winter retreat
A soulful Winter Solstice retreat surrounded by nature, community, warmth, and connection.
From Friday 18th to Sunday 20th June 2027, join us at the beautiful Yanada Retreat in the McDonald Valley for three days of movement, creativity, rest, and community. Together we'll honour the turning of the season with yoga, meditation, an optional 108 Sun Salutations practice, kayaking, creative workshops, nourishing vegetarian meals, and a special Winter Solstice ceremony.
Spend your mornings moving, your afternoons creating, exploring or soaking in the heated hydrotherapy spa, and your evenings gathered around the fireplace. For the brave, the swimming pool will also be there for an invigorating winter cold plunge.
With only 19 spots available, this intimate retreat is an invitation to step away from everyday life, slow down, reconnect with yourself and others, and mark the Winter Solstice together as we welcome the gradual return of the light.
you are invited
Join your local yoga studio for a rejuvenating 3-day Winter Solstice Retreat at Yanada, a hidden sanctuary in the McDonald Valley. Together we'll honour the turning of the season with yoga, meditation, creative workshops, kayaking, ceremony, and community, with plenty of time to slow down, gather by the fireplace, soak in the heated hydrotherapy spa, and enjoy the stillness of winter.
retreat highlights
• Winter Solstice Ceremony with Jennifer Lorena
• 108 Sun Salutations with Annika Saigi (optional)
• Yin Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga & Meditation Classes
• Opening & Closing Circles with Annika Saigi
• Watercolour Meditation Workshop with Karen Gruber
• Kayaking Adventure (optional)
• Laughter Yoga with Jeevi
• Restorative Yoga & Sound Healing
• Heated Hydrotherapy Spa
• Pool for an optional winter cold plunge
• Cosy fireplace & beautiful natural surroundings
• Plenty of free time to relax, read, journal, explore or simply do nothing at all
• All meals provided (vegetarian, with vegan and gluten-free options available)
daily flow
Friday 18th June – Arrive from 5 pm, settle into your room, enjoy dinner together, then ease into retreat with an Opening Circle, Yin Yoga and Guided Meditation.
Saturday 19th June – Begin the day with Vinyasa Yoga, followed by meditation, kayaking on the river, our Watercolour Meditation Workshop, free time to relax by the fireplace or soak in the heated hydrotherapy spa, and a Winter Solstice Ceremony with Jen in the evening.
Sunday 20th June – Start the day with an optional 108 Sun Salutations practice, enjoy Laughter Yoga with Jeevi, then finish the retreat with Restorative Yoga, Sound Healing, a Closing Circle, and some extra time to relax before departing in the afternoon.
about yanada
Yanada is a peaceful eco-retreat centre nestled on 38 acres of bushland in the beautiful McDonald Valley. During our retreat, we'll have exclusive use of the property, giving us space to slow down, connect, and fully immerse ourselves in the experience.
• Heated hydrotherapy spa
• Swimming pool for those brave enough for a winter cold plunge
• Cosy indoor fireplace
• Comfortable hotel-style accommodation
• Dedicated Yoga Hall with props provided (just bring your own mat)
• Beautiful bushland surrounds with walking trails and river access
• Plenty of quiet spaces to read, journal, nap, explore, or simply do nothing at all
• Less than two hours from Penrith/Sydney, yet it feels a world away
Whether you're joining us for the yoga, Winter Solstice ceremony, creativity, connection, or simply the opportunity to step away from everyday life for a few days, Yanada provides the perfect setting to slow down, get cosy, and embrace the stillness of winter.
accommodation options & pricing
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twin/triple share
$1199 per person
A monthly payment plan is also avalible at checkout.
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Dorm
$1149 per person
A monthly payment plan is also available at checkout.
What Will We Eat?
One of the highlights of the retreat is undoubtedly the food.
Throughout the weekend you'll be nourished by the incredible Jeevi Ramtel, better known as the Laughing Chef. Originally from Nepal, Jeevi is a plant-based chef, certified raw food chef and instructor, and Laughter Yoga Master who has spent years sharing his passion for delicious, nourishing food around the world.
