New York: Mini Winter Yoga Escapes
It's about this time of year that the subways seem more crowded, the skies more bleak, the people as warm as my icy fingertips. In other words, it's the perfect moment for a winter escape. Take a vacation day or two, meld them on to a weekend and voila, sanity mostly restored. Some ideas to get you started:
Woodstock, NY
This is my favorite insta-getaway. Hop on a bus and two-and-a-half hours later you're in the midst of tie-dyed storefronts and nearby trees. If you stay at the sweet Woodstock Inn on the Millstream, you'll be walking distance from Bliss Yoga, an often jam-packed studio with great teachers. Not to mention Pegasus, my fave cute-yet-comfy show shop. And if you stay at Dharma House, you can bake in the sauna after a soak in the massive tub.
Kripalu Center, Lenox, MA
A little more of a trek (I always pop an anti-motion sickness pill), this is also a bus-able destination. There's not much like standing on that back porch and looking over the snow-dusted landscape. Except maybe taking a fantastic morning yoga class, eating a yummy veggie lunch, and soaking in a 10-person hot-tub for as long as you can stand. Kripalu.org
American Yogini, Jamesport, NY
Can't vouch for this one personally, but I'm on the mailing list and am quite tempted. It's a spot out in the Hamptons that offers yoga, raw juice fasting, and other options. The photos look lovely and Alison Shore Gaines, who leads the fast is a respected long-time Kripaluite.
AmericanYogini.com
A few other options....
Yoga retreats at New Age Health Spa in Neversink, NY
Uber-swank Emerson Resort & Spa in the Catskills sometimes hosts yoga retreats, always has a spa.
Somewhat austere, but oft-raved about Ananda Ashram in Monroe, NY. It hosts all sorts of spiritual and yogic retreats plus regular weekend escapes.
Where 's your escape?
Photo by poetweather
Comments
I'm glad you included Ananda Ashram. It's a little piece of heaven just an hour outside of New York.
Posted by: yogibear | February 20, 2008 10:24 PM
Ananda is the Sanskrit word for Bliss - and Bliss is definitely what Ananda Ashram is all about. Check it out for yourself - and you are sure to encounter a little slice of divinity.
Posted by: Jennifer | February 21, 2008 05:29 PM
Hi!
Winter is in full effect. How about a really inexpensive Yoga Retreat in Tropical Yelapa, Mexico?
We are three Forrest Yoga Teachers holding another Yoga retreat that we thought you guys and your students might enjoy in Tropical Yelapa - Mexico and we were hoping you could help us spread the word about our upcoming retreat. Please contact us with any questions you may have.
Have a great day,
Carlos, Caitlin, Samara
A TROPICAL YOGA & NATURE RETREAT
Location: Yelapa, Mexico - Pacific Coast
April 2nd-8th
With Yoga Teachers: CAITLIN MATTESON, CARLOS DA SILVA and SAMARA MONDELLO
- Bodywork by Licensed Massage Therapist SUSAN MATTESON
- Delicious Food and Menu by Chef/Naturopath Dr. PAUL GANNON
".. #1 place that youÂ’ve got to see this year." by Sunset Magazine
Get back to raw nature with 6 incredible days of:
Boat Trips to Secluded Beaches & Islands, Whale Watching, Botanical Gardens, Yoga, Massages, Swimming, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Jungle/Waterfall Hikes, Visits to Local Indigenous Villages, Medicinal Herb & Plant Walk with the Local Shaman, Amazing Fresh Healthy Natural Food Cooked & Prepared by Dr. Paul Gannon, Stroll thru the charming & peaceful town, dancing with the locals and attendess, Hang out with the friendly locals who invite you into their shops & homes....and more!
**This will be an amazing opportunity to return to a more peaceful, natural pace of life, and come into harmony with yourself & nature..
Price includes a balanced combination of:
* 2 Daily Yoga classes*
* Stunning Seaside Accommodations
* Breakfasts and Most Meals
* Complimentary Full Massage
* Massage Workshop
* Nature Excursions and Adventure Activities
* Pristine Beach Swimming
* Access to consultations with Dr. Gannon
* Delicious Healthy Cooking Workshop by chef Dr. Gannon
* Gift Bag with lots of goodies
* and much More!
*Open to students of all yoga levels. A great place to start if you're a beginner & and advanced students will be challenged to deepen your practice & learn advanced techniques!
For more info see: http://www.renewyourspirit.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Caitlin Matteson | February 29, 2008 12:35 PM