22-29 March 2027 • Menla Retreat • Phoenicia, New York
Menla Retreat & Dewa Spa, 375 Pantherkill Rd, Phoenicia, NY 12464, United States
A seven-day immersion in truth and being with Av Neryah, held in the secluded forest valley of Menla Retreat in the Catskills, New York.
Over the week, we will live and be together through guided transmissions, spiritual discourses, direct inquiry, spontaneous pointers, truth dialogues, meditative walks, silence, and shared presence, all serving the awakening and embodiment of authentic liberation.
Additionally, something beautiful often happens during these retreats: people who arrive as strangers begin to recognize one another as companions on the path, and a genuine sense of friendship, trust, and nondual family naturally emerges. We gather not only for our own liberation, but in the spirit of true oneness, supporting and celebrating freedom and truth together.
We meet at the first awakening of spring, when the forest is still bare and open, and snowmelt brings the creeks, rivers, and waterfalls fully alive. Beneath this raw and spacious landscape lies an even older story:
Hundreds of millions of years ago, a meteor struck this land, forming the ancient crater in which Menla Retreat now rests. Here, even the gravitational field has been measured as weaker, giving the valley a raw and unusual quality: a sense of lightness, openness, and a profound silence that seems to pull you out of the mind and into a deeper surrender, back toward something more ancient and essential.
If you are looking to add another spiritual experience to the repertoire of the false identity, there are many retreats for that. But if something in you is ready to surrender more deeply and meet truth without no distance, you are welcome here.
Spaces are very limited, so reserve your place and join us.
Menla is a secluded retreat sanctuary deep within New York’s Catskill Mountains, surrounded by forested slopes, mountain streams, walking trails, and quiet spaces for meditation and contemplation. Hidden in a mountain valley atop the ancient Panther Mountain meteor crater, the land has long been regarded as a place of special spiritual energy.
Our retreat takes place in early spring, in the transition from winter to the awakening of the new season. The forest is beginning to stir, melting snow feeds the streams, and the landscape feels open, quiet, and subtly alive. It is a beautiful time to slow down, walk, rest, and contemplate the gentle emergence of spring.
With comfortable accommodations, nourishing plant-based meals, forest trails, meditation gardens, and Dewa Spa with saunas, steam rooms, and wellness treatments, Menla offers a rare blend of seclusion, nature, contemplative atmosphere, and comfort, a fitting home for our seven-day immersion.
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Menla’s accommodations are spread across several small lodges and houses throughout the property, surrounded by forest and within walking distance of the dining and retreat spaces.
Rooms range from simple private bedrooms with shared bathrooms to deluxe rooms and suites with private en-suite bathrooms.
All accommodations include heating and organic cotton linens. Bathrooms are equipped with towels, face soap, and body soap. A complimentary housekeeping refresh is provided midway through the retreat.
We recommend bringing your own hair dryer, and preferred shampoo, conditioner, and other personal toiletries. That said, hair dryers are available in Lhasa and Kathmandu buildings; guests staying elsewhere may request one from the Front Desk, subject to availability.
As rooms are very limited, they will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Single Room (shared bathroom): For one person only. You will have your own private bedroom, while the bathroom is shared with other retreat participants of the same gender.
Deluxe Single Room (private bathroom): For one person only, offering a more spacious room with a private en-suite bathroom.
Twin Rooms (shared bathroom): For individual participants sharing a bedroom with another same-gender retreat participant (friend or allocated). Each participant has their own full-size bed. The bathroom is shared with the roommate and also with an adjoining room of the same gender. These rooms are accessed via a flight of stone stairs.
Deluxe Twin Room (private bathroom): For two guests booking together, such as friends, family members, or a couple. The room has two separate Full beds and a bathroom shared only by the two guests.
Deluxe Double Suite (private bathroom): For couples. This spacious suite has one King bed and a private en-suite bathroom.
Standalone 2-Bedroom Cottage: For two friends sharing a standalone cottage together, with two private bedrooms and one bathroom shared exclusively between them. Only one available.
Bathroom types
Private bathroom: The bathroom is exclusively for you.
Shared bathroom: The bathroom is shared with other retreat participants of the same gender.
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During the retreat, you’ll have access to many of Menla’s amenities and outdoor spaces, including walking and hiking trails, gardens, outdoor meditation areas, Naga Pond, the Vintage Barn, and other quiet places throughout the property for resting, contemplation, and spending time in nature. Menla also has the Dewa Spa, with sauna and steam rooms, as well as the Sapphire Pool when seasonally available.
The Vintage Barn is a relaxed communal space with a fireplace and pool table, while the surrounding property includes several contemplative areas, shrines, and peaceful places to simply sit quietly in the forest. There’s also a Fitness Room nearby.
Access to the Dewa Spa is available separately through a $25 day pass for retreat participants. A range of Tibetan, Eastern, and Western massage therapies and other treatments can also be booked directly with the spa. Any booked treatment also includes a day pass giving you access to the sauna, steam rooms, and other spa facilities.
While there are various amenities and recreational activities available on site, we encourage you to enjoy them in a way that supports the contemplative spirit of the retreat.
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Hiking
Menla has several miles of walking and hiking trails through the surrounding forest and mountain landscape.
