Step out of the everyday Haze and into spring vibrance and clarity: transform your practice and deepen your heart, immersed in the expansive beauty and blooming hills of the Central California Coastland.
Experience the grounding power of Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Space. Find inspiration in ancient yogic wisdom and refinement in your practice by exploring the modern science behind stress resilience and functional movement. Be nourished by great company, farm-to table cuisine, cozy rooms, and the beautiful outdoors of Sagrada. You will return home a new you with an empowered yoga and strength practice.
Elements of Spring retreat
refine/ immerse / regenerate
5 day Intensive - Earth | Water | Fire | Wind | Space
April 16th - 20th, 2026
Your Journey into a vibrant Practice nourished by Heart, Ancient Tradition, Modern Science, and Timeless Elements
A journey from stillness into strength—and back to spaciousness.
Elements of Spring is a 5 day Anusara yoga intensive for movers, yogis & everyday athletes.
This kind of retreat — combining science and intuition: heart-centered Anusara Yoga, Conditioning, and the elegance and functionality of Loaded Movement with a Mace — exists nowhere else in the world.
Imagine saying YES to a retreat that provides both rest, AND the self-care of learning and exploration, immersed in movement training, asana mastery (whatever your level), and unconventional wisdom with an expert coach and master teacher.
Now imagine taking your practice seriously & with humor, alongside other kind, interesting folks, here to thrive (not just survive), and here to become a fuller, life-giving human being.
Every day you wake up to verdant fresh nature, delicious food, training with an expert so you can learn to trust your body-in-motion as you experience ‘aha’ moments of science, nail that yoga pose you’ve been eyeing, meditate on verdant trails, rest deeply, and explore infinite creative possibilities in your own life.
At our 5-Day Yoga and Science Intensive, you will be training at a cherished family retreat center on sacred land. In view of the mountains, and in a spacious yoga studio, we will tap into deep contentment as we move through the natural arc of a wave: from grounding spaciousness and receptivity on Day 1, to empowered action and culminating in a relaxed sense of expansion on Day 5.
Each day builds on the last, blending Anusara’s Universal Principles of Alignment with elemental theming, movement science, and Loaded Asana for strength and function.
Whatever your level, you finally get to refine your form, train with like-minded people, and understand the ‘why and how’ behind effective yoga breathwork, meditation, and yoga poses (forward folds, backbends, twists, handbalancings and inversions), the use of conditioning with and without load to enhance your yoga and nervous system response, and much more, with your Yogini Coach Suzanne. Saying YES to yourself will ‘keep on giving’ to your movement practice all year long.
Inspired by the life-giving system of Nature’s Elements that are brought into relationship with your bodymind through the intuitive system of Anusara Yoga’s Five Principles of Alignment, you start to tap into your innate resilience, and feel more alive than you have in years. This is what is possible for you when you come to a training retreat with me, and this is only the beginning.
I’ve curated this 5 Day Intensive with an Elemental Intensity Arc for my global training community (yes, you!) in mind, as an opportunity to refine your skills, be inspired and playful, experience a training Immersion & take an adventure with other likeminded humans.
Are you ready to embark on a transformative Journey through the elements, from earth to sky and back again?
This 5 Day Training Retreat is designed to…
Grow your mastery of Yoga poses (whatever your level)
Cultivate a deeper understanding of pranayama, meditation, self myofascial release and stretching
Experience the science of joint centration, loaded asana, and short periods of conditioning. You will experience how this combination can change our brain, and revolutionize the way we respond to stressors.
Connect you with other Yogis, movers, and likeminded folks
You’ll also learn how to:
Practice the intuitive fundamentals of Anusara Yoga (even if you are brand new!) and experience how Loops and Spirals unlock your access to Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space, respectively!
Enhance your practice with the mythical Steel Mace (Gada): Moving with the Steel mace will greatly improve your mind-muscle connection, and will exponentially increase your stamina, stability, and precision on and off the mat,
Flood your brain & body with new training techniques that will help you tap into Flow State.
To push your current edge and give you new yoga and strength skills to bring home to practice.
Cultivate a deeper understanding of the tools we train with, and how they can actually change the way our brain functions (forever!)
