Root & Rise: A Yoga, Nature, & Mindfulness Retreat
Western North Carolina, October 13-16, 2025
Explore the perfect blend of Yoga and Nature Therapy on this unforgettable Yoga Retreat, where you can revitalize your body and mind while exploring the wonders of spring in the great outdoors.
Nestled in the heart of nature in the mountain range of Western North Carolina, this Yoga & Nature Therapy retreat promises a powerful balance of spiritual rejuvenation, physical revitalization, and profound connection with the natural world.
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
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 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
The aim of this 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.
THE HIKING TRAILS
Explore the perfect blend of yoga and Forest Therapy with private access to hiking trails directly off the property.
🐻 Bearwallow Mountain Trail: A moderate 2-mile roundtrip hike with a rewarding open summit, Bearwallow offers panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, grassy pastures, and big sky energy. The gentle climb winds through serene forest before opening up to a peaceful bald — perfect for mountain-top picnics, journaling, or silent reflection.
🌲 Trombatore Trail: More challenging and rugged, the 5-mile out-and-back Trombatore Trail is a journey through rich hardwood forest, with wildflowers, mossy outcrops, and long-range views awaiting at the quiet summit. Less trafficked and deeply grounding, this trail invites presence, endurance, and a sense of soulful solitude.
🍓 Strawberry Gap Trail: A hidden gem with a mix of peaceful woods, switchbacks, and rewarding vistas, Strawberry Gap offers a moderate to vigorous 6-mile roundtrip experience. With forested shade and surprise overlooks, it’s a perfect hike for slowing down, tuning in, and finding inspiration in nature’s rhythm. Note: Strawberry Gap can be accessed through the Trombatore Trail, or by driving to the trailhead, located about 2 miles from the retreat homes.
✅ This Retreat Is For You If:
You’re seeking time away from the noise of daily life to reconnect with yourself and nature.
You have an interest in or are open to mindfulness, yoga, and nature-based healing practices.
You enjoy (or are willing to try) gentle hikes, outdoor meditation, and group reflection in a serene mountain setting.
You’re comfortable with home and country-style accommodations and spending time outdoors in varying weather.
You’re looking for a supportive, non-judgmental space to explore personal growth, stillness, and self-care.
You value inner work and are open to guided activities that foster introspection and emotional awareness.
You are comfortable in a group setting and respectful of others’ experiences and boundaries.
❌ This Retreat May NOT Be For You If:
You are primarily interested in advanced asana practice, vigorous vinyasa flows, or deep dives into physical postures rather than a holistic mind-body-nature experience.
You’re uncomfortable with or uninterested in practices like meditation, breathwork, or silent reflection.
You’re seeking luxury accommodations, full amenities, or a highly structured itinerary.
You strongly prefer urban settings or are not comfortable spending extended time in natural environments.
You’re not open to group-based activities or being in a quiet, contemplative space with others.
PACKAGES
Private Room & Bath (ONE PERSON)
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
Private Room & Bath (TWO PERSON)
This option is for two people traveling together. You’ll have two queen-sized beds or one king-sized, and a private ensuite bathroom. This price is for two people.
$3,099
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.
$1,299
REVIEWS...
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All packages include the following:
- 3-night accommodation at a private mountain lodge.
- All meals: continental breakfasts, family-style dinners, to-go 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.
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, 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 September 5, 2025.
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.”
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.