Wellness Escape & Yoga Retreat in the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

The retreat runs over four days, with three nights of accommodation. The main activity is daily gentle yoga—four sessions across the stay—plus two guided meditations. Yoga here is therapeutic and alignment-focused, taught in the Hatha tradition with elements of Iyengar and Ashtanga, so it suits beginners and those recovering from injury as much as experienced practitioners.

In addition to yoga, the schedule includes forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) with a certified guide, which ends with a small tea ceremony in the forest. There's also a nature and plant walk with a local ecologist, covering medicinal herbs and the ecology of the Great Smokies. Evenings are given over to wood-fired sauna sessions and a bonfire with stargazing, weather permitting.

The meals are farm-to-table vegetarian, served in an open-air kitchen pavilion. Breakfasts include oatmeal or pancakes with fresh fruit; lunches include build-your-own burritos; dinners feature dishes like coconut cashew curry with rice and salad. Water, herbal teas from the garden, and organic coffee are available all day.

Shalan Hill is the lead teacher and host. She's been practicing yoga since 1998 and teaching since 2001, and also works as a licensed massage therapist specializing in neuromuscular therapy and craniosacral work. Her approach centres on safety and gentleness—she has openly spoken about her own experience with PTSD and nervous system dysregulation, and that informs how she leads.

The land itself is the other standout feature. Seven Springs Retreat Center is family-owned, set 15 minutes south of Maryville, Tennessee. The yurts are spread out on the 128-acre property, and the venue also includes a meditation labyrinth, private forest trails, and the creek. Despite being close to town and the airport, it feels remote and quiet.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation in a shared or private forest yurt - 3 farm-to-table vegetarian breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners - Water, tea, and coffee available throughout the day - 4 gentle, nervous-system-centered yoga sessions - 2 restorative meditation sessions - Forest bathing walk with tea ceremony - Nature and plant walk with a local ecologist - Use of the wood-fired sauna (limited slots) - Bonfires and stargazing (weather permitting) - Parking on-site - Luggage storage - Pre- and post-retreat support from the host team

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional treatments (60 and 90 minute massages, available for an extra cost, must be booked by 09/15/2026)