Late March is a transitional season in the Catskills, so some trails may at times be wet, muddy, icy, or covered with patches of snow. If you choose to hike during your free time, please wear appropriate footwear, check the weather and trail conditions, and choose routes suited to your fitness and experience.
Please note that any hiking, walking, swimming, cold plunging, or similar activities undertaken during free time are independent activities and are not organized, guided, or supervised by the retreat. Participants are responsible for assessing their own fitness, experience, and safety and for taking appropriate precautions.
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A glimpse of Menla in early spring, showing the raw, open beauty of Menla around the time of our retreat.
To reserve your place, a €495 ($570) deposit is required in advance. This deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. Please book using the “Book Ticket” button at the top of the page. Alternatively, you can also register by clicking here.
Prices shown are per person and include the full retreat tuition, 8-day/7-night accommodation, three plant-based meals per day (with ovo-lacto vegetarian options), and refreshments (water/tea/coffee). They don’t include flights, shuttle transfers, or spa activities.
When the remaining balance is due, you may choose to settle it in either USD or EUR. If you would prefer to settle the full amount right now in USD, please let us know by emailing us or via the contact form and we’ll be happy to arrange it for you.
| Room type | Description | Early Bird | Regular |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | Room to yourself, shared bathroom | €2,795 / $3,295 | €2,995 / $3,515 |
| Deluxe Single | Deluxe room to yourself, private bathroom | €3,495 / $4,095 | €3,695 / $4,325 |
| Twin¹ (per person) | Two people sharing one room, two separate beds, shared bathroom with roommate & adjoining room | €2,595 / $3,045 | €2,795 / $3,275 |
| Deluxe Twin² (per person) | Deluxe room for two friends or couple sharing 2 full beds, private bathroom for them | €2,895 / $3,395 | €3,095 / $3,635 |
| Deluxe Double Suite (per person) | Deluxe suite for couples, one King bed, private bathroom | €2,995 / $3,495 | €3,195 / $3,745 |
| Standalone Cottage³ (per person) | For two participants sharing a standalone 2-bedroom cottage with one bathroom. | €3,195 / $3,745 | €3,395 / $3,995 |
Prices are shown in Euros and U.S. dollars.
Bathroom types
Private bathroom: The bathroom is exclusive to your room and is used only by you (Single) or by you and your roommate (Deluxe Twin / Deluxe Double / Cottage).
Shared bathroom: The bathroom is shared with other retreat participants of the same gender.
Early Bird Prices
The early bird prices apply to bookings reserved until 31 December, 2026. After this date, the regular prices apply. The €495 deposit reserves your place; the remaining balance is due no later than January 15, 2027.
The remaining balance can be settled in either USD or EUR when it becomes due.
At registration you can also pre-order the retreat recordings as an add-on (early bird price), giving you access to stream all main guided meditative transmissions and satsang sessions for 24 months (they’ll become available about 5-6 weeks after the end of the retreat).
¹ Twin Room — Shared Bedroom & Shared Bathroom
For individual bookings only. Two twin beds. You will share the room with another retreat participant of the same gender, friend or allocated. The bathroom is also shared with an adjoining Single Room of the same gender.
² Deluxe Twin Room
A more spacious upgraded room for two friends, family members, or a couple booking together. The room has two separate Full beds and a private bathroom used exclusively by the two guests. You must provide your roommate’s name when selecting this option so that we can match your bookings together.
³ Standalone 2-Bedroom Cottage
For two friends or family members. The cottage has two separate private bedrooms and one bathroom shared exclusively between the two participants. The entire cottage is reserved for them.
Payment Plan Option
It is also possible to settle the retreat balance in two installments with a 2% payment-plan fee, or in three installments with a 3% payment-plan fee added to the total retreat price.
For the two-installment plan, payments are due on December 15, 2026 and January 15, 2027.
For the three-installment plan, payments are due on December 15, 2026, January 15, 2027, and February 15, 2027.
If you’d like to use this option, please reserve your spot by booking a ticket and write “two installments” or “three installments” in the booking notes, or contact us by email.
Directions
Menla is conveniently located:
– 2 hours north of the GW Bridge in New York City by car
– 3 hours by bus from New York City on Adirondack Trailways to Phoenicia, NY
– 3:30 hours from Boston by car
Nearest airports
Stewart International Airport (SWF) – approximately 1:30 hours by car
Albany International Airport (ALB) – approximately 2 hours by car
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – approximately 2:30 hours by car
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – approximately 2:30 hours by car
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – approximately 3 hours by car
Shuttle Transfer
We are planning to arrange one private group shuttle from New York City to Menla on arrival day (March 22), departing from a central location near the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan at a fixed time, and from Menla back to Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan on departure day (March 29), subject to sufficient interest.
Arrival day (March 22)
The journey normally takes approximately 2:30-3 hours, depending on traffic. We expect the shuttle to depart Port Authority at approximately 1-1:30 pm, arriving at Menla around 4 pm, in time for retreat check-in.
This is intended as a convenient option for participants arriving through Newark (EWR), JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), or already staying in New York City.
