Cameron's Staff Pick

Soul & Savor: A Retreat on Mindful Eating

Name: Soul & Savor: A Retreat on Mindful Eating
Start: 2025-07-31
End: 2025-08-03
Location: Menla
Rating: 4.5

4.502 reviews

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

July 31 - August 3, 2025

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Michelle

Sommer

Michelle Ingkavet Cavanagh

Yoga is a journey of transformation—a continuous evolution of mind, body, and spirit. My passion lies in guiding others to discover their untapped potential, helping them progress step by step toward greater physical and mental balance, strength, and self-awareness.

My yoga journey began in 1996 in New York City, where I studied with world-renowned teachers across the coasts. Over the years, I have cultivated a teaching approach that integrates humor, compassion, and wisdom from my diverse professional and personal experiences. My path has been shaped by a varied background in Performing Arts, Dance, Fitness, Martial Arts, and Portrait Photography. A 1994 graduate of New York University with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Media & Communications and a Minor in Dance Performance, I began my wellness career in 1997 as an ACE-Certified Personal Fitness Trainer. In 1998, my acting career relocated me to Los Angeles, where I concurrently earned Black Belts in HwaRangDo and Shotokan Karate, and began teaching children’s martial arts. After a decade in California as a professional actor, martial artist, and portrait photographer, I returned to New York to embrace motherhood and a more nurturing teaching path. Inspired by the transformative power of yoga, I earned my 200-hour Yoga Alliance certification in 2010, founded Here and Now Yoga, and began offering private sessions and wellness retreats. My teaching expanded to Prenatal Yoga in 2011 and later to Restorative Yoga in 2018. In 2019, I began working with special needs communities, enriching my commitment to inclusivity. In pursuit of holistic wellness, I earned a Master of Science in Nutrition with a concentration in Environmental Nutrition from the University of Memphis in 2023, graduating with a 4.0 GPA. This academic achievement complements my mission to support my clients in achieving balance and well-being on all levels. In 2023, I partnered with fellow yoga instructor and dance professional, Dina Denis-Paolucci, to expand Here and Now Yoga into Here and Now Yoga, Wellness & Arts Collective, creating a vibrant community space in Floral Park, NY. Alongside my yoga practice, I continue to run Michelle Ingkavet Photography, my boutique portrait photography business, and occasionally pursue acting opportunities. Hosting yoga retreats has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey. "Soul & Savor" marks my eighth retreat since 2021 and my seventh in collaboration with Sommer Chetty. These retreats are a testament to the transformative power of yoga, mindfulness, and connection. I am honored to share my experiences, knowledge, and passion, creating spaces where students can flourish and find their unique path to wellness.

Sommer Chetty

Sommer brings a unique combination of skills in both physical wellness and emotional empowerment, creating a safe, supportive space for clients to explore their challenges, unlock their potential, and achieve lasting change.

Sommer’s journey in wellness began in 2001 when she became a licensed massage therapist, dedicating nearly two decades to helping individuals improve their physical health. Over the years, she expanded her expertise to include assisted stretching, enabling clients to enhance flexibility, range of motion, and reduce pain. In 2020, Sommer took courses to become certified in life and weight loss coaching and later went on to open her business, Coach Me Sommer, to empower individuals in overcoming fear, boosting self-confidence, and achieving personal and professional growth. Known for her empathetic listening and transformative coaching techniques, Sommer specializes in helping clients shift their mindset, navigate life transitions, and develop actionable strategies for success. She also leads wellness retreats, providing immersive experiences that support clients in deepening their personal growth and reconnecting with their true selves. Sommer’s strong commitment to fostering lasting change continues to drive her as she helps clients create healthier, more fulfilling lives, offering the tools and support necessary to make meaningful progress and achieve their goals.

Details of this retreat

Immerse yourself in a rejuvenating journey of self-discovery and nourishment at the serene Menla retreat center in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. "Soul & Savor" blends the wisdom of yoga with the art of mindful eating, creating space to reconnect with your body, mind, and spirit.

Over four transformative days, Michelle and Sommer will guide you through a combination of invigorating and restorative yoga practices, insightful workshops on mindful eating, and nature-infused activities designed to awaken your senses and deepen your appreciation for the present moment. Leave with tools to foster a more balanced relationship with food, cultivate inner peace, and savor life in every bite.

