Silent Mountain Yoga & Meditation Wellness Retreat in Crestone, Colorado

The retreat begins on Thursday evening at 4:00 pm with registration, before the group settles into two full days of silence. Silence here is practical rather than precious—it's a break from conversation and distraction, so you notice what your mind actually does when it's not being entertained. There's no talking during meals or between sessions, which sounds awkward until you realize how much easier it is to eat slowly and actually taste food when nobody's making small talk.

Mornings open with a guided meditation led by Linda Stuart, then breakfast. The afternoon brings a gentle yoga class, also with Linda, which includes restorative poses and iRest Yoga Nidra—a systematic relaxation practice that's more about noticing than achieving. Ani Lodro offers a daily teaching, grounded in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy but aimed at everyday life, not doctrine. There's quiet time built in every afternoon, plus a day trip to the hot springs mid-retreat.

What makes this retreat different from a typical yoga holiday is the monastery setting. Vajra Vidya is both a retreat center and an active monastery, built with traditional Tibetan architecture, and the shrine room is open 24/7 for sitting. You can attend optional prayers or just sit in the stillness. The accommodation is deliberately simple—private rooms, shared bathrooms, no clutter—which sounds spartan but actually removes the usual distractions of a resort.

Guests range from complete beginners to long-time practitioners, and the schedule works for both. If you're new to sitting meditation, the silence might feel strange for the first day, but the structure and the teachers' warmth carry you through. If you've been practicing for years, having access to a real abbess is a rare opportunity for questions and guidance. Linda and Ani both make time for individual conversations, and anonymous questions are addressed in group sessions.

Crestone itself is known as a spiritual hub, home to dozens of contemplative traditions, and the valley is designated a dark-sky community—bring a coat and look up at night. The land around the center has trails, cacti, and open skies, and the staff will point you toward gentle hikes if the weather holds.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation in a private single room - 3 daily vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Daily yoga classes with Linda Stuart - Daily meditation sessions - iRest Yoga Nidra sessions - Pranayama classes - Daily teachings with Ani Lodro - Outing to the hot springs - Airport pickup and drop-off (from ALS airport) - Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Pre and post retreat support from our team - Free parking - Free wifi connection

What's not included

- Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fee - Additional activities not included in the itinerary