If you would like to use this shuttle, please plan your flight so that you can comfortably reach Port Authority by approximately 12:30-1 pm. If you are flying into JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark, remember to allow enough time for immigration (if applicable), baggage collection, and travel from the airport into Manhattan.
For international arrivals, we recommend landing in New York by late morning or earlier if you intend to use this group shuttle.
The exact departure times, meeting point, price, and booking instructions will be confirmed with registered participants closer to the retreat.
If you’re interested in joining the shuttle, please select that option when you register.
Departure day (March 29)
We are planning to arrange one private group shuttle from Menla directly to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan on departure day, subject to sufficient interest.
The retreat ends after lunch at approximately 1:30 pm, and we expect the shuttle to depart Menla at around 1:45 pm.
The journey normally takes approximately 2:30-3 hours, depending on traffic, so arrival at Port Authority would likely be around 4:15-5 pm. As New York traffic can sometimes cause delays, please allow additional time when planning onward travel.
If you are flying from JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark on the same evening, remember that you will still need to travel from Port Authority to the airport and allow the usual check-in time for your flight.
For international departures, we recommend booking flights no earlier than approximately 10 pm if you plan to use the group shuttle, with later flights offering a more comfortable margin.
Exact shuttle departure time and cost will be confirmed with registered participants closer to the retreat.
By car (own car or rental)
Please enter “Menla Retreat & Dewa Spa” into your GPS/navigation app. The venue address is:
375 Pantherkill Road, Phoenicia, NY 12464
Once you enter Menla’s gates, follow the signs for Registration / Lhasa Inn, where the main guest check-in and parking area are located. Parking is available on-site for participants arriving by car.
During the retreat, we kindly ask participants to leave their cars in Parking B. This helps us keep the accommodation and retreat areas as quiet and car-free as possible.
If you want more detailed instructions (although we recommend using GPS/navigation app):
By Car from New York City:
Cross George Washington Bridge (upper level); take an immediate right onto the Palisades Parkway; continue to exit 9 West (NYS Thruway Albany 87). Drive for about 1 hour to exit 19 (Kingston exit); after toll booth stay to the right and take first right at traffic circle onto Route 28 West toward Pine Hill. Continue on Route 28W about 22 miles to Phoenicia in Ulster County. Continue approximately 1/2 mile beyond the Phoenicia sign and make a left onto Woodland Valley Road. At the T, make a right, continuing on Woodland Valley Road for about 1/2 mile. Immediately after the “Dangerous Intersection” sign, make a right onto Pantherkill Road. Continue to the end of road. Once you enter Menla’s front gates, bear slightly right/uphill, following signs for Registration, to the main parking lot in front of the Lhasa Inn, a large three-story beige building with a blue roof, fire escape, and trim. Park in the parking lot and enter Lhasa Inn through the second of three doors on the left/south side to find the Front Desk.
By Car From NYS Thruway 1-87 South:
Take exit 19 and follow directions above.
Bus
From New York City
From New York City, Adirondack Trailways runs buses from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan to Phoenicia, NY. The journey takes approximately 3-3.5 hours. Advance booking is recommended.
1. If you are flying into JFK or LaGuardia, you can take a taxi, Uber, or airport transfer to Port Authority and continue from there by Trailways to Phoenicia. Menla currently estimates around 45-60 minutes from JFK to Port Authority, depending on traffic.
2. Once you have booked your bus to Phoenicia, please call or email the Menla Front Desk in advance to arrange their shuttle from Phoenicia to the retreat center. The shuttle costs $5 each way, must be booked ahead of time, and is currently available for bus arrivals until 8 pm.
From Albany International Airport
1. If you are flying into Albany International Airport, Menla recommends taking a taxi or Uber directly to Menla.
2. A bus option is also currently available that runs from the Albany Bus Terminal at 34 Hamilton St, Albany to Kingston, departing Albany at 1:30pm daily, with transfer to a bus to Phoenicia from Kingston at 2:55pm. No advanced booking is needed, though you can book in advance online. The total trip is about 1.5-2 hours. For schedules and to purchase your bus ticket online, please visit: www.trailwaysny.com
3. If you take the bus to Phoenicia, please call or email the Menla Front Desk ahead of time to schedule a pick-up time in Phoenicia. The cost is $5 and MUST be booked in advance.
Important: bus schedules, gates, and transfer times can change, so please check the current Trailways schedule before booking your flights.
From Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
1. From your terminal, take the Newark Airport Express bus directly to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan. The trip is typically around 50-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
2. At Port Authority, take the Adirondack Trailways bus to Phoenicia, NY. The bus journey takes approximately 3-3.5 hours. Advance booking is recommended.
3. Once you have booked your bus to Phoenicia, please call or email the Menla Front Desk ahead of time to arrange pickup from Phoenicia to Menla. The shuttle currently costs $5 each way and must be pre-arranged. Menla’s Phoenicia shuttle currently operates for scheduled bus arrivals up until 8 pm, so please make sure your flight and bus connection allow enough time.
Bus tickets don’t need to be purchased in advance, but to plan your trip via Trailways please visit: www.trailwaysny.com
If you plan to travel to Menla by bus on arrival day, we recommend scheduling your flight to land in New York by late morning at most, whenever possible. This may give you enough time for passport control, baggage collection, travel to Port Authority, and a comfortable connection with an afternoon bus to Phoenicia.
