Hosted at White Lotus Eco Lodge

Step away from the everyday and into a weekend of magic, movement, and mountain air. Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Mountains, White Lotus Eco Lodge offers a soulful sanctuary where nature and imagination intertwine.

Afternoons offer time for forest bathing, creekside journaling, playful yoga classes, or naps under the trees. Evenings wind down with yin yoga, circles around the fire, and veggie anti-inflammatory meals.
 

Perfect for yogis, nature lovers, and seekers of wonder. All levels welcome—just bring your mat and your sense of curiosity.

Come for the yoga. Stay for the wonder 🌿✨

Your journey to White Lotus Eco Lodge is part of the adventure—a scenic 2.5-hour drive from Washington, D.C. that gently unwinds city stress with every mile. As you leave the buzz of the Beltway behind, the landscape shifts from highways to rolling hills, winding country roads, and eventually, the lush, wild beauty of the Shenandoah Mountains.

Check in is anytime after 4 p.m.

Carpooling:
We encourage carpooling to reduce environmental impact and connect with fellow retreat-goers before you even arrive. After registration, we’ll help coordinate shared rides through a group chat—perfect for making new friends and saving on gas.

Driving Yourself:
If you prefer to travel solo, driving to White Lotus is straightforward. You’ll receive detailed directions upon registration, and there’s free on-site parking available. Be sure to cue up your favorite playlist, pack a thermos of tea, and enjoy the peaceful drive—you’ll know you’re close when cell service starts to fade and the mountain air turns sweet.

Whichever way you arrive, we're excited to meet and begin the retreat!

As we all arrive and the sun sets, we’ll gather in a welcome circle to begin our shared journey.

We’ll start with a gentle guided meditation to arrive fully, followed by short introductions and a “getting-to-know-you” circle with prompts, ice breakers and discussion questions. 

Afterward, we’ll sit down for our Intro Dinner prepared by personal chef, Victoria Cortes— with a nourishing, anti-inflammatory vegetarian meal. Ice breakers will continue around the table and by the end of the evening, names will start to stick and new friends will be made!

As night settles softly over the Shenandoah mountains, we’ll gather around a crackling bonfire beneath the stars.

This is a time to unwind, to sip something warm, to share stories—or simply to sit in peaceful silence. Feel free to bring a drum, guitar, poem or song!

No expectations. Just warmth, wonder, and the quiet joy of being under the same stars, together. It’s a moment to feel small in the best possible way—cradled by the cosmos, connected to something vast and ancient.

Start your day with intention, movement, and calm. Join Catherine for energizing sunrise yoga flow classes designed to awaken your body and center your mind. These gentle yet invigorating sessions combine breathwork, mindful movement, and grounding stretches to help you flow into the day feeling refreshed, focused, and aligned.

Take a late-morning journey to one of Shenandoah’s charming lavender farms, where the air is filled with calming scent and the fields burst with soft purple blooms. This peaceful excursion offers a sensory retreat and a deeper connection to the natural rhythms of the land.

Let the soothing scent of lavender calm your mind, uplift your spirit, and offer a moment of natural beauty and stillness.

After a day at the Lavender Farm, we’ll gather for a deeply calming sound bath led by David VanderVeer, the owner of White Lotus Eco Spa.

Held in the lodge’s tranquil gathering space, this immersive sonic experience invites you to lie back, close your eyes, and be bathed in the healing vibrations of crystal singing bowls, gongs, chimes, and other sacred instruments. David, a long-time sound practitioner and steward of this land, weaves tones that promote deep relaxation, nervous system reset, and energetic clearing.

After our visit to the Lavender Farm and nourishing lunch, the afternoon is yours to unwind and restore in whatever way your body and spirit need. Embrace the slower pace with intentional rest and gentle self-care:

• 💤 Nap: Allow yourself a restorative rest—recharge your body in the stillness of nature or in your cozy retreat space.
   
• 📖 Journal: Reflect on the morning’s movement, sights, and sensations. Let your thoughts flow freely onto the page as you reconnect with yourself.
   
• 🌲 Forest Bathe: Wander mindfully through the forest without an agenda. Breathe in the fresh air, listen to birdsong, and let the quiet presence of trees calm your nervous system.
   

This unstructured time is an invitation to be present, grounded, and nourished by the simplicity of the moment.

We’ll sit down for another amazing dinner prepared by personal chef, Victoria Cortes— with a nourishing, anti-inflammatory vegetarian meal. We'll gather around the table and conversations will flow!

Begin your second day with intention, stillness, and gentle movement. Join Catherine for a serene sunrise yoga and meditation session, designed to awaken the body, quiet the mind, and cultivate presence.

As the sun rises over the landscape, you’ll flow through gentle yoga postures, connect to your breath, and settle into a guided meditation that sets the tone for a mindful, heart-centered day.

After nourishing your body with yoga and a wholesome breakfast, take a scenic drive to Shenandoah National Park for a refreshing nature escape. Your destination: Dark Hollow Falls Trail — one of the park’s most beloved waterfall hikes.

Trail Highlights:

• 📍 Location: Mile 50.7 on Skyline Drive
   
• 🥾 Distance: ~1.4 miles round trip
   
• 🥗 Packed anti-inflammatory lunch
  
• ⛰️ Difficulty: Moderate (steep on the return)
   
• 💦 Feature: A stunning 70-foot cascading waterfall surrounded by lush forest
   
• 🌿 Ideal for: Nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful woodland walk

Pro Tips:

• Wear sturdy shoes – the trail can be slippery, especially near the falls.
   
• Bring water and a light snack.
   
• Don’t forget your park pass or entry fee.
   
• Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy the serenity of the falls.
   

A perfect blend of movement, nature, and mindfulness to round out your morning.

After our hike, the afternoon is yours to unwind and restore in whatever way your body and spirit need. Embrace the slower pace with intentional rest and gentle self-care:

• 💤 Nap: Allow yourself a restorative rest—recharge your body in the stillness of nature or in your cozy retreat space.
   

• 📖 Journal: Reflect on the morning’s movement, sights, and sensations. Let your thoughts flow freely onto the page as you reconnect with yourself.
   

• 🌲 Forest Bathe: Wander mindfully through the forest without an agenda. Breathe in the fresh air, listen to birdsong, and let the quiet presence of trees calm your nervous system.
   

This unstructured time is an invitation to be present, grounded, and nourished by the simplicity of the moment.

Unwind and deeply restore with Olivia’s grounding flow & yin yoga session. This sessions starts with gentle and slow flows, closing with long-held stretches to release tension, open connective tissues, and calm the nervous system—perfect for winding down after a full day.

We’ll sit down for another amazing dinner prepared by personal chef, Victoria Cortes— with a nourishing, anti-inflammatory vegetarian meal. We'll gather around the table and conversations will flow!

Gather together under the stars for a heartfelt closing circle around the bonfire. This intimate moment invites reflection, gratitude, and connection as you share stories, insights, and intentions from the day.

Feel the warmth of the fire, the comfort of community, and the grounding energy of nature as you close your day with mindfulness and meaning.

Begin your final day with a heartfelt closing morning yoga practice led by Olivia, and designed to honor your journey, cultivate gratitude, and prepare you for the day ahead. This gentle flow, led by [Instructor’s Name], blends mindful movement with breath awareness and reflective meditation.