Autumn Yoga and Writing Retreat in the Mountains of Maine

Mornings start with yoga and meditation led by Anne Curtis, who has taught for over two decades and holds E-RYT500 and YACEP certifications. Classes are pitched at all levels, from complete beginners to yoga teachers. After brunch, there is usually a guided hike or free time before the afternoon mindful writing workshop with Melissa Carroll. Evenings include yin yoga and dinner, with wine or non-alcoholic pairings available at an extra cost.

The setting is the main draw. Santosha at Hillholm Estate is a Gilded Age mansion on 8 acres along the Carrabassett River, 3.5 hours north of Boston. In late September the surrounding mountains are turning, and the property has hiking trails, a cedar barrel sauna, a hot tub, clay tennis courts and pickleball courts. Rackets and balls are provided.

What separates this from a standard yoga week is the writing component. Melissa Carroll has an MFA, taught college creative writing for a decade, and edited the essay collection Going OM, which includes work by Cheryl Strayed and Dani Shapiro. Her sessions use writing prompts and mindfulness practices to bring people into the present moment, and no writing experience is needed.

Meals are a bigger part of the day than usual: four per day, including a continental breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. The kitchen uses local ingredients and accommodates vegetarian, vegan and allergy requirements. Massages and other treatments can be booked separately through Santosha.

The 2026 retreat is sold out. The next one is scheduled for September 2027, with enrolment opening soon. You can email Anne Curtis at annelcurtis@gmail.com with questions.

What's included

- 4 nights accommodation at Santosha at Hillholm Estate (Wednesday to Sunday) - All meals: 4 meals a day (continental breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner) - Daily yoga and meditation classes for all levels - Mindful writing and yin yoga workshops led by Melissa Carroll - Use of the cedar barrel sauna, hot tub, clay tennis and pickleball courts (rackets and balls included) - Use of hiking trails and expansive library - Access to the 8-acre estate grounds

What's not included

- Travel insurance (highly recommended) - Wine tasting with music pairings (available as an extra) - Cocktails, mocktails, and wine during dinner (available for purchase) - Massages and other treatments (book separately through Santosha) - Van transport from Boston (can be arranged) - Personal expenses