A Sacred Space for Deep Inner Stillness
You may be surprised at what seclusion with God will do for your body, mind and soul. Through the portals of silence, the healing sun of wisdom and peace will shine upon you.Paramhansa Yogananda
Seclusion is a long-honored spiritual practice at Ananda, offering individuals the chance to step out of daily responsibilities and immerse in inner stillness. It is a time of sacred solitude, silence, reflection, and individual practice–a time to be alone, with one-pointed focus on God and your spiritual life.
Year-Round Availability
- At The Seclusion Retreat
- Flexible Dates
- Opt In or Out of Meals
- 3x Daily Meditations
- Accommodations and Prices
Why Seclusion?
I'm ready for a seclusion!
Seclusion is for you, if you:
Experience the benefits of seclusion
What's Included in Your Stay
Your Room
Choose for our varied accommodation options. From a cozy cabin, to a private ensuite room.
Your Meals
Relax and take a break from thinking about your next meal. All-you-can-eat meals are included in your stay!
Activities
Philosophy and experiential activities, including yoga and meditation sessions.
I'm ready to reset and recharge
Prices and Accommodations
A variety of private cabins, uniquely decorated and tucked into nature, designed to offer a quiet, serene retreat. Some are remote and secluded, others closer to the gardens and central facilities.
All Inclusive Rates
The rates below cover everything for one person per night*, including your cabin, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program.
-
Full Kitchen + Private Bathroom Starting at $202
Ideal for those seeking maximum comfort and autonomy. These cabins (e.g. Devotion, Generosity, Peace of Mind, Krishna) provide full kitchens, private baths, decks, and tranquil surroundings.
-
Kitchenette + Private Bathroom Starting at $177
A balance of convenience and simplicity. These cabins (e.g. Kindness, Contentment) include a compact kitchenette and a private shower, perfect for solo or couples who don’t need a full kitchen.
-
Kitchenette + Shared Bathroom Starting at $131
Budget-friendly options. Some cabin-style lodgings (e.g. Renunciation, Lahiri, Happiness Lodge) have a small kitchenette but share bath facilities in the nearby shower house.
*Minimum two-night stay. Extra charge for additional people.
Simple, cozy dwellings, with easy access to shared bath facilities. These are insulated for seasonal comfort, but do not provide cooking or food storage facilities.
All Inclusive Rates
The rates below cover everything for one person*, including your bungalow, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program.
-
Garden Bungalows $124
Comfortable and convenient, these bungalows are near dining, lounge, and temple areas, offering the shortest walks to shared facilities.
-
Secluded Bungalows $115
More tucked away for added privacy, yet still with easy access to the Shower House. A great choice for one person or for those wanting a quieter feel.
*Minimum two-night stay. Extra charge for additional people.
The most economical lodging option, situated under a forest canopy with no hookups, ideal for those content with very simple, nature-immersed stays.
There is a Porta-Potty in the campground area and the shower house and toilets are nearby in the main retreat area.
All Inclusive Rates
The rates below cover everything for one person per night*, including three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program.
-
Tent $72
-
RV $82
*Minimum two-night stay. Extra charge for additional people.
A variety of private cabins, uniquely decorated and tucked into nature, designed to offer a quiet, serene retreat. Some are remote and secluded, others closer to the gardens and central facilities.
All Inclusive Rates
The rates below cover everything for one person per night*, including your cabin, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program.
-
Full Kitchen + Private Bathroom Starting at $202
Ideal for those seeking maximum comfort and autonomy. These cabins (e.g. Devotion, Generosity, Peace of Mind, Krishna) provide full kitchens, private baths, decks, and tranquil surroundings.
-
Kitchenette + Private Bathroom Starting at $177
A balance of convenience and simplicity. These cabins (e.g. Kindness, Contentment) include a compact kitchenette and a private shower, perfect for solo or couples who don’t need a full kitchen.
-
Kitchenette + Shared Bathroom Starting at $131
Budget-friendly options. Some cabin-style lodgings (e.g. Renunciation, Lahiri, Happiness Lodge) have a small kitchenette but share bath facilities in the nearby shower house.
*Minimum two-night stay. Extra charge for additional people.
Simple, cozy dwellings, with easy access to shared bath facilities. These are insulated for seasonal comfort, but do not provide cooking or food storage facilities.
All Inclusive Rates
The rates below cover everything for one person per night*, including your bungalow, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program.
-
Garden Bungalows $124
Comfortable and convenient, these bungalows are near dining, lounge, and temple areas, offering the shortest walks to shared facilities.
-
Secluded Bungalows $115
More tucked away for added privacy, yet still with easy access to the Shower House. A great choice for one person or for those wanting a quieter feel.
*Minimum two-night stay. Extra charge for additional people.
The most economical lodging option, situated under a forest canopy with no hookups, ideal for those content with very simple, nature-immersed stays.
There is a Porta-Potty in the campground area and the shower house and toilets are nearby in the main retreat area.
All Inclusive Rates
The rates below cover everything for one person per night*, including three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program.
-
Tent $72
-
RV $82
*Minimum two-night stay. Extra charge for additional people.
FAQs
What is the difference between Seclusion and Secluded Personal Retreat?
