We apologize for any email you received about 1099-K. No action is required, and your account remains secure. We apologize for the confusion and appreciate your understanding.

lovely place. great food. a fine time was had

Caravan of Beloveds: Dances of Universal Peace Deepening

It was a wonderful 4 days. Everyone was helpful and all our needs were cared for. Food was delicious and the cook honored such a variety of dietary needs. We were given many options on how to participate and or use the facilities. I left feeling exhilarated and connected with the entire group. Wonderful to see and experience growth by those attending. I’d come again. 

I've attended several events at Anahata and have greatly enjoyed every one. The facilitators are excellent, friendly, and deeply caring about each participant's experience. The grounds are lovely. The vibe is very high. The food is fabulous. The entire facility is conducive to great relaxation and renewal. It's like a much-needed breath of fresh air in a little slice of heaven. I will definitely be back. 

Everything was a 10 for sure. Missing all the beautiful people most of all. Thank you Ashera,Tajali  & Tara Joy for your impeccable devotion, managerial skills, DUP expertise & HEARTS ! Aziza & I hope to return someday.Much love to all, Jabbar

Everything was wonderful, the accommodations made us feel like we were being treated like royalty, the food was great, and the program and the people were the best!

United Arab Emirates Dirham

Afghan Afghani

Albanian Lek

Armenian Dram

Netherlands Antillean Gulden

Angolan Kwanza

Argentine Peso

Australian Dollar

Aruban Florin

Azerbaijani Manat

Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark

Barbadian Dollar

Bangladeshi Taka

Bulgarian Lev

Bahraini Dinar

Burundian Franc

Bermudian Dollar

Brunei Dollar

Bolivian Boliviano

Brazilian Real

Bahamian Dollar

Bhutanese Ngultrum

Botswana Pula

Belarusian Ruble

Belize Dollar

Canadian Dollar

Congolese Franc

Swiss Franc

Chilean Peso

Chinese Renminbi Yuan

Colombian Peso

Costa Rican Colón

Cuban Convertible Peso

Cuban Peso

Cape Verdean Escudo

Czech Koruna

Djiboutian Franc

Danish Krone

Dominican Peso

Algerian Dinar

Estonian Kroon

Egyptian Pound

Eritrean Nakfa

Ethiopian Birr

Euro

Fijian Dollar

Falkland Pound

British Pound

Georgian Lari

Ghanaian Cedi

Gibraltar Pound

Gambian Dalasi

Guinean Franc

Guatemalan Quetzal

Guyanese Dollar

Hong Kong Dollar

Honduran Lempira

Croatian Kuna

Haitian Gourde

Hungarian Forint

Indonesian Rupiah

Israeli New Sheqel

Indian Rupee

Iraqi Dinar

Iranian Rial

Icelandic Króna

Jamaican Dollar

Jordanian Dinar

Japanese Yen

Kenyan Shilling

Kyrgyzstani Som

Cambodian Riel

Comorian Franc

North Korean Won

South Korean Won

Kuwaiti Dinar

Cayman Islands Dollar

Kazakhstani Tenge

Lao Kip

Lebanese Pound

Sri Lankan Rupee

Liberian Dollar

Lesotho Loti

Lithuanian Litas

Latvian Lats

Libyan Dinar

Moroccan Dirham

Moldovan Leu

Malagasy Ariary

Macedonian Denar

Myanmar Kyat

Mongolian Tögrög

Macanese Pataca

Mauritanian Ouguiya

Maltese Lira

Mauritian Rupee

Maldivian Rufiyaa

Malawian Kwacha

<h2>The Art of Deep Rest</h2>A gentle return to quiet, balance, and ease.Join us for four days of deep rest in a peaceful retreat center in the Appalachian forest of Virginia. This retreat is designed to calm the nervous system, soften the mind, and create space for genuine restoration. There is no pressure to perform, fix, or achieve — only space to rest and reconnect with gentle yoga, meditation, forest bathing, massage, sound healing, and nature immersion.Our lives have become increasingly stressful—bombarded by constant information, the demands of daily life, and the emotional weight of the world. When our nervous systems fall out of balance, it becomes harder to cope, make wise choices, and move through life without unnecessary suffering.This retreat is an invitation to pause — restoring the body, mind, and heart. Our weekend combines both the ancient and visionary, weaving practical tools and restful experiences from somatic psychology, mindfulness, yoga, polyvagal theory, and time in nature. Join us to gently repattern our overactive lifestyles and renew with a rooted sense of calm.It is time to rest.

