A 4-day retreat that invites you to explore the beautiful blend of yoga and nature therapy, not to escape your life, but to return to yourself.
Over several nourishing days, you’ll move through a balance of active and restorative practices, including morning yoga, guided hikes, meditation, sound baths, optional massage and Reiki therapy, workshops, and unstructured time to simply be. With nature as our co-facilitator and community as your support, you’ll remember what it feels like to truly slow down.
You’ll leave feeling grounded, present, and deeply nourished, with practices and experiences that continue to support you long after you return home.
Testimonials
The yoga and hiking retreat was a deeply restorative experience. Argentina planned each day with the perfect rhythm of activity and rest, scheduled offerings and free time. The mountaintop setting was gorgeous, secluded, and comfortable. It was the perfect reset!
JULIE
This trip was a unique experience! The facilities were fantastic - so comfortable and pleasing with trails nearby, hot tub available and lovely views. Amazing food every meal that was plentiful and delicious. Snacks, water and coffee were always nearby for the taking. To top all that off was the superb yoga sessions! It was a superb retreat!
LORNA
Beyond the amazing setting, Argentina is the key ingredient in this retreat. Meets everyone sincerely on their own ground, welcoming and inspiring.
CINDY W.
The retreat was absolutely incredible. Argentina is an amazing yoga teacher and put together an incredible program for us over the week. The setting in the mountains was gorgeous, there was amazing healthy food for us each day, and the events throughout the day were perfect. The folks that I got to experience the retreat with were all incredibly welcoming and helped to make the experience everything that I hoped for. This retreat gave me a blueprint for what a life with less chaos looks like. I am forever gratef ul for what I have taken away from this retreat and can incorporate into my everyday life in order to live more f ully.
BRIAN
Lovely atmosphere, beautiful wooded retreat platform and grounds, great food and wonderful yoga teacher. Would definitely do it again!
KERRY
Argentina is a seasoned, highly skilled professional yogi in every way. Her calm demeanor was so welcoming. She made sure that our experience was complete by providing all essentials necessary to perform yoga. There was always excellent food choices, snacks, beverages. The retreat was organized, clean, beautiful views. It allowed time to visit others and to renergize and relax. I will join her retreats in the future.
JOJO
Here's EVERYTHING you can expect on this Yoga Retreat:
Morning Yoga: You’ll start your day with a mindful and energizing flow designed to awaken your body and mind. Through breath-centered movement, mindful transitions, and grounding poses, this class invites you to create space within.
Evening Yoga: Evening sessions will be dedicated to meditative practices (restorative and Yoga Nidra) to encourage stillness, quiet the mind, and promote helpful sleep.
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. You will also have plenty of hiking trails to explore on your own during free time.
Workshops & Ceremonies sprinkled throughout the retreat. These may included tea ceremonies, Sound Baths, Aromatherapy workshops, breathwork, and more.
Massage and Reiki Therapy Onsite: Who wouldn’t want a massage after yoga and/or hiking? You’ll be able to schedule massage and reiki therapy sessions to enjoy during leisure time. This is not included in your retreat package and you’ll need to book a few days before the start of the retreat.
Leisure Time: take the afternoons to do whatever you’d like – enjoy the hot tub, massage and/or Reiki sessions, more hikes, a good book on the porch or lawn (or mountain top), or simply allow yourself to do nothing.
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.
- Nourishing Meals: We believe that food is a vital part of the healing journey. Our thoughtfully curated meals are designed to complement your practice, providing you with wholesome, yet comforting and delicious nourishment.
- Serene Accommodations: Surrounded by lush forests and breathtaking mountain views, our cozy, country-style cabin offers the perfect blend of rustic elegance and modern comfort. You’ll enjoy access to the hot tub, covered porch surrounded by trees, grassy lawns and shaded areas to journal, read, reflect on the journey, and contemplate the deeper lessons nature offers.
The Location
The retreat takes place in Eastern Hendersonville, near Bat Cave/Chimney Rock area of Western North Carolina.
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.
You are cordially invited you to take the whole week off, so you can enjoy all Western North Carolina has to offer.
The Retreat Space
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, Trombatore and Strawberry Gap hiking trails, this beautiful place is the perfect setting for a rejuvenating yoga retreat experience.
