Sierra Nevada Yoga & Meditation Wellness Escape

The Fall Into Relaxation Yoga Retreat offers a soul-settling experience nestled within Ananda Village, one of the world's most successful intentional spiritual communities. Set amidst the crisp Sierra Nevada air and the hush of towering pine trees, this retreat provides an oasis of calm that begins the moment you arrive and continues to unfold throughout your stay.

The foundation of this retreat is Ananda Yoga, a distinctive practice rooted in the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, author of the world-renowned Autobiography of a Yogi. Unlike modern yoga offerings focused primarily on physical fitness, Ananda Yoga connects postures directly to inner energy, breath, and meditation, transforming your practice into a doorway inward rather than merely a workout. Each session is designed to help you access deeper states of peace and presence.

Your days follow a gentle rhythm that your nervous system will quickly learn to trust. Morning practice begins with soul-settling yoga and seated meditation, followed by warm, nourishing vegetarian meals prepared with organic ingredients—many grown right on the property. Afternoons offer time for walking the extensive grounds, sitting by the lake, or simply allowing yourself to do nothing at all.

The teachers leading this retreat—Shahla Simpler and Vidya Wells—are both certified Ananda Yoga instructors who bring warmth, care, and genuine presence to their teaching. Shahla offers a grounded, nurturing approach that leaves you feeling cared for on many levels, while Vidya brings enthusiastic joy and practical understanding of how yoga and energy work together to ease anxiety and build inner steadiness.

Evening hours settle into a quality of quiet that many guests find they had forgotten was possible. The community around you—both residents and fellow retreat participants—carries an unmistakable calm and authenticity that permeates every interaction. This is not performance; this is real spiritual life in practice.

By your final morning, you'll pack slowly, not quite ready to leave—a sure sign that the retreat has accomplished its purpose. You return home not only rested but equipped with portable practices for maintaining peace amid life's inevitable challenges.

What's included

- 2 nights accommodation in your chosen room type - 3 daily vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Water, tea, coffee, and fresh fruit throughout the day - All daily yoga classes - All daily meditation sessions - Group activities and excursions - Pre and post retreat support from the team - Free parking - Free wifi - Access to 700 acres of grounds and trails

What's not included

- Airport transfers - International or domestic flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Optional massage treatments - Optional spiritual counseling sessions - Additional activities not in itinerary - Personal expenses