Floyd, VA

You can book these closer to the retreat date.

private massage session

transportation

9 meals

workshops

lodging

<h3>Day 1 – Arriving to Tranquility</h3>Arrive to a tranquil atmosphere where conversation is minimal and soft music welcomes you in. Settle into cushions and blankets for a full hour of rest while a massage therapist gently offers shoulder massages to ease the body into stillness.We then gather for a simple opening ceremony and guided meditation. After dinner, the evening closes with a soothing sound bath to help you fully land.

Thursday

Day 1

<h3>Softening the Nervous System and Opening to Presence</h3>Begin the day with gentle yoga, followed by a wholesome continental breakfast.We gather for journaling and optional group sharing before our first workshop on calming and regulating the nervous system.Lunch is served outdoors in our forest dining space. The afternoon offers a three-hour break for rest and choice: optional massage sessions, trail strolling, river swimming, sun bathing, hammock lounging, or time in the hot tub.We reconvene for a second workshop exploring self-Reiki and mindful meditation practices. After dinner, we gather around the fire for quiet songs and heartfelt conversation.

Friday

Day 2

<h3>Day 3 – Balance &amp; Renewal</h3>The morning opens with gentle yoga and breakfast, followed by circle time for reflection and journaling.Our morning workshop explores balancing yin and yang in today’s fast-paced world — finding harmony between effort and ease.After lunch in the forest, enjoy another spacious three-hour break to rest as you choose.The afternoon workshop gently deconstructs what keeps us from slowing down and introduces simple somatic tools to restore the mind, body, and heart.Dinner is followed by a lighthearted evening of gentle games, optional dance, music, and soaking in the hot tub.

Saturday

Day 3

<h3>Integration</h3>Sleep in and enjoy a relaxed breakfast. We close with a slow, restorative yoga practice and an integration workshop to help you carry this sense of balance home.After lunch, we depart feeling grounded, refreshed, and renewed.

Sunday

Day 4

Katie Wells M.F.A.&nbsp;enjoys her roles as international teacher, dance artist, and retreat director.&nbsp;With the joy of teaching for 30 years, Katie guides experiences that some say have changed their life.&nbsp;She has a Masters Degree in Dance and Somatics from CU at Boulder, and is certified in Spiritual Embodiment from Judith Blackstone, Somatic EMDR Trauma Therapy from Embody Lab, and Embodiment Coaching from Embodiment Unlimited. A lifelong devotee of weaving the mind, body, and spirit, she is especially fascinated with nervous system resiliency, embodied presence to unknot the psyche, and spirited group connection.Joe&nbsp;Klein, LPC&nbsp;has over 16 years experience teaching meditation and relational mindfulness to teens, young adults and adult professionals.&nbsp;Joe&nbsp;co-founded Inward Bound Mindfulness Education (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.ibme.com/">iBme.com</a>) in 2010, which runs meditation retreats in the US and Canada.&nbsp;Joe&nbsp;is currently the lead clinician at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bewellnowva.org/">Be Well Now</a>&nbsp;in Floyd, Va. where he supports adults with Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, EMDR, IFS and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP).&nbsp;Joe&nbsp;brings playfulness and whole brain/whole body engagement to his way of teaching and embodying mindfulness.Shirleyann Burgess is a Woods Walker &amp; River Dancer, specializing in Mindful Outdoor Experiences, and Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), certified at Kripalu Yoga Institute. She is the founder of Floyd Yoga Jam, and is certified as a Rolfer, Rolf Movement Therapist, Yoga Instructor, LMT, Listener, Wisdom Dance guide, Pranayama Breath facilitator, Certified Level 2 Reiki practitioner, and an Earth Steward.Leia Jones is a bodyworker, dancer and yoga teacher. She has a 200 hr certification in Hatha Yoga&nbsp;and a 300 hr in Therapeutic yoga. Leia has a&nbsp;BA in Dance and Choreography from Hollins University. Her movement practice is inspired by&nbsp;observing our deep connection to all things on an energetic level. She has been teaching yoga and dance for over a decade. Her unique soulful teaching&nbsp;approach combines an emphasis on breath, heart alignment and intention.&nbsp;Yoga and dance have been a catalyst of inner freedom and peace in her life and it’s one of her greatest joys to share these profound healing practices with others.&nbsp;