Seclusion is for those seeking a self-guided experience, alone-time to go deep in your spiritual practices, and silence. Secluded Personal Retreat offers individualized guidance and instruction, connection with others, and group practice. It has the option for silence and seclusion, yet includes an immersive retreat experience and interaction with the personal retreat hosts, instructors, and other guests.
Who is Seclusion for?
Seclusion is for you if you:
- Feel called to deepen your meditations
- Are looking for silence and solitude
- Are seeking clarity, peace, or life direction
- Want extended time away from external stimulation, technology, and distractions
- Are preparing for a personal milestone or spiritual commitment
- Follow Yogananda’s path and wish to strengthen your attunement
Do I need prior experience with yoga or meditation?
For seclusion, we do recommend having experience with meditation and being in silence. If you are new to these practices, a good option is to start with a Secluded Personal Retreat.
What do I do during a Seclusion?
Suggested Practices:
- Daily meditation periods, ideally morning and evening
- Reading or listening to uplifting spiritual teachings or music
- Gentle walks to keep the body energized
- Journaling to capture insights and intentions
- Maintaining silence for deeper clarity
What is included in my retreat price?
Prices stated above are per person and include:
- 3 vegetarian meals/day
- Tea, coffee, and fruit throughout the day
- Twice daily yoga & meditation sessions
- Lodging according to your selection
Should I bring food?
Meals are included. Many secluders, though, prefer to make their own food, so as to stay fully immersed in seclusion. For this option, you would choose one of our cabins with a kitchen or kitchenette, equipped with cooking utensils and dishware. Let us know that you’re option out on food.
The other option is to join in the dining hall for meals, where you can wear your “In Silence” badge. Bungalows or camping do not have cooking facilities, therefore you would join the retreat’s meals.
What if I have special dietary requirements?
We can accommodate some special dietary needs with non-dairy, non-wheat, and egg-free choices. If you have other dietary needs, it may be that we will not be able to accommodate them in our kitchen and we thus advise that you bring some supplementary food for yourself.
When are meals served?
Meals are optional and available to guests who choose to participate for an additional fee. If you would like to opt in or out of meals, please let Guest Services know when you register.
For those who participate, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in our dining hall according to the following schedule:
Breakfast: 8:30–9:30am
Lunch: 12:30–1:30pm (no lunch on Sundays)
Dinner: 6:30–7:30pm
What should I bring with me?
- Meditation gear (cushion, shawl, timer)
- Uplifting reading material (we also have a small lending library that is open to all guests)
- Journal and pen
- Any items that support your prayer and devotional life
- Flashlight – important!
- Water bottle
- Your own yoga mat, if you have one (we also have yoga mats, pillows and meditation benches for you to use)
- Sturdy shoes and sandals (best to bring shoes, boots and sandals that are easily removable since there are no shoes worn in the cabins and temples)
- Comfortable, casual, modest clothing — dress in layers, as evenings are usually cool even in summertime
- Food if you are staying in a cabin with a kitchen and prefer to prepare your own meals
- Optional: Sun hat, sun glasses, sunscreen, rain gear when applicable
Do you have a dress code?
Seclusion Retreat is first and foremost a spiritual ashram. In order to maintain our uplifting and inward atmosphere, please dress modestly. Examples include longer shorts and sleeved tee shirts are (preferred), though wide-strapped tank tops are ok. Aside from yoga classes, please add a modest cover-up with leotards, leggings, or swimsuits.
Can I bring my children to the Seclusion Retreat?
The Seclusion Retreat is intended to support a quiet, inward-focused experience, and for this reason children do not usually take part in meals or programs. In some cases, an older child may be welcomed by prior arrangement. We invite you to reach out to us ahead of time so we can explore together what might best support everyone involved.
Can I bring my pet?
Sorry, though we are animal lovers, we are unable to accommodate pets on our facilities. Please leave your beloved pets at home with a family member or sitter and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Is internet and cell phone service available?
Cell phone service is limited between Nevada City and the Retreat. At the Retreat itself, Verizon and AT&T generally have fairly good coverage. Guest Wi-Fi is available in limited capacity; additional Wi-Fi usage fees may apply. When possible, we recommend guests rely on their personal cell phone data plans for internet access.
What time is check-in and check-out?
- Check-In time: 4 pm – 5 pm
- Check-out time: 11 am
I'm coming from a distance. What is the nearest airport, and how do I get to The Seclusion Retreat?
The best airport to fly into is Sacramento International Airport (SMF). The Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is also an option, but is less preferable.
Both airports are approximately 2 hours driving distance from us, so you’ll need to rent a car or hire a drive. If needed, we can share contact information for drivers who have helped our guests in the past.
Yes, our retreat is a little out of the way. And once you get here, you’ll be glad it is! Address: 18443 MacNab Cypress Road, Nevada City, CA 95959
What's your cancellation policy?
If you cancel or reschedule on or before 7 days prior to your arrival date, we can refund your entire payment, less a $55 processing fee.
If you cancel or reschedule within 7 days of your arrival date, we will hold your deposit for one year as a credit for a future stay, less a $55 processing fee. If you have paid more than the deposit, we will refund the surplus amount to you.
To cancel your reservation, please call Guest Services at 800-346-5350 or 530-478-7518.
How can I make a donation to The Seclusion Retreat?
We appreciate your consideration, as The Seclusion Retreat is part of Ananda Worldwide, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. You’ll have the opportunity to add a donation directly on your registration form, or you can donate using the button below.