“Reconnect and rejuvenate yourself”
3 Day Breath, Balance, and Relaxation Contemplative Retreat in Sonoma, California
Ratna Ling Retreat Center, 35755 Hauser Bridge Road, Cazadero, Sonoma County, California, USA
USA Wellness Retreat
Perfect ease is not an ordinary part of mindset; it may take some practice. Inspired by quotations from Tarthang Tulku, this retreat is an opportunity to bring relaxation and balance into your life.
Meet the instructors
Barry
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Highlights
- 3 days of activities
- Tibetan yoga and meditation classes
- Breathing exercises, visualization, and chanting
- Discussions and journaling
- 2 nights accommodation
- Daily meals
Yoga styles
3 days with instruction
Accommodation
Check-in Time:
15:00
Check-out Time:
12:00
Facilities
- Air-conditioned rooms
- Dining area
- Fireplace
- Garden
- Yoga studio
- Conference room
- Library
- Meeting room
- Wireless internet
The accommodations at Ratna Ling allow guests to create a retreat experience with relaxed ease and privacy. A collection of private cottages spreads out across the majestic landscape, each providing an inspiring view of the surrounding countryside. Each suite-style cottage is a home unto itself, including a living room, dining area, full bathroom, stocked kitchenette, and outdoor deck. You will discover details that create comfort and allow you to luxuriate in serenity, like fine linens, gas-burning woodstoves, quality furnishings, and modern bathrooms with spacious jetted tubs.
Cottage size and amenities
- Two private rooms, each furnished with a queen bed (one room has a fold-up bed - open it can sleep two, closed it becomes a meditation, yoga, or writing room)
- High-vaulted ceilings, central heating, and air conditioning
- Living room with sofa and chairs and gas woodstove
- Spacious dining area that seats four
- Kitchenette with microwave, fridge, dishware, coffee, and tea
- Bathroom with shower, jacuzzi tub, hairdryer, and shampoo
- Outdoor decks with lounge chairs and inspiring views
- Complimentary wireless and domestic phone service
- 14 cottages, 972 square feet each that accommodates four persons
- Handicap-access cottage available
Program
Through breathing and relaxation exercises, meditation, and inquiry, you soften the body, breath, and mind. Working with the quotations provides insights for reflection and appreciation for your journey. Take this opportunity to become quiet and turn inward. This weekend includes:
- Meditation
- Tibetan yoga
- Discussion and journaling
You will receive a complimentary book “Quotes - Breath” as a reflection guide for the weekend.
Daily schedule
Friday
- 15:00 Check-in
- 17:30 Dinner
- 19:00 - 20:30 Introduction and breathing exercise and gift of the new “Breath” book
Saturday - Day of silence
- 08:00 Breakfast
- 09:00 - 10:30 Kum Nye exercises and meditation
- 10:30 - 10:50 Break
- 10:50 - 12:15 Kum Nye relaxation exercises and focusing on breath awareness
- 12:15 Lunch
- 15:00 - 16:00 Walk through the redwoods with attention to body and mind
- 16:00 - 17:15 Working with quotes from breath, discussion, journaling, and practice
- 17:30 Dinner
- 19:00 - 20:30 Quotes and breath
Sunday
- 08:30 - 10:00 Visualization, chanting, and meditation
- 10:00 Brunch
- 12:00 Checkout
The schedule is subject to change.
Instructors
Barry Schieber
Barry graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. He began his professional life working in investment banking before becoming a student of Tarthang Tulku in the early 1970s. From 1988 to 1993, he was Dean of the Nyingma Institute in Berkeley, California. In 2002, he founded Silent Moon Books, a publishing company to relate stories for children and adults about Moritz, his therapy dog. He has taught Kum Nye (Tibetan relaxation yoga) throughout the world for over.
Retreat location
Ratna Ling Retreat Center is a northern California group and personal retreat center located just 90 miles north of San Francisco in the redwood forests of Sonoma County, California, USA. The remoteness of Ratna Ling offers guests the opportunity to unplug and surrender to the healing power of nature. However, because of their remote location, GPS systems and Internet maps are not always accurate for this area. You will want to be sure to follow the driving directions below. Otherwise, it is easy to get lost.
