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About this trip
Our stunning venue, Land of Medicine Buddha rests within the redwoods, and is only minutes away from the Pacific Ocean, making it an energetic hot spot, and the perfect place to reflect and retreat.
Experience a weekend of harmony and bliss amongst the magical redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains in Soquel, California. Enjoy daily all levels yoga and meditation, feast on delicious vegetarian meals, stay in lovely accommodations, and explore the surrounding land.
During your free times, relax in the sauna, or book a massage at the Lotus Spa. Seacliff State Beach and Brighton State Beach are just about 15 minutes away by car. Of course, the hiking through the enchanted forest is a major highlight during our breaks.
Classes are lead by experienced yoga and meditation teacher, Christie Pitko, E-RYT 500.
Bring a friend/partner, share a room and save $50 using code: BUDDIES at checkout
Important Things to Know
*We have decided to add some precautions to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Prior to attending, we will require proof of vaccination by emailing a photo of your vaccination card to christie@shiftingandinspired.com. It is possible that we will also be wearing masks during the indoor yoga classes and in the dining area depending on what tier the county is in during November.
Our retreat is for students who are 18 years of age and above.
We welcome all levels of practitioners, including beginners. It is important to have some yoga experience before signing up. Please know basic yoga poses.
Alcohol and meat are not permitted at Land of Medicine Buddha to honor the Buddhists who live on the grounds.
Unless you have Verizon, cell phones will not work. There is a pay phone and WiFi available.
Schedule
Schedule is subject to minor changes.
Friday
Arrival - 3:30 pm- 4:00pm (Rooms are not ready until closer to 4pm, but aim to get here early. You can enjoy tea and cookies or explore the grounds. Give yourself PLENTY of time for Friday traffic.)
Mini Yoga Session- 5:00-5:40pm
Land of Medicine Buddha Welcome - 5:45pm
Dinner - 6:00pm
Welcoming and Group Meditation- 7:15pm
Saturday
Breakfast - 8:00am
Meditation and Therapeutic Yoga - 9:30-11:00am
Free Time - sauna, massage, hike
Lunch - 12:30pm
Free Time
Vinyasa Flow Yoga - 4:30pm
Dinner - 6:00pm
Workshop TBA - 7:15pm
Sunday
Breakfast - 8:00am
Optional Public Meditation led by Land of Medicine Buddha - 9:30-10:15am
Out of Room- 11:00am
Farewell Yoga Flow - 11:30am
Lunch - 12:30pm
Depart after lunch
About Your Retreat Guide
Christie Pitko, ERYT 500 is an expert at leading retreats both in the U.S. and abroad. She guides 5-6 retreats per year, and has been hosting retreats since 2014.
Christie is a dedicated student and full-time yoga and meditation teacher in San Francisco, California. She has taught over 2600 hours of yoga classes. She is part of the faculty at Yoga Garden San Francisco for their 200 hour teacher training program. She teaches alignment-based yoga, restorative, as well as meditation. Her biggest influences are Annie Carpenter and Richard Rosen whom she studies with frequently.
Learn more about Christie Pitko here: https://www.christiepitkoyoga.com/about
What to Bring
Yoga mat
Toiletries
Water bottle
Comfortable shoes for walking and hiking
Bathing suit for the pool
Eye pillow (optional)
What’s included
- Accommodation2 night stay at Land of Medicine Buddha (single, shared, or triple/quad with private bathrooms)
- Fresh vegetarian mealsFood is incredible! 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners. We can accommodate vegan and gluten-free as well.
- Daily yogaAll levels mix of alignment-focused vinyasa and therapeutic
- Daily mediationMindfulness and pranayama
- Workshop/Dharma talkTBA
- Hiking trailsAccess and map to different hiking trails throughout the venue.
- TransportationNearest airports are San Jose (about an hour) San Francisco (about 90 minutes) , and Oakland (about 2 hours). Please give yourself lots of time for traffic on a Friday!
Available Packages
Lovely single room with private bathroom.
Note that if there are 2 people coming, you must book a double room.
Lovely shared room. Please note pricing is PER PERSON in this shared room with private bathroom.
Lovely shared room. Please note pricing is PER PERSON for this shared room with private bathroom. These rooms are gender neutral. Reach out to us if you have a group of 3 or 4 and you want to stay together.