Personal Yoga and Meditation Retreat in the Sierra Nevada Foothills

Set within Ananda Village, a cooperative spiritual community founded on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, The Expanding Light Retreat has been welcoming guests from all over the world for nearly 50 years. This is not a wellness resort in the conventional sense; it's a working spiritual community where the staff and teachers live on site and practice what they teach. That authenticity is palpable — you can feel it in the way people greet you, in the careful preparation of the meals, and in the general energy of the place.

Your days at the retreat are semi-structured, which means you have the flexibility to design your own experience. Each day offers a morning sadhana and an evening sadhana, led by experienced members of the community, which include Energization Exercises (a series of energy-awareness movements developed by Yogananda), yoga postures, and meditation. You can also join classes on topics like meditation techniques, yoga philosophy, and healing practices, or simply take advantage of the extensive grounds for hiking, walking, or sitting by the lake.

What really sets this retreat apart is the depth of the teaching and the sincerity of the community. The instructors are not hired facilitators; they are long-term residents who have dedicated their lives to spiritual practice. Sundara, the spiritual director, has lived at Ananda Village since 2008 and is a certified Ananda meditation teacher trainer. Meerabai, who joined in 2013, leads sadhanas and ensures the day-to-day care of guests. Their presence is steady, warm, and genuinely supportive — they are there to guide you, not to sell you a lifestyle.

The location is another highlight. Ananda Village is set in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, and the retreat center is surrounded by 750 acres of pristine nature. You can walk for hours on the many trails, encounter deer, turkeys, foxes, and other wildlife, or simply find a quiet bench and watch the light change over the meadows. The nearest city, Nevada City, is a short drive away, with its charming gold-rush-era architecture and local shops, but most guests find little reason to leave the tranquility of the retreat grounds.

What's included

- 2 nights accommodation - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals - Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day - Daily Yoga and Meditation Sessions - Meditate in different holy temples - Classes on Spiritual Subjects - Enjoy 750 acres of beautiful meadows and forestland - Group excursions/activities - Specialized workshops - Wifi connection

What's not included

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