Make it stand out
About the location: Sagrada Wellness.
Immerse yourself in a world of Earth and Sky
“Sagrada: where Mountains meet the Sky, and the Stars overhead Multiply” - retreat guest
Our Elements Retreat takes place in the Central Coast of California which I’ve selected for its beautiful landscapes and lovely climate. You will be traveling through Italianesque wine country, with a chance to witness spectacular springtime superblooms that often happen in April. Our location is near the quaint university town of San Luis Obispo (a favorite destination for foodies!).
I’ve selected the Sagrada Wellness Retreat Center because of its spaciousness and dedication to Yoga, immersion in nature, its expansive, carefully tended spaces, and the center’s openness to host my non-conventional style of training.
Perched on a majestic hilltop and surrounded by preserved land, Sagrada is a one-of-a-kind Central Coast California yoga retreat destination. The 45-acre mountain sanctuary is known for hosting boutique-style Yoga retreats on a sprawling ranch property with delightful modern cottages, a high ceilinged yoga studio and outdoor practice space, delicious rustic cuisine prepared onsite, a saltwater pool, hottub, firepit, and plenty of space to spread out and find peace. Hiking options available.
The location is all inclusive, and I expect this retreat to sell out months in advance!
STUDIO & COMMUNAL SPACE
Sagrada has an expansive yoga studio indoors, and an outdoor practice space by the pool.
There are several cozy communal areas in the cottages and outside, as well as a comfortable dining room with tea and coffee.
hiking | sunset | vines
Surrounded by rolling hills and verdant views, we will be taking some of our training and meditation sessions outdoors for a varied environment (and to swing our maces - optional).
You can also go on hikes during your lunch breaks and on our light days, as well as for sunset meditation. There will be one afternoon with a longer hike option.
The closest beach to the Sagrada retreat center is Avila Beach, which is about a 15-20 minute drive away. Other nearby options include Pismo Beach and Morro Bay, also within a short drive.
nourishment | cuisine
Enjoy three delicious meals daily, prepared onsite by the Sagrada Kitchen. The cuisine is vegetarian, organic, and mostly gluten-free, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and a comforting, homemade touch.
Breakfast features strong organic coffee, teas, fresh fruit, and nourishing egg dishes.
Lunch includes charcuterie-style spreads with cheeses, fruits, breads, dips, and a rotating light entrée.
Dinner is hearty and flavorful—think veggie tacos, chickpea curry, Greek antipasto, or roasted Buddha bowls.
Each meal is designed to fuel your practice and delight your senses. Dessert (like brownies, banana bread, or fruit cobbler) round out the evening.
For nearly 20 years, Sagrada cuisine has been a yogi’s favorite—nourishing the body and uplifting the spirit, one shared meal at a time.
accommodations and pricing
Pricing includes entire retreat Package
(room & Cuisine, training, illustrated Yoga & Science manual)
(scroll down for full list of inclusions)
Communal room
A shared accommodation in our sunny mountain vista room. Sleeps 6 in single beds. Perfect for solo attendees or travel buddies. The communal room has a sitting area, plenty of cubby spaces for your clothes, toiletries, yoga gear, and a large shared bathroom.
Price: $2549 $ 3049 per person.
VIP DISCOUNT EXPIRES 9/23
Private room (Full bed)
in Sagrada Cottage
Single occupancy in a private room in a gorgeous two-bedroom secluded cottage with a full size bed. Shared bathroom, kitchen, and living space.
One available!
Price: $2649 $ 3149 per person.
VIP DISCOUNT EXPIRES 9/23
Private room (Queen bed)
Private room with a queen bed and comfy linens. Opens onto spacious patios with gorgeous ranch views. Shared bathrooms are across the hall.
4 rooms available. Single or double occupancy.
Price: $2699 $ 3249 per person.
VIP DISCOUNT EXPIRES 9/23
Private Deluxe room
(King bed) - 2 Person
Double occupancy private room with a king bed. Shared bathroom (with 1-2 others staying in the cottage), kitchen, and living space.
Two rooms available. (Must book 2 spots per room)
Price: $2699 $ 3249 per person.
