Find Authentic Retreats in Big Sur California

"Everything was beyond my wildest expectations. The beauty of the setting, the quality of the teacher, and the loving kindness throughout the retreat all touched me deeply."

"Ellen Sussman has been working with writers teaching them techniques and encouraging them into writing the pages to craft a novel or memoir for decades. Many A-list writers have studied with her for good reason--she helps writers write with their hearts and guts to fuel stories that readers can relate to. Ellen will ask you questions that take you deeper into your character or your own life to reveal the truth of your story. Articulate, irreverent, energetic and inspiring."

"Elizabeth Stark teaches writing workshops and classes in which writers are offered prompts to cue off of for deepening the scenes of their stories. Elizabeth shares techniques she's identified in the work of published writers, breaks them down, and gives writers a chance to try them out for their projects. The right questions trigger writing experiences that improve with each practice, and then they add up. Elizabeth's teaching is valuable for new and experienced writers alike."

"Ratna Ling Retreat Center is a unique center located in a idllic setting amidst Redwoods, wild turkeys, quail flying by, deer on a path, and much to learn about the Tibetan Buddhist teachings and practices. I went for a writing retreat, the Sonoma County Writers Camp with the brilliant co-founders Ellen Sussman and Elizabeth Stark. The workshops and writing and yoga were transformative, and the meals and lodging and staff were gracious and helpful. I was happy to leave my phone in a drawer in the cabin while I participated in all the wonderful activities."

"Such a peaceful place. The Harvest Festival exceeded my expectations. The food, music and setting couldn’t have been better. Thank you. I’ll be back in ‘25!!!"

"The setting, the staff, and the architecture make for a fantastic experience - must see! Also the feeling of a place is hard to curate but seems to come easily at Ratna Ling. I'm grateful to have been and it is now on the top of my list of retreat centers! Thank you"

"This was my first experience at Ratna Ling and I could not be more pleased with the experience I had this past weekend. The volunteer staff go out of their way to make you feel right at home and the food was absolutely delicious and so very healthily and mindfully prepared. The cottages are tastefully appointed and their spaciousness allowed me to feel settled and supported during my retreat experience. It's so very peaceful and I hope to return at least once a year for personal restoration. I participated in a yoga and meditation retreat with Jill Lindsay and had a wonderful experience with her as my teacher and guide through restorative yoga, breath work, chanting and sound bath work. Jill is warm and encouraging and extremely knowledgeable! "

"As a recent participant in the Volunteer Program at Ratna Ling I can honestly say the expeience wasn't bad and it wasn't great either. It was okay. The location was beautiful with lots of nature. The housing wasn't great as it wa an old rustic cabin that looked like it had been there since the early 70's . The water from the faucets often smelled like rotten eggs. Don't know if this was back up from the septic system or if it was sulphur. The mattress I slept on needs to be replaced as it sinks and you can feel the metal coils/springs inside. The majority of the staff were helpful and friendly. However, there also was moments when staff members lashed out and snapped at one another. For a retreat center focusing on mindfullness, yoga, buddhist principles, the coworkers were stressed out. Working 6 days a week and not having enough volunteers contributed to the staff feeling stressed. "

"Ratna Ling is a jewel. The accommodations were totally incredibly beautiful Cottages dotted around the Redwood forest. The location is a beautiful drive from the Bay Area, far enough away from City lights that you can see a sky that I’ve forgotten has stars at night, then there is the deep quite of being in the Redwood forest. The meals are skillfully prepared Vegan & GF dishes that were delicious. I thought I would miss my usual animal protein, but not at all. They were prepared with care and skill with a majority of the ingredients organically grown on site. Served in a world class Lodge setting. The staff are there as a labor of love and it shows, super friendly and accommodating. I plan to return to Ratna Ling next year!! Big thank you’s to the family at Ratna Ling!!"

"Ratna Ling is a hidden gem. It has the power and potency of a full practising monastery and yet appears as an ultra luxury retreat centre The place is built with longevity in mind which creates a great container for whatever work you want to do want to do the staff are very friendly, and easy to get along with The food is great"

"There is a special, unexplainable energy here. Sacred land, peaceful and quiet. The cabins were very nice and little details well thought out. The food was beautiful, delicious and nourishing, the staff were very friendly and caring. I highly recommend this retreat center and I would love to come back someday. "

"I’ve been going to Charlotte for almost a year now through ceremonies and private sessions. She is one of the sweetest, wisest, most compassionate, non-judgmental, no-nonsense, authentic healers that I’ve come in contact with. Her retreats are also nothing less than soul nourishing magical. "

"Gorgeous rooms , wonderful nature - great staff and food!"

