Hosting a retreat, workshop, or special gathering is a beautiful way to deepen connection and support transformation. At Ananda Meditation Retreats, we welcome guest groups to two extraordinary retreat campuses set within the spiritually energized environment of Ananda Village in the Sierra Foothills of Northern California.
Together, our campuses can host groups of up to 100 guests and offer a range of settings to support different intentions. From shared retreat spaces and open meadows to quiet forests and contemplative stillness, each location provides a supportive and inspiring backdrop for meaningful group experiences.
Our vision is to serve like-minded groups who will benefit from the calm, clarity, and upliftment of our divinely blessed 700-acre intentional spiritual community, while maintaining their own retreat rhythm and focus.
Guests are invited to choose the campus that best supports their group’s intention, whether that is the retreat setting of The Expanding Light Retreat, the privacy of Gaia House, or the quiet, contemplative atmosphere of The Seclusion Retreat.
The Expanding Light Retreat
We’ve been welcoming guest groups to The Expanding Light Retreat from around the world for over 45 years. Many groups have found inspiration and renewal by spending time in this peaceful retreat setting located within the greater Ananda Village environment.
The retreat campus offers a variety of thoughtfully designed spaces that support both group connection and individual reflection. These include a large dining room, an octagonal Teaching Temple, and a spacious outdoor piazza for dining and gathering. Expansive gardens and open meadows invite time in nature and offer quiet places for reflection between sessions.
Accommodations are spread across four large buildings and include deluxe rooms with ensuite baths, standard rooms with hallway baths, and cabins. Together, these options allow groups to balance comfort, shared space, and privacy according to their needs. While located within Ananda Village, guest groups maintain their own retreat rhythm and schedule throughout their stay.
Ideal for:
Retreats, workshops, educational programs, teacher trainings, and groups seeking a supportive retreat environment with a balance of shared spaces and privacy.
Gaia House
Gaia House is a unique, two-story, custom-designed guest house located within Ananda Village. Originally built as a large family home, it has since been thoughtfully adapted to welcome intentional groups who value privacy, shared space, and a sense of togetherness. Constructed with rammed earth, the house features tall ceilings, abundant natural light, and a warm, grounded atmosphere.
With six-plus bedrooms, Gaia House can accommodate up to 15 adults. The two-story layout offers flexible first-floor gathering space, including a beautiful kitchen, expansive dining area, and a multi-use living room. There is also an enclosed office that can be converted into an additional bedroom, along with a separate teaching or meditation room. The second floor includes six uniquely furnished bedrooms, some with shared baths and three with ensuite bathrooms.
Ideal for:
Small group retreats, leadership teams, family-style gatherings, and groups seeking a self-contained, home-like retreat setting.
The Seclusion Retreat
The Seclusion Retreat offers a quiet, contemplative environment ideal for groups seeking stillness, depth, and inward focus. Located on a peaceful, forested parcel of land just beyond Ananda Village, this retreat has welcomed guests from around the world for decades for meditation, silence, prayer, and spiritual study.
The campus includes two temples that serve as central gathering spaces for meditation, yoga, and group practice. Accommodations range from simple bungalows with access to a shared shower house to a variety of cabins, offering varying levels of privacy, comfort, and kitchen and bathroom amenities.
A large shared dining room and lounge provide space for meals, conversation, and informal gatherings. Surrounding the buildings are gardens, forested areas, and meandering walking paths that invite quiet reflection and time in nature. The overall atmosphere supports a slower pace and a naturally meditative rhythm.
Ideal for:
Meditation retreats, silent programs, yoga and spiritual intensives, contemplative study groups, and gatherings that benefit from minimal distraction and a sacred, nature-centered setting.
Ready for an extraordinary group retreat?
We invite group leaders to connect with us and explore what hosting a retreat at Ananda Meditation Retreats could look like for your group.
To support your planning, we offer a complimentary overnight stay at either The Expanding Light Retreat or The Seclusion Retreat, hosted by Krishnadas LoCicero, Groups Manager. During your visit, you’ll enjoy an in-depth tour of available facilities, time to share your vision and program needs, and the opportunity to experience our nourishing vegetarian meals.
This visit is designed to help you determine which campus best supports your group’s intention and to begin shaping a retreat experience that feels both grounded and inspired.
Design an Experience That Fits Your Group’s Needs
We work closely with group leaders to support retreats that are thoughtful, well-held, and aligned with your intention. Guest groups maintain their own retreat schedule and program, with support from our staff to ensure a smooth and well-supported experience.
Always included:
- Dedicated support from our Groups Manager and Guest Services team, from early planning through your group’s stay
- Access to top-rated guest services, including a small boutique and village market
- Affordable pricing, with volume discounts based on group size
- Access to much of our 700+ acres, including peaceful gardens, lakes, walking paths, sacred shrines, and expansive views
- A calm and uplifting atmosphere rooted in decades of spiritual practice and intentional living
Your choice:
- A variety of accommodation options, offering different levels of privacy, comfort, and kitchen and bathroom amenities
- Up to three nourishing vegetarian meals per day
- Optional participation in guided morning yoga and meditation sessions
- Uplifting indoor and outdoor meeting spaces for group activities, reflection, and practice