VIP DISCOUNT EXPIRES 9/23
what’s Included
(scroll down for full list of inclusions and daily schedule)
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Progressive Yoga Asana based on the five elements
Daily extensive Yoga sessions where you get to grow your capacity according to your level. Includes options for Inversions and Armbalances (as well as op-out options)
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art and science of breathwork and meditation
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Delicious Local cuisine
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Stay in boutique-style accommodations
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loaded strength and conditioning for yogis of all levels
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Mini-workshops on topics ranging from flowstate to functional anatomy
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Scenic Hiking and strolling
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Myofascial Release, Stretching, and Bodyscans
What is Included in this Retreat
5 Days of Anusara Yoga Flow and Pose Architecture, Breathwork/Meditation, Loaded and unloaded Functional Movement Training, and selected science mini sessions with Suzanne
Steel Mace and Light Dowels are provided (no experience needed)
Lodging for 4 Nights at peaceful Sagrada Retreat Center on Sprawling Ranch land only 15 mins from San Luis Obispo
All Meals & some snacks included
Purified Water on - site
Wifi Access and Phone access
Outdoor pool (heated) and hottub
Hiking opportunities
Proximity to beaches (30 min drive) before and after the retreat
What is not Included
Transportation (car pooling is encouraged)
your favorite individual snacks
alcohol (BYOB / BYOW)
what’s included
this trip is for you iF:
….you like the intersection of yoga and science and feel empowered when you learn new things about how your body and mind work, both on an energy / felt sense level and on a ‘factual’ level
…you know you need more stretching and rolling out, but haven’t yet found the most effective way of opening tight tissues or are interested in spending more time rolling out and stretching.
…you are curious about the science around ‘Flowstate’ which has been a popular topic for high performance athletes and now has finally ‘trickled down’ to everyday athletes like us
…you are intrigued by the Neuro-Science of stress and would like to know more tools that help you relieve mental and physical stress
…you want to join a down-to-earth community of like-minded folks dedicated to living life at its fullest
…you want to take both your yoga and your strength practice to the next level (YOUR next level, whatever your current level is)
… you are feeling the call to go on a nourishing retreat that has sweet accomodations, fresh food, and beautiful surroundings
…you like sitting and walking in nature and finding peace
… are interested in exploring strength and conditioning as part of your practice and have either worked with loaded movement before, or would like to try it (steel mace optional)
…are interested in improving how you use yoga, stretching and/or meditation and breathwork to experience life in more color and less stress
ELEMENTS OF SPRING
how they will figure into our Anusara Yoga and conditioning practice
Thursday April 16 - Monday April 20, 2026
Week Overview: sneak peek of our wave-based practice
We will tap into deep contentment as we move our elements through the natural arc of a wave: from grounding spaciousness and receptivity on Day 1, to empowered action and back into integration on Day 5.
The wave concept is from recovery-based training models that prevent soreness and burnout.
Day 1 (half day) – Open to Grace [Element: Space]
Element: Sky (Space) | Quality: Expansion
Intensity: Low / Restorative
A day of attunement and intention. Through gentle movement, breathwork, and meditation, you’ll open to presence and possibility. Themes of receptivity, space, and soft awareness.
🌀 Focus: nervous system regulation, subtle awareness, sensing before doing.
Yoga Poses explored (modifications provided): Neutral Spine positions & sidebends to expand your sidebody.
Day 2 – Muscle Energy [Element: Earth]
Element: Earth | Quality: Integration
Intensity: Low/Moderate
Begin to draw inward and stabilize. Explore foundational strength, grounding postures, and basic Loaded Asana to build body awareness and inner support.
🌀 Focus: isometric engagement, core support, structure, breath-informed effort.
Peak Poses: Leg Drive, Core & Forward Folds
Day 3 – Inner Spiral [Element: water]
Elements: Water + Fire | Qualities: Expansion, opening, Fluidity
Intensity: Moderate
A dynamic and “spiralic” day. Fluid, circular movements (Inner Spiral) Introducing more moderate load and complexity.
🌀 Focus: mobility, dynamic alignment, spiral patterns, balanced strength and flow.