"Magical,Love, Blessings, Learning and caring. Hugs to everyone who gave such gentle care. I felt wrapped in a lovely warm blanket of beauty and love. Especially from our leader, Maria Helena. I felt her love filling every corner of the room, and every corner of my heart. This was my first retreat and I hope to come back if there is one in the spring! Bless you all and thank you! Donna Fivis"

"My experience over the course of a weekend at “The Love of Beauty: A Meditation Retreat in Nature” at Ratna Ling exceeded all of my expectations. From the moment I arrived, the retreat offered a perfect blend of tranquility and introspection. Maria Helena, the main host guiding our meditation practices, demonstrated exceptional skill and sensitivity, effortlessly managing a diverse group of participants with varying levels of meditation experience. Her guidance was insightful and accommodating, making each session both accessible and deeply transformative. In addition to Maria Helena’s expertise, the entire Ratna Ling staff played a crucial role in enhancing the retreat experience. Each team member was not only well-versed in meditation practices but also enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge. They provided valuable insights into the local hiking trails and offered personal perspectives on meditation that enriched our understanding. The warm and approachable demeanor of the staff created an atmosphere of openness and support, which was instrumental in fostering a sense of community and connection among us. The retreat’s natural beauty and spacious facilities further amplified the experience. Surrounded by Redwoods, the environment was ideal for appreciating nature and connecting with our senses. Every meal served was fresh, varied, and well presented—which contributed to a balanced and fulfilling experience. The days were structured to be both enriching and educational, leaving me with a profound sense of peace and rejuvenation by the end of the weekend. "

"Ratna Ling was a wonderful find in redwoods along the northern California coast. I spent a week there on a solo retreat, the staff were wonderful and the center and cottages have a very warm and comfortable feel. The grounds and surrounding area are a perfect place to disconnect, relax, reflect, meditate, and connect with nature."

"Ratna Ling is in a breathtakingly beautiful location, with luxurious cabins, outstanding food, and a very friendly class. I think Gretchen Donovan is an amazing teacher; I gained so much from her retreat this year."

"What a wonderful place to go and soothe your mind and body. The grounds are so tranquil and the food is amazing. I would go back for another retreat here in a heartbeat. The retreat was led by Gretchen Donovan, who I would also highly recommend, and I hope to do some more work with her. A wonderful experience all around. "

"Felicia is amazing. Performed all parts of the retreat from yoga to self care classes and amazing sound bath. Found great clarity and reconnection at the retreat. Highly recommend"

"Beautiful, calming, a retreat from the noise and hustle of the rest of the world. The property is beautiful, wildlife abundant Accommodations comfortable and homey Food was excellent "

"Just the right blend of programming and free time. The Ratna Ling staff are a gift and the location is a pure delight "

"I originally came across Ratna Ling when I was looking for a weekend getaway from the SF bay area a few years ago. I just wanted to spend a few days simply to relax and recharge in a quiet environment surrounded by nature. So I signed up for a program called Space and Ease: A Personal Retreat. Ratna Ling delivered exactly what I was looking for and much more; the entire place is so peaceful and quiet. They offered a clean, spacious & beautifully appointed private cottage with tons of natural lights and an outdoor patio surrounded by redwood trees. I enjoyed sipping my morning coffee, watching the sunrise on my patio. At night, I watched a sky full of stars and even saw the Milky Way! The package included the delicious and freshly prepared vegetarian food as well. The facility, garden, accommodation and dining experience provided an atmosphere of all-inclusive private health and wellness resort but much better thanks to wonderful staff and volunteers who were genuinely kind and caring. The entire stay felt amazingly peaceful, calming and safe so I immediately signed up for another retreat called Weekend of Self Care which included several group programs led by yoga and spiritual teachers. I was not sure what to expect and many participants, including myself, have never been to this type of retreat but almost everybody seemed to have found deep connections and left with a much more open heart at the end of the retreat. The entire program was built around building genuine connections to ourselves and others and the teachers were truly there to be your leaders and guides as you find your path to wholeness and deeper connection. I recently participated in another 3-day retreat called "Change & Surrender" and had a beautiful experience once again. Gloria and Merrill were the teachers leading the retreat. They were extremely knowledgeable and were genuinely caring. Gloria made each of us feel truly belonged and were meant to be here. The retreat participants were a really diverse group of folks with different professional & cultural backgrounds and age groups yet she masterfully created an open space where everybody felt very safe to be vulnerable, cultivate genuine connection and find deep healing. It was truly a magical experience. In short, I highly recommend this place whether you are simply looking for a quiet place to relax and recharge in a beautiful natural setting or want to dive in to have deeper experiences. Ratna Ling has something for everybody! "

