375 Panterkill Road PO Box 70 Phoenicia, NY 12464 United States
July 31 - August 3, 2025
About this Retreat
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 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.
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