“…The setting was absolutely magical…The Yoga was great. My practice was deepened just by signing up. At the retreat I was challenged and felt ‘accomplished’ at the end of each session...”
~ J.V., Hastings-on-Hudson, NY

“I love the Menla environment and feel it is truly a special place. The retreat schedule was great – a good mix of instructors and classes. And a good group of people just topped it off. Michelle is a wonderful yoga instructor, very kind and fun.”
~ Abbe B., Douglaston, NY

4 days / 3 nights accommodations Deluxe Queen or Deluxe Double with AC
8 Delicious, Locally-sourced Meals
Mindful Eating Foundations
Yoga
Meditation
Spa*
Pool
Sound Bath
Bonfire
Stretch
Journaling
Nature Exploration
Private Sessions*^

Experience a retreat that nourishes the body and soul, leaving you refreshed, inspired, and empowered to live with greater mindfulness and joy.
*Additional fees / Pre-registration required / ^Reservations available upon arrival.

Schedule

Thursday, July 31

Arrival & Grounding

12:30 - 1:30 pm Optional local LUNCH With Retreat Hosts*
1:30 - 3 pm Free time / Spa* / Pool / Explore
3 - 6 pm Room Check-in
4:30 - 6 pm Intentions and Introductions
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Evening Yoga & Guided Meditation

Friday, August 1

Mindful Nourishment & Connection

7 - 8 am Yoga
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 - 11 am Workshop: The Foundations of Mindful Eating
11 am - 12:30 pm Free Time / Spa* / Pool / Explore
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free Time / Spa* / Pool / Explore
4 - 6 pm Guided Stretch & Journaling
6 - 7 pm Dinner
8 pm Sound Bath w/ special guest artist: Jennifer Muir

Saturday August, 2

Exploring the Senses

7 - 8 am Yoga flow
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 - 11 am Workshop: Transforming Thoughts and Beliefs About Food
11 - 12:30 am Outdoor Meditation
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 3 pm Free Time / Spa* / Pool / Explore
3 - 4:30 pm Workshop
4:30 pm Yoga
6 - 7 pm Dinner / Group Photo
8 pm Bonfire

Sunday, August 3rd

Integration & Farewell

7 - 8 am Yoga
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 - 11 am Workshop: Take-home tools for mindful living
7 - 11 am Check-out of Rooms
10:30 am – 12:30 pm Private Sessions*^
12:30 - 1:30 Lunch & Departure
1:30 - 2pm – FREE TIME / Spa* / Pool / Explore

Additional fees / Pre-registration required / ^Reservations available upon arrival.

*Please note that the schedule is subject to change. Read More

Getting Here

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

Accommodation

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 Read More

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. Read More

Customer Reviews

4.50 out of 5.0 average rating

Anonymous • Oct 03, 2023

4.0

Verified

Weekend retreat stay

The property is on a beautiful, peaceful location.
Nature is all around and sometimes a little too close but you are literally surrounded by woods.

The food was really good and I liked the buffet style and fruit basket.

The gift shop although small had a nice selection of items and I purchased a few fun items.

Since the dining area was on the opposite side of the site from the convention center, a lot of students drove back and forth on the property. I chose the walking paths to get around.

Read More

Marie • Apr 18, 2022

5.0

Verified

Lovely

I had a fascinating and enlightening experience during an “Energy squared Reiki,” class at Menlo this past week. The grounds, rooms, facilities amenities and spa at Menla were all beautiful, clean, and peaceful. The food was delicious and nourishing. I can say only good things about both Menla and the program I attended, and would wholeheartedly recommend both. Read More

Retreat Types

Soul & Savor: A Retreat on Mindful Eating

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Michelle Ingkavet Cavanagh

Sommer Chetty

Details of this retreat

Getting Here

Accommodation

Deluxe Queen

Deluxe Double (Shared Room)

Customer Reviews

Anonymous • Oct 03, 2023

Weekend retreat stay

Marie • Apr 18, 2022

Lovely

Select your options

Deluxe Queen

Deluxe Double (Shared Room)

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