Jeevi is the regular chef for Happy Buddha Retreats and co-founder of the Raw Living Academy. Known for his warmth, joy, and ability to create meals that leave people feeling both satisfied and energised, he brings far more than just great food to the table. His approach is centred around the idea that food should nourish not only the body, but also the mind and spirit.
All meals throughout the retreat are vegetarian, locally sourced where possible, home-cooked, and prepared with care. Expect colourful, flavourful meals designed to leave you feeling nourished, grounded, and well looked after for the entire weekend.
Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and other dietary requirements can be catered for. Simply let us know your requirements when booking and we'll make sure you're looked after.
As an extra treat, Jeevi will also be sharing some of his knowledge during a special cooking workshop, where you'll learn some of the secrets behind his much-loved plant-based creations.
Trust us when we say nobody leaves a Yanada retreat hungry.
your retreat facilitators
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Annika Saigi
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karen gruber
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jennifer lorena
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Jeevi Ramtel
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Uncle Col
what will we get up to?
Below is a little look at everything we'll be getting up to over the weekend.
Please remember, it is ALL OPTIONAL. If you want to spend three days curled up with your favourite book overlooking the mountains and bush, sitting by the fireplace, or soaking in the heated spa until you're an actual prune, we fully support that too.
Come to everything, come to a few things, or come to nothing at all.
You do you.
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Opening Circle
Our retreat begins with a welcoming Opening Circle, giving you the opportunity to arrive, settle into the space, and connect with the group. Together we'll share intentions for the weekend, participate in a guided meditation, and create a supportive environment for the days ahead.
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Yin Yoga
Slow down and unwind with a nourishing Yin Yoga practice. Expect long-held, supported postures designed to gently stretch the body, calm the nervous system, and create space to rest and reconnect.
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Guided Meditation
Throughout the retreat we'll explore guided meditation practices designed to cultivate presence, awareness, and a deeper connection to ourselves and the natural environment around us. Meditation is traditionally done seated, but if you prefer to lie down, that is always welcome too.
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108 Sun Salutations
A traditional yogic practice often used to mark seasonal transitions and significant moments throughout the year. This moving meditation combines breath, focus, and repetition in a powerful and energising way. Participants are welcome to complete as many rounds as feels right for them.
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Water Colour Art Workshop
Join Karen Gruber for a creative workshop using watercolour paints. No artistic experience is required. This session is less about creating a masterpiece and more about slowing down, being present, and exploring creativity as a mindfulness practice.
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Kayaking
One of the highlights of the weekend. This optional kayaking adventure will take us out onto the waterways surrounding the property using Uncle Col's kayaks, giving us the chance to explore the beautiful natural landscape of the valley from the water. No previous kayaking experience is required, and you're just as welcome to stay cosy back at Yanada if kayaking in winter isn't your thing.
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Laughing Yoga with Jeevi
Join Jeevi Ramtel, Certified Laughter Yoga Master, for a playful session designed to boost energy, reduce stress, and reconnect us with joy.
Through simple breathing exercises, gentle movement, and intentional laughter, we'll explore the powerful effects laughter can have on both body and mind.
No experience required. Just bring an open mind and a willingness to have some fun.
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Winter Solstice Ceremony
Facilitated by Jennifer Lorena, this special evening ceremony invites us to pause and honour the Winter Solstice. Through reflection, ritual, connection, and community, we'll mark the longest nights of the year and the gradual return of the light, creating space to reflect on what we're ready to release and what we'd like to carry into the season ahead.
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Restorative Yoga & Sound Healing
Our final practice together. Restorative Yoga uses props and fully supported postures to encourage deep relaxation and nervous system regulation. Combined with the soothing sounds of crystal bowls and other instruments, this session offers the perfect opportunity to integrate the weekend before returning home.
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Closing Circle
We gather one final time to reflect on the weekend, share any insights or experiences, and gently transition back into everyday life. A beautiful way to close the retreat and honour the connections formed throughout our time together.
As the days grow shorter and winter invites us to slow down, we are reminded of nature's cycles of rest, reflection, and renewal. This retreat is an invitation to pause, reconnect with what matters most, honour how far you've come, and create space for what you'd like to carry forward as the light begins to return.
practical details
Check-in: 5:00pm Friday 18 June 2027
Check-out: 2:00pm Sunday 20 June 2027
Location: Yanada Retreat, McDonald Valley, NSW (approximately 1.5 hours from Penrith)
Parking: Available onsite
Bring: Warm and comfortable clothes, yoga clothes, yoga mat, swimmers for the heated hydrotherapy spa (and an optional cold plunge!), journal, water bottle, walking shoes, slippers, and anything else you need to feel cosy and comfortable for a winter weekend away.
