Embodied Ojas Retreat

Yoga & Ayurveda Rituals for Rejuvenation

Idyllwild, California

Journey to Idyllwild, California for a 4-day immersion into the ancient practices of Ayurveda and Yoga. Nestled in an alpine forest and mountain country, we will reconnect to nature and explore the foundations of a 5000-year old science to self-healing, longevity and renewal. “Ojas” is the Sanskrit word for the subtle essence that bolsters immunity, vitality and resilience. Through holistic health practices we will explore ways to cultivate Ojas. Enjoy embodiment practices of yoga to deepen connection with self. Discover daily rituals to align with energetics of the season and support self-care. Learn how to infuse your meals with Ayurvedic principles and presence using spices and culinary herbs to maximize digestion. Drop into communal connection and slow living. This is for rejuvenation, renewal and inspired learning.

4 Days + 3 nights

October 3-6, 2024

Early bird pricing $100 off with the code ‘RENEW’ at checkout thru May 30, 2024

AYURVEDA: NATURE’S WISDOM FOR HEALING & LONGEVITY

Discover the foundational elements of Ayurveda so we can best know ourselves, our dosha’s {mind-body constitutions}, and the rituals we need to create an individualized self-care routine. 

Ayurveda is a traditional healing system and science from India dating back at least 5,000 years. This living body of wisdom uses many different modalities for healing, including using food as medicine, lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, bodywork and extensive detoxification practices. In India, Ayurveda is still practiced as a complete medical system with its own hospitals, treatment centers, and pharmacies that dispense herbal medicine. Here in the United States, Ayurveda is better known for its emphasis on preventative health, promoting a holistic lifestyle, and being a sister science to Yoga. Ayurveda’s emphasis on cultivating a balanced state for mind, body and spirit through diet and lifestyle changes makes it an accessible science for anyone wanting to improve their life. Ayurveda’s emphasis on holistic nutrition teaches us to use food as medicine—eating correctly for our dosha and for the season at hand. Ayurveda believes that agni, or the digestive fire, is the foundation for the health of our entire mind and body. 

ELEMENT-INSPIRED MOVEMENT

Explore embodied connection through daily asana yoga practices infused with seasonal Ayurvedic wisdom. 

Each class is guided with mindfulness, somatic inquiry, alignment foundation, and Ayurvedic principles to integrate body, mind and heart. Morning Asana is inspired by solar energy, a mindful 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 variations are offered for each individual to explore one’s potential. Our retreat includes 5 yoga practices: one grounding practice, afternoon practice, three solar morning yoga classes, and one restorative yoga nidra. 

NOURISHING FOOD AS MEDICINE

Be nourished with organic, plant-based foods daily and learn to cook seasonally appropriate meals that offer variations for each dosha.

Ayurveda’s emphasis on holistic nutrition teaches us to use food as medicine—eating correctly for our dosha and for the season at hand. Ayurveda believes that agni, or the digestive fire, is the foundation for the health of our entire mind and body. Current research on the microbiome continues to prove the importance of the gut-brain connection and to demonstrate the link between healthy digestion and the functioning of many other systems in the body.

All of the food prepared will be organic, seasonal and local where possible. We can support any dietary accommodations, please just let us know ahead of time so we can plan accordingly.

REALIGN WITH NATURE’S RHYTHMS

Idyllwild, CA is in the heart of the San Jacinto Mountains of Southern California. A high elevation getaway with views of grand mountains and tree-lined valleys below, Idyllwild has been a retreat destination for many since the early 1900’s. With fresh crisp air nestled high above the clouds, we are only two-hours outside of Los Angeles though it will feel like a far-away destination.

Surrounded by luscious pine trees, a running creek, incredible sunsets and a true place of solitude and tranquility, we chose Idyllwild because it is a true gem. Ayurveda believes that we are impacted by the environment we spend time in, choosing Idyllwild as a magical backdrop for our retreat was a given!

The ACCOMMODATION

Our mountain sanctuary is called the Pathway, a round home nestled in the heart of the Idyllwild forest, surrounded by the beauty of the woods. Enjoy morning practices in the open air deck against the backdrop of the sounds of Nature, explore the land and meander the hiking trails, drop into slow living with a hot tub soak under the stars or a gathering around the fire. Our retreat space is spacious, peaceful and invites relaxation and renewal.

We offer tiered pricing with various accommodation types. Our intimate gathering is limited to 10 participants. Although we encourage disconnection from technology, our retreat space does have WiFi. 

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Welcome Circle Ritual

  • Daily Ayurvedic yoga for grounding, stability & ease {4 mindful vinyasa practices; 1 restorative Nidra}

  • Cooking Lessons

  • 2 Ayurvedic Wellness Workshops 

  • 8 Nourishing Ayurvedic Meals

  • Sound Bath Meditation & Nidra 

  • 3 Nights Accommodation

  • Rest & Renewal in Nature​

Yoga Alliance CE offered.

