5.0
Verified
Wonderful!
Wonderful retreat leader at a fantastic place. Would come back in a heartbeat!
Coming into Balance - A retreat with yoga and massage
Top Rated
Coming into Balance - A retreat with yoga and massage
4.9389 reviews
April 11 - 13, 2025
About this Retreat
Dana Hancock is known for her soulful and creative vinyasa classes. Each class with Dana features fun, sweaty sequences, great hands on assists, spiritual teachings, music, and meditation. After many years of studying as a classically trained opera singer, musician, and composer, Dana sees yoga practice and teaching as an art form.
Dana has been studying yoga since 2003. She trained with master teachers Lesley Desaulniers from the Jivamukti Yoga tradition, and Nubia Teixeira from the Bhakti tradition. Dana was also certified in a Baptiste-style program, and she studied harmonium and chanting from Grammy-nominated singer Jai Uttal.
Dana continues to study and practice yoga in her everyday life. She is thankful to all of the incredible teachers she has encountered on her path. Yoga practice has transformed Dana’s life, and she is dedicated to helping others and sharing her passion for yoga. https://danahancockyoga.com/
Melody had the desire to ease suffering in others at a young age. After working in the medical field as a nurse's aid and as an in-home caregiver for disabled persons, she decided to find a path that would better enable her to reach her personal and humanitarian goals. This led her to the healing arts.
After attending massage therapy school in 2002 she studied alternative medicine to have a deeper knowledge of herbs, ayurvedic medicine and TCM. Shortly after her studies she became an esthetician.
Melody has worked closely with acupuncturists, chiropractors and physical therapists. Working in conjunction with these professionals has deepened her understanding of the body as far as the benefits of manual manipulation, breath and encouraging an easeful nervous system. In 2017, Melody was reintroduced to the benefits of gua sha while learning to teach yoga at the Dhyana Center in Sebastopol, CA. After experiencing the personal benefits and the benefits her clients experienced from gua sha, she now incorporates gua sha in her bodywork and skin care. She also teaches self gua sha massage techniques at Radiate Studio, as well as Yin Yoga.
Details of this retreat
We welcome Dana Hancock and Melody Hopkins of Sebastopol to offer a nourishing self-care retreat that will leave you relaxed and renewed!
Pairing two powerhouses in health and wellness, this weekend retreat combines yoga practice with the traditional Chinese medicine of gua sha to invite self-care and overall wellness.
Attendees will enjoy refreshing vinyasa yoga counterbalanced by both restorative yoga and gua sha face and body treatments to create harmony in body and mind. You will leave deeply nourished by this unique combination of yoga, dharma, and meditation practices.
This weekend includes:
Daily dynamic and energizing Vinyasa yoga paired with restorative yoga in the evenings
Dharma and spiritual insights to inspire practice and integrate into everyday life
Specialized lymphatic facials and fascial release massage treatments offered by Melody Hopkins using organic oils and fresh, local skincare products
Delicious all vegetarian cuisine
Relaxing in the natural beauty of Ratna Ling among the redwoods
COVID POLICY: For your safety and ours, we require proof of vaccination AND negative test result from all visitors to Ratna Ling Retreat Center. We wish to provide peace of mind for all of our residents and guests.
SCHEDULE (subject to change):
FRIDAY
3:00-4:00 Check-in
5:30-6:30 Dinner
6:45-7:30 Opening gathering
7:30 Free time and/or gua sha massage or facials by appointment with Melody Hopkins
SATURDAY
8:00-8:45 Breakfast
9:00-11:00 Dharma, vinyasa and meditation practice
11:00-12:15 Free time
12:15-1:00 Lunch
1:00-4:00 Quiet time and/or gua sha massage or facials by appointment with Melody Hopkins
4:00-5:30 Restorative and yin yoga with massage by Melody Hopkins
5:30–7pm Dinner
7:00 Free time and/or gua sha massage or facials by appointment with Melody Hopkins
SUNDAY
8:00-9:30 Vinyasa yoga practice
9:30-10:00 Closing circle
10:00 Brunch
11:00 Gua sha massage or facials by appointment with Melody Hopkins
12:00 Checkout
For directions to Ratna Ling - Ratna Ling Retreat Center 35755 Hauser Bridge Rd Cazadero, CA 95421
Accommodations are beautiful lux cabins
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Transportation to/from Ratna Ling is NOT included - carpooling encouraged
Payments are nonrefundable and transferable to a future Ratna Ling stay or retreat
Each cottage includes TWO private rooms with queen beds, large dining & living area, gas fireplace,
spacious deck, jacuzzi tub, linens/towels/hand soap, kitchenette with tea & coffee, complimentary wireless internet. Towels and hand soap are provided.
vegetarian meals are served during our weekend together.
What people are saying about our retreats:
“The accommodations were great along with the beautiful surroundings - everything was so peaceful and nurturing”
“It was exactly what I needed – to disconnect, get in tune with my soul and recharge my spirit.”
“I loved having time to myself to reflect on my life and where I am going. Thank you Ratna Ling."
“Space for reflection while also giving me anchor points through teachings.
“Space and time for meditation and movement classes were truly wonderful.”
“Being able to move at my own pace is a luxury. And of course the food was delicious."
Pairing two powerhouses in health and wellness, this weekend retreat combines yoga practice with the traditional Chinese medicine of gua sha to invite self-care and overall wellness.
Attendees will enjoy refreshing vinyasa yoga counterbalanced by both restorative yoga and gua sha face and body treatments to create harmony in body and mind. You will leave deeply nourished by this unique combination of yoga, dharma, and meditation practices.
