The Art of Breathing: A Meditation & Yoga Retreat in Western North Carolina
April 20 – 24, 2025
This “Art of Breathing” retreat is for anyone looking to reconnect with themselves, relieve stress, and explore mindfulness through the power of breath and meditation.
On our 5 days together, you’ll learn ancient yogic breathing (pranayama) techniques that can help you manage stress, improve focus, and boost your energy levels. The workshops and coaching will teach you the tools you need to learn to do the breathwork (retention, ratios, focus, etc.), and customize the practices to support your individual needs.
Whether you are a beginner meditator looking to learn basic techniques and build a practice, or an established one looking to “spice things up” by adding breathwork to your routine, this retreat will guide you into using powerful techniques to enhance your overall well-being.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
In today’s fast-paced world, we often forget to pause and replenish ourselves, leading to feelings of stress, disconnection, and imbalance. This retreat offers you a unique opportunity to step away from daily demands and immerse yourself in practices that calm the mind, revitalize the body, and nurture your being.
On this 5-day journey, you will:
Discover the Power of Breath. You’ll learn ancient yogic breathing (pranayama) techniques that can help you manage stress, improve focus, and boost your energy levels. The workshops and coaching will teach you the tools you need to learn (retention, ratios, etc), to do the breathwork, and to customize your practices to support your daily needs.
Start Or Enhance Your Meditation Practice – Guided sessions and self-practices provide you with practical techniques to quiet the mind, increase self-awareness, and cultivate inner peace. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned meditator, you’ll leave with skills to integrate mindfulness into your everyday life.
Feel Fully Supported – Led by a knowledgeable instructor, you’ll receive guidance to ensure you feel supported and comfortable in each practice. Surrounded by a like-minded, caring community, you’ll be able to experience your journey and connect on a meaningful level.
Nourish Your Mind and Body – With nourishing meals, grounding practices, massage and reiki therapy, time in nature, and space for personal reflection, this retreat encourages a holistic reset, leaving you feeling refreshed, balanced, and deeply connected to yourself.
- Learn Lasting Tools for Daily Life – The breathing and meditation techniques you’ll practice are tools you can take with you, empowering you to manage stress, deepen your mindfulness, and maintain balance long after the retreat ends.
THE LOCATION
A hiker’s and nature lover’s dream, Western North Carolina is a mountain region that includes the Appalachian mountain range; Blue Ridge Mountains, and Mount Mitchell (highest point east of the Mississippi) to name a few. In the outskirts of historic Asheville, you’ll be delighted to explore waterfalls hikes, picturesque trails, the Blue Ridge Parkway (named one of the most scenic drives in the U.S.), arts, culture, food, and so much more.
With comfortable temperatures all year round, you are cordially invited you to take the whole week off, so you can enjoy all Western North Carolina has to offer.
THE RETREAT CENTER
This Meditation Retreat will be hosted in a secluded, family-owned property surrounded by lush greens, poplar trees, and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina.
The retreat center has two separate country-style cabins so the group can be spread out, and one open-air pavilion where we will host our classes and workshops.
With plenty of spaces to hang out (grassy lawn, covered porches, and living areas), you will never feel crowded in this beautiful mountain lodge.
Located just 16 miles southeast of downtown Asheville, and with direct access to Bearwallow and Trombatore Mountain hiking trails, this beautiful place is the perfect setting for a rejuvenating Meditation retreat experience.
THINGS TO DO
Take the whole week off and make the best of your trip to Asheville, North Carolina!
Some retreat participants like to stick around after the retreat to explore Asheville and its beautiful surroundings. The following activities can be done on your own, before or after the yoga retreat.
- Visit downtown Asheville, Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, all located within a 30 minute drive.
- Visit local restaurants, Biltmore Estate, live music, and shops in Asheville, North Carolina.
- Go wine tasting at a nearby winery. There are tons nearby.
- Go to an apple or strawberry farm and stock up on seasonal goodies.
- Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway (did you know it’s one of the most scenic drives in the U.S.).
- Explore the trails and waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Go zip-lining
A GROUP COACHING EXPERIENCE
You’ll be guided by an experienced instructor who will support you in understanding and embodying each technique, ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident in your practice.
You’ll also be surrounded by a community of like-minded individuals who, like you, are drawn to this journey of inner peace, self-discovery, and personal growth.
A safe and welcoming space for you to explore and be held
THE HIKING TRAILS
Endulge in the perfect blend of yoga and Forest Therapy with private access to hiking trails directly off the property.
