Going Deeper: A Focused Meditation Retreat | Winter 2026
A Northern California Silent Retreat
Save the Date! February 25 - March 1, 2026
Be a part of an immersive experience to dive deeply into practice, fully supported by longtime Mount Madonna teachers and practitioners.
To support the mind in turning inward, follow a simple diet, observe silence, and practice in a cave-like atmosphere of seclusion. Devote a number of hours each day to sadhana (spiritual practices), including meditation, pranayama (breathing practices), and asana (postures) created specifically for this retreat by Baba Hari Dass. Devotional rituals, chanting, and spiritual stories also form a part of this special experience.
Our campus is nestled in Northern California and conveniently close to Silicon Valley, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and the Bay Area. With stunning views of Monterey Bay, it features hundreds of miles of hiking trails winding through serene meadows and majestic redwood forests.
This small group retreat is devoted to a deeper level of meditation and purification for people who already have some knowledge of meditation and yoga. Please read this important informational document before registering for this retreat.
Special health note:
Because Going Deeper is held indoors, with participants in close proximity for the duration of the retreat, infectious illness and COVID-19 protocols will be practiced. Please note: It is mandatory that all participants and leaders take a COVID/Flu A&B test upon arrival to Mount Madonna, immediately prior to the start of the retreat.
Meditation Retreat Sample Schedule
| Wednesday, February 25 | |
| 3:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Registration | 5:15 - 6:15 p.m. | Dinner | 7:15 p.m. | Program begins |
| Thursday, Friday, & Saturday, February 26 - 28 | 5:00 a.m. | Wake up | 5:30 a.m. - 7:15 p.m. | Program | 8:45 p.m. | Closing and bedtime |
| Sunday, March 1 | 1:00 p.m. | Program Concludes |
Rates & What's Included
Details & Useful Information
GOING DEEPER RETREAT RATES INCLUDING ALL NIGHTS
Adults
Tuition $495 + accommodations and meals based on room selection. Rates are per person, and include meals and accommodations for all days of the retreat. Rates stated here apply to this retreat only; other retreat and program accommodations pricing may differ.
Rates: Retreat rates depend on your choice of accommodations and include access to the Mount Madonna campus, lodging, and meals.
Arrival & Departure: Plan to arrive and check-in between 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. Check out is at 11:00 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 have easy access to the Wellness Center and many hiking trails. Ram Cottage #1 sleeps four and offers two bedrooms, a small kitchen, one shared full bathroom, and shared living space with an outdoor deck. Ram Cottage #2 sleeps six in three rooms and offers a kitchenette and one shared full bathroom. All beds are singles. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
Guest Rooms
Single, Double, or Triple
These tasteful hotel style rooms, some with ensuite bathrooms, are located in our Conference Center, where there is wifi, two lovely courtyards with expansive views in which you may read and relax, and a full tea bar available at all times in the conference wing of the building. Rooms that don’t have en-suite bathrooms have access to nearby shared bathrooms and showers (private while in use). All beds are singles. There are no phones or TVs in any of our rooms. 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
Single or Double
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. There is no access to electricity. Showers and restrooms are available in campgrounds and Center buildings. 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. Please note: commuting is not recommended for this retreat. Leaving campus each day disrupts the immersive nature of the program and increases the likelihood of encountering people or environments not observing silence. Participants who stay on campus are better supported in maintaining the inward focus of the retreat.
