone to be turned off from coming. If you're not up for a juice cleanse, no problem! Just add $100 to the total cost and we'll sub 5 organic meals (Friday dinner, 3 meals Saturday and breakfast on Sunday). Meals will be organic, healthful foods and can be vegan, vegetarian or non-veg - totally up to you.
If you feel like trying a juice cleanse, we'll be making the fresh, cold pressed juices using organic fruits and vegetables from local farmers. The cleanse is based off the plans from Reboot With Joe. Both my husband and I have done 3 and 5 day cleanses following this program and have liked it. Should you choose to try the cleanse, you'll receive information on what to eat for an optimal juicing experience leading up to the weekend. Of course, it is recommended that you speak with your doctor prior to doing any major diet change.
Weekend Yoga Retreat Schedule
(do all or nothing, everything's optional)
Friday, June 20, 2014
4:30pm - You're welcome to arrive at the property starting from 4:30pm. You'll be served a cold pressed juice, and given a tour of the property. From there, unpack, take a dip in the pool, or a snooze. Totally up to you.
5:30pm - 7:00pm Yoga class 1: Slow yoga in a fast world: A class set to gentle music. Prepare to sweat as we move super slowly through this powerful practice that focuses on alignment and prana.
7:30pm - 8:00pm Dessert Juice
9:00pm - Homemade fresh lemon ginger tea
9:30PM - 10:00pm Meditation 1: Guided evening meditation and pranayama.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
7:00am Fresh tea
7:30am - 8:00am Juice 1
8:00 - 8:30 Meditation 2: Guided meditation and pranayama
8:30 - 10:00am Yoga class 2: Groove power yoga: A strong practice featuring playful sequencing, fueled by our breath and great tunes. Arm balances. Laughs. Learning. Playing.
10:00am - 10:30am Juice 2
10:30 - 12noon Free time (swimming, reading, journaling)
Noon - 12:30pm Juice 3
12:30-1:30 Free time (hiking, massage* (massage is available from a CA licensed therapist at an additional cost, just let me know if you'd like 30, 60 or 90 minute massage)
1:30pm - 2:00pm Coconut water
2:00pm - 4:30pm Free time (nap, relax in spa, walk to town)
4:30pm - 5:15pm Yoga class 3: Guided yoga nidra meditation: Beginning with gentle stretching, and moving into a profoundly deep guided meditation using visualization techniques where we access that feeling you have just before falling asleep. Super relaxing. No music.
5:30pm - 6:00pm Juice 4
6:00pm - 6:30pm Meditation 3 - pranayama and meditation
6:30pm - 7:30pm Yoga class 4: Blindfold yoga. Practicing the art of trusting ourselves, we'll use blindfolds to take the practice a bit deeper and move through this vinyasa set to music.
7:45pm - 8:15pm Juice 5
8:15pm - 10:00pm Movie night with fresh lemon ginger tea
Sunday, June 22, 2014
6:45am - 7:00am Meditation 4: Om meditation
7:00am Fresh tea
7:30am - 8:45am Yoga class 5 - Detox yoga. Set to music, this class sequence incorporates lots of twists and pranayama to flush out the everyday toxins. Prepare to sweat.
9:00am - 9:20am breakfast juice
9:20am - 10:00am - shower and pack up
10:00am - goodbye!
What to bring
-blindfold, if you'd like to attend the blindfold yoga class. I recommend a sleep mask, but you could also use a scarf of handkerchief
-yoga mat
-yoga clothing
-a blanket so you can wrap up during savasana and yoga nidra
-swimsuit
-journal & pen
-camera
-book
-open mind
*we do have wi-fi, but if you choose to bring your phone or laptop, please use them in the privacy of your bedroom out of respect for the others attending.
The Venue
The venue is designed in the prairie style of Frank Lloyed Wright
The venue is located on a hilltop on 20 acres in the middle of Santa Ynez valley. It is walking distance to the charming town of Los Olivos. Head into town during free time or hang out by the pool all day. It's your weekend, so do what makes you feel best.
Living room area
The living area features a fireplace, stereo, and is where we'll hold our Saturday night movie. We'll also do our yoga nidra class here.
Open floor plan
Meet here for your juices or meals and eat at the table or take it out to the patio.
Kitchen area
All juices and meals will be prepared for you so you can completely relax.
Spa and pool area
The outdoor area features a spa and swimming pool. It's a great place to unwind, read, and swim. We'll do yoga around to pool and on the spacious patio.
Master Suite will be shared. 1 King bed, 1 queen air mattress and 1 cot. Shared master suite bathroom.
Master suite bath
The master suite will be shared.
King bed: $610* single accommodation, or share with a friend $510* each
Queen air mattress (not pictured): $570* single accommodation, or share with a friend $470* each
1 cot (not pictured): $570* single accommodation
There is also the option for a single person or a couple to have the entire room to themselves. Please inquire for price.
*This price includes a juice cleanse. Add $100 to sub 5 organic meals for the juice cleanse.
Bedroom one features a queen bed and private full bathroom
Queen bed with private full bathroom: $710* single accommodation, or share with a friend $610* each
*This price includes the juice cleanse. Add $100 to sub 5 organic meals for the juice cleanse.
Bedroom two features a queen bed and private full bathroom
Queen bed with private full bathroom: $710* single accommodation, or share with a friend $610* each*
*This price includes the juice cleanse. Add $100 to sub 5 organic meals for the juice cleanse.
Bedroom three features a queen bed and private bathroom
Queen bed with private bathroom: $710* single accommodation, or share with a friend $610* each*
*This price includes the juice cleanse. Add $100 to sub 5 organic meals for the juice cleanse.
Live nearby?
If you live nearby and would like to attend the yoga classes, you can register here and just come for classes.
Terms and Conditions
-a $350 deposit will secure you reservation. This deposit is non-reimbursable and non-transferable. The remaining balance will be requested no later than 4 weeks before the retreat (May 23, 2014). The deposit will be not reimbursed should you decide to cancel your reservation.
-No reimbursement will be granted in case of early departure.
-We accept no liability for loss, damage, injury or illness, which may occur during the Retreat or traveling to or from the Retreat. All students are strongly recommended to have their own travel insurance to cover any loss or injury, including repatriation if necessary. It is advisable to take out travel insurance in the event that you have to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances.
-We reserve the right to make any changes to our program, courses or teachers. Alternative arrangements are offered to the best of our ability but if not taken up, we do not accept responsibility for any costs incurred, including airfare.
-Students who have chosen a private room will not qualify for any discount regardless of whether another student happens to be alone in a 'shared' room.
-We ask that you inform us if you have any particular pre-existing injury or illness that is relevant to the yoga practice. We advise that if you are feeling any pain of illness during class that you stop and rest.
-Due to the intensity of a few of the yoga classes, the yoga program is not suitable for pregnant women.
-Our five year old Siberian husky will be our mascot for the weekend. He's a gentle, quiet guy and just sort of does his own thing (though if you have a treat, he will shake your hand and give you high fives). No need to be a dog lover, but just wanted it be to clear he'll be at the retreat.
Book now!
Space is limited, so book now by putting down your deposit. You'll then receive a link to pay the remaining balance. The first three people to pay in full will receive a complimentary 30 minute massage. Can't wait to see you!