Peak Poses: Safety in Backbends [depth of Backbend depends on individual level]
Day 4 – Outer Spiral & Organic EnergY[Element: Fire and air]
Peak intensity day. Radiate strength through core-Loaded Asana flows, full-spectrum movement, and confident extension. This is the expressive, powerful culmination of the wave.
🌀 Focus: strength in range, breath-powered movement, integrated expansion. with the heat and precision of outer spiral action.
Peak ak Poses explored in afternoon lab: Root to Rise in balancing poses and inversions (handstands). Satisfying alternatives provided!
Day 5 (half day) – Return to Grace
Element: Sky + Earth | Quality: Receptive Integration
Intensity: None / Low
A return to stillness and reflection. This day mirrors Day 1, with restorative practices, pranayama, reflection, and embodied integration of what has been learned.
🌀 Focus: integration, rest, somatic release, journaling, and closing ritual.
Peak poses explored : Chest openers, shoulderstand, headstand variations - finding stillness in inversions. Satisfying alternatives provided!
Day overview (note: Thursday and Monday are half days)
Attendance is encouraged but not mandatory ;-)
[Early AM: option: individual sunrise journaling]
7:00am-8:30am Coffee & Breakfast
Morning Elements Session: 8:30am-12:00pm (with breaks!): Morning session includes an all levels Anusara Yoga and conditioning practice, as well as breathwork and meditation leading up to lunchtime.
12:30-2pm Lunch Provided* On Site
Afternoon Session: 2pm - 4:30pm Training experiential anatomy (finetuning your mind/muscle connection) and playful but safe Steel Mace movement and mastery, wrapping up with calming self myofascial release, pranayama and bodyscan. Some afternoons will include pose labs (inversions)
(note: afternoon session will be outdoors under the yoga awning, weather permitting)
5:30 pm -7:00 pm Dinner Provided* On Site
[7:15 - 7:45 pm: option for Sunset walking meditation to the mountaintop]
8pm - 10:00pm - Free time / Firepit musings / hottub
sneak peek at the 5 days of programming
“This retreat is for you if” (Here is the Why behind Suzanne’s 5 Day Intensive):
You love immersion style retreats - and want a focused environment to train body & mind
You want to level up in your yoga, movement, and stress resilience practice
You are ready to gain new skills
You understand the value of dedicating several focused days to personal growth
You are ready for big shifts and are open to a multi-layered approach
You value personal development & want to train with an experienced coach and master Anusara yoga teacher
the ‘why’ behind
Elements of Spring retreat
About your YogA Coach Suzanne
Suzanne is a European-American international movement coach, steel mace vinyasa teacher and Anusara yoga teacher trainer. She has studied classical asana and philosophy as well as cutting-edge anatomy and therapeutics with some of the world’s most skilled teachers, including Noah Mazé, Sianna Sherman, Steel Mace Vinyasa founder Summer Huntington, and meditation and philosophy teachers Douglas Brooks, Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach.
With Noah Mazé, she earned her 300-hour advanced teaching certificate during a year-long course of study in Berlin, focusing on Iyengar-based alignment Hatha and Vinyasa yoga with an emphasis in physiotherapy taught by Dr. Paula Gelbart. Before that, she completed her 200-hour Anusara-yoga teacher training with Siri Peterson, and has further studied with Sianna Sherman, Adam Ballenger and other Anusara Master teachers. Suzanne obtained the rigorous Anusara certification in 2018 under the new teacher-led school, Anusara School of Hatha Yoga, and is a certified Steel Mace Trainer.
happy campers: what people are saying about Suzanne’s Immersion and nature retreats
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provided a wonderful holistic experience
“Crashing waves, birds chirping, sun shining overhead, beautifully kind people, nourishing food. These are just some highlights of this rejuvenating weekend with Suzanne. The continuous challenge at slowing down & checking in with myself will always be there, but Suzanne gave me the key to the portal where I can access myself in blissful states of yoga & meditation. I feel so grateful that I was able to participate in this weekend of wellness that I plan on incorporating these teachings into my everyday practice.
