The Wisdom of Winter

The Wisdom of Winter is a weekend yoga retreat at Elohee Retreat Center in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia, led by Stephanie Clement. It blends gentle yoga, mindfulness meditation, time in the North Georgia mountains and a restorative Sound Journey, and it is written for anyone who wants a slower, quieter few days in the winter landscape. All levels are welcome, and guests are simply asked to come as they are.

What to Expect

The retreat runs from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon and follows the unhurried rhythm of the season. Friday is for arriving: check-in, tea, time to settle into your room and wander the grounds, then dinner, a welcome circle, gentle yoga, and an evening of guided meditation and Sound Journey before a quiet night.

Saturday is the heart of the weekend, titled "Listening to the Season of Winter." It begins with breakfast and a morning stillness meditation, followed by a gentle yoga practice. After lunch comes a nature experience called "Listening to the Forest," then a long stretch of personal rest and free time for journaling, trail walks, reading or tea. Late afternoon brings meditation and reflection, and after dinner a Yin yoga and myofascial release practice. The evening ends around the fire with a simple ceremony of release and intention, conversation and comfortable silence.

Sunday is about integration. After breakfast there is gentle yoga and meditation, time to pack, and a closing circle before a final lunch. Departures are at 1:00 PM.

The group is small and the mood is restful, with plenty of space left open on purpose.

About Stephanie Clement

Stephanie Clement is the founder of Stillness Yoga & Meditation Center in Marietta, Georgia, and has guided yoga, meditation and mindfulness for over two decades. She is a Certified Meditation Teacher (CMT) and a 500-hour Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT-500). Her approach is warm, experiential and rooted in mindful awareness, shaped by the wisdom of nature and the practice of presence.

The Setting

Elohee Retreat Center sits in the North Georgia mountains near Sautee Nacoochee, among forest trails and quiet grounds. Guests stay in ground-level cottages, which include two ADA-compliant rooms. Four room types are offered:

- A small private room with one twin bed and a bathroom shared with one other guest (a bathroom mate can be requested)
- Double occupancy with two twin beds and a private bath
- Double occupancy with one king bed and a private bath
- Single occupancy with one king bed and a private bath

For both double options, guests must already have a roommate and register separately within 72 hours of each other.

Meals are shared: Friday dinner, all three meals on Saturday, and Sunday breakfast and lunch, with tea offered through the weekend.

Before You Go

No prior experience is required. The yoga is gentle and guided at a restorative pace, and the retreat is offered in English.

The fee includes lodging in your chosen room type, the meals listed above, the grounds fee, guided gentle yoga, daily meditation, the Sound Journey, reflection and journaling time, and the closing circle. Taxes, travel to and from Elohee, and shuttle service during the stay beyond the arrival and departure transfers are not included.