5.0
Verified
return to the heart
I had another wonderful weekend retreat with Irina Devi at Menla - one of my favorite retreat places !
Deepening The Way
Cameron's Staff Pick
Top Rated
Deepening The Way
4.8056 reviews
375 Panterkill Road PO Box 70 Phoenicia, NY 12464 United States
September 10 - 13, 2026
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Henry Shukman is a poet, author, meditation teacher and Zen master. He has studied meditation for 35 years, principally in the Sanbo Zen lineage. His most recent books are Original Love (HarperOne) and the Zen memoir One Blade of Grass. He is also the co-founder of the acclaimed meditation app The Way. He has taught at Google, the New York Times, Harvard Business School and Medical School, and the Institute of American Indian Arts. He has written several award-winning books of poetry and fiction, and his poems have appeared in The New Yorker, Guardian and Sunday Times. He has a degree from Cambridge and an MLitt from St Andrews.
Details of this retreat
This September, join Henry Shukman at Menla Retreat Center, nestled in the Catskill Mountains, where autumn’s turning provides the perfect backdrop to settle into and deepen our practice.
The retreat includes daily meditations, dharma teachings from Henry, and extended Q&A sessions, while immersing yourself in a committed community of meditators.
Our schedule offers as much support as you need, with movement and breakout groups available throughout, as well as solo time to wander the land, rest and restore.
Whether this is your first residential retreat or you’re a seasoned practitioner, this retreat offers an experience where you can deepen your practice.
Cancellation Policy:
If you cancel:
Up to 72 hours prior to the start of the retreat, you will receive a 100% refund, minus a 20% processing fee. (This is an 80% refund of your booking.)
Within 72 hours prior up until 24 hours prior to the start of the retreat, the participant will not receive a refund, but instead will receive a course credit for the cost of the booking, minus the 20% cancellation fee.
This credit can be applied to any other Tibet House sponsored program or group retreat where we take accommodations or full registrations. This credit is good for one year.
Within 24 hours prior to the start of the retreat, or if the participant does not show up for any reason, no credit will be given.
If the participant does not show up for any reason or chooses to leave early, no refund or credit will be given.
Schedule:
Thursday, September 10
3 - 6 pm Arrival and check-in
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:15 - 7:30 pm Open silent sit
7:30 - 8:30 pm Welcome with Henry: orientation and guided meditation
8:30 - 8:50 pm Optional Q&A for first time retreatants with Luke & Shana
Friday - Saturday
7 - 8 am Morning movement & silent meditation
8 - 9 am Breakfast
10 am - 12 pm Session with Henry (guided meditations, talk, Q&A and silence)
12 - 1 pm Lunch
1:30 - 3 pm - Open self-guided practice time (outdoor walking, self-guided movement, open sitting, integration)
3 - 5 pm Session with Henry
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7 - 8 pm - Open self-guided practice time (sunset walk, self-guided movement, open sitting, integration)
8 - 8:45 pm Evening meditation
Sunday
7 - 8 am Morning movement & silent meditation
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9 - 10 am Checkout from rooms
10 am - 12 pm Session with Henry
12:30 - 1:30pm Lunch
*Please note this schedule is subject to change.
The retreat includes daily meditations, dharma teachings from Henry, and extended Q&A sessions, while immersing yourself in a committed community of meditators.
Our schedule offers as much support as you need, with movement and breakout groups available throughout, as well as solo time to wander the land, rest and restore.
Whether this is your first residential retreat or you’re a seasoned practitioner, this retreat offers an experience where you can deepen your practice.
Cancellation Policy:
If you cancel:
Up to 72 hours prior to the start of the retreat, you will receive a 100% refund, minus a 20% processing fee. (This is an 80% refund of your booking.)
Within 72 hours prior up until 24 hours prior to the start of the retreat, the participant will not receive a refund, but instead will receive a course credit for the cost of the booking, minus the 20% cancellation fee.
This credit can be applied to any other Tibet House sponsored program or group retreat where we take accommodations or full registrations. This credit is good for one year.
Within 24 hours prior to the start of the retreat, or if the participant does not show up for any reason, no credit will be given.
If the participant does not show up for any reason or chooses to leave early, no refund or credit will be given.
