Return to self

A restorative retreat.

Fall 2024

Return to Self: A Restorative Retreat.

Six days of grounding, connecting, and challenging mindsets. What does it mean to take care, to love, and to show up for yourself? Gain the tools to navigate heavy emotions and tough situations with a sense of ease. Learn how to continuously show up for yourself. How to feel held and taken care of in a world where it is easy to feel lost. Deepen your yoga practice and connection to self through guided meditation, daily yoga, and self-reflective journaling. Tune out the noise of the world and tune into your inner guidance.

Find your way home.

Sequoia National Park

Experience the sequoias

A gentle breeze. The calm rustle of trees. Birds chirp in the distance. New paths wait to be explored. Sweeping views of glorious mountains beckon to you. Giant sequoias stand tall and confident beside you. You are supported, protected, and at ease. You have space to breathe. Connected to your childlike sense of wonder. Admire the vastness of Mother Earth around you. Find peace in the stillness of the forest. Nature heals. Welcome it in. You are present. Grounded. Allow your stress to be carried away in the breeze. The chatter of your mind melts away with the chatter of birds. The rustle of trees rustles awake a playful, carefree, lively spirit. Create space for awe and wonder. For magic to come seeping in through the cracks of everyday life. To feel blissfully alive.

What’s included

Accommodations 

6 days and 5 nights at Montecito Sequoia Lodge in Sequoia National Park. Various room types available. Buffet-style meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Coffee, tea and snacks are available throughout the day.

Yoga

Give your body the nourishment and rest it deserves with a restorative yoga practice. Daily morning practice to gently wake up your body and introduce movement for the day. Daily afternoon restorative yoga to calm the body and unwind the mind. Both practices are slow paced and suitable for beginner and experienced yogis.

Journaling

Each day brings a new set of journal prompts and open discussions. These prompts will be guided by an overarching theme, with the goal of deepening the connection you have to your innermost self. Sharing during discussions is highly encouraged but participation is not required.

Community

Spots in this retreat are intentionally limited. This will be a cozy, intimate retreat of no more than 15 people. With a small group it becomes easier to open up and form meaningful connections. There will be plenty of down time throughout the retreat for you to mingle with others, explore the surrounding area, and connect with your inner self.

DATES

This upcoming retreat will be taking place from
September 17th - 21st, 2024.

Arrival is on September 17th, with check-in at 4pm.
Departure is on September 21st with check-out at 11am.

Pricing

Retreat pricing is for 5 nights and 6 days, meals are included. There are multiple room types to choose from. Pricing is subject to change based on room type and availability. Pricing does not include airfare, travel to or from the retreat, traveler's insurance, or additional excursions.

Rooms Available:

  • Forest Cabin, 1 King 1 Bunk starting at $4,135

  • Lakeview Lodge Suite, 1 King 2 Bunks starting at $4,135

  • Vintage Sequoia Lodge Suite, 2 Kings 2 Bunks starting at $3,815

  • Vintage Family Lodge, 1 King 1 Bunk starting at $3,065

  • Small Vintage Lodge, 1 Queen Bed starting at $3,015

For more information about room types, visit https://www.mslodge.com/lodging

Room sharing is available upon request. Room sharing starts at $2,333 per person. Price may vary depending on room type. You may share with someone you already know or opt to be paired up with another solo traveler.

If you are signing up for room sharing with the hope of being paired with another solo traveler, it is with the agreement that you may need to upgrade if we are unable to fill the room with others 30 days prior to the retreat date.

Please inquire directly at hello@sarahmadore.com for more information about room sharing.

Retreat is to be paid for in full no later than 30 days prior to the start of the retreat. A $500 nonrefundable deposit is due at the time of booking to secure your spot.

Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to minor changes prior to or during the retreat.

Day 1

4pm: Check-In

5pm: Welcome & Introductions

6pm: Dinner

Day 2

7am: Morning Yoga

8am: Breakfast

9am: Journaling & Reflection

12pm: Lunch

1pm: Free Time

4pm: Restorative Yoga

6pm: Dinner

Day 3

7am: Morning Yoga

8am: Breakfast

9am: Journaling & Reflection

12pm: Lunch

1pm: Free Time

4pm: Restorative Yoga

6pm: Dinner

Day 4

7am: Morning Yoga

8am: Breakfast

9am: Journaling & Reflection

12pm: Lunch

1pm: Free Time

4pm: Restorative Yoga

6pm: Dinner

Day 5

7am: Morning Yoga

8am: Breakfast

9am: Journaling & Reflection

12pm: Lunch

1pm: Free Time

4pm: Restorative Yoga

6pm: Dinner

Day 6

7am: Morning Yoga

8am: Breakfast

9am: Farwell Journaling & Reflection

11am: Check-Out

Meet your instructor

Meet your instructor

Hello friends, I’m Sarah Madore. I am an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher, E-RYT® 200, Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider, YACEP® and certified Stretch Therapist.

I believe that movement is medicine, that nature heals, and that a little self love goes a long way. I believe that humans were designed to take care. To take care of the earth, of each other, and ourselves. I believe that we deserve to show up as our best selves every damn day.

I strive to provide a safe space for others to decompress from daily stresses, reconnect with their bodies, and heal one breath at a time. The longest relationship we will ever have is the one we have with ourselves. Let’s make it a good one.

Thank you for connecting with me ♡

FAQs

I have little to no experience with yoga. Will this retreat be enjoyable for me?

Absolutely. All of the classes offered at this retreat are designed to help you slow down and reconnect with yourself. We will be moving at a slow and gentle pace, suitable for both beginner and experienced yogis. Throughout each class there will be options to make poses more challenging or more comfortable. Classes are not mandatory, so if you prefer to take some time by yourself to rest or explore the surrounding area, by all means please do so. This is your yoga practice. Do what feels best for you.

What should I pack?

Pack comfortable clothing suitable for yoga and light to moderate exercise. Bring layers for cooler temperatures at night. During this time of year temperatures are expected to be an average high of 72°F and average low of 42°F. There will be opportunities to go swimming, so pack a swimsuit if that is something that interests you. All yoga equipment will be provided. If you would like to bring your own yoga mat, bolster, strap, or blocks you are welcome to do so but it is not required.

How do I get there?

The nearest airport is Fresno Yosemite International Airport. From there it is about an hour and a half drive up the mountain. Car rentals are available at the airport. Be sure to turn ON toll roads for accurate GPS directions. There is a fee for entrance into the park. Visit https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/index.htm for more information.

What is there to do in the area?

Nestled in the heart of Sequoia National Park, there is much to see and do in the area. Hike up Big Baldy, Buena Vista, or Muir Grove. Walk through the Giant Forest and see General Sherman, the largest tree on earth by volume. Cross over to King’s Canyon National Park for even more breathtaking views. Not to mention all that Montecito Sequoia Lodge has to offer! Check in with the front desk to see what kind of seasonal activities are available.

What is not included?

Travel to or from the retreat is not included. Traveler’s insurance is not included. If traveling international, I recommend finding traveler’s insurance on your own. Gratuity for staff at Montecito Sequoia Lodge is not included in price. Any purchase of alcoholic beverages is not included. Massage services, if available, from Montecito Sequoia Lodge are not included.

Keep in touch

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