Facilitator Bios

Deep Rest Retreat Schedule&nbsp;(Minor changes will occur.)Thursday2:00-3:00 pm Arrive to Your Room and Check-in3:00-6:00 pm Check-In, Chill Space, Orientation &amp; Arrival Workshop6:00-7:00 pm Dinner&nbsp;7:45-9:00 pm Yoga Nidra &amp; Sound Bath&nbsp; Friday8:00-9:00 am Gentle Yoga Flow9:00-9:45 am Breakfast10:00-12:15 pm Morning Circle &amp; Forest Bathing12:30-1:30 pm Lunch1:30-4:30 pm BREAK4:30-6:00 pm Polyvagal Regulation Workshop&nbsp;6:00-7:00 pm Dinner7:30-9:00 pm Fire Meditation &amp; Song Saturday8:00-9:00 am Gentle Yoga Flow&nbsp;9:00-9:45 am Breakfast10:00-11:30 pm Morning Circle, Self-Massage &amp; Meditation11:30-12:30 pm BREAK&nbsp;12:30-1:30 pm Lunch1:30-4:30 pm BREAK4:30-6:00 pm Passage Meditation Workshop&nbsp;6:00-7:00 pm Dinner7:30-10:00 pm Ecstatic Dance &amp; Hang Out Together&nbsp;Sunday8:15-9:30 am Restorative Yoga&nbsp;9:45-10-45 am Brunch11-1:30 pm Morning Circle, Integration &amp; Closing Ceremony1:30-3:00 pm Departure&nbsp;

Schedule

The Art of Deep Rest — a nervous system reset in the Appalachians

This room offers three twin beds with access to a shared bathroom. There is one triple room for male identified participants, and one triple room for female identified participants. This price includes 9 meals, lodging, and all workshops and events. (does not include optional private massage session) Price listed is per person.

Room for 3 Occupants

Pitch your tent by the river. Access to two glamping outhouses and an indoor shower. This price includes 9 meals, lodging, and all workshops and events. (does not include optional private massage session) Price listed is per person.

Camping

Enjoy your own room with a full sized bed. Bathroom is shared. This price includes all workshops, events, facility, lodging, and 9 meals. (price does not include optional private massage or guidance session.)

Private Room for One, Shared Bath

Price listed is per person. You will be paired with a roommate of the same gender. This quiet studio apartment has a private bathroom, kitchenette, full sized bed and full sized futon. You will have a living room area, kitchenette, and queen bed. This price includes 9 meals, lodging, and all workshops and events. (does not include optional private massage session)

Private Studio Apartment for 2 Occupants

Price listed is per person. This quiet studio apartment has a private bathroom and clawfoot tub. You will have a living room area, kitchenette, and queen bed. This price includes 9 meals, lodging, all workshops and events. (does not include optional private massage session) Both people must register with at least the deposit amount to reserve this room.

Private Studio Apartment for a Couple

Price is per-person. Relax in a queen-sized bed with your honey, and unwind in your own private oversized bathtub.This price includes lodging, all meals, workshops, and events. (does not include optional private massage session)Both people must register with the deposit amount to reserve this room.

Private Room & Bath for a Couple

Come for the Day. Go home for sleep.

