A Magical Tulip Experience
A Magical Tulip Experience
April 17 - 20, 2025
Retreat Highlights
- Visit the Crystal Hermitage Gardens
- Daily Yoga Sessions
- Daily Meditation Sessions
- Organic Vegetarian Meals
- Visit Ananda Village Temples
- A private group meal at the beautiful Crystal Hermitage
- Inspiring and entertaining musical entertainment
- 10% discount at the Shrine of the Masters boutique
- Free Crystal Hermitage book, The Spirit of Gardening, by Nancy Mair, Crystal Hermitage Master Gardener
About this Retreat
Sundara is a gifted and extraordinarily creative teacher, winning friends wherever he is. He finds deep joy in helping people understand spiritual concepts. His classes and weekend retreats are immersive and experiential, and his clear explanations help people apply yogic teachings to real-life situations.
Sundara has lived at Ananda Village since 2008 and serves as The Expanding Light spiritual director, supporting the spiritual welfare of both retreat staff and guests. Among the many hats he wears, he is a certified Ananda meditation teacher trainer, hosts and leads weekend retreat programs and oversees our flagship programs, Karma Yoga and Personal Retreat.
Nandadevi Traymar has been a long-term practitioner and teacher of both Hatha Yoga and meditation in her home country, Argentina. She has served at the Expanding Light Retreat in California for nearly two years working with people of all ages and walks of life in the Karma Yoga Program, supporting them in their efforts to strengthen their spiritual lives. She now works as the Village Office Coordinator.
Details of this retreat
Re-inspire, Relax, and Rejuvenate Your Life
Immerse Yourself in Nature’s Beauty
The powerful healing, nurturing energy of thousands of flowers, everywhere you look, exceeds the imagination of what can happen inside of you during a weekend immersed in this bountiful beauty.
Add an inspired program with experienced hosts and long-time gardeners: experiential nature activities and introspective exercises, discussions, and a delicious vegetarian dinner at the elegant Crystal Hermitage, and you will return home with a new lease on life.
In April, Nature puts on a glorious show at the Crystal Hermitage. 20,000 tulips fill myriad terraces, winding down the hill toward the Yuba River, hundreds of feet below. There are 108 different varieties, in dozens of colors and color combinations. Blossoming cherry and dogwood trees, wisteria, and other beautiful plants join the dazzling array of color, shapes, and fragrances to entice and delight you.
Activities for Your Enjoyment and Upliftment:
A guided garden tour by a knowledgeable Crystal Hermitage gardener
A special talk about the history and inspiration behind the gardens
A class on a meditation technique to help focus and quiet your mind
Ananda Yoga® sessions to relax your body and relieve stress
A private group meal at the beautiful Crystal Hermitage
Inspiring and entertaining musical entertainment
10% discount at the Shrine of the Masters boutique
Free Crystal Hermitage book, The Spirit of Gardening, by Nancy Mair, Crystal Hermitage Master Gardener
Receive the Blessings of Earth, Sun, and Flower Energies
Open a stronger connection with your higher self, renewing your body, mind, and soul. You can wander amid the flowers and plants, take photos, chat with newfound friends, or sit and enjoy the spectacular views of the Yuba River canyon. The special healing vibrations of Crystal Hermitage, combined with the radiant color show, will rejuvenate your spirit. The high vibration and profound harmony will uplift and fill your heart with joy.
This is an ideal weekend to share with a friend or relative. Yoga postures, meditation, and wonderful vegetarian food are staples of an Expanding Light visit. Read More
Immerse Yourself in Nature’s Beauty
The powerful healing, nurturing energy of thousands of flowers, everywhere you look, exceeds the imagination of what can happen inside of you during a weekend immersed in this bountiful beauty.
Add an inspired program with experienced hosts and long-time gardeners: experiential nature activities and introspective exercises, discussions, and a delicious vegetarian dinner at the elegant Crystal Hermitage, and you will return home with a new lease on life.
In April, Nature puts on a glorious show at the Crystal Hermitage. 20,000 tulips fill myriad terraces, winding down the hill toward the Yuba River, hundreds of feet below. There are 108 different varieties, in dozens of colors and color combinations. Blossoming cherry and dogwood trees, wisteria, and other beautiful plants join the dazzling array of color, shapes, and fragrances to entice and delight you.
Activities for Your Enjoyment and Upliftment:
A guided garden tour by a knowledgeable Crystal Hermitage gardener
A special talk about the history and inspiration behind the gardens
A class on a meditation technique to help focus and quiet your mind
Ananda Yoga® sessions to relax your body and relieve stress
A private group meal at the beautiful Crystal Hermitage
Inspiring and entertaining musical entertainment
10% discount at the Shrine of the Masters boutique
Free Crystal Hermitage book, The Spirit of Gardening, by Nancy Mair, Crystal Hermitage Master Gardener
Receive the Blessings of Earth, Sun, and Flower Energies
Open a stronger connection with your higher self, renewing your body, mind, and soul. You can wander amid the flowers and plants, take photos, chat with newfound friends, or sit and enjoy the spectacular views of the Yuba River canyon. The special healing vibrations of Crystal Hermitage, combined with the radiant color show, will rejuvenate your spirit. The high vibration and profound harmony will uplift and fill your heart with joy.