This weekend includes:
Daily dynamic and energizing Vinyasa yoga paired with restorative yoga in the evenings
Dharma and spiritual insights to inspire practice and integrate into everyday life
Specialized lymphatic facials and fascial release massage treatments offered by Melody Hopkins using organic oils and fresh, local skincare products
Delicious all vegetarian cuisine
Relaxing in the natural beauty of Ratna Ling among the redwoods
COVID POLICY: For your safety and ours, we require proof of vaccination AND negative test result from all visitors to Ratna Ling Retreat Center. We wish to provide peace of mind for all of our residents and guests.
SCHEDULE (subject to change):
FRIDAY
3:00-4:00 Check-in
5:30-6:30 Dinner
6:45-7:30 Opening gathering
7:30 Free time and/or gua sha massage or facials by appointment with Melody Hopkins
SATURDAY
8:00-8:45 Breakfast
9:00-11:00 Dharma, vinyasa and meditation practice
11:00-12:15 Free time
12:15-1:00 Lunch
1:00-4:00 Quiet time and/or gua sha massage or facials by appointment with Melody Hopkins
4:00-5:30 Restorative and yin yoga with massage by Melody Hopkins
5:30–7pm Dinner
7:00 Free time and/or gua sha massage or facials by appointment with Melody Hopkins
SUNDAY
8:00-9:30 Vinyasa yoga practice
9:30-10:00 Closing circle
10:00 Brunch
11:00 Gua sha massage or facials by appointment with Melody Hopkins
12:00 Checkout
For directions to Ratna Ling - Ratna Ling Retreat Center 35755 Hauser Bridge Rd Cazadero, CA 95421
Accommodations are beautiful lux cabins
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Transportation to/from Ratna Ling is NOT included - carpooling encouraged
Payments are nonrefundable and transferable to a future Ratna Ling stay or retreat
Each cottage includes TWO private rooms with queen beds, large dining & living area, gas fireplace,
spacious deck, jacuzzi tub, linens/towels/hand soap, kitchenette with tea & coffee, complimentary wireless internet. Towels and hand soap are provided.
vegetarian meals are served during our weekend together.
What people are saying about our retreats:
“The accommodations were great along with the beautiful surroundings - everything was so peaceful and nurturing”
“It was exactly what I needed – to disconnect, get in tune with my soul and recharge my spirit.”
“I loved having time to myself to reflect on my life and where I am going. Thank you Ratna Ling."
“Space for reflection while also giving me anchor points through teachings.
“Space and time for meditation and movement classes were truly wonderful.”
“Being able to move at my own pace is a luxury. And of course the food was delicious."
Getting Here
Directions
San Francisco International and Oakland International airports are approximately three hours south of Ratna Ling by car. Alaska Airlines flies to and from Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa which is approximately 1.5 hours from Ratna Ling by car. Unfortunately, there are no shuttles that bring you directly to Ratna Ling, so it is best to rent a car or email us to support in coordinating a carpool with fellow retreatants.
Accommodation
14 guest cottages on 120 acres of property. Each spacious, quiet cottage has 2 private rooms, with high ceilings and a deck with a view. Cottages include jet tubs (or ADA shower), towels, deluxe linens, refrigerator, tea kettle, coffee/tea, kitchen sink/counter, diningware, dining table, and living room with a stove fireplace. Free wifi available and a landline telephone. Guests can choose to have an exclusive cottage for ONE person; a private room for ONE person in a SHARED cottage; or a cottage for TWO people. Any additional guest after TWO is $100 per person per night. Meals and classes included.
For 1 guest in Private Room (including meals and classes)
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
Three miles from the beautiful Sonoma coast. Organic, vegetarian meals. 120 acres of redwoods, canyons, reservoirs, and wildlife. Sacred architecture timber cottages and communal spaces. Featured stupas, gardens, and temple empowered by Tibetan Buddhist Lama Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
All of our meals are organic and vegetarian, made with love and care.
We provide homemade yogurt and granola for breakfast. Lunches and dinners always include salads or salad bar. Each meal is self-served on a buffet table.
Customer Reviews
Verified
5.0
Verified
An energetic portal
The sanctuary, surrounded by old growth redwoods, is a very special portal where connection to the divine feels effortless and powerful. The volunteers who live on property are delightful, the cabins are lovely, the grounds an amazing and the food is magnificent! I was on a cleanse with a very limiting protocol, but at every buffet there were plenty of delicious vegan and gluten free options. I didn’t feel compromised at all! The retreat I attended was the icing on the cake. All in all there is nothing I would have changed. It was a 10 out of 10 all the way around Di
5.0
Verified
Fabulous retreat center
Surroundings are amazing and so are the staff!
Clarissa especially went out of her way for me!
Clarissa especially went out of her way for me!
5.0
Verified
Retreat
The space and surroundings were inviting and so calming. Beautiful accommodations and amazing food. The perfect location to find your inner peace
5.0
Verified
A beautiful and inviting setting for a weekend of introspection and relaxation
I attended Ratna Ling Retreat Center for a weekend group retreat focused on finding joy. The center is beautiful and well worth the drive from San Francisco. The facilities were clean and inviting and the staff was welcoming and created a peaceful environment. There are many treasures on the retreat grounds, including Redwood circles and an oak and Redwood tree that have joined to grow as one. Wild turkeys, woodpeckers and many other birds can be found throughout the grounds. We also received a special treat as the leaves on the Japanese Maples were bright pink, creating an absolutely stunning sight. I left feeling refreshed, more connected to myself and nature and inspired. I will be returning many times to Ratna Ling.