Shuttle from Phoenicia
With advance notice, Menla provides a $5 shuttle to and from Phoenicia up until 8 p.m for people traveling by bus. Please call 845-688-6897 ext. or email the Menla Front Desk ahead of time to schedule a pick-up time in Phoenicia.
On departure day, March 29, Menla can also provide its $5 shuttle from the retreat center to the Trailways bus stop in Phoenicia, provided this is arranged in advance. From Phoenicia, Trailways buses travel to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan.
Please note that the retreat ends after lunch at approximately 1:30 pm, so make sure your chosen bus departure allows enough time to travel from Menla to the Phoenicia stop.
Taxi / Uber
Because Menla Retreat is in a secluded mountain valley, taxis and ride-share services are not as readily available as they are in a city. Menla therefore recommends arranging transportation in advance rather than relying on finding an Uber upon arrival in the Catskills.
From Albany International Airport, Menla currently recommends traveling directly by Uber, taxi, or pre-arranged car service. Public transportation from Albany is possible but limited and may involve transfers.
If you have any questions about travel or would like guidance choosing the best option for you, please feel free to email us or Menla directly.
Check-in: Monday, 22 March 2027, from 3:00 pm local time (Eastern Daylight Time).
Check-in is only available after 3:00 pm on the arrival day. Please, do not arrive before 3:00 pm.
The retreat officially begins in the early evening, so arriving between 3:00-6:00 pm usually works best to settle in unhurriedly.
Check-out: Monday 29 March 2027, by 9:45 am.
Although rooms need to be vacated by 9:45 am, the retreat continues with a final satsang from 9:45-11:45 am, followed by lunch from 12:30-1:30 pm.
If you arrived by a shared or private shuttle or bus, your luggage can be safely left in a designated room, so you can be fully present for the closing session and lunch before you travel home.
Late March in the Catskills can bring remarkably changeable weather. Daytime temperatures can range from around 46°F (8°C) on colder days to as high as 81°F (27°C ) during warm spells, while nighttime temperatures may range from around 27°F (-3°C) to 46°F (8°C).
The suggestion is: come prepared for both winter and spring.
Rain is possible, and conditions can change quickly, sometimes shifting from cold and wintry to warm and springlike within a short period. For this reason, we strongly recommend bringing layers and being prepared for a variety of conditions.
Depending on the location of your room, the walk to the meeting space may take approximately 2-8 minutes. For the early morning session, be prepared for a short sunrise walk through the valley, when temperatures can sometimes approach or fall below freezing.
Around two weeks before the retreat, we’ll send everyone an updated weather outlook with the expected temperatures and conditions to help you prepare and pack appropriately.
Sunrise is around 6:50 am, with sunset around 7:15 pm. We suggest packing:
– Waterproof walking shoes or boots with good grip, as forest paths may be wet, muddy, or uneven.
– A warm jacket or coat suitable for cold mornings and evenings.
– Warm layers such as sweaters, fleece, shawls, or thermals that can easily be added or removed.
– A waterproof or water-resistant outer layer in case of rain.
– A warm hat, gloves, and scarf, particularly if you enjoy early-morning or evening walks.
– Comfortable lighter layers for milder or sunny periods during the day.
– Comfortable, loose clothing for meditation, satsang, and spending longer periods sitting indoors, plus a warm shawl or meditation wrap if you tend to get cold.
Layering is key at Menla in late March: an afternoon may feel beautifully spring-like, while the same evening can become very cold.
Sessions take place indoors in the heated Ahimsa Yoga Studio. Even in a warm room, some people may feel cool when sitting still for longer periods, so we recommend keeping a sweater, shawl, or similar warm layer with you during sessions.
Please check the weather forecast shortly before traveling, as conditions in the Catskills can change quickly at this time of year.
Menla’s food is often described as “stunning” and “farm-to-table”, and is prepared with great love and attention to quality. Three nourishing meals will be served each day, prepared by their kitchen with an emphasis on organic, seasonal, whole-food ingredients. Much of the produce comes directly from Menla’s own organic gardens, complemented by ingredients sourced from local producers.
Meals are protein-balanced plant-based dishes, with vegetarian additions such as eggs, cheese, and dairy available on the side for those who wish to have them. Each meal is designed to be wholesome, balanced, and delicious.
Menla can accommodate the common dietary requirements, including gluten-free, wheat-free, and nut allergies, provided they are notified in advance. If you have specific dietary needs or allergies, please contact us before booking so we can confirm that they can be accommodated.
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Coffee, tea, and fresh fruit are freely available in the main dining hall from 7 am-11 pm daily. A tea station with hot water, tea, cups, and a cold-water dispenser will also be available in our session space. At lunch and dinner, you will also have the option of water, tea, or Menla’s daily organic juice blend.
Although this is not a silent retreat, meals are an important part of the retreat container and are taken with presence to support integration.
• Breakfast (8:15-9:15 am) – held in silence.
• Lunch (12:30-1:30 pm) – flexible: you are welcome to remain in silence or to share simple, conscious conversation, if it feels right.
