A Quiet Haven for Personal Reflection and Renewal

Secluded Personal Retreat offers a sanctuary of deep stillness, where guests can step away from the demands of daily life and reconnect with their inner source of peace. 

A secluded personal retreat is taking dedicated time to allow yourself to focus on your thoughts, ideas, creativity, feelings, spiritual life—tapping into the part of you, the biggest part of you, that gets lost in everyday busyness and routine.

Whether you are new to silence or an experienced meditator, we offer the supportive environment needed for genuine inner transformation.

Year Round Availability

I'm ready for a retreat!

Welcome to our retreat

When you arrive at the Seclusion Retreat, you will notice the beauty of the gardens, the lovely sound of water fountains, and the majestic tall pines, but it is the silence that brings the first-time visitor to a sudden stop.

Once getting settled in your cabin, you may feel so calm that the first thing you want to do is take a long nap! In a day or so, you acclimate and feel yourself flowing with your non-routine. Reading, hiking, enjoying the view from Bald Mountain, painting, writing— the day is yours alone.

Rediscover the inspiration that flows from that silent place within yourself; that place that can only find itself in stillness. 

Nestled in a quiet natural setting, this campus provides a supportive environment for individual meditation, reflection, and spiritual renewal, free from distractions and external pressures.

With gentle guidance available, optional group meditations, and ample time for silence, guests are invited to attune more deeply to their own practice, listen inwardly, and experience the restorative power of simplicity, nature, and sacred calm.

Secluded Personal Retreat is flexible and personal.
Your time may include:

  • Personalized guidance in Yoganananda’s meditation techniques, Energization Exercises, and Ananda Yoga

  • Extended guided meditation sessions

  • Gentle walks on forest trails

  • Reading or listening to uplifting teachings

  • Journaling and reflection

  • Simple meals and mindful rest

  • Periods of silence

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. 

We look forward to meeting you!

Bhawani Isaacson

Secluded Personal Retreat Host

Bhawani is an E-RYT 200-hour certified Ananda Yoga Instructor, Ananda certified Meditation Teacher, and a long-time meditator. Inspired by yoga since the age of 18, Bhawani’s creative, playful approach makes her classes fun, as well as a relaxing and centering experience. She is passionate about helping people live in a balanced way and reach their highest potential through relaxation and dynamic energy awareness. Bhawani loves to be outdoors and connect with nature. She holds a Master’s degree from CIIS in East-West Psychology, with a specialization in Spiritual Counselling. She is part of the team that hosts Ananda Yoga Retreats several times per year.

Nayaswami Haridas

Secluded Personal Retreat Host

Nayswamis Haridas and his wife Nayaswami Roma have been the Spiritual Directors of The Seclusion Retreat from 1995 to 2001. During that time they ran the Discipleship Training Program for Ananda. They have also served as co-directors of the Ananda Sacramento Community, and helped to manage the Ananda Palo Alto Community before being transferred to India by Swami Kriyananda in 2005. They travelled extensively giving classes and workshops throughout India and in 2012 started the Ananda Bangalore Center and served there as Spiritual Directors for 14 years.  

Nayaswami Anandi

Secluded Personal Retreat Host

Anandi lives, serves and teaches at The Seclusion Retreat. She has a gift for clarifying the teachings of yoga and making them practical. Her deep calmness helps everyone around her feel comfortable and relaxed. Anandi is a longtime practitioner of Kriya Yoga and founder of the Ananda Yoga & Meditation Center in Ashland, Oregon. Before moving to The Seclusion Retreat she was adjunct instructor of Philosophy, Hatha Yoga, and Psychology at Southern Oregon University. She is an Ananda Minister, licensed counselor, and member of the Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society.

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.

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