Cameron's Staff Pick iconCameron's Staff Pick

Menla Create-Your-Own Getaway

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

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

Accommodation

Getaway Deluxe King

Accommodation
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

Accommodation
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

Accommodation
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)

Accommodation
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)

Accommodation
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)

Accommodation
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)

Accommodation
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)

Accommodation
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)

Accommodation
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 icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent

Customer Reviews

4.80 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Beautiful and Sacred Visit
The architecture of Kevin Courtney's teachings and the structure of his fellow teachers' offerings was truly brilliant and got us into a place where, by the end, you are as tapped in as you can possibly be.

The beauty and sacredness of the land on which Menla is sits is very much a part of the experience and deeply woven into the fabric.

The grounds, lodging, staff, and delicious meals were all exquisite as well. We felt cared for and held in every way.

5.0
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Absolutely Perfect!
I adore Menla Retreat Center. This is my second time attending a retreat at Menla. The land is so peaceful and serene. The staff is lovely, the spa is beautiful, and the food is really good. I truly enjoyed my time here and will visit again!

5.0
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Lovely Space
A lovely space to learn, rest and find light. I felt embraced both by nature and the caring staff. The food was delicious and the spa rejuvenating. Thank you, Menla!

4.0
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Retreat at Menla
My retreat experience at Menla was wonderful.

The teacher was knowledgeable, loving, deeply committed to the path, well-spoken, prepared, and generous with course materials and the overall transmission.

The property, all of the meals, and rooms were handled with care and intentionally set.

The spa facility was gorgeous, but my experience with the practitioners were that they needed more training, to truly support guests. I was told I could have a bath and choose between three types. I was very excited to book in the bath that had local junipers from the area. The next day, leading up to this bath I excitedly told sangha this was what I was heading into, to steep in a bath with elements from the local forest, and how special that could be. When I showed up to my appointment, I was told that bath was actually not available and I should choose between two others. It was frustrating to choose one the day before, and show up 24 hours later to find out that type should not have been offered - I wished the staff had reached out to me at least several hours before, to tell me. I was also supposed to have a massage and was told by the front desk that I could customize that 60 minutes however I wanted on the day, however when I arrived at the session my therapist had a very anxious energy and when she asked about my requests I said I would like some reflexology in my hands and feet during the Swedish massage session, integrated in. She scolded me, saying she would touch my hands and feet but that if I had wanted any reflexology I should have booked the 90 minutes session she offered. I thought perhaps I misunderstood and I gave benefit of the doubt, trying to explain again to her I only wanted reflexology integrated at parts during, but then she told me this again stating I should have booked another reflexology session and she was only going to touch my hands and feet during - once I realized she was very caught up in another story... I quickly cancelled the massage, not wanting to get on the table with this sort of energy exchange. And I left the property to go take my flight home. The next day, I booked a massage at a wellness center in California, and that person provided the combo massage with reflexology, and with ease, very simply without any issues, as I had received with many other gifted massage practitioners countless times across other spas over the years…

To sum it up, Menla itself is a wonderful place, beautifully designed, intentionally curated, the food was prepared with so much love and intention, and the teachers gifts far surpassed anything I could have ever hoped for. I think there is room to improve the spa building experience, however the rest of the experience is wonderful, and I would absolutely return again. It is very special indeed, I felt truly held by the land and the teachings.

5.0
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Excellent Clear Light Yoga Nidra Retreat
What an incredible weekend and experience at Menla!! I took a Yoga Nidra workshop and it was fantastic.
Michelle is an incredible teacher, she offers so much wisdom, insight and love.
Menla is my absolute favorite place for retreats.
The surroundings are gorgeous, the food is delicious, the staff is incredible and I have enjoyed so many wonderful weekends/retreats. Get a treatment at the spa, it is divine.
There is no better place to retreat, reset and renew.

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