This is an ideal weekend to share with a friend or relative. Yoga postures, meditation, and wonderful vegetarian food are staples of an Expanding Light visit. Read More
Schedule
Morning
6:30 – 8:00 am Community Meditation (Join us for all or part of this silent meditation)
6:30 – 8:15 am Sadhana (spiritual practices) which consists of: Energization Exercises (20 – 25 min), Ananda Yoga Postures * (45 – 50 min), Chanting (5 min), Meditation (15 min – 30 min)
8:15 – 9:00 am Breakfast (in silence Monday-Saturday)
9:00 – 9:30 am Host check-in
10:00 – 11:30 am Scheduled program, class, group activity, or free time
Afternoon
Noon – 12:30 pm Meditation (5 min chanting, 25 min meditation)
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
2:00 – 4:00 pm Scheduled program, class, group activity, or free time
4:45 – 6:30 pm Sadhana (spiritual practices)
Evening
6:30 – 7:30 pm Dinner
7:30 – 9:00 pm Scheduled program, class, group activity, or free time
6:30 – 8:00 am Community Meditation (Join us for all or part of this silent meditation)
6:30 – 8:15 am Sadhana (spiritual practices) which consists of: Energization Exercises (20 – 25 min), Ananda Yoga Postures * (45 – 50 min), Chanting (5 min), Meditation (15 min – 30 min)
8:15 – 9:00 am Breakfast (in silence Monday-Saturday)
9:00 – 9:30 am Host check-in
10:00 – 11:30 am Scheduled program, class, group activity, or free time
Afternoon
Noon – 12:30 pm Meditation (5 min chanting, 25 min meditation)
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
2:00 – 4:00 pm Scheduled program, class, group activity, or free time
4:45 – 6:30 pm Sadhana (spiritual practices)
Evening
6:30 – 7:30 pm Dinner
7:30 – 9:00 pm Scheduled program, class, group activity, or free time
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Read MoreGetting Here
Directions
Yes, our retreat is a little out of the way. And once you get here, you’ll be glad it is!
Our address is 13930 Expanding Light Drive, Nevada City, CA. If using Google Maps. We are located 1.5 hours away from the Sacramento International Airport, as well as the Reno/Tahoe International Airport. If you need a ride to or from the bus, train, or plane, please contact us and we can share contact information for a drivers who have helped our guests in the past. Read More
Our address is 13930 Expanding Light Drive, Nevada City, CA. If using Google Maps. We are located 1.5 hours away from the Sacramento International Airport, as well as the Reno/Tahoe International Airport. If you need a ride to or from the bus, train, or plane, please contact us and we can share contact information for a drivers who have helped our guests in the past. Read More
Accommodation
PRIVATE ENSUITE - King
Equally appropriate for a single person or for a couple, a king private room can provide the peace and solitude you crave. This airy room has a king-sized bed with a private, ensuite bathroom. An inviting outdoor space awaits you outside your front door, surrounded by a serene, forest setting.
Read More
PRIVATE ENSUITE - Twin
Equally appropriate for a single person or for a couple, an ensuite private room can provide the peace and solitude you crave. These charming rooms have two twin beds with a private, ensuite bathroom. An inviting outdoor space awaits you outside your front door, surrounded by a serene, forest setting.
Read More
PRIVATE STANDARD - Queen
Equally appropriate for a single person or for a couple, enjoy your own peaceful room with a queen bed and a shared bathroom down the hall. Your room is simply and tastefully decorated, with windows opening toward the surrounding forest. A bright and airy communal lounge and kitchenette is available 24 hours a day, perfect for relaxing with a book or sharing a cup of tea with friends.
Read More
PRIVATE STANDARD - Twin
Equally appropriate for a single person or for a couple, enjoy your own peaceful room with two twin beds and a shared bathroom down the hall. Each room is simply and tastefully decorated, with windows opening toward the surrounding forest. A bright and airy communal lounge and kitchenette is available 24 hours a day, perfect for relaxing with a book or sharing a cup of tea with friends.
Read More
PRIVATE CABIN - Twin
Equally appropriate for a single person or for a couple, your private cabin is tucked into a gentle hillside, bright and airy inside, with expansive windows that connect your room to the surrounding forest. Each cabin has two twin beds, with a communal shower house that is centrally located and shared by other cabin guests, campers, and our karma yogis.
Read More
SHARED ENSUITE - Twin
Share this charming room with someone else. Each room has two twin beds with a private, ensuite bathroom. An inviting outdoor space awaits you outside your front door, surrounded by a serene, forest setting.
Read More
SHARED STANDARD - Twin
Share this charming room with someone else. Each room has two twin beds and a shared bathroom down the hall, and is simply and tastefully decorated, with windows opening toward the surrounding forest. A bright and airy communal lounge and kitchenette is available 24 hours a day, perfect for relaxing with a book or sharing a cup of tea with friends.
Read More
SHARED CABIN - Twin
Share this charming cabin with someone else. The cabins are tucked into a gentle hillside, bright and airy inside, with expansive windows that connect your room to the surrounding forest. Each cabin has two twin beds, with a communal shower house that is centrally located and shared by other cabin guests, campers, and our karma yogis.
Read More
CAMPING
Fourteen campsites scatter across a gentle, forested hillside, with level areas for pitching your tent. A centrally located shower house is close by, shared by other campers, cabin guests, and our karma yogis. Please bring your own camping gear and towels. We do live amidst bears and other wildlife, so avoid storing any food or scented toiletries in your tent.
Read More
RV
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
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
What's Included
- 3 Organic Vegetarian Meals per day
- 2 Yoga and Meditation sessions per day
- Ticket to the Crystal Hermitage Gardens
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