A Sacred Pause to Listen Within

Do you long for stillness in a world that never slows down?
Are you craving quiet space to breathe, reflect, and just be?

The Silence, Spirit, and Nature Retreat is a nourishing weekend to step away from noise and busyness—and reconnect with what matters most. Rooted in the peaceful practices of meditation, nature immersion, and gentle silence, this retreat helps you return to yourself, to Spirit, and to the beauty of the present moment.

You don’t have to figure everything out.
You just need space to listen.

This retreat is ideal for anyone seeking to:

  • Step out of overwhelm and into a slower, more natural rhythm
  • Reconnect with their inner clarity, calm, and intuition
  • Spend time in silence supported by nature and community
  • Experience guided meditation and practices grounded in deep stillness
    Feel inspired and renewed through beauty, simplicity, and presence

April 9 - 12

I'm ready for a retreat!

What Awaits You During This Retreat:

  • Quiet the Mind and Rest in Inner Stillness

    Guided meditations and Yogananda’s techniques for deep concentration will help you shift from mental chatter to calm clarity. Discover how silence becomes not a lack of sound—but a space for insight, comfort, and communion with Spirit.

  • Awaken Through Nature’s Presence

    Let nature guide your inner unfolding. Whether sitting beneath the trees, walking mindfully on quiet trails, or gazing at the springtime blooms in the Crystal Hermitage gardens, you’ll feel how nature mirrors your soul’s peace and wonder.

  • Be Gently Held by Silence

    Unlike isolating silence, this retreat invites a warm, nourishing quiet that opens the heart. You'll have time to journal, rest, and simply be—held in the loving stillness of spiritual community.

  • Experience Sacred Practices That Support You

    Learn Yogananda’s meditation technique for concentration—designed to calm the mind and awaken inner stillness. Explore conscious tools for presence, gentle Ananda Yoga to deepen awareness, and Sharing Nature® experiences that spark wonder and connection—within and without.

  • Reflect, Integrate, and Be Inspired

    Retreat sessions include time for introspection and supportive group sharing. These moments of connection help bring clarity and encouragement as you integrate your experience—and open to the next steps of your journey.

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

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.

*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, including three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program.

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.

*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, including three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program.

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

Yogesh Lee

Since childhood, Yogesh was aware of the paramount need to find happiness and help others to be happy. In 2013, he took discipleship to Paramhansa Yogananda, simultaneously taking up residence at Ananda Village. Serving at the Crystal Hermitage Gardens and on the Ananda Meditation Retreat staff, Yogesh also helps lead weekend retreats and sadhanas. He delights in the adventure of living for God and sharing the adventure with others in a spirit of acceptance and freedom. Yogesh strives to be “even-minded and cheerful under all circumstances” and to see every challenge as an opportunity. With kindness, enthusiasm, and devotion, he aims to share in a way that is practical, relatable, and fun. Always helpful and sincere he easily helps others experience divine friendship by being a divine friend to others himself.

Bhawani Issacson

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. Her calm, joyful presence help those around her relax and feel welcome. She holds a Master’s degree from CIIS in East-West Psychology, with a specialization in Spiritual Counseling, and has also completed the Ananda Spiritual Counseling® Training. She hosts retreats regularly at both Ananda Meditation Retreat and Expanding Light Retreat.

What Past Guests Have Shared

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