48th Annual New Year’s Yoga Retreat
A Northern California Yoga Retreat
Revealing Inner Wisdom
Join us for Mount Madonna’s 48th annual New Year’s Yoga Retreat, a time to step away from the demands of daily life, reflect on the year past, and open to the possibilities of a new cycle.
Among Northern California’s redwoods, with sweeping views of Monterey Bay, we will gather for four days and nights in community, deepen our practice, and explore the wisdom within.
“THE ESSENTIAL NATURE OF HUMAN BEINGS IS THE DIVINE SELF…
THE AIM OF (YOGA) SCRIPTURES IS TO ENABLE A SEEKER TO REALIZE THIS DIVINE CONSCIOUS PRINCIPLE WITHIN.
THIS INFINITE, ETERNAL, ALL-PERVADING, DIVINE CONSCIOUS PRINCIPLE IS SEATED EQUALLY IN THE HEARTS OF ALL LIVING BEINGS AND IS THE SUBSTRATUM OF THE WORLD OF EXPERIENCE.”
BABA HARI DASS
COMMENTARY ON THE BHAGAVAD GITA,
CHAPTER 15, VERSE 15
Deep in the heart of our being lies our essential divine nature, sometimes called our “higher Self.” It is not outside, but within. Understanding this is a matter of removing the veils that obscure it and recognizing this truth through direct experience.
There are many methods for nurturing this realization. During the 48th annual New Year’s Yoga Retreat, we will explore Yoga teachings on mantra (sacred chanting), the power of sacred sound, and reflect on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, a collection of 196 sutras (concise aphorisms) that serves as a foundational text of classical Yoga philosophy. These time-tested methods help calm the mind and prepare it for deeper states of consciousness. Through this process, we reveal our innate inner wisdom.
Along with these explorations, we will share practices of pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation, asana (postures), and kirtan (devotional singing). As is tradition, we will honor this annual time of transition with a powerful and joyful New Year’s Eve program, followed by a New Year’s Day yajna (ancient Vedic ritual), offering prayers for peace, within and without.
Please join us for this season of reflection, renewal, and shared practice together!
What to Expect:
Whether you are seeking quiet contemplation or meaningful connection, this retreat balances guided practice with time to rest, enjoy nature, and gather in community.
- Yoga Practice: Daily asana, pranayama, and meditation rooted in Classical Ashtanga Yoga (eight-limbed path)
- Study & Reflection: Presentations and group reflections on Revealing Inner Wisdom, with explorations of mantra and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
- Music & Ritual: Morning and evening arati (ritual of light), kirtan, and uplifting music.
- New Year’s Eve Celebration: An evening of performance, kirtan, meditation, and dancing.
- New Year’s Day Yajna: A traditional Vedic fire ritual with chanting and prayers for peace, within and without.
- Community & Personal Time: Vegetarian meals shared in community, opportunities to connect with old and new friends, and time for walks among the redwoods or quiet contemplation at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple.
Ways to attend:
- In-person at Mount Madonna.
Tuition: $595 + accommodations, meals, and fees. Minimum 48-hours advance registration required.
- Online: Enjoy a rich and engaging program from anywhere in the world!
Tuition: Sliding scale $100+. Advance registration required.
- Partial Program: If you wish to attend just a portion of the retreat, you may register to do so beginning Monday, December 21, by emailing guestservices@mountmadonna.org or calling 408-846-4090.
