Rest & Relaxation Weekend

The Rest & Relaxation Weekend is a wellness retreat at Mandala Hall in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia, for anyone who wants a few days to slow down in the north Georgia mountains. It pairs gentle yoga and short meditations with guided nature hikes and a great deal of open time. Eve Cook, Michael Cook and yoga teacher Karen Lucas RYT lead the weekend at Elohee, from Friday to Sunday.

Nothing here is required. Practices are offered, and you join what calls to you and leave the rest. There is no television or internet on site, which makes it easier to sleep in, read, walk, or do nothing at all.

What to Expect

The weekend opens on Friday with check-in from 3:00 to 4:00 pm, followed by restorative yoga in Mandala Hall, dinner in the dining hall, and a welcome, orientation and bonfire at the fire ring about 15 to 30 minutes before sunset. If it rains, the gathering moves into Mandala Hall.

Saturday has a gentle structure. After breakfast, Michael Cook leads a guided hike from the Tea House (9:00 to 10:30 am), then gentle yoga in Mandala Hall. Lunch is followed by free time from 1:00 to 4:45 pm, the heart of the day for wandering the trails, cooling off at the Natural Reflecting Pond, or resting. Late afternoon brings Hatha yoga with a short meditation, then dinner and an evening bonfire with s'mores.

Sunday begins with breakfast and another Hatha yoga and meditation session, then a closing circle in Mandala Hall from 11:00 am to noon, and lunch. Check-out is by 1:00 pm. The schedule is subject to change.

Massage therapy and Reiki sessions can be requested to add to the weekend and are arranged separately.

The Leaders

Eve Cook is the Executive Director and co-founder of Elohee. Trained professionally in biomedical science, she shifted careers after finding peace and healing in nature. Elohee grew from her wish to create a nurturing, safe container where people can retreat and find community, with the land as a partner in growth and healing.

Michael Cook spent two decades in manufacturing and industrial maintenance, and now manages the center's infrastructure. He is happiest outdoors and working with his hands. Guests have nicknamed him "That Guy" because he turns up to handle almost any need. He leads the guided hikes for retreat guests.

Karen Lucas RYT has practiced yoga for 30 years and taught for 23. Her styles include vinyasa flow, yin, restorative and Thai yoga, along with meditation. She has studied with master teachers around the world and blends what she has learned into an eclectic, heart-centered style. Karen has taught on St. Simons and Sea Island, in Treasure Beach, Jamaica, and most recently in North Georgia.

The Setting

Elohee sits on 220 acres of mountain forest, with miles of hiking trails and the Natural Reflecting Pond open to guests. Yoga and meditation take place in Mandala Hall. Meals are served in the dining hall: Friday dinner, all three meals on Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Shuttle service to parked cars is available at any time.

Accommodation is in cottage rooms, with four options:

- A small private room with one twin bed and a bathroom shared with one other guest (you may request a bathroom mate).
- A double room with two twin beds and a private bath.
- A double room with one king bed and a private bath.
- A single room with a king bed and a private bath.

Both double rooms are priced per person. Each guest registers separately and must have a confirmed roommate.

Before You Go

All levels are welcome. The yoga on the schedule is restorative, gentle and Hatha, offered at a relaxed pace. The course fee and grounds fee are included, along with lodging, meals and the optional sessions. Taxes are charged on top of the listed price. Massage and Reiki are extra, and guests who want a shared room need to bring their own roommate.