Cameron's Staff Pick

The Deep Space Experience: A Yoga, Breathwork, and Sound Retreat

Name: The Deep Space Experience: A Yoga, Breathwork, and Sound Retreat
Start: 2026-05-22
End: 2026-05-24
Location: Menla
Rating: 4.73

4.7315 reviews

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

May 22 - 24, 2026

About this Retreat

Your Guides

John

Billy

John Minks

John Minks is a seasoned sound therapist with over 17 years of experience in exploring the profound healing powers of sound. His journey began in 2007 when he traveled to the Amazon to study the didgeridoo, an experience that ignited his passion for sound healing. Over the years, John has honed his skills under the tutelage of renowned sound healers such as Mitch Nur, Don Conreaux, Madhava Carrara, and John Beaulieu, among others. John's expertise extends across a variety of sound healing instruments, but in the past four years, he has concentrated on mastering the gong and handpan. His deep understanding of music allows him to create harmonized soundscapes, blending traditional sound healing instruments with digital synthesizers to craft immersive, cosmic sound journeys. As the founder of Deep Space Mallets, John creates custom mallets for gongs, singing bowls, and frame drums, ensuring each piece contributes to the therapeutic sound experience. He regularly conducts sound, yoga, and meditation retreats and travels across the United States offering transformative sound therapy sessions. Through his work, John Minks continues to expand the boundaries of sound healing, providing profound experiences for those seeking relaxation, mental clarity, and inner peace. John is a firm believer of using breathwork in his sound sessions. He uses both activating and relaxing breathwork techniques in combination with sound therapy to amplify their healing potential. His study of Wim Hoff’s and Andrew Huberman’s breathing techniques allows him to incorporate proven breathwork practices into his sound sessions. John incorporates gongs, handpan, and other instruments to help direct the intention of each breathwork session he offers.

Billy Pinkerton

Billy Pinkerton has been practicing, studying, and teaching vinyasa and restorative yoga for nearly a decade in studios, corporate offices, retreats and private sessions. His background as a yoga teacher, athlete and businessman gives him a unique perspective on how to make yoga relatable and experiential to all audiences. Billy has experienced firsthand the healing power of yoga within his body. Working with his many injuries, surgeries, and pain points, he has been able to align his body into a more optimal position for overall health and wellness which means less pain. By working with the breath and moving slowly, he believes, we can use the body to heal the body. When the body is engaged in the physical practice, and the mind is relaxed on the breath a unique experience emerges that is personal to each person. New sensations are discovered and the healing we didn’t know we needed begins to happen naturally.

Sound plays a crucial role for a deeper yoga practice as the combination of yoga and sound make it easier to release the mind from habitual thinking to be comfortable in stillness. With this understanding, Billy has been working with instruments like the gong, handpan, didgeridoo, tuning forks, and bowls to evoke new sensations, mental experiences, and relaxation, that enhance his yoga students’ experiences in practice.

Billy is also an accomplished meditator. He has developed a daily practice over the years and has done intensive work on his mind, having spent 6 months working with an authorized Buddhist meditation teacher in the Kagyu Lineage. He has practiced at Karme Choling, a Shambala Meditation Center in Vermont. There he took part in traditional meditation practice and received instruction on various meditative techniques. He loves sharing the practice of meditation as much as he loves the physical practice of yoga. His goal is to mix the physical practice of yoga and meditation so that a powerful personal practice can be born. Billy is a dedicated breathwork guide and sound healer with a wealth of experience helping individuals connect deeply with their breath. Billy has coached thousands of people through transformative breathwork sessions resulting in a greater sense of inner peace and freedom. Trained by renowned breathwork pioneers Dan Brule and Wim Hof, Billy integrates modern techniques with a yogic approach to create transformative experiences. As an experienced didgeridoo player, Billy has honed his mastery of breath, bridging ancient practices with modern breathwork methods. His expertise in teaching breathwork to groups and integrating it into sound baths creates a transformative retreat experience. Join Billy to explore the power of breath and sound as tools for balance, healing, and self-discovery.

Details of this retreat

“A person does not hear sound only through the ears; he hears sound through every pore of the body. It permeates the entire being and, according to its particular influence, either slows or quickens the rhythm of the blood circulation; it either awakens or soothes the nervous system.”
― Hazrat Inayat Khan

Are you ready to go Deep? We invite you to a celebratory and immersive exploration of sound, yoga, and meditation. Join us for three days of rejuvenation, expansion, bliss, and practice including yogic sound meditations, vinyasa, and restorative yoga, and Deep Space sound baths. Sound is coupled with yoga and meditation to deepen the experience and raise auric vibrations to new heights. Providing a fun, nurturing environment to restore and renew our physical, mental, and emotional bodies, we’ll release tension in our nervous system, cultivate loving Hygge, and find peaceful spaciousness.

While our daily schedule includes yoga, meditation, and sound baths, there will also be time to explore all that Menla has to offer including hiking, the world-class spa, and stunning amenities. Surrounded by the beauty and majesty of the Catskill mountains, this is a precious opportunity to explore our Deep Space internally and with one another.

This is a retreat for all levels of experience.

Schedule

Friday, May 22

3 pm Arrival and Check-in
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Deep Space Sound Bath

Saturday, May 23

8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 - 11 am Yoga + Sound
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
2 - 3 pm Meditation + Sound
3:30 - 5:30 pm Free time (Spa, Snowshoe, Read, and Rest)
6- 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Deep Space Sound Bath

Sunday, May 24

8 - 9 am Breakfast and Check-out of Rooms
9:30 - 11 am Yin yoga and Sound
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch & Departure

*Please note that the schedule is subject to change.