• Dinner (6-7 pm) – flexible: you are welcome to remain in silence or to share simple, conscious conversation, if it feels right.
If you feel called to keep full silence throughout all meals, that choice is fully honored.
The reason for this approach:
Taking meals in silence may help you stay present and in the same depth opened by the sessions, instead of spilling it out in conversation. It protects the shared field from scattering, and gives more sensitive or introverted people a real chance to rest and remain grounded, without the pressure to socialize three times a day.
After lunch or dinner, those who feel called to share reflections with others are welcome to do so in the communal areas (indoors or outdoors in nature), while those who prefer silence are equally free to rest on their own. Those who wish to deepen the silence can do so in session space, which is reserved for meditation and sessions, spend time quietly in nature, or simply in their rooms.
| Date | Time | Session |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, 22 March (Arrival) | ||
| 3:00–6:00 pm | Arrival & Check-in* | |
| 6:00–7:00 pm | Dinner | |
| 7:30–8:30 pm | Opening Circle & Welcome Talk | |
| Tuesday–Sunday, 23–28 March | ||
| 7:00–8:00 am | Guided Meditative Transmission | |
| 8:15–9:15 am | Breakfast | |
| 11:00 am–12:00 pm | Guided Meditative Transmission | |
| 12:30–1:30 pm | Lunch | |
| 3:30–5:30 pm | Satsang with Av Neryah | |
| 6:00–7:00 pm | Dinner | |
| Monday, 29 March (Departure) | ||
| 8:15–9:15 am | Breakfast | |
| By 9:45 am | Checkout (luggage can be left in a room on-site) | |
| 9:45 am–11:45 pm | Final Satsang and Closing Circle | |
| 12:30–1:30 pm | Lunch & Goodbyes | |
| 1:30 pm | End of Retreat (Departure) | |
*Guest-room check-in begins at 3:00 pm on the arrival day. We recommend arriving between 3:00 and 5:30 pm so that you have time to settle in before dinner. The retreat officially begins with our Opening Circle after dinner. Please, do not arrive before 3:00 pm.
Deposit
The deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Balance
The remaining balance is due no later than Friday, 15 January 2027.
The final balance is non-refundable and non-transferable, except in the following cases:
– If you cancel on or before Thursday, 15 January 2027, 50% of the balance will be refunded.
– If you cancel after Thursday, 15 January 2027, no refund can be given.
Installment payments are treated as part of your balance, and the same cancellation terms apply as above.
For more details, please see the Payment FAQ and Terms and Conditions.
This retreat is for anyone who feels drawn to truth, presence and the direct exploration of their nature and nonduality in the presence of Av Neryah. You’re welcome whether you’re quite new to this work or have been walking this path for many years. The only real requirement is a sincere yearning.
No particular level of experience is required. There will be guidance offered throughout, and you are free to engage at your own pace. You can simply sit, listen, feel, rest, and allow grace and the teachings to unfold through you.
If you are completely new and unsure whether a full residential retreat is right for you at this stage, you’re welcome to email us and we can explore it together.
Single rooms are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If a Single room is important to you, we recommend booking early.
Yes, you can buy a ticket for a friend, partner or family member.
If you’re booking for a Deluxe Double Suite (one king bed, two people):
– You’ll be asked to provide the details of both participants during checkout.
– Please make sure names and emails are correct, as this is what we’ll use for all retreat communication.
If you’re booking a Deluxe Twin room (two separate beds), there are two options:
– Each person books their own Deluxe Twin ticket and you both enter each other’s name in the Roommate’s Name field at checkout, or
– One person books two Deluxe Twin tickets and provides the full details of the second participant (name and email) during checkout.
If you’re booking the Standalone 2-bedroom Cottage (two separate bedrooms), there are two options:
– One person books both Cottage tickets and provides the second participant’s full name and email address during checkout; or
– You can contact us to split the Cottage booking between two people. We can then enable individual booking for that Cottage so that each person can purchase their own ticket separately.
Yes. You can book a Deluxe Double Suite if you’re coming as a couple or close friends who wish to share one bed, or a Deluxe Twin Room if you prefer separate beds. Please add each other’s names and email when booking.
You don’t need to have a roommate in mind to come on retreat.
If you’re happy to share, you can book a Twin room just for yourself, and you’ll be paired with another attendee of the same gender. We’ll do our best to make a good match.
If you would prefer not to share a room, you can choose a Single room instead (subject to availability, as Singles are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis).
Changes may be possible if we still have availability in the category you’d like to move to. Please email us as soon as you know. Any difference in price will need to be settled, and changes are not guaranteed.
Retreat deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Each deposit is connected only to the specific retreat for which it was originally paid and cannot be moved or applied to a different retreat.
Yes. You can settle the retreat fee in either USD or EUR. Our online registration is set up in EUR by default, so the standard deposit at checkout is €495. If you prefer, we can arrange it in USD instead ($570).
When the remaining balance becomes due, you will again have the option to settle it in either USD or EUR.
If you would prefer to make the deposit in USD, or settle the full retreat amount in USD now, please contact us by email or via the contact form and we’ll be happy to arrange it for you.
