Cameron's Staff Pick

Top Rated

Menla Create-Your-Own Getaway

4.8582 reviews

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

Flexible Dates

About this Retreat

Details of this retreat

Build a custom escape vacation by choosing activities à la carte.

Only two hours from New York City, Menla lies in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. De-stress on more than 300 acres of private wilderness. Unspoiled natural beauty adjoins state land, creating endless opportunities for wildlife spotting and discovering secret hideaways. Let fresh air, light, water, movement, and sound envelop your senses in the mystical act of forest bathing.

Serenity

A unique experience awaits with the ability to distance yourself from others while finding zen. Use the essence of nature to restore your mind and spirit in a peaceful refuge, far from the noise and anxiety of city life. Cozy, private villas are available if you need more personal space or are traveling with family. Our small staff offers minimal-contact service, and with plenty of room to spread out, interaction with other guests is optional.

Wellness

Improve your fitness and mental clarity with private qi gong, yoga, and meditation sessions available to book a la carte daily. Go on a guided hike or explore on your own – on-site and nearby trails range from easy to advanced. Awaken new senses with sound baths and other sound therapy techniques that release stress through harmonic vibration. As the sun goes down, light up the night with bonfire magic under the stars.

Sustainability

From the bed linens to the cleaning products we use, every attempt is made to source ethically and sustainably. This is most evident in our food supply. Our vegetarian farm-to-table menu features organic dishes right from Menla’s gardens. Enjoy lunch and dinner (included in the price of accommodation) through the Lhasa Inn to-go service. Learn about how we grow sustainably on one of our many garden tours. We cover everything from ecology and horticulture to the healing power of medicinal plants.

Accommodations with meals are available Thursday check-in through Sunday check-out or just for the weekend Friday check-in - Sunday check-out. If you are interested in a longer-term stay that is unavailable through our website please reach out to us for a custom quote.

It’s best to book any activities you are interested in prior to arrival to ensure staff, teachers, and therapists are available when needed.

Rates reflect the minimum number of guests that can book a space. For example, if you are a group of two, any space that reflects a minimum of two guests will show the rate for two people combined for the full weekend. You will not be asked to pay separately. You will not be sharing bathrooms or sleeping spaces with guests who are not members of your party. Single accommodations include queen-size options and camping. Please email frontdesk@menla.org with any questions.

Getting Here

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

Accommodation

Getaway Deluxe King

Getaway 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

Getaway Deluxe Queen

Getaway 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

Getaway Economy Premium Single - Shared Bath

Economy 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.

Getaway Deluxe Double (2 Person Minimum - 2 Person maximum)

Deluxe Double Room with Two Twin 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. Deluxe shared accommodations can be booked as suites for additional information please reach out to registration@menla.org

Getaway Potala House (5 Person Minimum - 10 Person Maximum if couples)

Potala is a stunning three-story home featuring a sundeck, full kitchen, cathedral ceilings, a large living room and open kitchen. This house can sleep 4-8 people. Cabin includes 3 queen rooms, 1 king room, and 3 full bathrooms with showers. There is no landline phone in the house, but high-speed WiFi is available throughout. Phone access available in nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa Inn. All calls are free of charge. This lodging type is not ADA compliant. *Note that cottages are available for larger parties and families. Rates reflect our minimum number of 5 people for this space. If you have a party of less than five people and would still like to book this cottage we do not offer rate reductions and recommend that other housing types that better suit your needs are booked.

Getaway Dragon Cottage (5 Person Minimum - 9 Person Maximum Party or Family)

Dragon is a two-story cabin with a sundeck and small kitchen and can sleep up to 9 people comfortably. Cabin includes three singles, a double, and a quad, plus two and a half bathrooms. 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. *Note that cottages are available for larger parties and families. Rates reflect our minimum number of 5 people for this space. If you have a party of less than five people and would still like to book this cottage we do not offer rate reductions and recommend that other housing types that better suit your needs are booked.