Heidi, Nurse Practitioner
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I really loved the meditation sessions
I really loved the meditation sessions led by Suzanne on our Annapurna trek. She built up our awareness over several sessions, allowing us to easy in to a meditation practice and acknowledge all of the feelings - good and bad- that were coming up. After each session she offered us a chance to talk about what came up. It was beautiful way to be in tune with ourselves on the trip.
Tessa Scott, PHD student in Lingustics
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I felt so well cared for physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
My trek to ABC was one of the best trips I’ve ever done. When we trekkers were beat, Suzanne would give personal physical training and even a massage. I felt so well cared for physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I came home with an album of fantastic pictures, fitter in body and soul, and richer by my new close friends.
Dorothea Bowman, Kaplan Prep Specialist
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I felt connected to nature in a way that I have never experienced.
Such an amazing retreat, both energising & calming. I loved the breath work - I have always loved nature, the ocean, the cypress trees but the work we did here together I felt so connected to it in a way that I have never experienced. - Breathing with the ocean - I felt like the ocean. Sitting out meditating in the morning at daybreak watching the cypress grove, I felt strong and like the trees. Thank you for this amazing retreat. Your wisdom, caring heart, openness, and fun loving spirit has made this an experience I will carry with me in my everyday life. I have so much gratitude for you and for every one here.”
– Jen Murphy, Manager
frequently asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Feel free to reach out with more questions:
Email me at info@suzannezuberyoga.com
or
call me at 510 993 8550
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A: Suzanne Zuber is registered with Yoga Alliance at the highest level (e-RYT 500), certified as an advanced certified Anusara Yoga teacher trainer and is a certified Steel Mace and functional movement coach, also with Yoga Alliance. In her retreats and trainings, which she has been providing for 10+ years, she always provides an inclusive & safe coaching environment. You will be encouraged to stay present at all sessions, and you will be given specific modifications when needed. Suzanne has worked with 80+ year olds, people with injuries, post natal women and everyone in between. Show up, learn and expand your upper limits safely. There are ways to work with and adapt to most injuries as well.
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A: Fly into San Luis Obispo's airport (SBP) if you want to get here fast and don't want to rent a car. It is about 20 minutes via taxi or Uber or Lyft ride from the airport in San Luis Obispo to Sagrada Wellness. If you want to see more of California, fly into Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) or San Jose (SJC). Flying into any of these three airports will require a car rental. The drive from these airports is beautiful and full of interesting sites along the way.
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Check-in is at 2pm on Thursday.
If you are flying in internationally, I always recommend arriving 48 hours before the event starts to acclimate to the time changes, the area and rest up before training day one. San Luis Obispo is a lovely university town with sweet accommodations and great food if you want to arrive earlier and/or leave later!
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A: Anusara Yoga is a globally popular form of Hatha Yoga, often described as "Iyengar Yoga with heart." It's known for its safety, strength-building, heart-opening, and life-affirming qualities. Classes have a relaxed, strong, and graceful feel. Depending on the theme, a class can be gentle and flowing or powerful and intense. The intention is to strengthen weaker areas of the body and soften tense areas through joint-centering and movement. Students are not rushed from one pose to the next, but rather the teacher uses verbal cues and demonstrations to guide them slowly into optimal alignment. All manual and verbal adjustments are based on scientifically sound knowledge of biomechanics and functional anatomy. The ultimate goal of an Anusara teacher is to empower students by fostering an understanding and appreciation for their own body, heart, and mind.
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The Gada, also known as the Indian mace, has a rich history rooted in ancient India, evolving from a weapon to a tool for strength training and even holding symbolic significance in Hindu mythology. It was a favorite among wrestlers and warriors, particularly in the akhadas (wrestling training arenas), for developing functional strength, endurance, and combat readiness. Its modern revival sees it as a popular fitness tool for various disciplines, including circular strength training. Most recently, Summer Huntington developed a style called Steel Mace Vinyasa which combines Steel Mace work with Yoga flows.
Gada Mace Mysticism: just as the earth moves around the sun, gathering life force from it and storing it, the Gada Mace moves around the body to gather life force to be used by its practitioner. Learning to use the mace was a sign of bravery, physical strength, and radiance like the sun.