Yes. After reserving your place by paying the deposit, you can settle the remaining retreat balance through a payment plan.
For a two-installment plan, a 2% payment-plan fee applies when paying by card. Payments are due on December 15, 2026 and January 15, 2027.
For a three-installment plan, a 3% payment-plan fee applies when paying by card. Payments are due on December 15, 2026, January 15, 2027, and February 15, 2027.
These small fees cover the additional payment-processing costs associated with multiple card payments.
If you’d like to use a payment plan, simply reserve your place by booking the deposit and write “two installments” or “three installments” in the booking notes, or contact us by email.
Check-in: Monday, 22 March 2027, from 3:00 pm local time (EDT).
Check-in is only available after 3:00 pm on the arrival day. If you arrive a little earlier, you’re welcome to wait in the lounge/communal areas until your room is ready. Please, do not arrive before 3:00 pm.
The retreat officially begins in the early evening, so arriving between 3:00 – 6:00 pm usually works best to settle in unhurriedly.
Check-out: Monday 29 March 2027, by 9:45 am.
Although rooms need to be vacated by 9:45 am, the retreat continues with a final satsang from 9:45-11:45 am, followed by lunch from 12:30-1:30 pm.
Luggage can be safely left in a designated room on-site after check-out, so you can be fully present for the closing session and lunch before you travel home.
Can I arrive late or leave early?
The retreat is intended as a complete journey from the first evening to the final session, and you’ll receive the most from it by attending the full schedule.
On Monday 22 March, please do not arrive before 3:00 pm, and aim to arrive between 3:00-6:00 pm if possible.
On Monday 29 March, the retreat ends after lunch at 1:30 pm, and you’ll need to plan your departure from 1:30 pm onwards.
Participants are expected to attend the full retreat. If you already know in advance that you will not be able to be present for the full duration, it may be better to wait for a future retreat, at a time when you can fully enter, receive, and complete the whole process.
This is not a casual or drop-in retreat, but a deep retreat container with a full arc from beginning to end. It asks for sincerity, commitment, and respect for the rhythm of the whole journey. If you have an unavoidable circumstance and are unsure whether you’ll be able to attend the full retreat, please contact us before registering so we can discuss this.
Yes. During your free time, you are welcome to enjoy Menla’s walking and hiking trails, gardens, outdoor meditation areas, Naga Pond, the Vintage Barn, and other communal spaces around the property.
The Dewa Spa is also available separately. Retreat participants can purchase a $25 day pass, which gives access to the saunas, steam rooms, and other spa facilities during opening hours, without needing any reservation. Massages and other Tibetan, Eastern, and Western treatments can also be booked directly with the spa, and a spa day pass is included when you book a treatment, but those should be reserved in advance, if possible.
The spa will provide towels, robes, and slippers for guests.
The Sapphire Pool may also be available, depending on seasonal conditions and whether it is open during our stay. There is also a Fitness Room.
We encourage participants to use the venue’s amenities in a way that supports the contemplative spirit of the retreat.
Here are the Spa’s spring open hours:
Monday: 10 am – 5 pm
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10 am – 5 pm
Thursday: 10 am – 6 pm
Friday: 10 am – 8 pm
Saturday: 10 am – 8 pm
Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
For more information, check Menla’s Dewa Spa here.
There’s no formal dress code. Late March in the Catskills can be very changeable, with anything from cool early-spring weather to unexpectedly mild or even warm days. Mornings and evenings can still be close to freezing, so comfortable layers are strongly recommended.
You’ll be most comfortable in relaxed clothing suitable for meditation, longer periods of sitting, walking, and spending time outdoors. Bring warmer layers such as sweaters, fleece, thermals, and a warm coat, along with lighter clothing for milder afternoons. A warm shawl or meditation wrap can also be useful if you tend to get cold while sitting still.
For outdoors, we recommend waterproof or water-resistant shoes with good grip, as trails may be wet, muddy, or occasionally icy at this time of year.
We simply suggest bringing clothes you’ll feel comfortable wearing in a quiet, contemplative space with others.
Layering is key at Menla in late March: an afternoon may feel beautifully spring-like, while the same evening can become very cold.
Please check the bottom section of Travel -> What to bring tab for more practical information.
There is Wi-Fi at the venue, and you may need your phone or laptop for travel and essential practical matters.
However, it is best if phones, laptops and tablets are not used for social media during the retreat, except in case of urgent necessity. We invite you to treat these days as a time to step out of your usual online life and to allow a continuous momentum of quiet presence and inner exploration.
The retreat is entirely smoke-free, both indoors and outdoors.
To support a clear and steady inner environment, we ask that you do not drink alcohol or use recreational drugs, plant medicines or psychedelics during the retreat (including the nights between sessions). The retreat is an invitation to meet experience as it is, without the influence of substances that alter perception or mood.
The retreat is fully catered with plant-based meals, with vegetarian additions such as eggs, cheese, and dairy available on the side for those who wish to have them. Some common dietary requirements (e.g. dairy-free, gluten-free) can usually be accommodated if mentioned at booking. If you have complex needs, please contact us in advance to check what’s possible.
