Past Retreats
Upper Mayan Trail Hike
Guatemala December 2-9, 2017
Our first retreat! We could not have asked for anything more. Having had bonding time during the plane trip, car ride to Panajachel, and then boat ride to Isla Verde, the group was starting to come together. We arrived to the hotel Saturday night, and after a delicious meal, set our intentions for the week. The following morning, we found ourselves in awe of our surroundings in the morning light - being on Lake Atitlan, it was truly a magical feeling being in the higher elevation, surrounded by lush mountains, volcanoes, jungle and of course, water. Having left the bitter cold in NYC, this was a welcome change for all of us!
The week consisted of two daily yoga sessions, including two workshops - one katonah inspired alignment workshop, and an inversion workshop. We mixed up the practices with katonah, restorative, and both slow and power vinyasa. During the day time we either had relaxing time for massages, sun bathing, reading etc, or a group excursion. Our excursions included a Hike on the Upper Mayan Trail and visit to the Solola Market, a trip to the vintage textile market in Pana, kayaking and cliff jumping on Lake Atitlan, and a guided boat tour to the surrounding towns on the lake - Santiago, Santa Cruz, and San Marcos. We were lucky enough to have Eleanor Dubinsky with us, and she blessed us with a private candlelit concert in the studio. The staff and meals at Isla Verde were amazing, and we were all able to let loose a little at night with the indoor fireplace.
We concluded the retreat with a closing ceremony around the fire, a bittersweet ending filled with chanting, sharing transformative realizations, tears, and cuddles. At the end of the week we were nothing other than a tribe. Om Tribe.
Windham, NY May 18-20, 2018
With seemingly the longest winter ever in NY, by the time our Spring Catskills retreat rolled around, Om Tribe was definitely ready for some quality time in nature! Our first weekend retreat kicked off with everyone meeting at The Mountain House on Friday afternoon. The atmosphere was lighthearted as the Tribe trickled in from different parts of the city and settled in to the sun filled and warm house we were lucky to call home for three days and two nights. We started off with light snacks and a meet and greet as everyone mingled and perused their surroundings.
With a sweaty vinyasa flow taught by Randi and Erica Friday evening, followed by a sweet introduction circle, it was safe to say we were all well on our way to becoming friends. Alex Radoaca, our chef for the weekend, prepared an amazing dinner for us that evening and we rounded it all off with a bonfire and s'mores. Saturday was rainy, but the weather did not dampen our spirits! With morning practice, breakfast, and then a choice to take a walk to town or to tool around the house, Om Triber's did their own thing during the afternoon and met back up for hot tub use and then an evening practice with pranayama. Dinner, jenga, card playing, a little basketball watching and bonding completed the day. Sunday came too soon and after a katonah inspired workshop with Randi and Erica followed by a delicious brunch, we all reluctantly said our farewells and made our way back to the city.
Short and sweet, it was truly amazing to us how quickly everyone fell into friendship, and how open our students were to learning new things and dedicating themselves to the yoga practice this weekend. We can't wait to go back to The Mountain House in Fall, 2018! Check out the video and pictures below, we were lucky enough to have Grant Henry Media capture this epic weekend!
Windham, NY October 19-21, 2018
For our second weekend retreat to The Mountain House 668, we were all anxious for some Fall nature. The drive to the house was gorgeous, with leaves ranging in colors and crisp cool air. We all made our way in on Friday afternoon, and jump started the weekend with a twisty, sweaty practice led by both Erica and Randi. After practice we held an introduction circle, and started to get to know each other. Chef Alex prepared a lovely dinner for us, and we all shared it at the dining table with wine, laughs, and good fun. We then convened outside for a bonfire with s’mores. It was clear that this was a very good spirited and open group.
On Saturday morning we began with a meditation and practice with Erica, had a hearty breakfast, and then prepped for our hike on Blackhead Mountain with home made trail mix, fruit, and sandwiches. A quick car ride to the trail, we bundled up in layers and then started up the mountain. There was a stream at the bottom and while there was some tough uphill moments, and a little bit of rain, our spirits were not dampened! The views and the leaves were majestic and the hike was full of good conversation. When we returned to the Mountain House, we cozied up, used the hot tub, drank tea, read a book. After some down time, we came back together for a special flow and restore class led by Randi and Erica. We were lucky enough to have the class accompanied by Peter Delgrosso, who played his keyboard and french horn beautifully. Class was followed by delicious dinner and mulled wine, followed by pumpkin carvings, jenga, and then we all watched Hocus Pocus. It was, well, the most Fall evening.
Sunday came too soon, and Randi led us through meditation and practice that morning. We had a lovely breakfast, and then took advantage of the hot tub, spectacular mountain views, and each other’s company. We had warm coconut curry as our last meal, and said our goodbyes around the fire pit. We left with our hearts and bellies full! We couldn’t have asked for a more down to earth, joyful crew.
