Reviews     To review this event, visit the page for the venue or retreat leaders (above).

• Amberleigh Aller Cellak   December 30, 2019

    Uplifting experience....

  Our experience included comfort, beauty, healthy food, and a stimulating, profound education. We were among lovely people who all had a desire to grow towards the best versions of themselves. We left feeling inspired to continue the practices taught by our very wise hosts. They were beyond generous to us. It was a beautiful experience on many levels.

• Kieran Sikdar   September 16, 2019

    Relaxing, restorative retreat!

  My family and I had a lovely, rejuvenating stay at Daiva and Gangamata's home, where we resided for over a month while waiting to move into a new home. Offering a respite from hectic city life, it was the perfect landing spot for a longer-term stay. The quarters are clean and comfortable, and appear to have been newly renovated. The kitchen is stocked with everything we needed - a dual burner, cookware, utensils, dishes, and a full-sized fridge and freezer. The washer and dryer were also super practical! There is also a ton of storage in the space, which was quite helpful as we happened to have plenty of loot with us; this made keeping the place tidy a cinch. We all, our six-year old son included, relished the gorgeous surroundings - hundreds of acres of hills, trees, flowers, and friendly critters. We greeted deer (parents plus bambis!) passing in front of the front door nearly every day, and took many long walks in the quiet rolling hills, breathing fresh, fragrant air. The people who live in this community are caring and friendly, and the community kitchen serves up tasty treats made with love, which gave us all a much-needed break from kitchen duties. Daiva and Gangamata are incredibly accommodating and conscientious. They responded promptly to questions and requests, and made a formidable effort to understand not only our specific needs, many of which were health-related, but also how they could help us fulfill them. We will miss them both, but will surely be back to visit soon! We fully recommend Daiva and Gangamata's home for your next stay without reservation or qualification. Come experience the beauty of this pace! You'll remember it always.

• Erica Kshama Kellogg   June 18, 2019

    A Treasure!

  The Center at Ananda Laurelwood is a treasure I return to again and again! There is a peace and preciousness that permeates the grounds and is nurtured by the staff and student-residents of the campus. I love to walk the property at sunrise and sunset, attend the yoga and meditation sessions, and participate in classes and karma yoga activities. Every retreat and program I have attended has left me feeling more deeply connected with myself and transformed from the inside out. I will be back again and again!

• susan Traff   April 25, 2019

    Awesome week!

  I came to Ananda tired and in need of changing pace and chilling out. I wanted some structure and community but not too much. Ananda seemed to offer just that with meals, meditation and yoga. But it was more than that. I entered an incredible community of people who welcomed me with such openness, I immediately felt settled and so glad to be there. It was great to share meals and sit in meditation together and then find a new pace and rhythm to relax and retune. I was able to do that to my own amazement and I feel due to the support of the community along with the beautiful grounds and cozy comforting room I looked so forward to relaxing and reading in at different times during the day. My days were spent meditating, doing yoga, eating and reading, with big energizing hikes in the afternoon. I also got to chant kirtan with the community one night as well as participate in a workshop a couple of days while I was there. Definitely go if you are looking to recharge and like the idea of some community, food is fantastic and the people, so open and loving. Thanks Ananda, see you next year!