Nowadays, Steel Mace is rapidly becoming known as the ‘ultimate full body conditioning tool’.
It holds its weight in the ball head, which results in uneven weight distribution.
==> because of this, steel mace exercises automatically engage smaller stabilizing muscles around our joints.
This kind of offset training will increase your core and rotation strength and athletic performance x 10.
==> Steel Mace Workouts are the core of functional training.
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Functional training is a type of exercise that focuses on movements used in everyday life, aiming to improve your ability to perform daily tasks more efficiently and safely. It involves exercises that mimic real-world activities, strengthening the body in a way that enhances performance in those activities.
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This retreat is non-refundable.
I recommend purchasing travel insurance.
However, if life gets in the way, you have the option of finding someone to take your place. Suzanne will also put out her feelers on your behalf (no guarantees).
If no one is found, your trip will not be re-funded.
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A: No, you do not need experience to join. However, familiarity with sun salutation a and b is a plus.
In addition, Suzanne provides you with access to 1 month of fundamentals online classes to prep with, and she also has videos on youtube that you can practice with if you haven’t invested in her programs yet.
Suzanne’s website: suzannezuberyoga.com
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A: Bring comfortable breathable shirts and pants/shorts, as well as layers to cover up. We will be training in a covered yoga studio, as well as out by the pool.
Additional items to bring:
a water bottle
proper footwear for light hiking
Sunscreen, sunglasses
Umbrella or rain gear in case it sprinkles
Bathing suit
Before you start your trip, I recommend purchasing additional travel insurance coverage.
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Day 1 is a short training day 3pm - 6pm
Day 5 is a short training day 8am -11am
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Please bring a Yoga mat. If you do not own a mat, Suzanne can lend you one (let her know at least 2 weeks in advance).
Steel Mace & Dowels will be provided. If you own a steel mace and/or a dowel, please bring it.
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A: All guests must be paid registrants and participate in the entire retreat. This keeps the group & team mentality strong, and focused and you will get way more out of it if you stay connected with the group. We love having couples take our retreats, they just both must be registered.
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A: If you decide to stay off site, you are responsible for your own lodging & transport expenses and we do not provide a discount for forfeiting your bed or meals at the retreat center.
Cancellation policy
all sales are final / no refunds available. HOWEVER: Retreat IS transferable if you or Suzanne can find someone to take your place
Spots are limited and you making payment means you are taking a spot on the roster and all lodging & food/expenses are pre-paid months in advance.
If you have to cancel last minute, you understand that you are forfeiting your investment.
InvestmenT
There are two ways to pay:
1) Payment upfront
2) Pay in monthly installments
*** MONTHLY Payment Plan: inquire directly by emailing me at info@suzannezuberyoga.com***
Refer to booking policy below for more information.
This retreat is designed to leave nothing out. It includes full training, manual, accommodations, all food and snacks, hiking and more.
Do you feel the call of spring Growth?
Tell me more
Book-ended by several colorful days of art, cooking, and culture in Kathmandu and the lakeside town Pokhara, the famous eight day Annapurna Basecamp Trek is filled with mesmerizing views of mountains, verdant canyons, waterfalls, and hot springs, as we hike our way through picturesque Gurung villages and from teahouse to teahouse where we experience the warm hospitality of the local communities.
On our way to Annapurna Basecamp (ABC), the first jewel of the journey is witnessing the sun light up the magic mountain range of Annapurna on the world-famous Poonhill viewpoint, which is framed with blooming Rhododendrons at this time of year. The trail continues rimmed with views of some of the most majestic and auspicious mountains on the planet, including Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), and Machapuchhre (6993 m), also known as Fishtail. Includes a rest, yoga-and-unwind day at a mountain teahouse in Choli.
This trek is classified as grade medium and involves long but leisurely ascents and descents on stone steps and packed trails, an average of 6 to 7 hours a day. We will be carrying only a light day pack (luggage carried by porters).
A typical day on the Trek
Wake up to birdsong and option to greet the sun together with meditation and breathwork surrounded by mountains, sky, and vibrant foliage and blooms. After a full breakfast in the teahouse (various choices), we pack up, gear up with a handful of targeted hip and shoulder drills, and head out for our first hike of the day (ca 3-4 hours, leisurely pace). The first 20 minutes are an invitation to silent walking, to fully experience our spectacular (outer and inner!) surroundings.