Basic Schedule
| Monday, December 28 | |
| 3:00 - 5:30pm | Arrival & Registration | 5:15 - 6:15pm | Dinner | 6:00 - 7:00pm | Arati | 7:15 - 8:30pm | Welcome Gathering |
| Tuesday - Thursday, December 29 - 31 | 6:00 - 7:00am | Arati | 7:15 - 8:30am | Yoga sadhana, including pranayama & meditation |
8:45 - 10:00am | Yoga asana | 10:00am - 11:00pm | Brunch | 11:00 - 1:30pm | Break or mid-afternoon options | 1:30 - 3:00pm | Theme Presentations | 3:30 - 5:00pm | Afternoon asana | 5:15 - 6:15pm | Dinner | 6:00 - 7:00pm | Arati | 7:15 - 9:00pm | Kirtan (devotional singing) & Restorative Practice New Year’s Eve Program (7:15pm - 1:00am) |
| Friday, January 1 | 6:00 - 7:00am | Arati | 7:00 - 10:00am | Mantra Yajna for Peace -or- | 7:30 - 9:30am | Yoga sadhana & asana | 10:00am - 11:00am | Brunch | 11:00am - 12:00pm | Closing Gathering | 12:00pm - 12:30pm | Check out of accommodations |
Rates & What's Included
Details & Useful Information
NEW YEAR'S RETREAT RATES INCLUDING ALL NIGHTS
Adults
Tuition $595 + accommodations, meals, and fees. Rates are per person, and are inclusive for all days of the retreat. Rates stated here apply to this retreat only; other retreat and program accommodations pricing may differ. Please note: no unaccompanied minors.
Rates: Retreat rates depend on your choice of accommodations and include meals, registration fees, and access to the Mount Madonna campus.
Arrival & Departure: Plan to arrive and check-in between 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. Check out is at 11:oo a.m.; however, you may stay for lunch following the program closing.
Reservations: Retreats must be booked a minimum of 48 hours in advance.
Meals: Two vegetarian meals are served during retreats, including brunch and dinner. Breads, spreads, and a tea bar are also available between meals.
Accommodations & Meals
Make the Mountain Home
RAM cottages
two and three rooms
The Ram Cottages offer easy access to the Wellness Center and many hiking trails. Ram Cottage #1 sleeps four in two bedrooms and has a kitchenette, shared living space, deck, and a shared bathroom. Ram Cottage #2 sleeps six in three bedrooms and has a small kitchenette, deck, and a shared bathroom. Ram Cottage #3 has two bedrooms with queen beds, sleeps two to four guests, and features a kitchenette, shared living space, deck, and a shared bathroom. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
Guest Rooms
Single, Double, Triple, or Dorm
Located in several buildings throughout our mountaintop campus, these tasteful hotel-style rooms offer a quiet, comfortable place to rest. Some rooms have en-suite bathrooms; others have access to nearby shared bathrooms and showers, private while in use. Rooms feature single beds, with queen beds available in select rooms. WiFi is available, and all rooms are free of phones and TVs. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
Rustic Cabins
Single or Double
Our simple rustic cabins are located in the Oaks Campground. They are a short 10-minute walk uphill from the Conference Center, but have a feeling of being more remote. Cabins sleep two people and feature electricity and heat but no wi-fi or indoor plumbing. All beds are singles. A separate shower house is nearby, containing private showers and dressing rooms, and flush toilets. If this sounds a bit rustic, please consider booking a room in the Conference Center. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
Yurts
Two Queen Beds Each
Located in the Oaks Campground, a 10-minute walk up the hill from the Conference Center, our yurts sleep 2 people and have electricity and heat, but no plumbing and no wi-fi. A yurt is a cozy, circular space provided by a wood structure and canvas walls. Each yurt is situated on a wooden platform, and is outfitted with a comfortable queen- or twin-size beds, linens, towels, warm comforters and blankets. A separate bathhouse with private flush toilets and shower rooms is nearby. The yurts are a short distance from the associated parking area. Note that high levels of rainfall November – April may affect yurt accessibility (walking path is available year-around).
Own Vehicle
Parking Space
Regular size parking spaces are available for your van, camper or other vehicle. Vehicles must not exceed 24 ft in length. There is no access to electricity. Showers and restrooms are available in campgrounds and Center buildings. To ensure a comfortable stay, please bring all personal items you will need, including towels, as these are not provided. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
Commuting
Drive yourself
Commute from off-campus each day and attend the full program, including all meals and activities.