Commute

Find a spot a beautiful spot by the river. Glamping outhouses and showers available as well as indoor bathrooms and showers. It gets cold at night.

Camping or Car Camping 

Bliss Cabin

This is a triple room converted into a private room. There will be three twin beds, yet you will have this room to yourself.

Private Room shared Bathroom 

United States

Anahata invites you to experience a restorative healing journey or transformational adventure as you immerse yourself in the serenity of nature. Our 47 acre nature sanctuary features a sublime riverfront area with kayaking and swimming, abundant wildlife, an outdoor dance/yoga pavilion, the elevating pine ridge, walking trails, as well as lovingly cultivated permaculture landscape, gardens and orchards.  Stunning timberframe indoor gathering spaces, plus private and shared accommodations for solos, couples, and groups up to 22.  

Anahata Retreat & Education Center

&nbsp;&nbsp;
Love is the most transformative force in creation, and our primary relationship is the most powerful vessel for our evolution – for that is where our ideals and our essence meet the road of life. Therefore, intimate partnership is sacred, and each of us is the sacred mirror of love for one another.&nbsp;
This retreat is about&nbsp;
- enhancing self-awareness and self-love through yoga, meditation, experiential exploration and self-reflection so that we can bring our best self forward within our partnership and our life
- enhanced communication through authentic self-expression and listening exercises that deepen our understanding and support of one another
- deepening and rekindling the spark of pleasurable connection with our partner through the many languages of love, including couples yoga, massage, light tantric gazing and breathwork, movement, sound, and sacred play with the elements of water, fire and more!
- deep work on the fundamental issues and challenges you are experiencing
- laughter and celebration to lighten the journey and ignite transformation
- being held in a container of love, nurturance and support - in our beautiful nature sanctuary – with time and space for integration - as well as the company of other couples embodying and practicing these principles
- a closing ceremonial ‘renewal of vows’ expressing our dedication to our unique journey of love

Anahata Retreat Center, Floyd VA

&nbsp;&nbsp;
FRIDAY
2:00-4:00 Arrival &amp; Settling In: Walk the land, get a massage (if scheduled ahead of time), settle into your space. Create your love nest. &nbsp;Greet the river. Find your special spot in nature. Relax, rest and breathe! Walk the labyrinth. Connect with your intentions for the retreat.&nbsp;
 
4:30 – 6:00 OPENING CIRCLE: &nbsp;Attunement, Invocation, Introductions, Group Agreements, Overview of the Journey, Logistics
 
We will introduce ourselves and our beloved and share one one thing we especially appreciate about our partner, a beneficial quality we bring to our relationship, and one growing edge or challenge we would like to work on this weekend.&nbsp;
 
6:00 – 7:00 DINNER
 
7:30-9:00 CULTIVATING FLOW WITH ASHERA: We activate connection to our essence with a brief soundbath, then create the flow of love together with song, gentle movement, qi gong, breathwork, gazing, and soft communication.&nbsp;
 
LATE EVENING hot tub, star-gazing on your own!
 
SATURDAY
7:30-9:00 am COUPLES CONNECTION YOGA, MUDRA &amp; MASSAGE with Leia Jones
 
9:00-10:00 BREAKFAST
 
10:15-10:45 THE ELEMENTS OF CONSCIOUS RELATIONSHIP with Ashera - A playful and revealing exploration of the many languages of love. &nbsp;Learn your love-languages and styles. Try new ones. Heart-warming and fun!&nbsp;
 
10:45-11:30 JOURNALLING EXERCISE - LOVING SELF-ASSESSMENT - pinpointing the longings of our heart, both within the relationship and within our life at large. &nbsp;
 
11:45-1:00 &nbsp;CALL &amp; RESPONSE // &nbsp;SHARING &amp; LISTENING – The art of asking the really important questions. &nbsp;Sharing our longings. &nbsp;Listening/receiving and responding proactively together. &nbsp;&nbsp;Noticing how deep listening &amp; responding builds trust &amp; teamwork.&nbsp;
 
1:00-2:00 Lunch
 
2:30-3:45 EMBRACING THE CHALLENGES with Luke: Using triggers as an opportunity for deeper connection, healing, and renewed teamwork.
 
