CREATIVE ROOTS RETREAT

A 4 Day Immersion into Yoga, Process Art and Nature's Elements

Joshua Tree, California

Journey to Joshua Tree, California for a 4-day art, yoga and wellness retreat to renew and rejuvenate your being. Reconnect to body and spirit through daily yoga practices rooted in the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. Discover self-care rituals that align with the rhythms of the Earth. Nourish your creative potential with guided art process workshops that rekindle your intuition and expression. This long weekend is perfect for caregivers, professionals, nature lovers, artists, therapists, climbers, outdoor enthusiasts, teachers, social workers and more. You don’t have to have experience painting or practicing yoga—all you need is desire to re-connect to your inherent wisdom, to be in nature and community, and to replenish your heart. Join for an intimate gathering of connection, intuition and inspiration.

November 6-9, 2024

Early bird pricing $100 off with code RENEW by 5/20

Nature Immersion to Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree, California is truly a place like no other. Artists, creators, seekers and adventurers of all sorts have traveled to this land to step through the portal of inspiration and awe. It is the convergence of the Mojave and the Colorado-Sonoran deserts, holding two distinct ecosystems in symbiosis. With its wild shaped yucca forests, amidst the ancient boulders strewn over the desert sand, Joshua Tree undoubtedly speaks to an otherworldly existence.

The desert holds the essence of Air & Ether elements: the energy of expansive being, ethereal dreaming, creative freedom, and powerful shifts. It is a place of resilience and raw beauty in both seen and unseen ways. Our experience will invite rich immersion into these elements as we walk through the joshua trees, feel the warmth of the sun, explore art and nature in the outdoors and moonlit hot tub soaks under the stars. Drop into Nature’s ways of regeneration and renewal.

ELEMENT-INSPIRED MOVEMENT WITH GABY

Enjoy two yoga classes daily, intended to inspire embodied awareness and personal expression. Each class is guided with mindfulness, alignment focus, and Ayurvedic principles to integrate body, mind and heart.

Morning Asana is inspired by solar energy, a Vinyasa class unfolding consciousness through the dance of breath with movement. In the afternoon, we wind down the day with a lunar-inspired practice such as Restorative, Aromatherapy Grounding Flow, or Yoga Nidra. One can expect meditation, pranayama, breath awareness, mudra and mantra. Whether a seasoned practitioner or new yogi, instruction and modifications are given for each individual to explore one’s potential.

Yoga asana classes are all levels with modification offered.

PROCESS ART WITH BEVIE

Process arts access the intuitive, body based intelligence that we all have, offering profound and personal wisdoms. Process arts involve a way of being with your creative process and your life that encourages abundant presence, emotional awareness and courage.  You can expect play, group interaction, strengthened intuition, experimentation, new discoveries, break-throughs in stagnant corners, and art that is alive and connected to your story.  The techniques learned shine a new light on your engagement with your life and may give you new insights as to how to move through stuck places.  You also may begin to notice differences in your relationships, parenting, health challenges, or even athletic endeavors.  Process arts shift our internal locus of control; and when this compass shifts, everything changes. 

No art experience necessary!

We provide the materials but if you prefer to bring your own, we can supply a list as well.

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LOCAL PLANT BASED NOURISHMENT

Enjoy a retreat menu intentionally crafted to nourish and heal. We believe food is medicine and our chef, prepares each dish with enthusiasm, mindfulness and love. Each meal is made with Ayurvedic principles that align with the transition of seasons and the local harvest. All meals are plant-based with organic ingredients that are sourced for their high quality, nutrient-dense and nourishing essence. We support our local farmers when possible.

If you have any special dietary needs or restrictions, we can happily accommodate.

THE ACCOMMODATION

The retreat weekend provides a community living experience. We greatly value the interactions and relationships that are built in this kind of environment of sharing and have witnessed deeper connections and expansion in the group settings.

Our private retreat space sits on a magical 4-acres of desert land, a short drive from the park entrance. The space is thoughtfully designed to inspire harmony and relaxation. We have two beautiful homes with a variety of accommodation styles to suit your needs. Enjoy a hot tub soak under the desert stars. Unwind in any of the indoor or outdoor lounge areas. Hang in a hammock or find a creative nook to read, write, be in nature, practice stillness and connect. 

WHAT’S INCLUDED

4 Days + 3 Nights

  • 6 Daily Element-inspired Yoga Classes: Solar + Lunar Movement

  • 2 In-Depth Creative Workshops: Individual and group process art guidance through art journaling, painting, and embodiment of nature’s elements.