Ayurveda-Ritual-Retreat

Sample Schedule

7:00 AM Coffee, Chicory Tea, Warm Lemon Water

8:00 - 9:30 AM Elemental Asana, Pranayama & Meditation

9:30 - 10:30 AM Nourishing Breakfast & Free Time

10:30 - 12:00 PM Ayurvedic Workshop

12:00 - 1:30 PM Collective Cooking Lessons

1:30 - 3:00 PM Nourishing Lunch & Free Time

3:00 - 4:00 PM Meditation / Self Reflection Circle / Nidra / Sound

4:00 - 6:00 PM Free time & Rest

4:30 - 6:00 PM Optional Collective Cooking Lesson for Dinner

6:00 PM Nourishing Dinner, Free Time, Relaxation & Rest

Check-in: 3:00 PM Thursday // Checkout 11:00 AM Sunday

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.

  • ANJALI DEVA

    CAP

    Anjali Deva is an Ayurvedic practitioner and educator. Her private practice, Rooted Rasa, specializes in an integrative and trauma-informed approach to Ayurveda. Anjali founded Mādhya Way, a school for Ayurveda. Her compassion-based approach is useful in alleviating anxiety, depression, PTSD, digestive disorders, and women’s health issues with a holistic framework. Anjali has been greatly fortunate to have been introduced to Ayurveda and Yoga at a young age by her father and mentor, Arun Deva. Her clinical experience began at Hope Integrative Psychiatry overseen by Omid Naim, MD. Her familial lineage is rich with the desire to preserve and maintain these healing arts. Driven by her aspiration to better understand the connection between food and mood, she has trained with Kerala Ayurveda Academy, Loyola Marymount’s Yoga and the Healing Sciences Program, and with various teachers both in the United States and India. Her strong passion for digestion and mental health provides others with a holistic approach to finding their inner harmony and resilience for healing. Anjali is dedicated to sharing the Wisdom of Ayurveda for the benefit of all living beings.

    Learn more at rootedrasa.com and follow her on IG: @anjalidevaayurveda

PRICING

We offer tiered pricing for accommodation to meet your specific needs.

Early bird offering of $100 off (see prices in bold) now thru May 30, 2024 with the use of the code ‘RENEW’ at checkout.

Full Bed (Bunk) in Shared Room $1600 ($1500) USD - SOLD OUT

Shared Queen Bed in Private Room $1350 ($1250) USD

Queen Bed in Private Room $1950 ($1850) USD - 1 LEFT

Shared Master Suite King with Private Bath - $1450 ($1350) USD - SOLD OUT

Camping Spot - $1200 ($1100) USD - 2 LEFT

Retreat only - No Lodging - $875 ($775) USD

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.

Retreat Testimonials

  • "This trip was truly relaxing and restful. Gaby held the space with tenderness and compassion. The food was absolutely delicious and the space was cozy and spacious. She led us in some beautiful yoga sessions, paying careful attention to our individual needs and collective goals. Gaby is knowledgeable in Ayurvedic practices, yoga and yoga nidra, she welcomed any questions we had. I loved that she checked in with us and gave us flexibility. I would highly recommend a retreat with her. She has a lovely and caring disposition that you’ll fall in love with. I’m so gratuito have shared space with her and Anjali in this way. Thanks Gaby, for creating the cocoon and reset. My heat and body needed."

    Dulce

  • “I had an amazing time! The home was beautiful! The food was wonderful. The people were amazingly wonderful. Gabby was incredible. She is so soothing with her voice. Her yoga lessons were great. Her sound bath was transforming! It was an experience I will never forget! Thank you!"

    Beverly

FAQS

  • 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. Meals will be served indoors with plenty of seating both inside and outside on the decks. Our intimate gathering limited to 10 participants maximum. The space will be aired out daily and we will have COVID tests on site.

  • You can find our full booking terms & conditions here. Should you need to cancel your trip, please notify Gaby Colletta or Anjali Deva via email. We will cancel your booking via WeTravel and you will receive a notification from the booking platform. Kindly note the following:

    • The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is canceled.

    • The rest of the payment must be paid 30 days before arrival.

    • If you cancel more than 30 days before the retreat start date and you have paid the full booking amount in addition to the deposit, you may request a partial 50% refund. The deposit is non-refundable.

    • All retreat payments become non-refundable less than 30 days before the retreat start date. If you have paid the balance in full less that 30 days before the retreat start date, you will not be granted a refund.

  • Idyllwild, CA is located at over 5,000 feet elevation so you cannot access our destination without traveling up the mountain. Luckily the roads are incredibly well-maintained and provide a beautiful scenic drive as you ascend up into the beauty of the forest.

    Driving:

    There are two ways to get up the mountain. We recommend traveling up the 79 through Hemet for the least windy road. The 243 from Banning provides the most direct and steep avenue to reach Idyllwild and while it is chock-full of stunning views, it is likely not the best option for anyone who gets carsick.

    Flying:

    If you are traveling from outside of California, we recommend flying into the Palm Springs Airport which will put you about an hour away from Idyllwild and renting a car to travel up the mountain. 

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