YEAR THREE . NEW LOCATION

Your Permission to Slow Down

Join us for four transformative days of yoga, rest, and inner renewal in the breathtaking Catskill Mountains of New York.

As autumn deepens and nature turns inward, we're invited to do the same. Moving Into Stillness is both our theme and our practice â€” a chance to step away from the noise of daily life, put down everything you carry for others, and rediscover the quiet center that lives inside you.

This isn't just a retreat â€” it's a homecoming. Through daily yoga, seasonal wisdom teachings, nourishing meals, and unhurried time in nature, you'll reconnect with your body, your breath, and what truly matters.


DATES:
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2026

COST:
STARTING AT $ 950
WITH EARLY BIRD RATES

WHERE:  
AKERA IN WOODBOURNE, NY



YOUR PRACTICE

Four Days of Intentional Movement & Stillness

Each day follows a natural rhythm â€” honouring both activity and deep rest.

MORNINGS

Energizing Flow & Form

Start each day with 90 minutes of dynamic yoga when your energy is fresh. Expect creative, precisely instructed sequences that build heat, deepen breath, refine alignment, and leave you feeling both grounded and expansive.

Blending the principles of Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Katonah Yoga.

LATE AFTERNOONS

Workshops, Yin & Meditation

Ease into slower practices that balance the morning's activation. Workshops blend seasonal philosophy with gentle yin-style yoga, calming pranayama, and guided meditation.

Discover Ayurvedic self-care practices and tools for grounding you can carry home with you.

Early afternoons are wide open and yours to design — take a hike through pristine Catskills nature, read by the fire, soak in the cedar hot tub, sweat in the panoramic sauna, or simply nap.

See detailed itinerary below

RESERVE YOUR SPOT
IS THIS FOR YOU?

This retreat is perfect for you if:


  • You want to deepen your yoga practice with experienced guidance in an immersive setting featuring daily yoga, breathwork, meditation, and seasonal wisdom teachings

  • You're ready to slow down and go inward â€” to step away from daily demands and come home to yourself

  • You're drawn to an intimate, boutique experience with like-minded women seeking authentic renewal

  • You want to experience the power of rest and nervous system regulation through restorative practices, sound healing, and time immersed in nature

  • You're curious about Ayurvedic seasonal self-care and want to learn tools you can integrate into daily life

  • You want to nourish your body with delicious, plant-based meals in a setting that reminds you what it feels like to be taken care of

THE SPACE

Akera: A consciously designed sanctuary


Nestled on 123 acres of forests, rolling meadows, and babbling waters in Woodbourne, New York, AKERA is a retreat center designed with love to ignite your sense of wonder and inspiration.

Just two hours from New York City & Westchester, you'll feel worlds away â€” surrounded by pristine nature, horizon views of sunrise and sunset, and the deep quiet of the mountains.

Our retreat sanctuary includes:

NOURISHMENT

Seasonal Healthy Cuisine


Good food is part of the practice. Our retreat brings a nourishing, vegetable-forward approach to every meal — drawing on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that ground and restore. Think hearty autumn lentil stew with sourdough, Mediterranean white bean and greens stew, warming kichari with spiced chickpeas, and vibrant salads straight from the garden.

Meals are vegetarian, with vegan options and light proteins available for those who want them. And yes, there will be sweet treats — from dark chocolate stuffed dates to baked apple ginger crumble to tahini sweet potato brownies. Every meal is made with care.

Gluten-free options are available throughout, and dietary needs can be accommodated.

ROOMS & PRICING

Choose Your Accommodation

Early-bird pricing is available now until [DATE] — save $200 on all room types.

Triple Room · Ensuite Bathroom

3 twin beds · 3 to share · Private bathroom

$1150

$950 EARLY BIRD

Double Room · Shared Bathroom

2 twins or 1 king · 2 to share

$1,305

$1,105 EARLY BIRD

Double Room · Ensuite Bathroom

2 twins or 1 king · 2 to share · Private bathroom

$1,390

$1,190 EARLY BIRD

Double Room · Couples Only · Shared Bath

1 queen bed · 2 to share

$1,240

$1,040 EARLY BIRD

Single Room · Shared Bathroom

1 queen bed · 1 person

$1,815

$1,615 EARLY BIRD

Single Room · Shared Bathroom

1 king bed · 1 person

$1,915

$1,715 EARLY BIRD

Babe on budget:
Loft Sofa Bed

Pull-out sofa bed
Private evenings and nights, but shared space during the daytime - 2 available

Price available on demand

All prices are per person and include lodging, all meals, and the full retreat program.


Early bird discount ends [DATE TBD]. Limited spots available.

RESERVE YOUR ROOM

THE JOURNEY

Your Retreat Itinerary

THURSDAY, NOV 12 - Arrive

  • 3:00 – 4:00 PM Arrival + Welcome Chai 

  • 4:00 – 4:30 PM Settle In + Set Up Yoga Space

  • 4:30 – 6:00 PM Welcome Circle + Yoga Practice

  • 6:30 – 7:30 PM Introduction by Retreat Chef + Dinner

  • 7:30 – 9:30 PM Community Gathering [Optional]

FRIDAY, NOV 13 - Ground

  • 7:30 – 8:30 AM Fresh coffee, morning treats & optional walk

  • 8:30 – 10:30 AM Yoga Practice (90 min)

  • 11:30 – 12:30 PM Hearty Brunch

  • 12:30 – 4:00 PM Free Time â€” hike, read, nap, sauna, hot tub

  • 4:00 – 6:00 PM Gentle Yoga Practice + Sound Journey by Sama Shakti Yoga

  • 6:30 – 7:30 PM Dinner

  • 7:30 – 9:30 PM Community Gathering [Optional]

SATURDAY, NOV 14 - Activate & Release

  • 7:30 – 8:30 AM Fresh coffee, morning treats & optional walk

  • 8:30 – 10:30 AM Yoga Practice (90 min) — Our most powerful practice!

