Gratitude Yoga Fall Yoga & Meditation Retreat: Inviting the Qualities of an Awakened Heart at Menla

Join us for a transformative yoga retreat in the heart of the Catskills this September. The Gratitude Yoga Fall Yoga & Meditation Retreat: Inviting the Qualities of an Awakened Heart takes place September 18, 2026, at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, NY—a sanctuary designed for deep healing and spiritual renewal. This intimate yoga retreat event in Phoenicia brings together seasoned practitioners and curious newcomers to explore the intersection of ancient wisdom and contemporary wellness, guided by master teachers who embody decades of transformative practice.

Centered on the theme of cultivating compassion and inner awakening, this retreat creates a supportive container where participants can release summer's accumulated stress and reconnect with what truly matters. The experience weaves together dynamic asana practice, guided meditation, energy work, and sacred teachings designed to open and strengthen the heart. Whether you're seeking a weekend escape, a deeper yoga practice, or your first introduction to mindful movement, this yoga retreat offers a pathway to profound peace and clarity.

What to Expect

Arrive Friday afternoon to settle into the serene mountain setting, where you'll be welcomed with tea and time to acclimate to the retreat atmosphere. Your weekend unfolds with a thoughtfully paced schedule: morning yoga sessions to greet the day, workshops exploring the philosophy and practice of an awakened heart, nourishing vegetarian meals, and evening meditation and sound experiences. Each element is woven together to create a coherent journey—from opening your physical body through asana, to quieting the mind in meditation, to touching the deeper dimensions of awareness that these practices reveal.

Expect mornings that begin early with gentle movement flowing into more vigorous practice. Afternoons include teachings, Q&A sessions, and free time to rest, journal, or walk the beautiful grounds. Evenings feature guided meditations, breathwork, and sacred sound baths that lull you into deep relaxation. You'll experience the sensory richness of the mountain retreat: the crisp autumn air, the gentle guidance of experienced teachers, the supportive community of fellow seekers, and the tangible shifts in your own nervous system as you slow down and tune inward.

About the Artists

Mingtong Gu is a renowned Chinese Qigong master and founder of the Chi Healing Institute who has spent decades bridging ancient energy practices with modern wellness science. His teachings draw from traditional Taoist and Buddhist lineages, offering students practical techniques to cultivate vital life force (chi) and restore balance. Mingtong brings a unique gift for making profound healing accessible, combining rigorous training with warm, approachable instruction that resonates across cultures.

Venue & Location

Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa is a jewel nestled in Phoenicia, NY, in the stunning Hudson Valley region. This purpose-built retreat center combines Tibetan architectural principles with modern comfort, creating a serene environment specifically designed for transformation and healing. The property features pristine meditation halls, spacious yoga studios flooded with natural light, comfortable guest rooms, and an exceptional spa. Located just two hours north of New York City, the Phoenicia location offers mountain tranquility while remaining accessible—ample parking is available on-site, and the rural setting provides the quietude necessary for deep practice.