Midday we arrive at the next teahouse, greeted by a fresh cup of tea. After an invigorating all levels yoga session that doesn’t over-tax the legs, lunch is served. The second hike (ca. 3-4 hours) is punctuated by a tea break along the way and frequent stops as needed. Arriving at the next teahouse anywhere from 4-5 pm, we may need to get dried off after an afternoon spring rain, get settled in our rooms, shower etc. Gentle stretching and bodyscan opportunity before dinner. After dinner, gather around a cozy fire in the community tea room, with time to play games, journal, draw, or just sit and enjoy. If demand arises, there will be a short outside evening meditation ‘sit’ to integrate the day and prepare for a restful night.
After trekking in the spectacular mountains, enjoying a rest-day in a historical teahouse, exploring gurung villages, and practicing full-spectrum yoga, we return filled with fresh Himalayan air to the picturesque lakeside town of Pokhara for a restful night, heading back to Kathmandu for one last afternoon in its colorful streets. A celebratory farewell dinner in Kathmandu tops off our adventure.
Meet Your Facilitators
This retreat is hosted by Suzanne Zuber, R-RYT 500, with the support of local mountaineer Dinesh Karki and his team.
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Suzanne Zuber Yoga (E-RYT 500) specializes in teaching Yoga and Movement that empowers you both physically and mentally.
Suzanne's classes (Hatha AND Vinyasa) incorporate cutting-edge techniques from physiotherapy and movement science to 'unlock' the powers of traditional yoga and help you counteract imbalances sustained by uneven workouts and stress.
I’m Suzanne Zuber, a German-American Yogini, lifelong hiker, mom of two girls and one goldendoodle called Louie. I’m a Yoga teacher trainer (E-RYT 500) and advanced certified Anusara Yoga teacher (ECAT). I teach an expert blend of Yoga and related movement modalities that picks you up where you are and empowers you both physically and mentally.
Born and raised in Munich and its Alpine surroundings, my path was shaped both by centuries of culture, art and ballet, as well as by the vibrant landscapes of mountain, woods, water, and sky of the Bavarian alps that surrounded me every day. I bring my personal history of vivid, multisensory, deep life into my yoga teaching - helping you design your experience in such a way that allows you to tap into the sweetness that comes with being in the moment, in your body, your breath, and your senses.
You can read more about me here.
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William Walsh is a well-known Mountain Yogi who has been teaching climbing and Yoga in the Bay Area and Davis for decades. He is known for his warming Vinyasa flow classes taught with insight, kind affirmation and humor.
Dinesh Karki, founder of Nature Explore Trek, was born and raised trekking in the Everest Region, and has been a certified mountain guide for almost 20 years. He has climbed mountains and led groups all over the world, and from all walks of life.
Dinesh is a seasoned mountaineer, who is enthusiastic and passionate about sharing mountain adventures with others. As a born and raised Nepali, he has a deep connection to the landscape he knows so well, and is an advocate of environmentally conscious tourism in the region.
Frequently asked questions….
CAN I TRUST THESE ORGANIZERS?
We are especially pleased to guarantee high quality service that is tested and trustworthy, sparing you last-minute permit hassles, unjustified, or hidden costs. Suzanne has established a relationship with a reputable guide service that will arrange all permits and park fees and all accommodations in the cities and mountains. On the trek, Dinesh and his team help monitor everyone’s physical wellbeing, making sure you are pacing yourself well. Knowing that you are in good hands makes for a much more enjoyable experience.
REQUIREMENTS OF HEALTH AND EXPERIENCE:
This outdoor experience is suitable for the passionate walker who will be comfortable walking, including descending and ascending inclines and stairs, around 6-7 hours a day with a light backpack <8kg. The trek is much less physically demanding compared to the Everest Region Trek. Preparation would include regular daily walks leading up to this trip. You do need to be in good physical and mental health to complete the trip. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung and blood diseases please inform me before confirming your participation. I am highly conscious of your health and safety. I also recommend that you have a medical check-up with your GP as well.
