Ratna Ling Retreat Center — Local services in Guerneville

I originally came across Ratna Ling when I was looking for a weekend getaway from the SF bay area a few years ago. I just wanted to spend a few days simply to relax and recharge in a quiet environment surrounded by nature. So I signed up for a program called Space and Ease: A Personal Retreat.

Ratna Ling delivered exactly what I was looking for and much more; the entire place is so peaceful and quiet. They offered a clean, spacious & beautifully appointed private cottage with tons of natural lights and an outdoor patio surrounded by redwood trees. I enjoyed sipping my coffee, watching the sunrise on my patio in the morning. At night, I watched a sky full of stars and even saw the Milky Way! The package included the delicious and freshly prepared vegetarian food as well. The facility, garden, accommodation and dining experience provided an atmosphere of all-inclusive private health and wellness resort but much better thanks to wonderful staff and volunteers who were genuinely kind and caring. The entire stay felt amazingly peaceful and safe so I immediately signed up for another retreat called Weekend of Self Care which included several group programs led by highly experienced yoga and spiritual teachers.

I was not sure what to expect and many participants, including myself, have never been to this type of retreat but almost everybody seemed to have found deep connections and left with a much more open heart at the end of the retreat. The entire program was built around building genuine connections to ourselves and others and the teachers were truly there to be your leaders and guides as you find your own path to wholeness and deeper connection.

I recently participated in another 3-day retreat called "Change & Surrender" and had a beautiful experience once again. Gloria and Merrill were the teachers leading the retreat. They were extremely knowledgeable and were genuinely caring. Gloria made each of us feel truly belonged and were meant to be here. The retreat participants were a really diverse group of folks with different backgrounds and age groups yet she masterfully created an open space where everybody felt very safe to be vulnerable, cultivate genuine connection and find deep healing. It was truly a magical experience.

In short, I highly recommend this place whether you are simply looking for a quiet place to relax and recharge in a beautiful natural setting or want to dive into to have deeper experiences. Ratna Ling has something...

A gorgeous and transformational space!

My husband and I attended a 3-day "Change & Surrender" retreat, and we could not have imagined a more beautiful experience. This was our first time to Ratna Ling, after finding it through a Google search. The teachers, volunteers and other retreat participants made the weekend so comfortable and safe. We felt fed in all ways--mind, body and spirit.

Gloria Baraquio and Merrill Peterson were the teachers leading the retreat. They are so knowledgeable and compassionate. They thoughtfully curated such rich offerings, including gentle yoga sessions, reflective writing exercises, and discussions about meeting life changes with grace and patience. Gloria is a true master of holding space for people to dive deep and to feel seen and heard. I cannot recommend Gloria highly enough. Her expertise and her heart combine to make magic.

Every aspect of the retreat was amazing. The food was so fresh and plentiful. The beds were deliciously comfortable. We saw deer and wild turkeys roaming the grounds, and we sat among centuries-old redwood trees. We would go back to Ratna Ling again in a heartbeat, particularly if Gloria is leading.

The photos attached are views of the morning sunrises from the balcony of our cottage. The night skies were absolutely...

The center is nestled in the trees and mountains and just a lovely setting. The guest cabins are gorgeous wood structures and so well appointed. The 2 bedroom cabins are lovely private and nestled in the trees, the decks face away from other cabins so you feel like you are in your own world. The furniture lovely and comfortable and the spa bathtub was a total oasis of relaxation itself. We didn't get to use the wood stove but it looked inviting. While we didn't experience any rain - the metal rooves on the cabins would have made such a sound. The main lodge was a 5 minute walk on a paved path through nature. The wooden structure has high ceilings, beams, warm woodwork and stone work and is quite beautiful. There are fountains and outdoor seating. The vegetarian meal were so delicious - both a feast for the taste buds and the eyes. the fresh baked bread and desserts were scrumptious. So many fresh local ingredients. The yoga room had a gorgeous wood ceiling and many windows, such a warm welcoming space. Many acres to...