Menla is set within a mountain valley, and while the main retreat areas are reasonably easy to navigate, the property includes outdoor paths, gentle slopes, uneven ground, and some steps or stairs. Depending on your accommodation, there may also be a several-minute walk between your room, the dining hall, and the session space.
In late March, some paths may occasionally be wet, muddy, or slightly slippery due to rain or changing weather conditions.
If you have mobility challenges or specific accessibility needs, please contact us before booking so we can help identify the most suitable accommodation and discuss whether the venue will be appropriate for your needs.
The retreat sessions will be recorded so that excerpts may be edited and possibly shared with a wider audience in a careful way over time.
By attending the retreat, you agree that your image and voice may appear in these recordings. Any use of the material is approached with discretion, sensitivity and respect.
If you prefer to sit off camera, please speak to the team when you arrive and we will do our best to seat you in an area that is less likely to be filmed.
At the moment, there are no formal scholarship places available for this in-person retreat, which has a very limited number of spaces.
If you’d deeply like to attend but the cost is out of reach, one option is to join one of the online retreats with Av Neryah, which are offered on a sliding scale and include supported tickets and even scholarship possibilities to make participation more accessible.
We do intend to make future in-person retreats more accessible for those experiencing financial hardship, and we hope to introduce dedicated scholarship options as this becomes possible over time.
There is no special preparation required, but you may find it helpful to:
– Give yourself a little extra rest and space in the days before arriving.
– Reduce unnecessary stimulation (news, social media, busy schedules) where possible.
– Spend some time with material that resonates with this work (Av’s videos, books, or just simple quiet sitting).
– Reflect gently on your intention for being here, without turning it into a project or goal.
– If you’re coming from a very different time zone, you might gently start shifting your sleep a little towards EDT / UTC-4 in the days before traveling, so your body can arrive more softly.
On a practical level, please see the Travel tab for details about what to bring, the local weather, etc.
Yes. You’re very welcome to use the time between sessions for quiet practice, meditation, or contemplation. You can sit in your own room, spend time in nature, use one of Menla’s outdoor meditation areas.
You may also use Ahimsa Yoga Studio, our main session space.
No, this is not a formal silent retreat. Outside the sessions you are free to speak and move normally. The invitation is simply to stay present and not use activity or conversation as a way to escape what is unfolding. Some participants may choose to remain in silence throughout, and that is always respected.
Regarding meals:
Breakfast – taken in silence
Lunch – flexible: you’re welcome to remain in silence or to share simple, conscious conversation if it feels right.
Dinner – flexible: you’re welcome to remain in silence or to share simple, conscious conversation if it feels right.
If you feel called to keep full silence throughout all meals, that choice is fully honored.
The reason for this approach:
Taking meals in silence helps you stay present and in the same depth opened by the sessions, instead of spilling it out in conversation. It protects the shared field from scattering, and gives more sensitive or introverted people a real chance to rest and remain grounded, without the pressure to socialize three times a day.
After lunch or dinner, those who feel called to share reflections with others are welcome to do so in the communal areas (indoors or outdoors in nature), while those who prefer silence are equally free to rest on their own. Those who wish to deepen the silence can do so in our meeting space Ahimsa Yoga Studio, out in nature, or simply in their rooms.
Is this retreat suitable for people with a history of mental health difficulties?
This retreat invites deep contemplation and inner exploration and can be quite intensive. It is not designed as therapy. The process of turning inward can sometimes stir up strong emotions, old patterns or previously unconscious material.
If you have a history of significant mental health difficulty, or are currently receiving psychological or psychiatric treatment, this retreat is not suitable for you.
During the retreat, you remain responsible for your own emotional and psychological wellbeing, including seeking professional support if needed. We cannot offer ongoing psychological support during the retreat, and participation requires a basic capacity to self-regulate and to take care of yourself in a group environment.
If it becomes clear that the retreat format is not appropriate or safe for someone, we may ask that they step back from the event, always with care for them and for the wider group.
If you are unsure whether this applies to you, you’re welcome to email us before booking.
About 6–8 weeks before the retreat starts, we’ll create a group chat exclusively for participants, to help with travel coordination and light connection before and after the retreat.
This space is completely optional and can be used to:
– Say hello and get to know each other a little
– Coordinate travel plans, share taxis or rental cars
– Organize shuttle transfers or shared rides to and from the venue
– Stay connected during and after the retreat, if that feels supportive
You’re free to join or leave the group at any time.
The group is intended as a simple, practical way to stay in touch, not as a place for promotion, debate, or ongoing processing. We invite everyone to post with the same spirit as the retreat itself: simple, kind and respectful.
If you prefer not to join any group chat, you’ll still receive all essential retreat information by email.
Those who have joined Av Neryah’s in-person retreats often describe them as deeply transformative, life-changing encounters with truth, love, presence, freedom, and the unexpected joy of finding a genuine nondual family. Here are some of their reflections:
The most precious and important week of my life. Beyond all words, beyond all descriptions, beyond what we call "experiences." The space held by Av and Avah was a space of deep realization and luminous ascension. So much love, so much laughter, so much kindness, so much wisdom, so much humility, so much clarity, so much oneness. And yet I miss none of it— because it continues to blossom and unfold deep within my heart. Namaste 🙏
I feel truly blessed to have been in Av's and his family's presence for 7 days in a row! I had waited so long to meet him in person and it seemed surreal to be there with him. Even more so that he was so approachable, loving, kind & compassionate with each and every one of us. Frankly, it was the best week of my life.