The yoga and meditation will be accessible yoga to all body types and abilities. All practices are invitational. There is no prior experience necessary to participate in your yoga practices, however you will be encouraged to do so as to enrich the overall connection, depth and experience of yourself and the group.
As for vaccinations, medication to prevent altitude sickness, gastro-intestinal problems or other illnesses, you must consult with your doctor at least six months before embarking on this trip.
WHAT TO BRING:
I will provide all who book with a detailed pack list well in advance
WHAT I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU:
(Email your answer to me upon receiving your booking confirmation)Any allergies or diet requirements?
Any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries
TERMS & CONDITIONS OF BOOKING
MANDATORY EMERGENCY INSURANCE: the local guide service requires proof of purchase of emergency insurance (coverage during trek) in order to hold your spot.
RECOMMENDED TRAVEL CANCELLATION INSURANCE: this insurance is not required but recommended, for the event that life gets in the way and you can’t come on the trip.
Payment options:
Payment plans are available at the check out. The subscription/payment plan requires you to pay the entire amount in all nine installments, even if you are not able to attend.
Cancellation policy:
This retreat is non-refundable, no exceptions. However, you may transfer it to another person. Additional travel-and-retreat-cancellation insurance is recommended.
There is no refund in the case of cancellation of the retreat by any party, for any reason.
Suzanne Zuber is not responsible for the cost of your international travel or any other extraneous costs.
Various and Sundry:
How does the guide/group handle illness or altitude sickness? If someone is too ill to trek on a particular day or multiple days, do they drop out? Can they rejoin the group later?
The local guide has decades of experience scanning hikers for signs of altitude sickness, and I keep close tabs as well. Our pace is slow to start with, but Dinesh has enough staff in place that someone will be able to slow down more, with anyone who is feeling ill or is showing signs of altitude sickness. The first strategy is to hydrate, slow down exponentially, and take more breaks. If there is no improvement, the guide will accompany the member down to the next lower teahouse to spend the night there (the guide will sleep in the common room with other guides while the trekker will sleep in their own room), and the two of them will either catch up with the gorup the next day, wait in place until the group circles back, or return back to Pokhara, which is a fantastic place to stay put. The cost of staying at other teahouses than planned, is covered; the cost of staying in a hotel in Pokhara is not covered.
There are travel insurance plans that cover some or all of these costs, including return trips in the case of emergency. Emergency rescue insurance is required for this trip. General travel insurance is not required but recommended.
As for vaccinations, medication to prevent altitude sickness, gastro-intestinal problems or other illnesses, you must consult with your doctor at least six months before embarking on this trip.
How does one handle communication?
I read that some of the teahouses have wifi. While I thoroughly enjoy being "off the grid", two weeks would be a stretch for me.
Every single teahouse had wifi, as well as opportunities to charge your devices (although I do recommend bringing a battery pack, since the charging stations are limited per teahouse). Wifi costs about 3-4$ per stay.
Do you recommend coming in early a few days or staying late. If so, how many days early?
If you have the time, do both. I like to arrive at least a day earlier than the official start of the trip, but come even earlier if you have the time. There is an abundance of things to see in Kathmandu and surroundings, including two other nearby former kingdoms. Staying late is also a nice idea, maybe booking a room in a spa hotel to unwind and pamper yourself.
Do you recommend against a certain age or fitness level from going on this trip?
This trip is classified as medium, and is doable for any individual who is reasonably ‘fit’ and is willing to prepare for this trip with regular exercise, regular hiking, and conditioning. My yoga classes are the perfect prep, and a great regular stomping ground are the Claremont canyon trails and the Berkeley and Oakland hills.
In general, I don’t recommend this trip for individuals with serious knee, hip, or foot injuries or who are not used to (and do not enjoy) long, slow hikes. The trek has MANY stairs up and down valleys. The common challenges that come up will be addressed on the trek itself, we do alot of focused trouble shooting to optimize knee tracking, hip muscle engagement, and proper foot placement both going uphill and downhill, to prevent pain in the legs, the back, and the neck/shoulder region. Daypacks are light, so not too much stress from that end.
