Autumn Renewal: Hiking & Yoga Retreat
A 4-Day, Hiking & Yoga Retreat Experience in the Outskirts of Asheville, North Carolina, USA
October 7-10, 2024
You are cordially invited to explore the perfect blend of Yoga and Forest Therapy on this unforgettable Yoga Retreat, where you can revitalize your body and mind while exploring the healing wonders of the great outdoors.
Nestled in the heart of nature in the mountain range of Western North Carolina, this hiking & yoga retreat promises a powerful balance of spiritual rejuvenation, physical revitalization, and profound connection with the natural world.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT ON THIS YOGA RETREAT:
Yoga twice a day that combines movement, breathwork, gratitude journaling, meditation, Yin, restorative, and Yoga Nidra. We will gather in a beautiful semi-open-air pavilion that’s lightly heated for those chilly spring mornings.
Group hikes through lush green forests, blooming meadows, and pristine trails that can be taken directly from the property. Yep, no need to drive up to the trailheads, unless you (really really) want to.
Free Time to relax, read a book, or simply revel in the beauty of your surroundings. Disconnect from your devices and reconnect with yourself. There are plenty of spaces to hang out (grassy lawns, picnic tables, covered porches with mountain views, and cozy living areas.
Stargazing, hot tubs, and campfires (oh my…) in the evening, gather around a campfire to share stories and stargaze under the clear spring skies. It’s a perfect way to connect with fellow yoga retreat participants and unwind. And, the perfect way to end a day of hiking and yoga.
- Catered meals by renowned chef from Asheville, North Carolina, who specializes in healthy cuisine for yogis. Everyone loved her food last time, and you better believe she’s coming back.
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 temperatures warming up and the arrival of Spring, 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 Yoga 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 yoga 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
THE YOGA
Expect two (90-minute*) classes per day. These classes are open-level and suitable to all, as you’ll be given variations that allow you to explore and customize your practice and suit your needs.
Morning classes are breath-centered and combine classical Vinyasa and hatha yoga principles. You will end the practice with gratitude journaling, guided meditation, and a sweet Savasana accompanied by natural sea sounds.
Evening classes are more lunar, soothing, and cooling, combining mindfulness practices with restorative and Yin poses. You will end with a full Yoga Nidra Meditation for expanded consciousness and deep relaxation.
* Classes are 90 minutes unless notified otherwise.
THE HIKES
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. 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.”
Length: 6 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Strenuous.
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.”
Length: 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy / Beginner
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?
The final retreat agenda is given to registered participants a few days before the retreat. But, below is a pretty good example of what a typical “full day” would look like.
The day begins with with a warm cup of coffee or tea, which you can sip it while you chill on the porch soaking in the sunrise, mountain views, and bird sounds. Or, find a cozy spot to breathe, meditate, or journal.
Then, take a short walk to the pavilion for morning yoga, which typically starts around 7:30am. We then gather at the gorgeous, country-style dining table for a hot power breakfast.
At around 10:30, we hit the trails for an invigorating hike (please see the hiking trails section for more info on length, difficulty levels, etc.). After the hike, we head back to our retreat home to have lunch.
Enjoy leisure time in the afternoon. You can get in the hot tub, take a nap, read, rest, or simple do nothing.
Then, take a short walk to the pavilion for evening yoga, which typically starts around 5:30pm. After yoga we meet at the dining table again for dinner. After dinner, we either chill by the fire, or some people head to the hot tub where they sip wine, tea while gazing at the stars.
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 with Private Bath (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.
Private Room with Private Bath (TWO PERSON)
This option is for two people traveling together. You’ll have two queen-sized beds and a private ensuite bathroom. Price is for 2 persons.
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 or loft space with single and bunk beds. They’ll be plenty of spaces throughout the property for you to hang out, so you never feel crowded. You’ll share the bathroom with up to 3 other people, and there’s an additional half bath on the first floor, plus more restrooms in the yoga pavilion that can also be used.
REVIEWS...
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All packages include the following:
- 3-night accommodation at a private mountain lodge.
- All meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners, 2 lunches.
- Coffee, tea, and water available throughout the day.
- Group Hikes
- Snacks
- Daily yoga and meditation classes
- Bonfire gathering
- Private access to Bearwallow Mountain trail and Trombatore trail (take the trail right on the property).
- Access to hot tubs, fire pits, and common areas in the property.
- WiFi
- Off-Street Parking
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Roundtrip Air fares.
Transportation to/from the retreat center.
Travel Insurance (highly recommended).
- Any activities done on your own.
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 September 7, 2024.
- 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 September 7, 2024.
Payments made (minus the deposit) are fully refundable if cancelled on or before July 7, 2024.
*** 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 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
QUESTIONS?
Most frequent questions and answers
No. The early bird discount is for anyone who reserves their spot with a deposit before JUNE 30, 2024. The remaining balance is due September 7, 2024.
Yes! Once you register, the remaining balance can be split up into 2-4 payments at no extra cost. You’ll just need to have everything paid by January 15, 2024.
I don’t think so. Most retreat goers actually go alone, and you’ll find plenty of things to do, whether you want to be alone, with a fellow retreater, or the group. I will also put you in touch with other participants so you can coordinate travel if you’d like.
No. Everything listed on the agenda is 100% optional. So if one day you don’t want to get up early for yoga, you don’t have to. If you’re not into excursions, you don’t have to…
Your basic yoga and hiking gear are highly recommended. When we are closer to the yoga retreat date, you’ll get a packing list with recommendations on what to bring.
Not at all. All classes will be well-balanced and suitable to levels of experience. You’ll be guided and given options to adjust your practice to fit your personal needs. Morning classes will be more active and evening classes will be restorative and cooling for the body and mind (perfect after a fun day of hiking and exploring).
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.