Getaway Garuda Cottage (5 Person Minimum - 9 Person Maximum Party or Family)

Garuda is a two-story cabin, situated adjacent to Dragon, with 5 bedrooms, a small kitchen, and a dining/living room. Garuda sleeps up to 9 people comfortably. Cabin includes three singles, one double and a quad, plus three bathrooms, including one with a jacuzzi tub. 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. *Note that cottages are available for larger parties and families. Rates reflect our minimum number of 5 people for this space. If you have a party of less than five people and would still like to book this cottage we do not offer rate reductions and recommend that other housing types that better suit your needs are booked.

Getaway Snowlion Cottage (5 Person Minimum - 7 Person Maximum Party or Family)

Snowlion is a beautiful two-story cabin with an elegant 360-square-foot living and dining room with large windows and a cathedral ceiling, making it perfect for recreation or for meetings of 10-15 people. Relax on the upstairs sundeck and enjoy one of the best night sky views at Menla. Snowlion can sleep 11 people comfortably and was the Dalai Lama’s private house when he visited in 2006. Cabin includes one single, two doubles and two triples, plus two bathrooms and full kitchen. 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. *Note that cottages are available for larger parties and families. Rates reflect our minimum number of 5 people for this space. If you have a party of less than five people and would still like to book this cottage we do not offer rate reductions and recommend that other housing types that better suit your needs are booked.

Getaway Eva's Cottage (3 Person Minimum - 4 Person Maximum: 1 Couple + 2 Guests)

Eva’s Cabin is a charming one-story cabin set next to the Conference Center. With a kitchen, large living room, and bathroom with large jacuzzi tub, this cabin is ideal for a small family or group of friends who want to stay together in one location and have the convenience of total privacy. Cabin includes a single queen room, a double room, and adjacent bathroom. *Note that cottages are available for larger parties and families. Rates reflect our minimum number of 3 people for this space. If you have a party of less than three people and would still like to book this cottage we do not offer rate reductions and recommend that other housing types that better suit your needs are booked.

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

Customer Reviews

4.85 out of 5.0 average rating

David • Sep 14, 2026

5.0

Verified

Beautiful setting

Much less rustic than I expected, great food, beautiful surroundings!

ANNIE • Sep 10, 2026

5.0

Verified

Our Destiny Lies in Our Origins Retreat

The staff was very kind. The food was delicious. My room and bed were very clean. The grounds are lovely to walk. I wished I would have booked an extra day to enjoy the walking paths, indoor and outdoor meditation areas, and book a massage.

Robin • Sep 09, 2026

5.0

Verified

Exquisite

While I can't speak to the accommodations for multi-room occupancy, my time in a private room with a stream outside my window allowed me to quickly settle into stillness and inner connection. Greeted by wild turkeys, deer and rabbits, the abundant expression of forests, waterways and mountains provided opportunity for deepening into the natural world in all of its abundance. The crisp air and even an afternoon rainbow added to the ambience and invitation to relax and breathe. The food was delicious, varied and healthy; the staff friendly and present to our needs; the public spaces filled with beauty augmented by extraordinary photography, sacred tapestries and clean design. The single "caveat" is to be aware that ability to walk on uneven ground and to navigate steps (or make arrangements for assistance) might be critical for your full, unfettered enjoyment of your time there. I hope a return visit is in my future. Robin H.

Mike • Sep 09, 2026

5.0

Verified

Wonderful

The staff are friendly, polite, helpful and genuinely kind. Food is outstanding. Facilities are clean and comfortable. The setting is gorgeous: full of flowers and trees , ringed by mountains, with a river, waterfalls and a pond.
This was our third time there, and we’ve loved it each time.

Bethany • Sep 09, 2026

5.0

Verified

Breathtaking, every moment

I loved every moment being at menla. I stayed in dragon 5 and even with 4 other people there, 2 of which strangers at first, it was my home away from home. The food was AMAZING and the serenity unmatched. I especially loved all the creeks and rivers running through the property. The birds and deer were beautiful sources of happiness throughout the day. Every member of staff was beyond friendly and a joy to interact with. Thank you thank you thank you!!