Rest & Relaxation Weekend: A Silent Invitation

This silent retreat weekend at Elohee in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia, invites you to slow down with the winter season and practice Mauna, or inner silence, among 220 acres of mountain forest. It is led by Eve Cook and Michael Cook of Elohee, with yoga teacher Liana N. Wall guiding the movement and meditation. It suits anyone who wants a quiet, restful weekend with gentle structure around it, and no prior experience with silence is needed.

What to Expect

The weekend begins on Friday afternoon with check-in, an orientation and welcome circle, dinner in the dining hall, and a short movement and meditation introductory session. Silence begins at 7:30 pm with a contemplative fire circle. Taking part in the silence is voluntary, and there is no expectation to speak.

Saturday holds the quiet. The day moves through verbally guided movement and meditation, an invigorating yoga class in the late morning, free time from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, gentle yoga at 4:00, and another movement and meditation session at 5:00. You can join any of these while remaining silent, or follow your own rhythm. At 7:00 pm, after dinner, silence ends if you choose, and a fire and sharing circle runs until 8:30. You may also keep the silence going.

Sunday begins with an all-levels yoga class at 7:00 am, followed by breakfast, a final movement and meditation session, and a sharing circle from 11:00 am to noon. Lunch is at noon, and check-out is at 1:00 pm. The schedule is subject to change.

Between sessions there is plenty of unstructured time: wander the winter trails, sit beside the Natural Reflecting Pond, watch the mountains, rest by the fire, or do nothing at all. Optional guided forest hikes and reflective bonfires are also offered.

About Liana N. Wall

Liana Nicole is a 500+ hour yoga teacher with 10 years of teaching experience and more than 15 years of personal practice. Her teaching is rooted in traditional Hatha Yoga and shaped by her studies in the 26/2 lineage, aṣṭāṅga-inspired vinyāsa, restorative yoga, Yoga Nidrā, Ayurveda, and devotional practices. She treats yoga as a way of getting to know yourself more deeply, using movement and breath to cultivate awareness. Her classes are thoughtful and direct, leaving students room to explore their own bodies and build trust in themselves.

About Eve Cook

Eve Cook is the Executive Director and co-founder of Elohee. Professionally trained in Biomedical Science, she found peace and healing in nature and changed professions because of it. Elohee grew from her wish to create a container where people can retreat and find community in a nurturing, safe way, with the land as a partner in personal growth and healing.

About Michael Cook

Michael Cook brings two decades of manufacturing and industrial maintenance experience to managing Elohee's infrastructure. He is most at home surrounded by nature, and guests have nicknamed him "That Guy" for the way he turns up to handle almost any need. He offers guided hikes for retreat guests.

The Setting

Elohee sits in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia, on 220 acres of mountain forest with miles of hiking trails, mountain views, and the Natural Reflecting Pond. Lodging is in cottage rooms, with four options: a small private room with a shared bath, a double room with two twin beds and a private bath, a double room with a king bed and a private bath, or a single-occupancy room with a king bed and a private bath. Shared rooms require each person to register separately and arrange roommates in advance. Meals are served in the dining hall, from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch.

Before You Go

All levels are welcome. Practices range from gentle yoga to more invigorating classes, and everything is optional. Instruction is in English. The fee covers the course, room, meals, and grounds fee. Applicable taxes are extra. Massage therapy and Reiki appointments can be added separately.