"Just returned from an amazing retreat at Ratna Ling hosted by Gloria and Merrill. Everything was not perfect and yet it was. The redwoods, the cabins, the main building are so beautiful and serene. A lot of love and care went into this beautiful sacred place. The vegetarian food they serve is fresh and delicious and feels very nourishing. Wonderful volunteers and staff as well as other guests create a special community. So much wisdom in their teachings that today's world desperately needs. It's a must needed escape that allows you to reflect and reset. I didn't want the weekend to end and can't wait to return..."

"Just returned from an amazing retreat at Ratna Ling hosted by Gloria and Merrill. Everything was not perfect and yet it was. The redwoods, the cabins, the main building are so beautiful and serene. A lot of love and care went into this beautiful sacred place. The vegetarian food they serve is fresh and delicious and feels very nourishing. Wonderful volunteers and staff as well as other guests create a special community. So much wisdom in their teachings that today's world desperately needs. It's a must needed escape that allows you to reflect and reset. I didn't want the weekend to end and can't wait to return..."

"I recently attended the "Change and Surrender" retreat, which was co-led by Gloria. She helped me gain deeper insight on how I could make positive changes in my life, while also gracefully accepting the things that I cannot change. She also helped me become more aware of the strong mind-body-Spirit connection by gently guiding me through multiple healing and restorative yoga classes. Gloria is a loving, compassionate, and knowledgeable retreat leader and yoga teacher, and I will continue to attend her future retreats and yoga classes. "

"I had such a soothing, transformative, and healing experience during the recent "Change and Surrender" retreat I attended at Ratna Ling. The cottage accommodations were the most luxurious I have ever had at a retreat center. The abundance of redwood trees, wide variety of plants, and large open grassy areas provided a calming and nurturing environment. The layout of the main lodge, yoga and meditation rooms, and outdoor patio were conducive to person-to person connections and community-building. It was also a joyful culinary experience to eat the fresh meals served there, with many of the vegetables coming straight from their onsite garden. The staff members were all so warm, welcoming, and kind-hearted. As for the retreat itself, I received powerful and loving guidance from both Gloria and Merrill about how I could make positive changes in my life, while also gracefully accepting the things that I cannot change. I will keep coming back to this beautiful, divine, and enchanting place."

"I enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, the exceptional program, the delicious food, and most importantly, the privilege of being present with an incredible group of truly amazing people. The redwoods, the cabins, the temple and the carefully constructed program were magical for me. It is the best gift you can give to yourself, and I highly recommend it. I surely will come back again "

" Ratna Ling We stayed for two nights at Ratna Ling Resort The cabin we stayed in was large and beautiful, nestled among the redwoods. with two bedrooms and large living area. It was well appointed with microwave, mini fridge and wifi, and no TV to interfere with the peace and calm! The food was buffet style--vegetarian, plentiful and varied--with a main dish, hearty soup, cheeses, fruits and nuts, various veggies, homemade bread and sometimes avocado and yogurt. My favorite dish was a wonderful mushroom risotto. There are many trails to explore on and near the property. Highly recommended to re-energize! Hillary and Jay"

"Our Stay at Ratnaling was amazing The feeling of being in nature Just outside your door to see the majestic redwoods and breathe in the wonderful air …and the sense of peace and joy that is in the air was very healing I could go on the food was clean wholesome and so fresh it seems as if it was just plucked of the tree I would come here rest any time I can . indeed a very special place "

"Ratna Ling has everything you want for a restful, rejuvenating, and relaxing time. Shake off the clutter of one's daily activities and worries and let the beauty and art of nature speak to you through the many windows in your cottage and walks outside. The art is nature and it breathes quietly into you as you just be. Food is wonderful and considerate for all people with food sensitivities. They do a great job making the food beautiful, plentiful and satisfying. Can't say enough about all aspects, and the warmth and kindness of the staff. "