  • Open art studio sessions in Nature with additional individualized guidance

  • 8 Locally-sourced plant-based meals daily {from dinner Thursday to brunch Sunday}

  • Wellness Workshop: Ayurveda & the Nervous System: Rituals for Self-Regulation & Renewal

  • Guided Nature-based Mindfulness Experiences

  • Sound Bath Meditation Journey

  • Guided Hike & immersion in the Joshua Tree magic of the desert and National Park

  • Most importantly good company, rest & renewal for the soul

Eligible for Yoga Alliance CEUs

Sample Schedule

7:30 AM Coffee + Tea

8:00 - 9:15 AM Asana, Pranayama + Meditation

9:15 - 10:30 AM Nourishing Breakfast

10:30 - 1:30 AM Workshop Series: Art & Nature

1:30 - 2:30 PM Nourishing Lunch

2:30 - 5:30 PM Open Art Studio, Free Time For Exploration, River Hikes + Rest

5:30 - 6:30 PM Restorative Yoga / Nidra / Sound Healing

6:30 - 7:30 PM Light Dinner + Sunset

Check-in: 2-4:00 PM Wednesday // Checkout 10:30 AM Saturday

ABOUT YOUR GUIDES

  • GABY COLLETTA

    E-RYT, YACEP, AHC

    Gaby is a Yoga & Meditaiton Instructor and Ayurvedic Health Counselor with over 14 years of practice in integrative wellness. She facilitates transformational nature-based retreats, guides mind-body courses, leads teacher trainings and coaches individuals on how to create an ecosystem of internal resources that bring forth one’s greater potential. Her teachings weave together the Ancient wisdom traditions of Tantra and Buddhism with modern-day neuroscience and somatic psychology. Reverence for nature and ritual, embodied presence and deep intention are at the heart of her practices.

    Gaby holds a Masters in Integral Counseling Psychology from CIIS. She is on the faculty of the Lakshmi Rising School for Yoga & Wellness. She also cofounder of ClimbWell, a resource and retreat series that explores the intersection of climbing, mindfulness and personal development.

  • BEVIE LABRIE

    MA, ATR-BC, LMFT

    With nearly 27 years facilitating experiences with people of all ages, Bevie has worked as a youth worker, wilderness therapy instructor, art and outdoor educator, cross-cultural worker, and currently as an independent artist and Art Therapist. She intentionally guides people into their intuitive intelligence through process art and nature based experiences focused on body sensation, kinesthetic movement, creative writing and mixed media art practices. Exploring her surroundings both locally and internationally through her artistic lens, yoga and outdoor pursuits such as rock-climbing, backpacking and mountain biking fuel Bevie's creative inspiration and work. It's in these places she has discovered her own resiliency, integrated faith, and authentic voice. Her deepest passion is helping others also discover the depths of their strength, contentment and meaningful participation in their lives through intuitive engagement with creativity and the natural world.

    Learn more about her offerings: artfulsoulscapes.org & bevielabrieart.com

Accommodation + Pricing

We offer tiered pricing options so you can modify your retreat experience to your personal needs. A $350 nonrefundable deposit reserves your spot and flexible payment plans are available. Below is the cost per a person in USD.

$100 off early bird pricing with the code ‘RENEW’ thru May 20, 2024

King Bed in Private Room - $1550 - SOLD OUT

Shared King Bed in Private Room - SOLD OUT

Queen Bed in Shared Room - $1450 - SOLD OUT

Shared Queen Bed in Shared Room - $1250 - SOLD OUT

Twin Bed in Shared Room - $1300 - SOLD OUT

Note: if you’d like to share one of the above queen options with a partner/friend please email me directly so I can set up that payment option for you! Cost includes all wellness workshop materials, organic meals, accommodation, and activities. Transportation to and from retreat location is not included. Deposit is non refundable as stated in Booking Terms & Conditions here.

FAQS

  • Our retreat venue is in Twentynine Palms, California (near the North Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park).

    Driving: Joshua Tree & Twentynine Palms, California lies within a few hours' drive of several major metropolitan areas.

    • 140 miles east of Los Angeles

    • 175 miles northeast of San Diego,

    • 215 miles southwest of Las Vegas, Nevada, and

    • 222 miles west of Phoenix, Arizona.

    The closest airports include

    • PSP - Palm Springs International Airport - 40 miles. Take Hwy 10 West to Hwy 62 and into Joshua Tree

    • LAX - Los Angeles International Airport - 150 miles. Take Hwy 10 East to Hwy 62 to Joshua Tree. Note: This route takes you across the entirety of Los Angeles; traffic at peak hours can add to drive time.

    • SAN - San Diego International Airport - 150 miles. Take 15 North to 215 North to 60 East to 10 East to Hwy 62 to Joshua Tree

    • LAS - Las Vegas Harry Reid / McCarran International Airport - 200 miles. Take 15 South - Or drive through Mojave National Preserve to Hwy 62

  • Yes! In the Creative Roots Yoga & Ayurveda Immersion students will gain a knowledge of how to apply Ayurvedic principles to daily life and yoga. Through embodied practices, students will experience the energetics of the 5 elements, 3 doshas, and how to live in alignment with the seasons. All teachings will dive into the Ayurvedic understanding of health or "Svastha".