Accommodation, meals, towels, bedding, and yoga props are provided.
No previous yoga, kayaking, meditation, or art experience is required. All activities are optional, and you're welcome to participate as much or as little as you'd like throughout the weekend.
This weekend is for you. Do as you please and decide whenever you feel.
Payment Terms
Payment Options
Pay in Full
Full balance is due at the time of booking.
Your place is secured once payment has been received.
Payment Plan
Monthly payment plans are available.
Payments will be automatically charged to your nominated card until the retreat has been paid in full.
If a payment does not process, the system will continue attempting payment and a dishonour fee may be charged.
General Terms
Transfers
If you are unable to attend, your booking may be transferred to another person at any stage before the retreat. The new participant will be required to accept the same booking terms and conditions.
Cancellations & Refunds
We understand that plans can change, especially when booking a retreat well in advance.
• Cancel by 31 December 2026: Full refund of all payments made.
• Cancel between 1 January and 28 February 2027: Refund of payments made, minus a $150 cancellation fee.
• Cancel between 1 March and 30 April 2027: 50% of the total retreat fee is refundable.
• Cancel from 1 May 2027: No refunds are available, as accommodation, catering, facilitators and other retreat costs have been committed.
If you're unable to attend, you are welcome to transfer your booking to another person instead.
For payment plan bookings, cancellation does not automatically stop or remove the remaining balance owing. Any refund or remaining balance will be calculated according to the cancellation terms above and the total price of your retreat booking.
Missed Payments
If an instalment payment is missed, we will contact you. If payments are not brought up to date within 14 days, your place may be forfeited. Any refund eligibility will be determined by the cancellation policy above.
Payment Methods
Payments can be made via credit card, debit card, or direct bank transfer by prior arrangement.
Important Notes
• Places are limited to 19 guests.
• All prices include accommodation, meals, workshops, yoga classes, and included retreat activities.
• Optional extras outside the retreat package are not included.
• No previous yoga, meditation, kayaking, or art experience is required.
• All activities are optional. You're welcome to participate as much or as little as you'd like throughout the weekend.
• Retreat activities, facilitators and the schedule may change if required due to weather, safety, availability or circumstances outside our control.
• By booking, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to these payment and cancellation terms.
FAQs
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Of course! Please come as you are. We will look after you and have lots of options.
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Sure can. We will be sure to introduce everyone on the first night.
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All good! Just let us know by emailing info@ninyoga.com.au and we will make a note on your profile and give the chefs a heads up.
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No, but we will make a Whatspp group for all the guests, and carpooling can be a question you ask in the group!
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2 nights / 3 days accommodation at Yanada Retreat
All vegetarian meals (with vegan, GF and DF options available)
All offerings on the schedule
Use of the pool
Access to the yoga hall and meditation equipment
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Transport to and from the venue
Kayak hire ($20 per person)
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Yanada is in the McDonald Valley, about 90 minutes from Sydney. Full directions will be provided upon booking.
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Dorms sleep 5 people
Twin share rooms can be configured as king or singles
Triple rooms are two single beds and a trundle bed (trundle bed is the same mattress as the single beds)
All rooms have share bathrooms
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Yes! You can either:
Pay in full at booking, OR
Pay in 6 installments one month apart each. The cost depends on which option you choose.
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Cancel by 31 December 2026: Receive a full refund of everything you’ve paid.
Cancel between 1 January and 28 February 2027: Receive a refund of payments made, minus a $150 cancellation fee.
Cancel between 1 March and 30 April 2027: 50% of the total retreat fee is refundable.
From 1 May 2027: No refunds are available, but you’re welcome to transfer your booking to someone else.
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This retreat is intimate, capped at 19 guests maximum.
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Comfortable clothes for yoga and workshops
Swimwear for the pool/spa
Warm layers for evenings by the fire
A journal
Personal toiletries
Any snacks or drinks you like