Schedule:
Thursday, September 10
3 - 6 pm Arrival and check-in
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:15 - 7:30 pm Open silent sit
7:30 - 8:30 pm Welcome with Henry: orientation and guided meditation
8:30 - 8:50 pm Optional Q&A for first time retreatants with Luke & Shana
Friday - Saturday
7 - 8 am Morning movement & silent meditation
8 - 9 am Breakfast
10 am - 12 pm Session with Henry (guided meditations, talk, Q&A and silence)
12 - 1 pm Lunch
1:30 - 3 pm - Open self-guided practice time (outdoor walking, self-guided movement, open sitting, integration)
3 - 5 pm Session with Henry
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7 - 8 pm - Open self-guided practice time (sunset walk, self-guided movement, open sitting, integration)
8 - 8:45 pm Evening meditation
Sunday
7 - 8 am Morning movement & silent meditation
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9 - 10 am Checkout from rooms
10 am - 12 pm Session with Henry
12:30 - 1:30pm Lunch
*Please note this schedule is subject to change.
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.
Commuter
Commuters
Menla Encourages Members of the Community to Participate in Our Wonderful Programs!
Includes Meals, Public Phone, Public Computer, and Wi-Fi Internet Available in Lhasa Inn.
Accommodations Fee Includes All Meals.
Customer Reviews
Verified
5.0
Verified
Impeccable kitchen...beautiful surroundings
The lovely girl who cleaned my room, Amy, literally MADE my entire trip. She was so kind.
The scenery is magnificent, the landscape supreme, the food was AMAZING, cleanliness was top notch.
Everybody at Menla was extremely helpful and nice, with the exception of one person who shall remain nameless.
The scenery is magnificent, the landscape supreme, the food was AMAZING, cleanliness was top notch.
Everybody at Menla was extremely helpful and nice, with the exception of one person who shall remain nameless.
4.0
Verified
This is a special place
I attended Menla for a Therapist Ketamine retreat. There were approximately 35 attendees and 8-10 faculty. The buildings and the grounds are stunning and do what they set out to do..... force you to relax! The conference center offered so much space and ability for smaller groups to break out. I was fortunate enough to stay in a deluxe room which had stunning and peaceful decor and a very comfortable bed.
The Menla staff was welcoming and helpful.
I was disappointed with the meals. I live in the SF Bay area and am fortunate to have access to very high quality and thoughtful vegetarian food. I found the meals to be Okay but not delicious. I should mention that our group didn't have breakfast. I did appreciate the creative beverage offerings and constant access to fresh fruit - the apples were yummy!
The Menla staff was welcoming and helpful.
I was disappointed with the meals. I live in the SF Bay area and am fortunate to have access to very high quality and thoughtful vegetarian food. I found the meals to be Okay but not delicious. I should mention that our group didn't have breakfast. I did appreciate the creative beverage offerings and constant access to fresh fruit - the apples were yummy!
3.0
Verified
Nice place, kind staff, pricey, food was not good, not enough
The cabin was comfortable, and the shared areas were nice. The food, however, was extremely limited—mostly beans and vegetables, essentially a $2 meal with no meat or chicken. After one hour of being served, most of the food was gone and not replenished, so arriving around 1 p.m. meant finding almost nothing left. Beans can also trigger gas and discomfort, and the Indian dishes were too spicy, causing bloating. For the price of the stay, the meals felt inadequate.
Staff should wait until meetings are finished before moving items or making accommodations. The trail signs were also confusing and unclear; improving them would make a big difference.
Staff should wait until meetings are finished before moving items or making accommodations. The trail signs were also confusing and unclear; improving them would make a big difference.
5.0
Verified
Breathing in the Heart of Nature
I've visited the center twice, in June 2025 and June 2026, and both times I found it restful, peaceful, and a place to feel at one with nature, with many opportunities to swim, walk, and hike without leaving the center. It's a great place for meditation, reflection, care, and nourishing food. I had a spa session with Nitty, a Reiki practitioner with over 30 years of experience, and it was better than expected. While there, I saw many animals and birds, and a woman using the Cornell University bird app was able to identify 37 species in one sitting on the patio of the main building. The staff is very friendly, and the spa center with a swimming pool is the most luxuriously built of all the buildings. The biggest luxury I've found in Menla is silence.
Last Chance
