current RETREATS:

Join me for Yogic Breath, starting August 23, 2019. Scroll below for all the info.

Join me for a blissful weekend retreat in tranquil Manitou Springs, just an hour south of Denver. Soak in the soothing waters at SunWater Spa between yoga sessions or take time to stroll through the soaring landscape of Garden of the Gods. This retreat will focus on yogic breath practices. Applying ancient traditions, we’ll explore different breath techniques and notice how they change the way we feel, both at rest and as we move through a physical practice. We’ll also connect the breath with the movement of energy in the body, noticing how deeply intertwined they are.

Our schedule will be packed with five regular yoga classes of different types, plus I’ll offer a one-hour Yoga Nidra practice each evening and you'll have the opportunity to meditate each morning. I’m limiting the retreat to twenty-five participants so the group will be small enough for individual attention. It is likely to fill up fast, so reserve your spot now.

The retreat will be held at SunMountain Resort and SunWater Spa in Manitou Springs, just a little more than an hour drive from Denver. Accommodations, meals and all activities, including a two-hour thermal soak, are included. You can choose from private or shared rooms at the charming SunMountain Resort. All rooms have en suite bathrooms. Food is locally sourced, with some grown on the property, with emphasis on vegetarian items. Meals are all served communally. Yoga classes will be held in the beautiful yoga studio space at SunWater Spa, which is less than five minutes from SunMountain. All other activities (other than soaking) will be held at our SunMountain home base.

Arrive at the retreat by 3:00 on Friday and check into your room. We'll assemble at 4:00 p.m. for opening remarks and a one-hour yoga practice before dinner, which is served at 6:00. After dinner, we’ll have time to socialize around the campfire (marshmellows may be involved) and then a one-hour Yoga Nidra practice. You can soak in the hot tubs at SunMountain and enjoy the stars before retiring for a good night’s sleep. Saturday morning I'll lead a mediation session at 7:00 a.m. for those who'd like to participate. Breakfast service begins at 8:00. Our morning yoga session at SunWater starts at 9:30 a.m. We'll delve more deeply into the practice of Yoga than we have time to do back home, exploring the theme of our retreat – Yogic Breath. You can then spend time soaking in the spas at SunWater or enjoy time on your own before we all gather for lunch at noon. After lunch, enjoy a little unstructured time soaking in the waters, hiking around Garden of the Gods or just relaxing. There will be a restorative Yoga class offered at 2:30, followed by an optional 4:00 p.m. class focusing on playful inversions, where we'll practice hand stands, head stands and forearm stands, as well as arm balances. Dinner is served a 6:00 and we’ll reassemble at 7:30 for some talk around the campfire and another Yoga Nidra practice. Sunday morning brings morning mediation at 7:00 a.m., followed by our final yoga practice session at 9:00 a.m. Pack up and check out of your room by 11:00 and we’ll wrap up with a closing circle at 11:15.

The per person cost depends on the accommodations you chose. Here are the options, which include all meals, all yoga sessions, a two-hour thermal soak at SunWater Spa and all other scheduled activities:

Quad room: $450

Double room: $550

Single room: $830.

Please reserve your spot as soon as possible and pay a deposit of $100. Last day to sign up is May 25, 2019. Please pay balance due by June 25, 2019. Contact me at Garry@garryappel.com to reserve or with questions.

prior retreats

This retreat was held July 27 - 29, 2018, at Sunrise Ranch. For pics from the retreat, scroll below.

What a great bunch of pics. Thanks to Karen Appel for taking them. There are so many great memories here. From the deep insight that comes from blindfold yoga to getting upside down and letting go (even a little bit) of those fears, to eating (lots of eating), walking and the coming together as a community. So beautiful to see. So honored to be able to create this space for your exploration!