Cameron's Staff Pick

Time to Meditate: A Five Day Meditation Retreat - Sponsored by Tibet House US

Name: Time to Meditate: A Five Day Meditation Retreat - Sponsored by Tibet House US
Start: 2026-04-29
End: 2026-05-03
Location: Menla
Rating: 4.8

4.8020 reviews

375 Panterkill Road PO Box 70 Phoenicia, NY 12464 United States

April 29 - May 3, 2026

About this Retreat

Your Guides

David

Details of this retreat

Presented by Dharma Moon

In the rush of daily life, it’s easy for meditation practice to get squeezed into the margins — a few minutes here, a half hour there. But something profound happens when we step away from the constant pull of our schedules and devote ourselves fully to practice.

In the arc of any practitioner’s journey, periods of sustained, focused practice are vital — they deepen understanding, strengthen mindfulness, and renew inspiration. They allow the mind to settle beyond surface chatter, the heart to open more fully, and insight to deepen in ways that shorter sessions seldom do.

This year, Dharma Moon’s 3rd Annual Meditation Retreat at the Menla Institute will focus on the foundations of the path itself, exploring the Four Foundations of Mindfulness as taught in the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta, one of Buddhism’s central texts. We’ll take a fresh look at these essential teachings, offering beginners a clear foundation and giving experienced meditators the chance to refresh and deepen their practice. Together we’ll explore:

Mindfulness of Body — breath, posture, movement, and the changing nature of the body
Mindfulness of Feelings — recognizing experiences as pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral without being swept away
Mindfulness of Mind — noticing the qualities of consciousness, whether restless or calm, contracted or open
Mindfulness of Phenomena — observing patterns of thought and experience, including key teachings on the Five Hindrances and the Seven Factors of Awakening

These foundations offer a complete framework for cultivating awareness and provide a complete map for observing reality—body, feelings, mind, and mental phenomena.

To support this work, the retreat will also include optional yoga classes as well as a meditation posture clinic led by Dharma Moon teacher Susan Layden, offering guidance on how to sit comfortably and sustainably for longer practice sessions.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Catskill Mountains, this retreat will be an opportune chance to step away from the busyness of daily life and immerse yourself in practice, amazing food, and community.

Led by David Nichtern and the Dharma Moon teaching team, we’ll explore mindfulness, compassion, and clarity through extended practice sessions, teachings, periods of silence, and - creating space to reconnect with our minds and hearts beyond the habitual framework of our day to day roller derby.

Appropriate for both new and seasoned practitioners, the retreat is an opportunity to reconnect with practice in a supportive community. We hope you can join us!

Schedule

Wednesday, April 29th

3 - 6 pm Arrival and Check-in
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Welcome Session with Presenter & Support Staff

Thursday, April 30th

6 - 7am Optional All-Levels Yoga Class
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 12 pm Morning Meditation Session with Mindfulness of Body Presentation
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
2:30 pm - 5:30 pm Afternoon Meditation Session (silent sitting and walking meditation)
6- 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Evening Meditation Session with Posture Clinic

Friday, May 1st

6 - 7am Optional All-Levels Yoga Class
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 12 pm Morning Meditation Session with Mindfulness of Feelings Presentation
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
2:30 pm - 5:30 pm Afternoon Meditation Session (silent sitting and walking meditation)
6- 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Evening Meditation Session with Presenter led Q&A and Group Discussion

Saturday, May 2nd

6 - 7am Optional All-Levels Yoga Class
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 12 pm Morning Meditation Session with Mindfulness of Mind Presentation
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
2:30 pm - 5:30 pm Afternoon Meditation Session (silent sitting and walking meditation)
6- 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Evening Meditation Session with Presenter led Q&A and Group Discussion

Sunday, May 3rd

6 - 7am Optional All-Levels Yoga Class
8 - 9 am Breakfast
10am - 12pm Morning Meditation Session with Mindfulness of Phenomena / Reentering the World Presentation
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch & Departure

Getting Here

Menla, 375 Panterkill Road PO Box 70 Phoenicia, NY 12464 United States

Accommodation

Deluxe King

Deluxe King Room with King Bed and Private Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning This Space is not ADA compliant. Deluxe King Rooms are Available only in Kathmandu House * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations

Deluxe Queen

Deluxe Queen Room with Queen Bed and Private Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning All Rooms in Lhasa are Handicap-Accessible, Including Four Rooms with Wheelchair Accessible Showers. Deluxe Queen Rooms are Available in Lhasa Inn and Kathmandu House * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations

Deluxe Double (Shared Room)

Deluxe Double Room with Two Full Size Beds and Private Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning All Rooms in Lhasa are Handicap-Accessible, Including Four Rooms with Wheelchair Accessible Showers. Deluxe Double Rooms with Private Bathrooms are Located in the Lhasa Inn * Please note rates include meals and accommodations. This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You a Roommate if You Do Not Register with One.

