Return to Stillness: A Winter Restoration Retreat
With Scott Dennis, Christopher Gebiya, Betsy Mertz and Christine Davison
March 5 - 8, 2026
Step into the sacred stillness of the mountains this winter, where rest becomes renewal. Return to Stillness is a deeply restorative four-day retreat designed to calm the nervous system, nourish the body, and restore the quiet joy of being. Set within the serene landscape of Menla, this intimate gathering invites participants to slow down, soften their edges, and reconnect with inner peace.
Each day is thoughtfully paced to balance guided practice with spaciousness. The retreat includes restorative yoga, gentle movement, Yoga Nidra, sound healing, guided meditation, and group reflection. Together, these practices support deep rest, embodied awareness, and nervous system regulation, creating the conditions for genuine renewal.
Outside of scheduled sessions, guests are encouraged to rest, journal, explore Menla’s expansive hiking trails, or enjoy the healing amenities of the Dewa Spa. Nourishing, chef-prepared vegetarian meals and Menla’s sacred spaces further support a sense of grounding and care throughout the experience.
This retreat is intentionally limited to a small group, allowing for a quiet, personal, and deeply held container. For those feeling the call to pause, reset, and return to themselves, this gathering offers a meaningful opportunity to do so.
Schedule:
Thursday, March 5
- 3 – 6 pm Arrival and Check-in
- 6 – 7 pm Dinner
- 7:30 – 9 pm Welcome Program
Friday, March 6
- 7 – 8 am Morning Sādhanā (optional)
- 8 – 9 am Breakfast
- 9:30am – 12 pm Morning Program
- 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
- 1:30 – 3:30 pm Free Time
- 3:30 – 5:30 pm Afternoon Program
- 6 – 7 pm Dinner
- 7:30 – 9 pm Restorative Yoga & Sound Bath
Saturday, March 7
- 7 – 8 am Morning Sādhanā (optional)
- 8 – 9 am Breakfast
- 9:30 am – 12 pm Morning Program
- 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
- 1:30 – 3:30 pm Free Time
- 3:30 – 5:30 pm Afternoon Program
- 6 – 7 pm Dinner
- 7:30 – 9 pm Restorative Yoga & Sound Bath
Sunday, March 8
- 7 – 11 am Check-out of Rooms
- 8 – 9 am Breakfast
- 10 – 11:30 am Closing Circle
- 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch & Departure
*Please note this schedule is subject to change.
About the Leaders
Scott Dennis
Founder & Community Steward (and occasional bolster whisperer) Scott didn’t set out to open a yoga studio—he set out to create a space where people could breathe, belong, and be beautifully human. element yoga was born from that dream: a down-to-earth, soul-up kind of place where transformation happens between poses, during awkward giggles, and over […]
Learn more about Scott Dennis
Christopher Gebiya
Sacred Sound Healer + Drum Maker (Seneca Tradition) Cristopher will lead us through a deeply immersive sound bath ceremony and an extraordinary Native American drum birthing ritual—where each participant creates and consecrates their own personal drum to keep. Cristopher is also available for private 1:1 sessions during the retreat, bringing his gifts of deep listening, […]
Learn more about Christopher Gebiya
Betsy Mertz
I’m a 200-hour RYT Power Vinyasa teacher, certified through Breathe Yoga under the guidance of Cyndi and Carly Weis. I love teaching Power Vinyasa because it’s the perfect fusion of cardio, strength, and slow, deep stretching. Breath is at the heart of every class I teach—you can expect to move with intention, linking breath to […]
Learn more about Betsy Mertz
Christine Davison
Hello, my name is Christine, and I am the Yoga Director at element and a passionate yoga instructor. I am a 500 RYT teacher with additional Restorative, Yin, and Meditation certifications. My yoga journey spans over 20 years, and I began teaching in 2022. Throughout my training, I have had the privilege of learning from […]
Learn more about Christine DavisonCategories : Accommodations Only, Other Retreats at Menla