Bearwallow Mountain Trail: Bearwallow Mountain offers exceptional scenery in reward for a short hike! At 4,232 feet above sea level, with a grassy meadow at its summit, the mountain features a nearly 360° view that includes Mt. Mitchell and Mt. Pisgah. Its breathtaking vistas also includes a birds-eye view of Hickory Nut Gorge, downtown Hendersonville, and the high country of South Carolina. A historic fire lookout tower occupies the summit, as do grazing cattle who call the mountaintop home.”
Trombatore Trail “Trombatore Trail is a 2.4 mile (each way) trail that leads to Blue Ridge Pastures, a grassy bald with spectacular views. The trail offers a vigorous hike with considerable up-and-down elevation change, through a forest with clear mountain streams. When you reach Blue Ridge Pastures, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Bearwallow Mountain. If you want to continue your hike, the Trombatore Trail now connects to the new Strawberry Gap Trail.”
Source: conservingcarolina.org
THE PROGRAM
With the exception of day 1 (arrival), and day 5 (departure), your daily agenda will look like this**
7:00-7:30am – Self-Guided Meditation – This is optional but highly recommented. The practice room will be open for you to come in and sit in meditation. This time is yours to settle into stillness, set an intention, practice what you’ve learned, journal, and open yourself to the day ahead.
7:30-8:00am – Coffee & Tea
8:00-9:00am – Morning Stretch and Mindful Movement – Designed for all levels, these morning sessions will focus on releasing tension and preparing the body for breathwork and seated meditation.
9:00am-10:00am – Breakfast
10:00am-12:00pm – Breathing Workshop – Each workshop will focus on one specific technique. You’ll get to ask questions and discuss any challenges you might have about the previous workshop and practices. We’ll finish with a guided breathing practice, silent meditation, and Savasana (corpse pose) for regrounding.
12:00pm – Lunch – Your lunch will be individually packed for you to enjoy whenever, wherever. You can take your lunch with you on a hike or eat on the porch and picnic tables located throughout the property.
1:00-6:00pm – Free Time – Enjoy leisure time to do whatever you need. You can get a massage and/or reiki session (must be booked ahead), go on a hike, enjoy the hot tub, read, journal, meditate some more. The choice is yours.
6:00-7:30pm – Grounding Practice – With so much breathing and meditation, a grounding practice is highly necessary. Your grounding practice may be a restorative & Yoga Nidra session, a Sound Bath, or a Forest Therapy Hike.
7:30pm Dinner
8:30pm Free Time – this is a great time to get the firepit going and enjoy some tea, or the hot tub under the stars, sleep early, or enjoy some conversation. The choice is yours.
** Times and activities are subject to change and the final retreat agenda will be shared with registered participants a few days before the retreat.
ROOMS & PRICES
Luxury mountain cabin accommodations with multiple sharing options are available. You’ll have access to common spaces (loft lounge, living area, covered porch, outdoor seating, and over 75 acres of outdoor space to explore).
Please note: the pictures below represent one of the many rooms. You will be placed in one just like it, or similar.
Private Room (One Person)
This option is for one person wanting their own private room. You’ll have your own master suite with a king or queen sized bed and a private, in-suite bathroom.
Early Bird Price: $1,799 (register by January 31, 2025)
Regular Price: $1,999 (Register after January 31, 2025)
Private Room (TWO PERSON)
This option is for two people attending together. You’ll have two queen-sized beds and a private ensuite bathroom. Price is for 2 persons.
Early Bird Price: $2,599 (register by January 31, 2025)
Regular Price: $2,799 (Register after January 31, 2025)
Ladies' Lounge with Shared Bath
This budget-friendly option is for solo travelers looking to share space with other solo travelers, and/or those wanting to make new friends. You’ll be in a room with four single beds, and you’ll share the hall bathroom with up to 3 other people.
There’s an additional half bath on the first floor, plus more restrooms in the yoga pavilion that can also be used. There’ll be plenty of spaces throughout the property for you to hang out when you want to be alone, so you never feel crowded.
Early Bird Price: $999 (register by January 31, 2025)
Regular Price: $1,199 (Register after January 31, 2025)
REVIEWS...
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All packages include the following:
- Breathing workshops and guided sessions
- Lifetime access to my signature course “Breathe” a 21-day online meditation journey to help you build a practice and continue beyond the retreat.
- Morning stretch and mindful movement sessions.
- Evening grounding sessions (restorative yoga, Yoga Nidra, Sound Bath, sunset hikes).
- Massage and Reiki therapist onsite (available as add-ons)
- 4-night accommodation at a private mountain lodge.
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (dinner on the first day, breakfast on the last day).
- Coffee, tea, water, and snacks available throughout the day.
- Private access to hiking trails located right on the property (no need to drive to trailheads).
- Wifi and off-street parking.
- Payment plan options at no extra cost. Please contact the host for more details.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Roundtrip Air fares.
Transportation to/from the retreat center.