    Hours are accrued through:

    • 3 Vinyasa practices incorporating a blend asana, pranayama, mudra and mantra to explore the elemental energies within and how balance excess in mind and body

    • 1 Yin practice exploring gentle lunar movement for stress resilience, release and relaxation

    • 1 Yoga Nidra & Sound meditation practice exploring sound as medicine and conscious integration

    • 1 Ayurvedic Wellness workshop exploring wise energy management, seasonal wellness

    • Food, Diet and Lifestyle teachings throughout the retreat

    • Meditations throughout the immersion

    • Elemental teachings though Process Art Workshops

    Requirements include participation in retreat and submission of a reflection assignment.

    This course is eligible for 12 continuing education hours for Yoga Alliance teachers. Opportunity will be available throughout our time to explore questions and individual feedback.

  • Preparation: We ask that you prioritize self-care and health in the time leading up. We recommend to all participants to minimize potential exposure to COVID, especially within the 2 weeks prior to arrival. We are committed to supporting everyone’s health and safety. Most of our retreat offerings will be held in the fresh outdoors, including yoga practices and open studio hours. Meals will be served indoors with plenty of seating both inside and outside on the decks. Our intimate gathering limited to 16 participants maximum. The space will be aired out daily.

  • “Very special experience. Gaby and Bevie are total pros on top of being wonderful humans. Delicious food, great yoga and new opportunities for expression through art. I felt utterly taken care of.“

    Katie K.

  • "This retreat was the most amazing experience I have ever had in my life. Gaby and Bevie were amazing at helping to create a safe place where a wide variety of us could ground and feel so connected. Bella served the most delicious meals, you could feel the love put into it. It is hard to put into words this amazing experience. I am just beyond grateful I attended."

    Ginger J, Alaska

  • “Peaceful reflective trip with a group of diverse women. Leaders we’re knowledgeable, compassionate and very giving. I would go again . Accommodations were perfect for this kind of retreat. The chef prepared meals were absolutely amazing.”

    Kerri D.

  • “What a special and restorative experience in a beautiful location. I would recommend this retreat to anyone looking for professional and compassionate instructors, out of this world culinary creations made with locally sourced ingredients, and lots of opportunity for reflection, creativity, time in nature, healing, and community, with deep and thoughtful intention put into every part of the retreat. In my experience, wellness retreats/events can get a reputation for being ran sloppily, or behind schedule, or being a little too loose and informal - especially for what you pay for. I'm happy to say, that was not the case with this retreat. Everything was well planned and organized, on schedule without being rushed, and was handled in a professional and intentional manner. I would highly recommend to anyone considering, it was worth every penny and I'd love to attend again.”

    Annalisa N.

  • “Gaby and Bevie put together and carried out a wonderful weekend of creating, nature, movement, great food, conversation and introspection. Everything went smoothly, from registration to getting ready to arrive to all of our experiences at this beautiful and comfortable retreat location. Sign me up for another!”

    Arah B.

  • “Great trip. Enjoyed the opportunity to move and reflect in nature with a small group. Facilitators Gaby (yoga and ayurvedic) and Bevie (process painting) were gentle and caring in their approach to allow space for whatever came up. Food by Bella was fantastic and nourishing. Good balance of activities with some down time sprinkled in. Appreciated the opportunity to nourish myself away from the everyday routine.”

    Katherine J.

  • "It opened my mind to practicing being calm within the discomfort and savoring the pleasures. The combination of art and yoga played together in the most magical way, and I am forever grateful for this experience."

    Clare, Minnesota

  • "This retreat was one, that a week and a half later, I am still reflecting on. It was a deep and rich experience that allowed me to freely explore and in some cases validate parts of my "true self," while at the same time providing so much room for growth. Gaby and Bevie very skillfully helped the group meld into a trusting, safe entity. Both women are amazing, down to earth, caring individuals with unique gifts. The yoga, process art, sound bath, aryuvedic teaching, amazing food and last but not least, beautiful people who attended this retreat all helped make it what it was. Thank you so much."

    Jody Stahl

  • "Gaby and Bevie created a wonderful space for self-expression, nourishment and reflection. The yoga classes were excellent, the art cathartic, and the food delicious. The surrounding landscape just enhanced the experience."

    Katie

  • "I experienced a deep transformation in a safe and holistic environment."

    Susan Donaghy, Ashfield, Mass

  • "This was an amazing experience and highly beneficial to my personal yoga practice, creative process and overall wellbeing. Gaby and Bevie were so lovely to learn from and be around. The professional chef, Bella, was also brilliant and the food was so good. The entire event was smooth, with enjoyable organic transitions as well as ample time for socializing and free time. Thanks to all involved, can't wait to do it again. ✨"

    Janet E

Big love + Gratitude to our 2024 Sponsors!

If you are interested in sponsoring our 2024 retreat, please reach out.