Create Lasting Memories in a Spiritually Uplifting Environment
A Self-paced Yoga and Meditation Retreat You Can Share With Your Loved Ones
If you’re ready to melt your stresses away through the healing power of meditation, yoga, and nature—but want to bring your family along for the journey—then the Family Personal Retreat is for you. You’ll return home feeling nurtured, spiritually uplifted, and more connected as a family.
Imagine This...
The peace from your morning yoga and meditation stays with you as you walk with your child around Lotus Lake, hand in hand. You sip tea while your little one tosses pebbles into the water, both of you wrapped in the pine-scented air and bird song. The stillness around you seeps inward, bringing a rare, shared calmness.
Later, you watch your children laugh with joy as they meet goats and donkeys at Yogoda Goat Dairy or play with new friends at Family Kirtan. That night, you gather under the stars, sharing pizza and songs with other spiritually-minded families—knowing you’ve found a place where your entire family can breathe, grow, and belong.
I'm ready to relax
Reconnect With Your Spirit—Together
Surround yourself with a spiritually focused community, and experience a slower pace that nurtures each member of your family. Our peaceful environment allows both parents and children to unwind, reflect, and simply be.
Design your own retreat schedule. Participate in yoga and meditation classes, or take peaceful walks while your children explore the grounds. You choose how much structure or spontaneity your family desires. Enjoy a retreat that honors your individual needs as well as your family’s dynamic. Whether you’re enjoying quiet meditation while your kids attend Sunday School, or joining in a joyful kirtan together, this retreat supports spiritual connection for all ages.
While we don’t provide structured childrens’ programs, your stay can include a range of inspiring activities for all ages—from nature walks to sacred music gatherings. Children often delight in visiting the farm animals, touring the Living Wisdom School, or sharing potluck meals with other families.
Things to do for families at Ananda Village
Family Kirtan & Potluck
Contact familysupport@anandavillage.org with questions
Pizza Night
Contact familysupport@anandavillage.org with questions
Sunday School
Contact familysupport@anandavillage.org with questions
Yogoata Goat Dairy
Visit Ananda Yogoda Dairy Farm for a fun, family-friendly outing! Bring the kids to meet our happy goats, chickens, and donkeys! A perfect experience of learning and adventure.
Living Wisdom School
Visit the school with your kids to discover a nurturing environment where learning and spirituality go hand in hand. Tour our beautiful campus, meet our dedicated teachers, and see how we cultivate a strong foundation for children’s growth and happiness.
Peace is calling!
Springtime at Ananda!
Stay with us between April 4th and early May for Personal Retreat and enjoy special perks:
- Free entrance ticket to the Crystal Hermitage gardens to see 20,000 tulips and myriad flowering plants and trees
- 10% discount at the Crystal Hermitage boutique
- A free book about Crystal Hermitage, The Spirit of Gardening by Nancy Mair, Master Gardener
Learn powerful meditation techniques
Wouldn’t it be fulfilling to learn meditation techniques that actually work, taught by experienced meditation teachers?
On this retreat, through step-by-step guidance in ancient and scientific meditation techniques, you will feel confident and empowered to develop a regular meditation practice at home.
Practice yoga postures for higher awareness
Begin and end your day with spiritually uplifting yoga and meditation, guided by experienced teachers.
These sessions are best suited for adults, older teens, or mature pre-teens. Please note that we are not able to offer childcare or supervision during class times.
Let us cook for you!
Relax and take a break from thinking about your next meal. On this retreat, your all-you-can-eat meals are included in your stay!
Feel nurtured and energized with our organic, international, vegetarian meals* prepared with love. Sit back, relax and mindfully enjoy your meals in our electronics-free dining room or our outdoor piazza.
*Gluten-free and vegan options available!
Free gifts to continue your journey
Enjoy these special offerings when you come for a Family Personal Retreat
Free book
Pick out a book from the Wisdom of Yogananda series – get a new one each visit.
Personal Retreat guide
Bring a plethora of self-guided and supportive activities home with you to keep your inspiration alive.
Online course discounts
Access discounts to join in our online courses to continue learning and growing at your own pace.
I'm ready for renewal
A retreat in the heart of a spiritual community
The Expanding Light Retreat is in the heart of Ananda Village, one of the world’s oldest and most successful intentional spiritual communities. Ananda’s spiritual tradition is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi, and founded by his direct disciple Swami Kriyananda.
During your stay, you’ll get to explore not only The Expanding Light Retreat, but other beautiful places at Ananda Village like the world class tulip gardens at the Crystal Hermitage, the community cafe and health food market, expansive views at Sunset Ridge, and many sacred temples.
You will meet people that have been living, meditating and serving in this community for over 50 years. Our residents have chosen to live a conscious life dedicated to service and meditation—not removing themselves from the world—but rather integrating a spiritual and harmonious approach into every aspect of their lives. You’ll feel encouraged, inspired and supported on your unique personal spiritual journey.
We look forward to meeting you!
Sundara Traymar
Personal Retreat Host
Sundara is a gifted and extraordinarily creative teacher, winning friends wherever he is. He finds deep joy in helping people understand spiritual concepts. His classes and weekend retreats are immersive and experiential, and his clear explanations help people apply yogic teachings to real-life situations.
Sundara has lived at Ananda Village since 2008 and serves as The Expanding Light spiritual director, supporting the spiritual welfare of both retreat staff and guests. Among the many hats he wears, he is a certified Ananda meditation teacher trainer, hosts and leads weekend retreat programs and oversees our flagship programs, Karma Yoga and Personal Retreat.
Nayaswami Mantradevi
Personal Retreat Host
Nayaswami Mantradevi is warm and approachable and you’ll feel like you have an understanding friend in her. She has an aptitude for helping people gain inner clarity and find ways to take the next step in their ongoing spiritual unfoldment.
Mantradevi has lived at Ananda since 1979 and her inherent insights, clarity, and joy are gained from years of meditating, teaching, and counseling. She now puts her talents into developing programs for The Expanding Light, working with teachers leading the programs, spiritual counseling, and supporting guests and staff alike.
Bhramacharini Meerabai
Personal Retreat Host
Brahmacharini Meerabai’s gentle and grounded presence is felt by all, whether it be guests or staff. Among her many talents, Meerabai is gifted at holding everyone in her awareness, and is instantly attuned and helpful whenever a need arises.
Meerabai has lived at Ananda Village since 2013 and currently serves as Guest Services manager, lovingly supporting all aspects of guest reservations and accommodations. She’s also a regular personal retreat host and Ananda Yoga sadhana leader. Living on The Expanding Light campus, she serves as our dedicated 24-hour onsite staff member, always ensuring everyone is well taken care of, no matter the hour.
Gayatri Kretzmann
Family Personal Retreat Host
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Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you! Call us at (800) 346-5350 or (530) 478-7518 or send us a message with the form below and we’ll reply to you as soon as we can.
Guest Services office hours are: Mon – Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM
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