Autumnal Awakening Yoga Retreat
With Megan Martino, RYT-500 and Vicki Bannister, E-RYT-200
October 29 - November 1, 2026
RETREAT BY INVITED PRESENTER
Surrounded by the serene beauty of New York’s high peaks, you will embrace the cozy stillness of the season through daily yoga, nourishing seasonal cuisine, and the tranquil atmosphere of this mountain sanctuary. Whether you are seeking a profound reset, creative inspiration, or simply the space to breathe, this experience offers the perfect blend of nature and community to guide you gently into the slower pace of fall—and connect with your inner rhythm.
“From the moment I arrived, I felt a sense of joy and peace. The schedule was perfectly curated to blend invigoration with relaxation. Each morning began with a serene meditation, followed by fun creative yoga flows. The restorative and yoga nidra classes included, soothing sound baths and “head tucks” to help everyone sink deeply into relaxation. The meditative hike, the delicious food, the nourishing conversations all allow me to feel refreshed centered and full of gratitude. I highly recommend a retreat with Vicki and Megan for anyone looking for a holistic transformative getaway!”

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
As the vibrant energy of summer fades, autumn calls us inward. Autumnal Awakening provides the sacred space to step away from the relentless demands of a busy world, allowing you to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with your deepest self. This is your invitation to embrace the season’s natural rhythm, engaging in the introspection necessary to find clarity, stability, and your own unwavering inner light before winter’s stillness arrives.
Nurturing Your Body
- Seasonal Local Vegetarian Cuisine: Savor three chef-prepared meals daily, featuring varied and nutritious vegetarian and vegan dishes made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
- Mindful Eating: Enjoy your meals in a tranquil dining hall, often shared with the resident community in an atmosphere of quiet reflection.
Daily Practice & Reflection
- Morning Meditation & Yoga: Each day begins with morning salutations and guided meditation to ground your energy as the sun rises over the high peaks.
- Restorative & Evening Practices: Unwind with gentle restorative yoga, evening Yoga Nidra (guided relaxation), and healing sound baths to settle the nervous system.
- Sharing & Journaling: Participate in intimate sharing circles and dedicated journaling time to process your experience and set intentions for the months ahead.
- Release & Gratitude: Engaging practices focused on letting go and cultivating thankfulness will be integrated throughout the weekend.
Connection with Nature
- Nature Bathing & Hiking: Immerse yourself in 90 acres of private forest. Guided nature walks and “forest bathing” experiences allow you to soak in the Catskills’ peak fall foliage.
- Exploration: Hike winding woods paths or venture to nearby mountain trails for expansive valley views.
A Sanctuary of Stillness
- Digital Detox: To maintain a deep state of peace, guest rooms are intentionally free of internet, telephones, and televisions.
- Serene Amenities: Between sessions, find quiet in the extensive spiritual library or meditate at one of the many outdoor statues and pavilions.
Come discover a sanctuary where the turning leaves and mountain air inspire a profound return to balance. Your path to inner peace and seasonal alignment begins in the Catskills—reserve your space today.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
- Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
- Group journaling and dharma talk session
- Daily guided meditations
- Walking meditation through the expansive wooded grounds with beautiful flora and fauna
- Group hike to explore stunning cliffs and scenic hiking trails with breathtaking views
- Kintsugi: Beauty in the Brokenness Art Project
- Evening relaxation: yoga nidra, restorative yoga, and a sound bath
- Delicious all-vegetarian meals with organic, local ingredients
- Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
- Extensive library of dharma books
OPEN TO ALL
The program is for those with prior yoga experience. Classes are taught for all levels with options for advancements.

SCHEDULE
(subject to change)
Thursday, October 29
| 3:00-4:00 PM | Check in |
| 4:30-6:00 PM | Welcome Circle |
| 60-minute Yoga Practice | |
| 6:00-7:00 PM | Dinner |
| 8:00-9:00 PM | Restorative Yoga |
| 10:00 PM | Lights out |
Friday, October 30
| 7:00-8:00 AM | Morning Sun Salutations and Meditation |
| 8:00-9:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:00-11:30 PM | Guided Walking Meditation and Gratitude Practice |
| 12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00-3:00 PM | Free Time: hike, read, rest |
| 3:00-4:00 PM | Dharma talk, Meditation, Journaling |
| 4:00-5:15 PM | 75-minute Gratitude Yoga Practice |
| 6:00-7:00 PM | Dinner |
| 8:00-9:00 PM | Restorative Yoga |
| 10:00 PM | Lights Out |
Saturday, October 31
| 7:00-8:00 AM | Morning Sun Salutations and Meditation |
| 8:00-9:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:00-10:30 AM | Free Time |
| 10:30 AM-12:00 PM | 90-minute Halloween-Inspired Yoga Practice |
| 12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00-3:00 PM | Free Time: hike, read, rest |
| 3:00-5:00 PM | Breathwork, Meditation, and Restorative Yoga |
| 6:00-7:00 PM | Dinner |
| 8:00-9:00 PM | Yoga Nidra & Sound Bath |
| 10:00 PM | Lights Out |
Sunday, November 1
| 7:00-8:00 AM | Morning Sun Salutations and Meditation |
| 8:00-9:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:00-10:30 AM | Free Time: hike, read, rest, pack |
| 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | 75-minute Yoga Practice |
| Closing Circle | |
| 12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM | Checkout and Departure |
Teachers
Megan was first introduced to yoga at a young age by her mother. After years of practicing alongside her, Megan began cultivating her own yoga and meditation practice in college. Megan completed a 200-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training at the Yoga Center of Columbia in 2022 and a 300-hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training with Jason Crandell in 2024. Megan is a certified Y12SR (Yoga of 12-Step Recovery) Peer Support Guide, a Certified Sound Healer, and a Power Pilates Mat Pilates Instructor. Megan’s teaching philosophy is to cultivate strength, resilience, and peace both physically and mentally through proper alignment, steady…
Learn more about Megan Martino, RYT-500
Yoga has been a part of Vicki Bannister’s life for over 20 years. In 2009 she completed a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Program at the Yoga Center of Columbia. In 2010 she completed an extensive Yoga Immersion program to deepen her knowledge of yoga philosophy and 2019 she completed an Ayurveda Immersion program. She loves to blend all of these interrelated principles in to her own practice and to share them with her students. Vicki enjoys sharing her knowledge of alignment-based yoga guided by the breath in her classes to promote a stronger, healthier body/mind connection. Teaching from a…
Learn more about Vicki Bannister, E-RYT-200