Participating in the retreat was for me the perfect fuel to my nonduality journey. Meeting Av and his family in person, as well as so many likeminded people, and firsthand witnessing the magic of the transmissions in myself and others, my motivation soared even higher and now I am all in. The setting was amazing as well. Much love.
My heart remains in deep gratitude for being able to be at the in-person Retreat in Portugal. It was, and continues, to be the answer to a prayer to study with an enlightened master. The inductions and shepherding into the realms of ever deepening states of consciousness that you were able to navigate and hold, for us all, is a brilliant star that shines clear and consummate. Each and everyday we have been grateful for the gift, and reflect with astonishment, that we did travel to Portugal to meet our Teacher.
We were bathed in acceptance, wisdom, truth and love. How can one fall in love with [a whole group of] strangers in a week? When a Liberated Being shows that nothing and nobody is outside of love.
The retreat was exceptional. Av is a truly living embodiment of a non-dual teacher. Not only are his explanations on point, but his transmissions are clearly feelable. He makes meditation a graspable experience. Although being an established form of pure awareness Av is still accessible to all the participants. He is not willing to play the old game of a guru but puts in all his effort in helping others in the process of waking up and realising who you are beyond your identity. The group and retreat place were also one of a kind. So I highly recommend his teachings if you want to take the road to liberation.
The retreat was beyond words. The meditations and the satsangs brought me to a much deeper level of I am. The awe and wonder is still with me and getting stronger each day. Av and his family are truly a blessing to me. These words I write do not and can not describe the love I received and shared. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am grateful to scatter the seeds of a new consciousness that will change the world. Namaste 🙏
I feel very blessed that I could be a part of this retreat and to plunge into the depths of our Being, together. I'm deeply touched by Av's presence, authenticity, clarity, and humility. His family being there as well made it even more special.
It is not only a retreat, but the most glorious entrance - an entrance into your true being, in the reflection of Beauty manifest, the Divine Mirror of Av, where Beauty upon Beauty reflects, Love/God/Goddess bless, there are no words but they can attempt, to whisper the best kept secret of your very own soul - the whisper for the Ultimate - the freedom you know deep down is yours to have, so maybe take it, and maybe start with a retreat that never ends.
I feel very lucky to have been able to attend the retreat. It felt like bathing in a pool of love. It was great to see Av's perfect demeanor and compassion, as well as other attendees' breakthroughs through several non-dual stages.
It was a privilege to be part of this retreat which was so thoughtfully put together. That which needed to be expressed in words was expressed in words. That which needed silence was expressed in silence. Thank you.
I am immensely grateful to Grace for this ride. This body-mind always suspected that it is not from here... only to discover that it is from nowhere at all. Light with no beginning or end... A powerful Silence was the faithful companion of beautiful tears and joyful laughter. The Absolute dissolves us all and yet we appear to be this magnificent Presence. I saw, felt and lived at our true HOME in everybody's eyes.
The words in last chapter of Av's Liberation Gita about the sacred and the ordinary being seen as one took flesh and blood through the bread and croissants that were shared during this Gathering in Truth. Eternal gratitude.
The easy flow of presence, loving community and luminous Grace filled this retreat. Heavenly meals, deep contemplation, harmonious schedules, play, laughter, wonder allowed for integration, activity, stillness, beingness, and growth. One of the deepest gifts was the feeling of being a part of a whole Family because the group was a full range of ages, genders, nationalities, understandings and relationships. This unique and special retreat is the harmony of the Now and Forever.
I'm so grateful for this experience. Av and his beautiful family are a precious gift in this world. They show us by example in their humble way of teaching what is already deeply engrained in us. During the retreat I felt held by the unconditional love of the group as ONE being so that I was able to let go and fully surrender. I had an out of body experience in Nirvana. My personhood completely dissolved. There was no mind and no body. Av, Avah and the group held me safely and guided me back so that I can embody I AM on this earth. I will always remember that this retreat truly brought me back to life.
Although I tend to approach spirituality from a more philosophical angle, this retreat gave me a first-hand sense that awakening is something real and tangible. Thank you so much for the wonderful retreat. I really enjoyed the serenity and quiet, and I'm very grateful to have met so many lovely people—some of whom I hope will become friends for life.
I'm still basking in the essence of the I am. The out flowing and in flowing of love was incredible. I've never experienced anything like that. The teaching by Av resonated on a cellular level. My heart continues to melt. It was a joy talking, watching and sharing with all participants. Thank you Av and his family for your care and kindness. Words don't express the beauty of being present.
The retreat has deeply touched my heart. Experiencing Av's and his family's presence was a blessing, an encounter with unconditional love and Truth. The diverse community felt like a big family, and the safety created in the shared space allowed for deep and vulnerable experiences to emerge. While words can't really do this experience justice, I can highly recommend any event with Av, be it a retreat, online satsang, etc., to every sincere Truth seeker. It was a week I will never forget, and its fragrance carries on with me into everyday life.