It is imperative that your car is in good working condition, and you that have a full tank of gas when you leave Jenner. There are no services North of Jenner, and cell phone service is spotty at best. It will be difficult or impossible to make or receive phone calls, text messages, or e-mails from your cellular device, so please be sure to take care of correspondence ahead of time. Remember, telephones, and Wi-Fi are available once you reach Ratna Ling.
Mileage does not directly correspond with travel time, as roads on the ridge are windy, and only one lane in some areas. It is a good idea to allow yourself more driving time than you think you will need to ensure a pleasant, safe journey and prompt arrival. Please note that Ratna Ling has a Cazadero mailing address though technically is not in Cazadero. Ratna Ling is actually located approximately 30 miles northwest of Cazadero between Fort Ross and Stewart’s Point.
Distances
- Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve - 20 minutes
- Fort Ross Winery - 20 minutes
- Fort Ross State Park - 25 minutes
- Gualala Arts Center - 45 minutes
- Annapolis Winery - 45 minutes
- Charles M. Schulz Sanoma County Airport (STS) - 1.5 hours
- Oakland International Airport (OAK) - 3 hours
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO) - 3 hours
This Yoga Retreat is vegetarian-friendly
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Food
Check-in day includes dinner and check-out day includes breakfast or brunch. Each day will include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy delicious vegetarian cuisine from around the world when you stay with Ratna Ling Retreat Center. They use organic products, and many vegetables and herbs are harvested from gardens to produce delightful meals reflecting the current season’s bounty.
Meals are served buffet-style in the grand dining hall where you can cozy up to the stone fireplace or you may choose to dine outside in the Garden Pavilion where you will be surrounded by the beauty of nature. The Ratna Ling staff can accommodate gluten or wheat-free, vegan or dairy-free, and food-allergy meal requests. Please notify them at the time of booking if you would like to make a special request.
Meal schedule
- 08:00 - 08:45 Breakfast
- 12:15 - 13:00 Lunch
- 17:30 - 18:15 Dinner
And
- 10:00 - 10:45 Sunday brunch
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Other dietary requirements on request
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
Things to do (optional)
Arts
Gualala Arts Center is located at a beautiful 45-minute drive up the coast. They host regular art exhibits as well as chamber concerts and other performances throughout the year. Located in the town of Gualala, you will find several art galleries, restaurants, and interesting local shops.
The Sea Ranch is internationally known for its distinctive architecture, the sensitivity of its land planning, and community-based stewardship of the natural environment. It is a community of private homes along a 10-mile stretch of the Sonoma Coast, just south of the town of Gualala. They have a lodge that houses a restaurant, bar, and gift shop. There is also a uniquely styled chapel.
Bodywork
All of the expert bodywork and massage practitioners at Ratna Ling have many decades of experience in their field. They are honored to offer their services during your stay. Ratna Ling Retreat Center suggests you book your appointment in advance to ensure availability. 60 minutes of bodywork will cost 140 USD. One of their therapists will reach out to best match you with a bodywork or wellness treatment.
Outdoor activities
Water treks offer kayak rentals and eco-tours from their base in the town of Jenner, where the Russian River meets the Pacific ocean. Horse N Around Trail Rides offers guided trail rides on horseback, through the hillsides above Bodega Bay. The links at Bodega Harbor is an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
Combining spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, rolling fairways, undulating greens, and native coastal rough, this golf course is sure to take your breath away. Madrone Audubon Society organizes many field trips in Sonoma County and the north bay area. There is a myriad of wonderful adventures to experience on your way to or from Ratna Ling.
State parks
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is an 850-acre preserve of Coast Redwoods, up to 1400 years old and towering as high as 300 feet. Located in the town of Guerneville, it is a spectacular place to stop for a hike on your way to or from Ratna Ling. Fort Ross State Park is a former Russian fort that has many of its historical buildings preserved as they were in the 1800s. In addition, they have a museum and several festivals throughout the year.
It is about a 25-minute drive south of Ratna Ling. Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve is located about 20 minutes away by car or about a one-hour hike. Salt Point State Park is reached by driving just a few minutes from Ratna Ling. Its 6000 acres have 20 miles of hiking trails, six miles of which are along the Pacific coast.
It includes trails through redwoods, meadows, and a pygmy forest. Sonoma Coast State Park spans 17 miles of scenic coastal beaches and bluffs, starting at the spectacular Bodega Head and ending at the Vista Trail, four miles north of the town of Jenner. There are several beaches with free parking where you can search for shells and watch whales migrate.