  • 11:30 – 12:30 PM Hearty Brunch

  • 12:30 – 4:00 PM Free Time — hike, read, nap, sauna, hot tub 

  • 4:00 – 6:00 PM Intro to Ayurveda Workshop with talk, movement, breath work, and meditation

  • 6:30 – 7:30 PM Dinner

  • 7:30 – 9:30 PM Community Gathering [Optional]

SUNDAY, NOV 15 - Integrate

  • 7:30 – 8:00 AM Fresh coffee + morning treats

  • 8:00 – 10:00 AM Yoga Practice (90 min)

  • 10:00 – 11:30 AM Packing + Breakfast

  • 11:30 AM Check Out

MEET YOUR GUIDE

Hello! I'm Hélène


I'm a 500-hour registered yoga instructor with over 12 years of practice and training in yoga and meditation.

Originally from France, I started practicing yoga when I moved to New York in 2009. In 2021, I left a career in finance and sustainable development to fully immerse myself in yoga teaching and sharing.

The yoga I teach blends the principles of Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Katonah Yoga, laced with my practice of Vedic meditation and study of Vedic philosophy.

My own journey has taught me that sustainable well-being isn't found in pushing harder or doing more. It's found in learning to listen — to your body's wisdom, to your breath's rhythm, to the seasons both outside and within you. This is what I hope to share with you.

What Past Retreaters Are Saying:


"I am so grateful for the thoughtfully curated yoga retreat experience by Hélène! From start to finish, the experience was more than I could have hoped for. I am already looking forward to her next retreat offering!"

-Angela N., Retreat Participant

"The retreat was an incredible blend of thoughtful teaching, delicious food, and an amazing group energy. Hélène curated a beautifully balanced curriculum that went far beyond physical asana. Everything was thoughtfully connected. Above all, I felt truly cared for."

-Linda M., Retreat Participant

"The schedule was perfectly balanced, allowing ample time for yoga, relaxation, reflection, and free time. The meals were so nourishing and energizing. The yoga sessions were well-crafted, with options that suited both beginners and more experienced practitioners."

-Rachelle V., Retreat Participant

"An energizing yet thoughtful and spiritually nourishing retreat in beautiful surroundings. Very friendly group of people, delicious food, comfortable accommodation, and great guidance from Hélène."

- Claire B., Retreat Participant

More Reviews

ALL THE DETAILS

What's Included (and not)

Included

  • 4 days & 3 nights lodging — single or shared accommodations

  • Welcome grounding yoga practice on arrival day

  • Three 90-minute dynamic morning yoga sessions

  • Two afternoon workshops with yoga, pranayama & meditation

  • Daily brunch and dinner — seasonal meals by our private chef

  • Morning coffee, tea, and treats daily

  • Sound journey experience with Sama Shakti Yoga

  • Access to AKERA's sauna, cedar hot tub & hiking trails

  • Fireplace gatherings and community connection

Not Included

  • Transportation to & from AKERA (approx. 2 hours from NYC)

  • Trip insurance — Cancel For Any Reason policy strongly recommended

  • Optional spa treatments or massage

  • Personal expenses

Frequently Asked Questions

Complete the reservation form, which will prompt you to select your room, sign the retreat contract (accepting the cancellation policy and important terms), and submit a $500 deposit to secure your space.

Please note: Deposits are non-refundable. Travel insurance is strongly recommended and should be purchased within 14 to 21 days of your deposit. Please refer to the retreat contract for the full cancellation policy.

A personal note: I'm a small business and update room availability manually, so I appreciate your patience. If you have any questions or special requests, please reach out to me via email (heleneroyyoga@gmail.com) before booking. I'll do my best to accommodate your room preference — but rooms go quickly, especially private rooms, so don't wait too long!

Yes! A deposit secures your space, with the final balance due approximately 60 days before the retreat.

Details will be provided upon booking. Please refer to the retreat contract for the full cancellation policy.

AKERA is located at 2299 Ulster Heights Rd, Woodbourne, NY 12788 — approximately 2 hours by car from New York City and the Westchester area.

We recommend driving or carpooling with fellow retreaters. Free parking is available on-site.

Bring a yoga mat, comfortable layers for indoor and outdoor use, hiking shoes, a bathing suit for the hot tub, a journal for reflections, and a reusable water bottle.

Most importantly: your willingness to rest, your curiosity, and an open heart.

All levels are welcome—from beginners with minimal yoga experience to experienced practitioners.

Classes are thoughtfully designed with modifications and options to suit everybody. You don't need to be flexible or have a regular practice. You simply need to show up as you are.

Please review the complete cancellation policy in the retreat contract. Travel insurance is strongly recommended to protect your investment.

Ready to Come Home
to Yourself?

Spaces are limited.
Reserve your spot for four days of yoga, rest, and renewal in the Catskill Mountains.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

INQUIRY ABOUT THE 2026 RETREAT