The Yoga
When I signed up for the retreat, what I was really hoping to experience was to deepen my yoga practice. I go to yoga a couple of times a week and I really wanted to make it a more consistent part of my day. What I ended up getting was way more than I had originally thought. What I got was a view into a life that was free of anxiety, worry, and chaos. I got a great script for how to live my life and the key elements that need to be present in order to reduce my anxiety and the level of chaos in my life. I need to start my day with yoga movement, I need to spend time in nature, I need to eat healthier, and I need to limit my time with screens (I intentionally did not have much device time while on the retreat). I also need to practice yoga nidra before bed to help aid my sleep. This retreat gave me a blueprint for what a life with less chaos looks like.
BRIAN H.
YOGA & HIKING RETREAT - NORTH CAROLINA
The aim of this yoga retreat is to offer a sanctuary to those seeking a break from day-to-day life, aiming to balance stress and anxiety through the harmonious practices of yoga (Asana, breathwork, Yoga Nidra) and nature therapy (hiking, walking and simply enjoying the great outdoors).
You will be served two main classes per day, along with workshops and ceremonies sprinkled throughout.
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 Yoga: You’ll start your day with a mindful and energizing flow designed to awaken your body and mind. Through breath-centered movement, mindful transitions, and grounding poses, this class invites you to create space within.
Evening Yoga: Evening sessions will be dedicated to meditative practices (restorative and Yoga Nidra) to encourage stillness, quiet the mind, and promote helpful sleep.
About The Hiking
The retreat includes a guided Forest Bathing hike, a moderate 2-mile round-trip experience designed to slow down, connect with nature, and engage your senses. Rather than focusing on distance or reaching a summit, you’ll be invited to experience the forest more mindfully and learn simple practices you can bring into your own time in nature.
For those who want a longer adventure, there are several trails accessible from the property, including Bearwallow Mountain, Trombatore, and Strawberry Gap. You can combine trails for hikes ranging from approximately 6–8 miles round trip.
The longer hikes are self-guided rather than group hikes, allowing you to choose an adventure that matches your experience and energy level. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely nature experience or a more challenging mountain hike, there’s room to explore at your own pace.
Sample Retreat Schedule
This sample itinerary is intended to give you a general idea of the retreat experience. The schedule is subject to change based on weather conditions, staff availability, sunrise and sunset times, and other local factors. Any adjustments will be made with the intention of creating the best possible experience for everyone.
Day One - Monday
- 4pm – Arrival/Settle In
- 5:30pm – Evening Yoga/Intro Circle
- 7pm – Dinner
- 8pm – Leisure Time
Day Two - Tuesday
- 7am – Morning Coffee/Tea, Fruit
- 7:30am – Morning Yoga & Meditation
- 9:30am – Breakfast
- 10:30am – Forest Bathing Hike
- 2pm – Lunch
- 3pm – Leisure Time (Massage, Hot Tub, hiking)
- 5:30pm – Evening Yoga
- 7pm – Dinner
- 8pm – Leisure Time
Day Three - Wednesday
- 7am – Morning Coffee/Tea, Fruit
- 7:30am – Morning Yoga & Meditation
- 9:30am – Breakfast
- 10:30am – Leisure Time (Massage, Hot Tub, hiking)
- 1pm – Lunch
- 2pm – Sound Healing
- 3pm – Leisure Time (Massage, Hot Tub, hiking)
- 6:00pm – Evening Yoga
- 7pm – Dinner
- 8pm – Leisure Time
Day Four - Thursday
- 7am – Morning Coffee/Tea, Fruit
- 7:30am – Morning Yoga & Meditation
- 8:30am – Breakfast
- 10:00am – Departure
Packages & Rates
Single Private Room
This option is for one person in their own private room. You’ll have your own master suite with a king or queen sized bed and a private, ensuite bathroom. Price is for one person.
$1,999
Double Private Room (ROOMATE MATCH)
This option pairs you with another retreat participant in a private room with two queen-size beds and ensuite bathroom. Roommate matching is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Price is per person.
$1,549 Per Person
Double Private Room (TWO BEDS)
This option is for two people attending together. You’ll have your own private room with 2 queen sized beds and ensuite bath.
$1,549 Per Person.
Double Private Room (KING BED)
This option is for two people traveling together and sharing a bed. You’ll have your own master suite with one King-sized bed and a private ensuite bathroom.
$1,549 Per Person.
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 2-3 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.
