Cameron's Staff Pick iconCameron's Staff Pick
Top Rated iconTop Rated

Woman's Strength and Ancestors Retreat for Women

Location icon
Phoenicia, NY 12464, USA
Date
Nov 6 - 8, 2026

About this Retreat

Details of this retreat

This autumn, you are invited to connect to ancestors and your female strength in new, deeper ways.

The goal of the retreat is to come away feeling all the support of your female line. We'll also access inner calm and build a community of women.

Elizabeth Pyjov (15 years of experience teaching these practices) will facilitate and Larisa Forman (voted best yoga teacher in Boston) will teach a very gentle mindful movement session each day.

Come for the meditation and ancestors practices, stay for the forest walks and nourishing food, and end up sending compassion to all those who went before you! You'll leave the retreat feeling energized, peaceful and authentic.

What to look forward to:

Ancestors practices that empower you
Meditation
Practicing gentle yoga
Taking forest walks
Lighting candles for our ancestors
Reaching new levels of acceptance
Getting incredible strength from the past
Healing the family tree
Growing in compassion
Enjoying each other’s company
Eating three healthy meals a day
Cultivating self-compassion
Accessing deep relaxation





Schedule:
Friday, November 6 (Check-in Day)


3 pm Arrive, check in, and explore the property
3:30 - 5 pm First yoga and mindful movement practice
5 - 6 pm Official welcome session and introduction to the retreat and each other
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Candlelit ancestors practice and survey of ancestors practices across traditions

Saturday, November 7


7 - 8 am Gentle yoga, stretching and movement practice
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 - 11:30 am Woman's Strength practices
11:30 am - 12:30 pm Free time to visit the vintage country barn or move your body in the fitness facility. Perhaps time alone to meditate, nap, create, or journal
12:30 - 1:30 pmLunch
2 - 3:30 pm Optional group hike or time for spa treatments
3:30 - 6 pm Ancestors meditation practice: healing the family tree
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 8 pm Gentle 25-minute yoga practice for excellent sleep

Sunday, November 8


7 - 8 am Gentle stretching and movement practice
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9 - 11 am Time to pack and check-out
10:15 am - 12:30 pm: Last practice for gathering strength from you family line.

Meditation on how to access centeredness and inner peace through ancestors practices.
Talk on how to access the strength of our ancestors.
We'll end with a formal retreat closing.


12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch and Departure

*Please note this schedule is subject to change.

Getting Here

Location icon Menla, Phoenicia, NY 12464, USA

Accommodation

Deluxe King

Accommodation
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

Accommodation
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)

Accommodation
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

Accommodation
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)

Accommodation
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.

Customer Reviews

4.86 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
Verified logo
Seeking a REAL retreat - this is for you!
I attended Menla in early October for a Holotropic Breathwork workshop. It is nestled in the Catskill Mountains in NY, so serene, quiet, safe, and the food was INCREDIBLE, and so healthy & delicious. It never felt like anyone was around (unlike other retreats I have been to). If you are looking to unwind, just be with yourself and eat healthy, delicious food - Menla is the place to be! Highly, highly recommended!

5.0
Verified logo
Unforgettable Experience of the Soul
I've wanted to visit Menla for many years, and have followed the work and incredible life of Robert Thurman for some years. The Kundalini Yoga Immersion with Jai Dev, somehow connected all of the dots so that even without the physical presence of Tenzin Bob, his rainbow body was felt in the rooms, the valleys and natural environments. The meals were an amazing complement to the comfortable rooms, the breath taking setting that all supported completely and fully amplified the journey.

One Note, that is just a personal suggestion and not to be seen as a criticism or judgment in any way. It would be nice to feel a presence of the great history, tradition, and culture of Menla, the Tibet House and the entire amazing project connected to the life work of Robert Thurman and his lifelong dedication exploring, educating and sharing the beauty of the Tibetan culture in all its facets. The stories of the Naga and Dalai Lama, the historical evolution of the area are all such unique elements that create the wonderful base of energy that permeates the experience of being there. The walks along the paths, discovering improvised shrines all create a magical experience that would be only honored by a bit more of a historical / cultural backdrop for visitors that may or may not know the deep importance of the work behind it all.

Thank you once again and can't wait to visit next year!!

5.0
Verified logo
Life Force Academy Kundalini Yoga 5 day Immersion
I attended my first retreat at Menla about 6 years ago and was immediately hooked by the energy and beauty of the grounds. This is a very unique experience as in addition to the retreat content there is also an opportunity to explore the grounds, experience the very well curated art works throughout the grounds, set off on well marked hiking areas and have a glorious treatment at a world class spa that is beautifully designed.
The pacing of all of the programming lends itself to allow for in depth class experiences, time for rest, hiking, socializing, and enough time for meals which are prepared with love and care with the freshest ingredients and interesting choices.
The LFA Kundalini retreat was excellent and inspiring in content and delivery. Jai Dev is a master in his work designing material that is relevant to all levels of practitioners. The addition of live music was the icing on the cake.
I look forward to my next visit.

5.0
Verified logo
So much fun coming from hard work
It’s ironic that in order to relax, we need to generate Physical pressure on the nervous system. I love how the tools of Kundalini Yoga facilitate this outcome. But Life force academy, takes it all to another level with the mastery of Jai Dev and the music of Simrit.
I have participated in over 1000 Kundalini Yoga sessions over the last three or four years and two of the classes offered at this retreat are in the top 1% of the peak experiences I’ve ever had.

5.0
Verified logo
A Great Retreat Experience
The staff was very friendly and accommodating. The grounds are so tranquil and beautiful and the facilities were very clean. My only suggestion for improvement is to provide a more private dressing area after taking a shower.
Many of the attendees I spoke with felt the same way. Thank you!

Similar retreats

You might also like