Wineries
Fort Ross Winery is located 20 minutes away by car and offers exceptional Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, along with a spectacular view from their tasting room. Annapolis Winery is located in the hills above Sea Ranch, about 45 minutes by car. Their award-winning wines include Pinot Noirs, Cabernets, Zinfandels, and Zinfandel Port. Sonoma Coast Vineyards tasting room is located in the town of Bodega Bay. They pour their Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Syrah varieties seven days a week.
What's included
- Meditation classes
- Tibetan yoga classes
- Discussion and journaling
- 2 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- 1 book “Quotes - Breath”
What's not included
- Airfare
- Airport transfers
- Extra activities
How to get there
Recommended Airports
OAK
Oakland International Airport
135 km
Transfer not provided
SJC
San Jose International Airport
182 km
Transfer not provided
Driving directions from the bay area and points east
- Travel CA Hwy 101 North / Redwood Hwy past Santa Rosa exits.
- Take exit 494 for River Rd toward Guerneville / Calistoga.
- Make first left onto Mark West Springs Road / River Road.
- Continue west to follow River Road for about 27 miles.
- Make a slight right to head north on CA 1 towards Jenner.
- Continue along highway Route 1 for approximately 14 miles past Jenner, passing the Fort Ross sign on your left.
- Turn right onto Timber Cove Road to make your way up the ridge just before Timber Cove Inn, which is located ocean-side almost diagonally across from Timber Cove Road.
- If you pass Timber Cove Inn, you have gone too far.
- Continue up the incline for 2 miles. Timber Cove Road will end at the top of the hill, where the road splits.
- Turn left here onto Seaview Road.
- In about three miles, Seaview Road becomes Hauser Bridge Road. Kruse Ranch Road will be to the left; remain to the right or straight to stay on Hauser Bridge Road.
- The road will narrow slightly, and you will continue until you see white fencing that runs along the length of the Ratna Ling property.
- You will pass a small gate on the right and a larger gate on the left, but continue on to the Main Gate, which will be on your right.
- You will see a brown sign with the name, Ratna Ling Retreat Center, and a large gated archway on the right.
- The gate will open automatically. If it does not, back up and try again, steering your car towards the left side of the driveway.
- Once you enter the gate look for a sign that indicates the lodge and registration, which is to your left. Take the circle driveway, on your right.
Driving directions from the north
- Take CA-Hwy 1 South past the town of Gualala (from Gualala, you will remain on Highway 1 for approximately 23 miles). *Continue past the small villages of Sea Ranch and Stewarts Point.
- When you see the Timber Cove Inn on your right (approximately 12 miles or 23 minutes past Stewarts Point), be prepared to turn left almost immediately onto Timber Cove Road to make your way up the ridge.
- Once you have made your left turn onto Timber Cove Road, continue up the incline for just under 2 miles.
- Timber Cove Road will end at the top of the hill and bisect Seaview Road.
- Turn left onto Seaview Road.
- In about three miles, Seaview Road becomes Hauser Bridge Road once you pass Kruse Ranch Road to the left.
- Remain to the right to stay straight on Hauser Bridge Road.
- You will soon see white fencing which runs along the length of the Ratna Ling property.
- You will pass a small gate on the right and a larger gate on the left but continue on to the Main Gate which will be on your right-hand side.
- You may enter through the main gate which is white and is flanked by an archway with a gold-painted design with the name, Ratna Ling Retreat Center.
- This gate will be on your right-hand side. You can also lookout for a sign with an arrow that indicates retreat registration. *When you drive up to this gate it will automatically open.
- Enter the gate and take a sharp left and follow the driveway to the right.
- Please proceed to the front of the Lodge where you may park on the paved circle and then enter the lobby.
- Kindly remove your shoes and continue through to the Reception Area to the desk where staff will greet you.
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK), which are approximately three hours south of Ratna Ling by car, or at Charles M. Schulz Sanoma County Airport (STS), which is approximately one hour and 30 minutes from Ratna Ling. There are ground shuttles to Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) from both San Francisco and Oakland airports, as well as flights. There are car rental companies at Charles M. Schulz Sanoma County Airport also.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 100% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookYogaRetreats.com. All major credit cards supported.
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