Belize Retreat February 24 - March 3, 2019
Our second international retreat! And what an incredible experience it was. We stayed at Black Rock Lodge, a beautiful resort nestled in the jungle outside of the small city of San Ignacio, Belize. We were located right next to the gorgeous Macal River, which waters you could hear rushing from most of the property. As we drove up, we were taken away with just how literal the word “jungle” felt - the greenery was lush, the leaves were enormous, and there were beautiful birds everywhere!
We had a Tribe of 13, a few repeat Om Tribe members and the rest new faces. We were all partnered up in our rooms with the exception of one, and after a lovely first night’s dinner, we had a welcome circle in the yoga palapa overlooking the river. Each dinner was four courses, and absolutely delicious! We had all come together for different reasons, in different places in our yoga practices, different ages, and yet we immediately felt a sense of support and openness from the whole group. Yoga and travel brought us together and we were all excited to let the week unfold.
Throughout the week we had yoga each morning in the sun drenched palapa, and every evening during sunset, with excursions in between. On Monday, we started off with a Katonah Yoga inspired workshop, went tubing down the river, jumped from the rope swing and swam, and had time to peruse the property. The weather was absolutely perfect. Tuesday followed up with an inversion workshop, a trip to Xunantunich, the Mayan Ruins, including lunch at a local Belizean restaurant. On Wednesday we went on The Wildside Hike, up to the Elejio Panti Summit, and then swam in a breathtaking lagoon. Thursday morning we went bird watching, seeing everything from a Toucan to different kinds of parrots and iguanas, and then had a relaxed day at the lodge. Some got massages, some swam in the infinity pool, some went on the sustainability tour of the property where we got fresh coconuts, milked goats, and held baby chicks! On Friday, we went to Barton Creek, and canoed through caves where we could only see from flashlights, and were even able to see some ancient Mayan artifacts. Saturday included a handstand workshop, more tubing, bonding, some salsa-ing, and ended with a lovely last dinner and closing ceremony where we all held space for each other.
It was clear to us in the closing ceremony that we were all leaving feeling grateful for our new yoga family. Tears were shed, the Ram Dass mantra “We are love. Be love.” was given as an offering to the group, and we hugged it out pretty hard.
We can’t thank Black Rock Lodge enough for helping to give us a truly magical experience and we are looking forward to returning!
Arizona Retreat October 9-13, 2019
We were very excited for our first domestic retreat, outside of New York State. In early 2018, we started thinking about how magical it would be to combine yoga with visiting a National Park (a National Park Yoga Retreat!). Finally, all the pieces fell into place.
As we rolled up to our home for the next five days, we were taken aback by the majestic beauty of the mountains and scenery. We had the privilege of staying at Grace Grove Retreat Center, a beautiful home in Cornville, AZ, surrounded by a flowing creek, tons of lush greenery, and complete with a yoga barn where we practiced daily.
On Wednesday everyone arrived, just in time for our first lunch together - Randi, Erica, our chef, Alex, and 8 amazing women! We bonded while tie-dying Om Tribe tank tops, had some down time floating in the creek, reading, and getting to know one another. The evening took off with a yoga flow class tandem-taught by Randi and Erica, an introduction circle, and a delicious dinner made with love by Alex!
Thursday was Sedona day - Randi led us through a flow in the morning, and after a hearty breakfast we hopped in the van and did some shopping in Sedona - so many crystals, stones, and Native American turquoise! We then hiked Cathedral Rock, a short but challenging hike with an amazing view. Erica taught a slow flow in the evening.
Friday began with an express flow class with Erica in the morning, breakfast, then we all hopped in the van to head to the Grand Canyon! We stopped in Flagstaff to meet our tour guides, and they drove us the rest of the way to the South Rim of the Canyon. It was a beautiful and breathtaking sight as we drove into the park, followed by a challenging hike. We stopped at a picturesque viewpoint where Erica led the group through some pranayama (breathwork) and a guided meditation. It was a very long day, we closed with a low key night, delicious dinner and lots of wine.
On Saturday we began with an inversion and arm balance workshop in the yoga barn, and after breakfast and some chill time, headed to the winery - Page Spring Cellars. Here we took a tour of the beautiful winery and learned about how they make their wine, all while tasting different bottles along the way. We then picnicked with cheese, fruit, and rosé, and made our way back to the retreat center for our last night. Randi led us through a flow class on the rooftop, where we got to see the sun go down and the moon rise, pure MAGIC. After a delicious southwestern-style dinner, we all convened around the fire pit, made s’mores, and sang out loud to 90s music.
Sunday we made an early departure to Phoenix, and said our heartfelt “goodbyes for now” at the airport.
This retreat was one of the most laid back, yet filled with supportive, loving and fierce female energy. It felt easy to be ourselves, and to truly get to know one another while enjoying the beautiful Southwest. We will be back!
Thailand Retreat February 16-23, 2020
Post coming soon…