4:00-5:45 RE-WEAVING THE STORY OF OUR LOVE with Craig &amp; Cleo: Appreciating the challenges and successes of the past, reframing the potentials, and re-visioning the future of ‘us’. &nbsp;Includes the adoption of new 'empowerment perspectives'. &nbsp;
 
6:00-7:00 Dinner
 
7:30 – 9:00 Expressive Sharing
Transformational skit work (optional audience participation) Appreciating the way we interact - &nbsp;sometimes brilliant or clumsy or hilarious, and always revealing! &nbsp;Creative group warm ups, opportunity for participants to share a love-related poem, song, dance or other expression of love. (Prepare in advance of the retreat and bring your song/guitar/dance or other expressive sharing!)&nbsp;
 
8:30 – 9:00 More advanced soft tantra breathwork, gazing, spooning!
 
SUNDAY
7:30-9:00 am COUPLES CONNECTION YOGA, MUDRA &amp; MASSAGE with Leia Jones
 
9:00-10:00 BREAKFAST
 
10:00-11:30 SHARING CIRCLE &nbsp;Sharing insights, struggles, breakthroughs, questions.
 
11:30 – 12:00 BREAK/PREPARATION FOR CEREMONY
 
12:00-1:00 &nbsp;CLOSING CEREMONY: Blessing Ceremony/Creation of Vows to Self &amp; Beloved&nbsp;
 
1:00-2:00 LUNCH
 
Integration, Rest, Departure as you are ready
Pre-scheduled Massages or Other Wellness/Counseling Sessions possible

The flow of the weekend!

Overall Schedule

We will enjoy six healthy delicious meals, colorful and diverse, mostly organic, with options for vegan, vegetarian, omni, and other dietary preferences such as gluten-free and low-carb. &nbsp;We will also highlight the sensuality of food at this retreat, serving some foods known as 'aphrodisiac' just for fun! &nbsp;We ask everyone to bring a 'gift to share' on the love altar, such as an essential oil, a favorite chocolate treat, flowers, or other sensual food. &nbsp;: )&nbsp;

Gourmet Meals

Each couple will have a private retreat sanctuary for rest, integration, and intimacy. &nbsp;We encourage each couple to create their unique love nest for enhanced sensory delight with elements such as candles, aromatherapy, music, sensual wear, massage oil, etc. &nbsp;

Love Nests

'Into the Heart of Love' Couples Retreat

Each couple will have a private love nest in one of our studio apartments, or a private bedroom in one of our spacious homes on site. &nbsp;

Couples Retreat in Private Room

Side by side table massages with our favorite massage therapists. &nbsp;Reduce stress, open the heart, open to the pleasure of the weekend! &nbsp;$250

Couples side by side 90 minute massage

Write freely, your ideas flowing onto the page . . . with your heart open, mind clear, spirit calm! Daily creative flow exercises, quiet walks on wooded paths, starlit hot tub soaks, sound baths, hot beverages, healthy meals. Participation in group activities is optional - sharing glimmers from our work, freeing our spirits and voices together, occasional outings/hikes, and quiet celebrations. Add in a massage, optional daily yoga/qi gong/movement/meditation sessions to relax the body and focus our intentions. Engage with a writing buddy as you choose, write in parallel or solo. Return restored, re-inspired, with your newly flowering manuscript.

Anahata Retreat & Education Center, 144 Anahata Circle NE, Floyd VA 24091

You may opt in to schedule a 60, 90 or 120 minute Thai Yoga or table massage.

Private Massage

Reiki, Heart Spirit Alignment, or Life Coaching Session with one of our experienced practitioners

Other Healing Sessions

We have limited availability for valuable one-on-one coaching or editing assistance

Writing Coach or Editing

Mostly organic, plant-based, colorful, delicious, ethnically themed meals: light breakfast, hearty soups and salads, hot beverage bar, amazing well water; nourishing dinner; occasional treats!  

