Sarah l.

“If you want a place where the heaviness of the world melts away, where the majesty of the mountains and lake quiets the busy mind, where birdsong and sunshine and flowers and the sounds water flowing are everywhere as a reminder of the peace of wild things, and where the teachers and staff meet you exactly where you are; and yet from this warm, inclusive environment they create, you feel encouraged and supported to transcend your edges, open your heart wider than you thought possible, and smile from a deeper place -- this is what the Saasil Retreat Center under Lauren and her team's gentle and generous guidance will offer you. The rooms are perfect, clean and spacious, made of bamboo, stone, glass, and wood, with new sheets everyday and thick wool blankets for those chilly nights, and yet you still feel immersed in the elements. Hammocks are draped everywhere to catch you and rock you into complete awakened relaxed presence. The kitchen is vibrant, with a daily fresh menu of local and global foods (the handmade corn tortillas are phenomenal), constant flow of locally roasted coffee and hot water infused with fruit and herbs found on the property, and all food preferences and allergies are diligently met without fanfare. What I appreciated most about this experience was how grounded, kind, open and fun everyone is who works there. The staff feel like family, and after a week there, we all felt like family, while always having space to be alone to write and meditate or sleep, take excursions (supported or on our own), or just hang out in the Buddha Cafe (the main food spot) to chat with the amazing people from around the world who are drawn to this sacred space or just feel the warm sun on your face after an awesome yoga class and sound bath with a cup of tea alongside "Snow", the retreat center's adorable kitty. There is no place like this. Don't miss it. It's a gift you'll give to yourself that keeps on giving.”