This is one of the best retreats I have ever been on. EVERYTHING was incredible. We did their "Weekend Getaway". The mission and all the work the HI is doing is making the world a better place. There is intentionality in all that they do in this space. (We experience this retreat during COVID - April 2021)
** The Staff: are kind and knowledgeable and attentive - from the front desk, to the food handlers, to Brain the Retreat Director, every single person.
** The Yoga: classes are just right. I normally like and intense "fitness" yoga, but it was pure magic to slow down and breathe. They focus on breath and they do long "corpse pose" which is in my opinion was just right. Many yoga teacher rush through this part.
**Meditation: There were many opportunities for meditation both guided and in the Shrine.
** The Shrine: was a special, quite, holy space for anyone who wants to deepen their mediation and prayer practice. There was no feeling of "religion" or "the right way". All felt honored and welcome.
** The Teachers: where informative and kind. They were knowledgeable and humble. We learned about "Reclaiming a Healthy and Vibrant Life" a mini intro to the Ayurveda Method and we learned about "Introduction to Vishoka Meditation"
** The Residence: where engaging and helpful. They shared their stories and experience and why they chose to live in an intentional spiritual community. We made many friend of the staff, residence and other guests.
**The Food: is vegetarian and some vegan options. Everything is labeled. They do use ghee, so if that is of concern, like I said there are option that are dairy free. The staff are behind glass and serve you.
**The Rooms: my husband and I were in double bed room. They are simple, clean and comfortable. You have a desk, dresser, closet, sink, mirror bed. The window open and there are ceiling fans. The beds are firm, but very comfortable. The linens and pillows are perfect.
**MOKA: This was hands down the best chocolate I have ever tasted. The tour was fun, the staff were very interesting and interactive, I do not drink coffee, but everyone loved it. There products are bean to bar and they are part of every step of the process from farm to your chocolate or coffee. They do everything in house.
**The Price: was perfect (COVID Pricing) it made it so affordable and accessible to all people.
**The Space: they have a coffee shop, a beautiful store - the girl who runs it is top notch.
** The Trails: were exceptional. There is a little for everyone and the property butts up to game lands. They have 4 trails. We loved the blue one best.
** The Wellness Center: We heard good things, but did not receive any treatments. Next time for sure.
**COVID: Masks were worn, but I never felt overwhelmed by it. I know this is a hot topic (COVID, Vaccine, Mask etc). I will say that I think people on both end of the spectrum can feel happy in this space.
All in all this is a gem right here in PA (I am a Pennsylvanian). I will 1000% be back. And, I personally want to host a retreat in this magical...
Read moreMy mother and I attended the 'Movement as Medicine' retreat. It was exactly what we needed after feeling extremely isolated these past 2 years from COVID restrictions. We like many others, just stopped moving, stopped living, stopped going out in fear of COVID. This has had a negative impact on each of our mental, spiritual, and physical health and well-being.
We spent 3 nights, and four days. All of the HI staff were extremely friendly, helpful, and mindful of giving you space and time to heal and disconnect. Our massage and shirodhara was heavenly and very rejuvenating! Staying at HI helped us strive for that calmness and serene feeling which helped us both relax, allowing us to reboot our mind and soul. Being at HI, truly allows you to enjoy the sound of silence along with the lovely outdoor 'nature' sounds. You can take advantage of walking around 400 acres - walking trails, a pond and falls, a serene hilltop, (literally picturesque from the movie 'Sounds of Music'), additionally visiting and touring their Moka Origins coffee and chocolate factory on the HI grounds (a quick walk at the top of one hill) offered a pleasant treat. You must engage in their taste-testing of ALL their chocolates. A true delight!
Being 100% gluten free is always a challenge when travelling and visiting new places. I had no issues with my meals. HI offers GF meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I loved their fresh, GF-bread! The food will not disappoint you and the
I have booked another retreat, and am returning for a whole week this time by myself. Sometimes we just need to put down our phones, unplug from technology, close our eyes and take a few deep breaths. HI offers this and much more. I look forward to returning to relax and rejuvenate my sacred-spirit! Thank you to all the hard working, genuine caring staff that keep HI's mission alive, which is to inspire, educate, and empower all who seek to experience their...
Read moreI was an initiated member of HI for over 10+ years. And, I had met Swami Rama with my wife in the fall of 1976. If Himalayan Institute stated that they were all about its members, it will not be intellectually honest.
Most of the residents welcome you at the campus, but, they are distant also
Pandit Rajmani is wonderful and unassuming. But, I found out that certain negative facts about Swami Rama that were not made public, and probably for good reason.
But I strongly feel that OMISSION IS A LIE. I found out that a lot of significant members of early 80's left for these reasons that were not public. I still respect and adore Pandit Ji. But, for past few years, I have not been able to contact him, despite several tries. I am saddened and trying to understand if it is my fault or if the mission of Himalayan Institute is...
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