Healthy Meals

always ready anytime day or night!  Ozonated tub is ultra-light in chemicals

Hot Tub

Light workshops utilizing a variety of techniques to open up our creativity and self expression!

Daily Creativity Flow

We have curated a special writing team to guide us in our daily inspiration sessions. <ul><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Jyoti Tinhat, a novelist and song-writer, kundalini yoga teacher, and songstress. </li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Tajali Teresa Tolan, author of children's peace books, wellness counselor, mystic teacher. </li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Kathryn Ashera Rose, ritualist, sound healer, qi gong practitioner, writer of curriculums for children's spiritual unfoldment. </li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">One other 'surprise guest artist' and author - to be announced soon! </li></ul>

Creativity Mentors

Winter Reflection ~ Writer's Journey Retreat

Stay in one of our luxurious studio apartments with everything you need! Sofa and easy chair sitting area, queen bed, writing desk or table, fully equipped kitchenette, full bath, towels and bed linens. Lots of cushions, books on the shelf. Mini split for air conditioning or heat. Windows for fresh air and a lovely view of nature. High speed internet. Comfort and coziness. Step out onto the trails and it's a minute's walk to the main house, the riverfront and the trails up onto the pine ridge.

Private space with private bath

Luxuriate, release tension, activate flow, and reset the nervous system with this multi-sensory experience. Enveloping music, soft layers on the heated massage table, skilled and sweet practitioners.

60 Min Aromatherapy Massage w Hot Stones

Beautiful private room in one of our lovely locations - the main retreat house or Sunflower House. Shared bath with one or two others. Extra bathroom on another level of the house as well. Shared spacious and gracious living areas, kitchen. Each bedroom has either a queen or full size bed, some have a desk or table, or we will find you the right 'writing space' in the spacious living spaces.

Private Room with Shared Bath

We call this 'the Queen's Lair' for good reason. Rest in the crown chakra of the gorgeous timberframe retreat center with easy access to all group sessions. Upstairs balcony overlooks the main great room. Private bathroom with an oversize tub/shower for soaking. Queen luxury bed, sitting chair, mirrored dressing table. Your own mini-split to set your air comfort.

Master Suite with Oversize Tub

Stay in a rustic tiny cabin listening to the sounds of the nearby river as you sit at your writing desk looking over the wooded scene. Just steps to the labyrinth and the riverfront, you are tucked away from everyone and everything. No distractions, except for the wildlife that happens by. A woodstove keeps you warm (you need to stock it with logs provided), with a back up space heater, and mini-kitchen equipment -- mini fridge, hot plate, electric teakettle, coffee and tea, toaster oven. There is an outhouse steps from the cabin, and jugs of water are provided for drinking and splashing. You can shower at the main retreat house where sessions are held. This is for the exceptionally rustic soul who loves to dwell in the heart of nature. You are a 3 minute walk from the main retreat house, where shower and hot tub await, all group sessions are held. : )

Rustic Bliss Cabin By the River

Dwell in the bird's nest of the timberframe retreat center, overlooking the great room. Open air, yet with a room divider/partition for privacy, this spacious room has an easy chair, two writing desks, and a beautiful view. You share the main level bathroom (with shower), and have easy access to all amenities in the main house.

Spacious Loft with Full-Size Bed

If you like a big oak desk to sit at, plus a leather sofa-bed (queen, with extra padding), plus being near the center of group activity, this space is for you. Curtained doors, cozy wrap-around sofa-bed, desk, lamps and being in the heart of it all! You are steps away from the hot tub and the stars at night on the back deck! Shared main level bathroom with shower. All towels and bed linens provided.

'The Office' Bedroom

Contact:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:">shatuga@gmail.com</a>An opportunity for deeper connection to ourselves, and powerful transformation in a container of safety and support, with an amazing tribe of heartful men!Facilitators include Mars, Orion, Wheeler, Ezekiel, and others!Yoga, ecstatic dance, the council of men, fire circles, real food prepared with love.

Featured Trips

Past Trips

Reviews