A Sacred Pause to Deepen Your Practice

Are you craving time away from the noise of life—to go deep within and reconnect with the soul-satisfying power of your Kriya practice?

This retreat is ideal for Kriyabans seeking to:

  • Recharge spiritually through extended meditation on holy ground
  • Cultivate inner silence and intuitive guidance
  • Deepen their devotion and commitment to the path
  • Rest, reflect, and renew in spiritual community
  • Reawaken the living presence of the Masters in their practice

May 8-15

This Guided Kriya seclusion will begin with a Kriya Ceremony on Saturday May 9th in the sacred Temple of Silence, the heart of the place where Ananda first began. Taking the blessings of this Kriya deeply within, there will then be the opportunity to seclude on this sacred land that has been infused with the vibrations of the Masters through deep meditations for nearly 60 years.

For Kriyabans of all levels- open to Ananda Kriyabans only.

I'm ready for a retreat!

What Awaits You During This Retreat:

  • Reconnect to Your Inner Guidance

    Step into a rhythm of stillness and silence designed to help you hear the whispers of your soul. Begin the retreat with a sacred Kriya Initiation ceremony, inviting divine grace to infuse your week.

  • Recharge Through Guided Sadhanas

    With twice-daily guided Kriya meditations in the Temple of Silence and other sacred spaces, you’ll deepen your spiritual receptivity and recharge your practice on a soul level.

  • Practice Kriya on Holy Ground

    Meditate where many devotees have practiced for nearly 60 years. Feel the spiritual magnetism of Ananda’s holy land supporting your inward journey.

  • Experience the Power of Silence and Nature

    Enter sacred silence supported by daily Energization Exercises, gentle Ananda Yoga, nourishing vegetarian meals, and the deep quiet of the Seclusion Retreat's gardens.

  • Be Supported, Yet Inward

    This guided seclusion blends structure and space. You’ll be lovingly supported without distraction—so you can go deeper into your Kriya, into your center, into your Self.

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. Daily brunch and light dinner served.

Activities

Guided activities, including yoga and meditation sessions.

I'm ready to go deep

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 are for one person and cover the entire duration of the retreat, including daily brunch and light dinner, and full participation in the program.

  • Full Kitchen + Private Bathroom Starting at $1161

    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 $1084

    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 $837

    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.

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 are for one person and cover the entire duration of the retreat, including daily brunch and light dinner, and full participation in the program.

  • Garden Bungalows $875

    Comfortable and convenient, these bungalows are near dining, lounge, and temple areas, offering the shortest walks to shared facilities.

  • Secluded Bungalows $823

    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.

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 are for one person and cover the entire duration of the retreat, including daily brunch and light dinner, and full participation in the program.

  • Tent $546
  • RV $616

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 are for one person and cover the entire duration of the retreat, including daily brunch and light dinner, and full participation in the program.

  • Full Kitchen + Private Bathroom Starting at $1161

    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 $1084

    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 $837

    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.

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 are for one person and cover the entire duration of the retreat, including daily brunch and light dinner, and full participation in the program.

  • Garden Bungalows $875

    Comfortable and convenient, these bungalows are near dining, lounge, and temple areas, offering the shortest walks to shared facilities.

  • Secluded Bungalows $823

    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.

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 are for one person and cover the entire duration of the retreat, including daily brunch and light dinner, and full participation in the program.

  • Tent $546
  • RV $616

Extend Your Stay, Deepen Your Peace

Wish you had more time to trest, recharge, and go deeper? Arrive early or linger longer with a flexible Personal Retreat stay*—and give yourself the gift of unhurried time. Enjoy daily yoga, meditation, and nature’s beauty, all at your own pace.
*Add extra nights during registration

FAQs

Not at all! This retreat is designed for all levels, including beginners.

Prices stated above are per person and include:

  • 3 vegetarian meals/day
  • Tea, coffee, fruit throughout the day
  • Daily yoga & meditation sessions
  • Classes and activities
  • Lodging according to your selection
  • Airport transport
  • Additional healing services (massage, spiritual counseling)
  • Extra snacks

If you need any of these services, please contact us in advance so we can help you to arrange it.

Yes. For both Guided Group Retreats and Personal Retreats, all guests receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner as part of the program. Meals are served in our dining hall according to the following schedule:

  • Breakfast: 8:30–9:30am (Thursdays: 9:30–10:30am)
  • Lunch: 12:30–1:30pm (no lunch on Sundays)
  • Dinner: 6:30–7:30pm (times may vary slightly)

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.

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

Check-In time: 4 pm – 5 pm

Check-out time: 11 am

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.

We recommend bringing the following:

  • 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)
  • Journal and pen
  • Uplifting reading material (we also have a small lending library that is open to all guests)
  • 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

The 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rooted in Timeless Teachings, Open to All

Here at The Seclusion Retreat, everything we share is inspired by the universal spiritual principles of Paramhansa Yogananda and his direct disciple, Swami Kriyananda. Their practical, uplifting wisdom is about living with greater peace, joy, and clarity—something anyone can benefit from.

While our roots are in this tradition, the practices themselves—yoga, meditation, and simple living in harmony with higher truths—are universal. Wherever you are on your journey, you’ll find inspiration and support to deepen your own connection with what is most sacred to you, in a way that feels natural and authentic.

Your Guides for the Weekend

Devalila Veenhof

Devalila, an Ananda Lightbearer and Kriyacharya, is Director of Ananda Kriya Sangha for North and South America. She has been practicing and sharing Paramhansa Yogananda’s teachings for over 20 years. She served as Director of Online with Ananda for nearly 10 years, where she developed and taught online courses. Devalila’s great joy and gifts are in supporting and encouraging people, wherever they are spiritually, and helping them find their next step along their journey toward Self-realization.

What Past Guests Have Shared

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