winter retreat

A soulful Winter Solstice gathering, surrounded by nature, community, and ceremony.

From Friday 19th – Sunday 21st June 2026, join us at the beautiful Yanada Retreat in the McDonald Valley for three days of rest, reflection, and renewal. Together we’ll honour the turning of the seasons with yoga, creative workshops, a solstice fire ceremony, nourishing vegetarian meals, and plenty of time to relax by the pool, spa, and fireplace.

With only 22 spots available, this intimate retreat is an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and welcome back the light of the solstice.

you are invited

Join your local yoga studio for Winter Solstice for a nourishing 3-day retreat at Yanada, a hidden sanctuary in the McDonald Valley. Together we’ll mark the turning of the seasons with ceremony, yoga, creativity, and community.

pick my room

retreat highlights

  • Winter Solstice Ceremony with Jennifer Lorena

  • Watercolour Meditation Workshop with Karen Gruber

  • Opening & Closing Circles with Annika Saigi

  • Yin Yoga & Meditation Classes

  • Welcome to Country & Smoking Ceremony with Uncle Col & Aunty Lilly

  • Guided Bush Walks

  • Kayaks available for hire on the river

  • Pool, hot tub & cosy fireplace

  • All meals provided (vegetarian, with vegan/GF options)

daily flow

Give a rough flow (not minute-by-minute but an idea of balance):

  • Friday 19th – Arrive from 4pm, welcome circle, opening dinner.

  • Saturday 20th – Morning yoga & meditation, creative workshops, solstice ceremony, evening fire.

  • Sunday 21st – Gentle morning practice, closing circle, check-out 12pm (lunch provided).

i need this

about yananda

Yanada is a peaceful eco-retreat centre set on 38 acres of bushland with exclusive use of the house, pool, spa, and grounds during our stay.

  • The whole space will be ours

  • Swimming Pool (it will be cold, but yolo!)

  • Fire Pit & Fire Place (did someone say marshmallows?)

  • Hotel-style rooms

  • Bell Tents

  • Yoga Hall with all props (bring your mat though!)

  • Surrounded by walking trails and nature

book in my spot

accommodation options & pricing

  • Dorm

    $799 per person

  • bell tent (twin)

    $899 per person

  • twin share

    $949 per person

  • private room

    $1499 per person

  • couples king room

    $1899 per couple

  • deposit

    Pay the $400 non-refundable deposit for the room of your choice.

what will we eat?

All meals that are included in your stay are vegetarian, locally sourced, home-cooked, and prepared with care. Vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options are available on request.

yes please

your retreat facilitators

  • jennifer lorena

  • karen gruber

  • Annika Saigi

The solstice marks the longest night and the return of the light — a time for reflection, renewal, and planting seeds of intention.

practical details

  • Check-in: 4 pm Friday 19 June 2026

  • Check-out: 12 pm Sunday 21 June 2026

  • Location: Yanada Retreat, McDonald Valley, NSW (about 1.5hrs from the St Marys studio & 2hrs from the Penrith studio)

  • Parking: available on-site

  • Bring: yoga clothes, yoga mat, swimmers, journal, warm layers

see room options

Payment Terms

Payment Options

We offer two simple payment options to secure your place:

  1. Pay in Full

    • Full balance is due at the time of booking.

    • Your spot is guaranteed once payment has been received.

  2. Payment Plan

    • Secure your place with a non-refundable $400 deposit at the time of booking.

    • Remaining balance is split into equal monthly instalments, automatically charged to your nominated card or account.

    • Final payment must be completed no later than 1 May 2026.

General Terms

  • Non-Refundable Deposit: The $400 deposit secures your place and is non-refundable under any circumstances.

  • Transfers: If you are unable to attend, your booking may be transferred to another person (they will need to accept the same terms).

  • Cancellations:

    • If you cancel before 1 April 2026, all payments made (minus the $400 deposit) can be refunded.

    • After 1 April 2026, no refunds are available, as retreat costs are committed at this stage.

  • 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 and any monies paid will be non-refundable.

  • Payment Methods: Payments can be made via credit card, debit card, or direct bank transfer (if arranged in advance).

Important Notes

  • Places are limited to 22 guests only.

  • All prices include accommodation, meals, workshops, and retreat activities (optional extras such as massage or kayak hire are not included).

  • By booking, you agree to these terms and conditions.

lets do it

 FAQs

  • Of course! Please come as you are. We will look after you and have lots of options.

  • Sure can. We will be sure to introduce everyone on the first night.

  • 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.

  • No, but we will make a Whatspp group for all the guests, and carpooling can be a question you ask in the group!

    • 2 nights / 3 days accommodation at Yanada Retreat

    • All vegetarian meals (with vegan, GF and DF options available)

    • Opening & closing circles, Winter Solstice ceremony, watercolour meditation workshop, crochet workshop

    • Use of the pool, hot tub and fireplace

    • Access to the yoga hall and meditation equipment

    • Welcome to Country & Smoking Ceremony with Uncle Col

    • Transport to and from the venue

    • Optional extras like massage treatments

    • Kayak hire ($20 per person)

  • Yanada is in the McDonald Valley, about 90 minutes from Sydney. Full directions will be provided upon booking.

    • Dorms sleep 3–5 people

    • Twin share rooms can be configured as king or singles

    • Private rooms available (limited)

    • Couples’ king rooms available

    • Luxury bell tents available for a cosy “glamping” feel

  • Yes! You can either:

    • Pay in full at booking, OR

    • Pay a $400 deposit and then spread the remaining balance across monthly instalments, with final payment due by 1 May 2026.

    • Your $400 deposit is non-refundable.

    • If you cancel before 1 April 2026, we’ll refund anything you’ve paid (minus deposit).

    • After 1 April 2026, no refunds are possible, but you can transfer your booking to someone else.

  • This retreat is intimate, capped at 22 guests maximum.

    • 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

We’d sooo so love for you to join us for this special solstice gathering — a chance to reconnect with yourself, your community, and the cycles of nature on darkinjung country.

limited to 22 spots