Retreat & Renewal

Retreat & Renewal is a weekend yoga and meditation retreat at Drala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. It is made for anyone who wants to step out of daily demands and spend two nights resting, practicing and reconnecting with themselves, whether yoga and meditation are new to you or already part of your life. The weekend is led by Melanie Lighthouser, a yoga teacher with more than 18 years of experience.

What to Expect

The weekend moves at an unhurried pace. It combines guided meditation, mindful movement, restorative and invigorating yoga, periods of silence and time for contemplation. The aim is to settle the body and quiet the mind, whether you come for stress relief, spiritual nourishment, personal insight or simply time away.

Arrival is in the afternoon, between 2:00 and 5:00 PM. An orientation at 5:30 PM is followed by dinner at 6:00 PM, with time to meet the other participants informally.

The full day of practice begins with breakfast, then yoga from 9:00 to 10:15 AM and meditation from 10:45 AM to 12:00 PM. After lunch, a walk to the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya begins around 2:00 PM. A second yoga class runs from 4:30 to 5:30 PM, followed by dinner and an evening social gathering at 7:30 PM.

On the final morning there is a guided hike around the land from 8:15 to 9:15 AM, then yoga from 9:30 to 10:45 AM and meditation from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Lunch follows, and departure is by 2:30 PM. The schedule is a sample, so timings may shift slightly.

About Melanie Lighthouser

Melanie Lighthouser describes herself as a modern medicine woman. She is a yoga teacher with over 18 years of experience, a seasoned massage therapist, a certified NLP practitioner, and a facilitator and teacher of Be Free Breathwork. She is co-owner of The Be Free Healing Center in Fort Collins, Colorado, a place for creativity and healing.

The Setting

Drala Mountain Center sits in the mountains near Red Feather Lakes. During free time, before the retreat begins or by extending your stay, you can visit the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya, hike the trails, or simply rest in the stillness of the landscape.

Lodging is chosen at checkout, and every option includes meals and drinks:

- Dormitories: rooms with beds for up to seven or eight people, separated by gender, with a shared bathroom and shower stalls down the hall.
- Monk Rooms: private, simple rooms with a bed, closet, large window and desk, using a shared bathroom. A more affordable choice with more privacy than the dorms.
- Single and Double Rooms: a little more space, a dresser and closet, and an attached bathroom with toilet, sink and shower.
- Junior Suites: a queen bed, sitting area, desk, dresser, closet and a private bath with a tub.

Meals are breakfast, lunch and dinner, with drinks throughout the day. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free needs are covered.

Before You Go

All levels are welcome, and the classes are taught to meet students where they are. The program includes two nights of lodging, all meals and beverages, the guided yoga and meditation sessions, and access to the grounds, trails and Great Stupa. Extra nights can be added at a discount.

Transportation to and from the center is not included, nor are personal toiletries, medications, or travel and health insurance.