Featured Trips

The Monastery of Daily Life - A Zen Retreat
The Monastery of Daily Life - A Zen Retreat
Stowel Lake Farm, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
Jun 19, 2026

Past Trips

Our True Nature ~ Yoga & Meditation Retreat
Our True Nature ~ Yoga & Meditation Retreat
Guanacaste Province, Nosara, Costa Rica
Jan 18, 2020
Ayurveda, Yoga & Meditation Retreat with Andrea and Melissa
Ayurveda, Yoga & Meditation Retreat with Andrea and Melissa
Guanacaste Province, Nosara, Costa Rica
Jan 25, 2020

Reviews

dH
dana H
Jun 14, 2026
appreciate the lovely space and gentle environment in which to receive the feeling of community and of Melissa's knowledge and wisdom.
Stillwater Zen Community - Spring Practice Period
WH
Wendy H
Jun 05, 2026
Zen practice with Melissa and the gathering at the Domestic Monastery never disappoints. Highly recommend.
Stillwater Zen Community - Spring Practice Period
dH
dana H
Apr 26, 2025
Gentle, calm, flexible, knowledgeable, wise, loving, inclusive Always a treat to travel to Melissa’s house and be welcomed in her warm way. Her smile sees you and everyone in the room
Stillwater Zen Community Spring Practice Period
RN
Roxanne Nicole R
Jul 01, 2024
A much needed journey with incredible teachers at a spectacular location, the Stowell Lake Farm. The program was exactly what I needed to reset and deepen my meditation practice. The food was unbelievable. Body, mind and soul were well cared for in a stunning setting.
Spirit of Zen - Meditation & Somatic Movement Retreat
mz
maria z
Oct 09, 2023
This was a wonderfully nourishing experience. Melissa and Suniti's teachings and energy provided a good reminder of all that is important in life. I have been able to 'return to my cushion' with regularity and greater resolve...... the outcome being that I am more present in relationships and daily life. The retreat center was beautiful with stunning gardens and architecture, the delicious meals were freshly prepared (much of it grown on Stowel Lake Farm) and the other participants were a joy to get to know. I would highly recommend a retreat with Melissa and Suniti!
Spirit of Zen - Meditation & Yoga Retreat

References

NM
Naomi M
08 Jul, 2021
I’m so grateful to Melissa for the thoughtful and powerful way she leads retreats, meditation, and movement practice. I particularly appreciate her trauma-informed approach to yoga. I’ve learned so much from her and I look forward to what the future will bring. I treasure Melissa as a wonderful and highly skilled teacher, chaplain, and leader.