$1,199 (One Person)
$1598 (Two Person, {$799 Each})
Meet Your Guides
Argentina Rosado
Yoga Educator, Retreat leader, Founder of Yoga On The Meadow
Argentina started practicing yoga when she was 15, right after she moved to the United States from the Dominican Republic. Yoga became a sanctuary and relief from the anxiety that came while navigating life and all the changes at the time.
Argentina became passionate about sharing the practice and received her teacher certification in 2015. She’s a 500HR experienced yoga teacher and specializes in Yoga Nidra meditation.
Argentina’s mission is to help students build physical and mental well-being through yoga, meditation, community, and connection with nature.
She enjoys spending time with her two dogs (yep! she walks and feeds six dogs everyday, hers and her sister’s), road trips, cooking, and nature hikes.
Kelly Bruce
Certified Nature And Forest Therapy Guide, Founder of Natural Wanders
Kelly’s guiding journey began in 2016 in Colorado while teaching snowboarding and snowshoeing to people with various cognitive and developmental disabilities through an adaptive sports program. Often working with the visually impaired, she would turn their snowshoe walks into a sensory experience. When she learned of forest therapy, she instantly felt called to become a certified guide and help people connect to the natural world in all seasons. In 2018, she began her training in Sonoma, California with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, followed by a six month intensive practicum. She’s thrilled to share the practice of forest bathing and nature therapy with the global community.
Kelly is also a Forest Therapy Trail Certification Consultant, a Certified Interpretive Guide with National Association for Interpretation.and an Ambassador for We Hike to Heal. She is Wilderness First Aid and CPR certified by the American Red Cross, and Mental Health First Aid certified by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
Kendal Harbour
Yoga Teacher And Sound Healing Facilitator
Kendall is a 200 RYT who specializes in sound and practices that nourish the nervous system. She has found true passion and purpose in this work. She believes the nervous system is our lens on how we perceive and respond to the world. It can be with a softness and an open heart, or with an edginess and closed heart. She strives to hold space for deep relaxation, transformation, and self healing.
Kendall loves to travel. Traveling opens the mind in such big and meaningful ways. She’s gratefully experienced yoga and sound practices in Croatia, Peru, and Spain within the last year. Striving to bring the essences of these magically places to our community here in western North Carolina. The Blue Ridge Mountains are truly majestic in their own right, and she considers it a great honor to serve the community here.
Reviews...
This trip was a unique experience! The facilities were fantastic - so comfortable and pleasing with trails nearby, hot tub available and lovely views. Amazing food every meal that was plentiful and delicious. Snacks, water and coffee were always nearby for the taking. To top all that off was the superb yoga sessions! It was a superb retreat!
LORNA
Guest, Asheville, NC Retreat
"A very fun and well-organized yoga retreat with lots of fun activities to do. The yoga environment was very refreshing and relaxing. We got the perfect amount of free time plus time for yoga and excursions."
ALEF
Guest, Dominican Republic Retreat
Lovely atmosphere, beautiful wooded retreat platform and grounds, great food and wonderful yoga teacher. Would definitely do it again!
KERRY
Guest, Asheville, NC Retreat
Argentina is a seasoned, highly skilled professional yogi in every way. Her calm demeanor was so welcoming. She made sure that our experience was complete by providing all essentials necessary to perform yoga. There was always excellent food choices, snacks, beverages. The retreat was organized, clean, beautiful views. It allowed time to visit others and to renergize and relax. I will join her retreats in the future.
JOJO
Guest, Dominican Republic Retreat
"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
What's Included
All packages include the following:
- 3-night accommodation at a private mountain lodge.
- All meals: breakfasts, family-style dinners, packed lunches.
- Morning yoga sessions
- Evening yoga sessions
- Ceremonies & workshops
- Guided Forest Therapy Hike with Certified Nature Therapist
- Massage and Reiki Therapist onsite (available as add-on)
- Self-serve coffee, tea, and water available throughout the day.
- Group Hikes
- Snacks
- Private access to to hiking trails to explore on your own: Bearwallow Mountain trail, Trombatore trail, and Strawberry Gap Trails (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.
- Additional drinks and snacks.
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. Please note that you’ll need to rent a car as there are very limited transportation options.
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 5, 2026.
- 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 5, 2026
This retreat is non-refundable. Please book with confidence or purchase travel insurance to protect your investment if you need to cancel.
*** 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.”