Standard Single - Shared Bath

Menla Private Queen Room with Queen Bed and Shared Bathroom Public Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available This lodging type is not ADA Compliant Private Queen Rooms with Shared Bathroom are Available in Thimpu House, Panther Cottage and Potala House * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations

Standard Double Full - Shared bath (Shared Room)

Deluxe Double Room with Two Full Beds and Shared Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning This lodging type is not ADA Compliant. Please note that due to the stairs we recommend that guests with mobility issues book other accommodations. Deluxe Double Rooms with Shared Bathrooms are Located in Thimphu * Please note rates include meals and accommodations. This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You a Roommate if You Do Not Register with One.

Standard Double Twin - Shared bath (Shared Room)

Deluxe Double Room with Two Twin Beds and Shared Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning This lodging type is not ADA Compliant. Please note that due to the stairs we recommend that guests with mobility issues book other accommodations. Deluxe Double Rooms with Shared Bathrooms are Located in Thimphu * Please note rates include meals and accommodations. This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You a Roommate if You Do Not Register with One.

Economy Premium Single - Shared Bath

Standard Premium Single Room with a Queen or Full Bed and Shared Bathroom Up to 10 guests share two large bathrooms. Each bathroom has two shower stalls and two toilets. A phone is not available but high-speed WiFi is available in the room Phone Access Available in Upper Level Of Conference Center. All calls are free of charge This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant. * Please note rates include meals and accommodations.

Economy Single - Shared Bath

Standard Single Room with a Twin Bed and Shared Bathroom Bathroom is Shared with One to Six Other Guests on Your Floor. A phone is not available but high-speed WiFi is available in the room Phone Access Available in Nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa in Business Center. All calls are free of charge. This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant. * Please note rates include meals and accommodations.

Economy Double - Shared Bath (Shared Room)

Standard Double with Twin Beds and Shared Bathroom The bathroom is Shared with other rooms on the same floor. High-speed Wi-Fi is available in the room. Phone Access Available in Nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa in Business Center. All calls are free of charge. This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant. * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations * Please note: this is an open door policy room, meaning there are no keys to lock the door (we have lockers you can use at Lhasa if needed) * This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You Roommates if You Do Not Register with others

Economy Quad - Shared Bath (Shared Room)

Standard Quad Room with Quad Twin Beds and Shared Bathroom Accommodations Fee Includes All Meals. High speed Wi-Fi is available in the room. Phone Access Available in Nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa in Business Center. All calls are free of charge. This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant. * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations * Please note: this is an open door policy room, meaning there are no keys to lock the door (we have lockers you can use at Lhasa if needed) * This booking is for one bed in a quad shared room: We May Assign You Roommates if You Do Not Register with others.

Customer Reviews

4.80 out of 5.0 average rating

Maya • Mar 04, 2026

5.0

Verified

Peace and serenity

I really enjoyed my stay at menla. I slept well and I liked the classes. The grounds were beautiful too. It reminded me of college. I liked the food and the people were nice too. I think it’s a great place to go if you want to unplug and get away from it all.

Kate • Feb 25, 2026

5.0

Verified

A long weekend retreat in February

The setting was beautiful and the food was healthy, delicious, and plentiful! The housing and meeting rooms were beautifully colored and airy.
The staff was helpful and pleasant, but didn't overwhelm.
I would definitely come back to Menla for another retreat.

Colleen • Feb 25, 2026

5.0

Verified

Love my time at Menla

This was my second visit to Menla and it did not disappoint. The accommodations are lovely and comfy, the food is delish, the staff super friendly and the grounds are simply breathtaking. The retreat, Healing with the Elements: Breathwork, Yoga & Nervous System Reset, and the programs led by Sheila and Jackie were amazing and a little life-changing :)
I spent the whole weekend filled with peace and serenity. I cannot wait to go back!
Colleen R.

Victoria • Feb 25, 2026

5.0

Verified

Winter retreat

The serenity and beauty of a winter retreat can't be understated. The staff were kind and helpful and the food was amazing.
I had a Thai massage in the yurt that was exceptional. My room as cozy and comfortable in the conference center building- everything you need. The hot tea station was much appreciated.

Helen • Jan 22, 2026

5.0

Verified

An amazing experience, as always!

Menla impresses me year after year. The feeling is like none other. Spiritual, safe, calm, even when the outer world is chaos. The staff are not just friendly, but make Menla feel at home and the event seamless, no matter the weather or obstacles that seem to pop up. My members had an incredible experience. We will continue to come back year after year to host the retreat in this magical place!

Time to Meditate: A Five Day Meditation Retreat - Sponsored by Tibet House US

About this Retreat

Your Guides

David Nichtern

Details of this retreat

Getting Here