4-Day Yoga and Hiking Wellness Escape in the Smoky Mountains

The retreat takes place at Seven Springs, a family-owned yurt village on 126 acres of private land, about 15 minutes south of Maryville, Tennessee. It sits at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, putting you within an easy drive of the most-visited national park in the USA. The land itself has seven natural springs, walking trails, a stream, a sauna, and a yoga deck.

Each day starts with breakfast and a morning yoga practice. After that, the day is yours. The hosts provide detailed write-ups of hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, from the gentle half-mile walk to Look Rock Fire Tower to the strenuous full-day ascent of Mount LeConte. In the evenings, everyone comes back together for dinner, a mindfulness workshop, and time around the fire.

Jessi and Zach are the hosts. Jessi has been teaching yoga since completing her first teacher training in 2008 and holds a RYT500 certification. She teaches a Vinyasa-based practice that draws on her background in dance. Zach has a background in community development and facilitation, with a degree from Harvard College. Together they run the retreats, though the yoga sessions are led by Jessi.

The yurts are the accommodation. Each one is uniquely decorated with textiles and artwork from countries the family has visited. They're fully furnished with bedding, electricity, and outlets. Bathrooms and showers are shared. There is also a communal kitchen, a garden, and a terrace.

Meals are vegetarian and cooked on-site, with a focus on organic and locally sourced ingredients. Breakfast might be oatmeal or pancakes, lunch could be build-your-own burritos, and dinner is often a soup or a coconut cashew curry. Herbal teas from the garden and organic fair-trade coffee are available throughout the day.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation in a shared or private yurt - 3 daily delicious and nutritious vegetarian meals - Daily yoga classes - Water, tea, and coffee served throughout the day - Specialized mindfulness workshops - Group excursions and activities - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Free parking - Access to sauna, garden, and walking trails

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Travel insurance - Flights costs - Additional activities not included in the itinerary