Travel Insurance (highly recommended).
- Any activities done on your own.
- Massage and Reiki Sessions.
- Special beverages (soft drinks, wine, etc). You can BYOB.
GETTING THERE
By Plane
- Fly to Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), then take a 30-minute pre-booked ground transportation to the retreat center.
- Fly to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), then a 1.5 hour ride to the retreat center.
- Fly to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) located 2 hours from the retreat center. You’ll need to either rent a car (recommended if you plan to explore the area), or book ground transportation.
By Car
- Drive directly to Gerton, North Carolina, USA. The exact location will be given to confirmed guests after booking.
- You’ll be connected to other retreat participants to arrange possible car pooling.
PAYMENT DETAILS
- A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to hold your space.
- The remaining balance is due on March 20, 2025.
- Payment plans are available at no extra cost. After securing your deposit, the remaining balance can be split up in 2-4 payments. All payments must be made by March, 20, 2025.
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Payments made (minus the deposit) are fully refundable if cancelled on or before January 20, 2025.
*** We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover your costs in case you need to cancel, either due to COVID-19 or any other unforeseen reason.
TESTIMONIALS
“This was an awesome experience. Our yoga instructor was professional and supportive. The lodgings were gorgeous with a wonderful staff. In addition we were a group of diverse travelers from different parts of the world who came together for the yoga experience and fun!!!”
DENISE
GUEST, Dominican Republic Retreat
Absolutely amazing (again). Great choice of location, wonderful yoga (accompanied by sea sounds), a generous and fun group, and outstanding organization and caretaking by Argentina (and Sara). I hope my memories of all the different shades of blue and swimming in warm Caribbean water will get me through the rest of this winter…”
CLAUDIA
GUEST Dominican Republic Retreat
“This retreat exceeded my expectations! The resort and staff were wonderful, the views were incredible, the experience of yoga daily was well-balanced, healing and entirely what I needed. I highly recommend this trip with Argentina and Brenda to anyone!”
Retreat guest
colombia, 2019
This trip was an incredible experience! The hosts, Argentina and Brenda, are knowledgeable, helpful, considerate and amazing teachers! The location is affordable, stunning, and immersive! Gitana Del Mar is an incredible retreat center, very accommodating to guests and connected to the community around them.This was my first retreat and I 100% enjoyed every moment of it! The experience is worth your time and investment!
Ray
Guest, colombia Retreat
I loved everything about the Spring Awakening Retreat in Panama with Brenda and Argentina—the varied, thoughtfully planned, and deep-digging yoga practices, the perfectly appointed Istmo Retreat Center, and most of all the sense of community instilled among the brilliant women on the retreat.
Margaret-Ellen
GUEST, PANAMA RETREAT
“The Spring Awakening Panama retreat was my first yoga retreat, and I couldn’t have picked a better one. The inclusive atmosphere, flexible schedule (lots of yoga, fun outings and activities, free time to rest, go to the beach, and relax), experience of a few different areas within Panama, and quickly-formed community of awesome yogis was an unforgettable experience. I loved the wide range of yoga classes (headstand workshop to vigorous flows, to yoga nidra and restorative), and the whole experience at Istmo retreat center was exactly what I was hoping for. Thank you, Brenda and Argentina, can’t wait for the next one!”
Retreat guest
PANAMA, 2019
“I think that this retreat helped to deepen my personal relationship with yoga and I really appreciated that opportunity. I feel I was able to spend enough time by myself to relax and focus on my personal experience, while also getting to feel like I was surrounded by other wonderful yogis. I like the diversity of people who attended and that none were stereotypical yogis.”
Retreat guest
NICARAGUA, 2018
YOUR HOST
Hey, I’m Argentina
I started practicing yoga and meditation when I was in high school. I was stressed, overwhelmed, and highly anxious due to the many changes that were happening in my life at the time.
I was a teenager back then, and yoga became my sanctuary. It changed the way I handled everything that was going on. It changed my life. I practiced at home because I was too anxious to go to a group class. And actually, when I practiced, I used to put up a sign on my bedroom door that said “do not disturb.” Geeky, I know. But that’s how serious I was. Now I’m a full-time instructor and coach with a mission to share this powerful, healing practice with as many people as I can.
Come join me!
Wait, you probably want to know about my qualifications and stuff. Right? So here you go.
I’m a 500-hour “Yoga Alliance-School” Certified teacher, and I’ve been teaching yoga and meditation for 7+ years. My “specialties” are breath-work, meditation, and Yoga Nidra to help students manage chronic anxiety and stress. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, and a Masters degree in Business Strategy and Leadership. Before I became a yoga teacher, I worked in the pharmaceutical industry where I helped manage clinical trials for new drug development.