Testimonials

“I’m not sure where to start because I didn’t really know what a “sound bath” would be all about but I knew I needed it. It was one of the most transcendental experiences I’ve ever had. I’m not sure what the right words are but to keep it simple- John’s intuition and musical talents took me to a part of my brain and body I didn’t know was there but it was so familiar and comforting I didn’t want to leave. Do yourself a favor- book an appointment with John. Can’t wait to do this again!
Cheers, PS- my neck and back feel better too"

-Jaimie

“A friend and I had a Sound Bath session with John, and we were utterly astounded at what a remarkable experience it was.
The setting was a spectacular light-filled space. The array of different Tibetan singing bowls and other instruments was immense.
The soundscape he created, the moods and landscapes he evoked, and the attention to detail were profound.
I would highly recommend someone do this. It's a molecular Massage, a healing modality and a profound experience of spiritual Ascension.”

-Rebecca Rentoul

“Experiencing a sound therapy session with John was life-altering. During our session I was overcome by a feeling of calm and oneness with the world around me. After our session I felt as if a fog had lifted, a fog that I had been so immersed within that I didn’t even realize I was in a fog until it was lifted. I can’t recommend sound therapy with John enough.”

-John C.

"John's sound session was epic. The experience was both interesting and healing. John uses a multitude of instruments to create an all-encompassing sound bath that reverberates through the room and your body at the same time. He is extremely well versed in the background, history and healing properties of the instruments he uses and it shows. Highly recommend!"

- Sinan A.

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

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

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.

Customer Reviews

4.73 out of 5.0 average rating

Amit • Jan 04, 2026

5.0

Verified

An Awesome Retreat Experience for mind and body

I went into IGNITING 2026: Light the Fire of Joy through Compassion at the Menla Institute thinking it would be “nice.” It ended up being so much more than I expected - one of those retreats that leaves you feeling genuinely lighter, more grounded, and strangely energized in the best way.

Food: Truly ah-mazing. Since it was vegan and gluten-free, I was expecting it to be… fine. Instead, everything was full of flavor, thoughtfully prepared, and satisfying. And the desserts at dinner? Honestly, a highlight on their own.

Dr. Bob Thurman: The star of the show. Every one of us LOVED his talks. He’s wildly knowledgeable, sharp, and somehow manages to make profound teachings feel totally alive and accessible. Also: he is hilarious. We were completely locked in listening to him - equal parts learning and laughing.

Yoga (Michele Loew): I loved Michele’s classes. She guided the whole group through a beautiful sequence - warm-up, deep stretching, and meditation - in a way that felt supportive and skillful. Her Yoga Nidra was especially powerful, and having Arjun join for the sound bath made it even more immersive.

Krishna Das: Forever the best. He’s the reason we showed up - and he delivered that heart-opening magic he always does. What I didn’t expect was how much I’d also love Michele and Dr. Thurman. This retreat wasn’t just “Krishna Das + extras” - it felt like a complete, beautifully balanced experience.

Marina Abramović: What a soul. Hearing her story - where she came from, what she endured, and how she continues to transform - was deeply moving. She carries a kind of strength and honesty that makes you reflect on your own life in a meaningful way.

Gratitude: Special thanks to Piotr for the tech setup. He was fantastic - calm, capable, and it made everything run smoothly.

Overall, this retreat felt like a real New Year reset - a blend of dharma, movement, music, and reflection that actually lands in your body and your life. I left with more joy, more clarity, and a very full heart.

Song • Jan 04, 2026

5.0

Verified

Delighted and Ignited!

Everything was wonderful. The lodging, (Eva's cabin), the amazing food, and especially, everyone who works there, soul food on every level. Michelle's yoga and yoga nidra were unexpected highlights for me. She is emobodied wisdom. Can't imagine this retreat without her. I loved yoga with John Campbell of course--it would be wonderful to have both!!! Like she could do morning and he could have afternoon offering? The yoga nidra and soundscape were very powerful and transformational. Of course, Bob Thurman is a delight and central. The kirtan was so nourishing and pure pleasure. I am just awed by the experience that was created. Divine abundance. The part that couldn't be "controlled" of course by Menla, is the other retreaters--and my fellow passengers were so wise, funny, earnest, kind, considerate, adult--exactly who would be drawn to such an event, at that time, as I had hoped. Did I mention how amazing Michelle is :-)?

Stephanie • Jan 02, 2026

5.0

Verified

Menla is a warm supportive space for personal growth and transformation

Everyone at Menla is devoted to provided a supportive space for personal growth. I am deeply grateful. And, the food is delicious.

Gabriela • Dec 25, 2025

5.0

Verified

Healty Place with nice peoples and magical nature. Rejouvinate and

Rejuvenating and restorative.Well equipped. Excellent food. Competent staff.

Anonymous • Nov 26, 2025

2.0

Verified

Disappointment with facilities (again)

I have been to Menla several times and I always enjoy the programming, food, and staff. I had a wonderful facial this weekend and a lovely women's retreat. However, the boiler broke in the building where I was staying and was moved to a dorm facility with the bathroom down the hall (not what I had booked). Unfortunately, this was not the first time that there was a problem with the room that I had planned on staying and had to be moved, which leads me to the conclusion that there is not great oversight of the facilities and I now expect there to be a problem coming in.

The Deep Space Experience: A Yoga, Breathwork, and Sound Retreat

About this Retreat

Your Guides

John Minks

Billy Pinkerton

Details of this retreat

Getting Here