Menla Mountain Retreat Center for Health and Happiness

I have many words but I will use this: streams. This whole valley is full of incredible streams. I came as a part of YTTP retreat this past weekend and loved how the valley of Menla just belonged to each and everyone one of us, together and alone at the same time, I stayed at Dragon house and loved how at home you are made feel though no one really is there guiding you, you are your own guide. I will remember this stay for a long time, the 2 days will last a life time. I hope to return one day. Thank you!

The main positive is the staff, who are really friendly and just plain cool. The setting is also beautiful and the food is delicious and nourishing (although, I admit that I sometimes escape to get some meat and dairy in town…).
The negative is the accommodation. My room is designated as a Deluxe Single Room, yet it smells very damp and moldy in my room and, and, although the website said hi-​speed internet, that is inaccurate. Also, the windows don’t close completely, so energy inefficient and little buggies squeezing in.
When I checked in, I asked for a key and was told it was very safe and wouldn’t need a key, which is true, but being here on my own as a woman, I feel a lot more comfortable locking my room at night. One night, I got locked out of my room (heading back to the main house to hop online as the local network wasn’t showing up in my room) and turns out the key was lost months ago. The maintenance fellow was very helpful in getting me back in (through the window), but the reality of the set-​up simply doesn’t match up with what’s presented on the website.
The training I’m doing here is great, but I’m not sure I’d stay here the next time around.

This place is amazing! I just got back from a 5 days at Menla and I couldn’t have enjoyed it more. It’s green EVERYWHERE you look, the staff is super friendly and the facilities are comfy. I couldn’t recommend Menla more highly.

Having never gone to a spa or retreat, I heard this is the place to go. The mountains, the hiking trails, the wildlife, and the vastness of the place set up the parameters for a happy and interesting week. Every staff person I encountered could not have been more welcoming. One new employee said all the supervisors treat each other and other employees as well as they treat their guests. Vegetarian food is fresh and excellent. Wait till you see the modern yet traditional spa. The main house and Hill House rooms are lovely. I came to learn yoga from outstanding teachers and to relax and get some care taking. Mission accomplished.

Seeking a new and more meaningful and healthy way to begin the New Year, I chose to attend the 5 day Meditation/​Yoga Retreat offered here and plan to make it my new annual custom.
Beside walks near the top of a beautiful mountain, stars and skylines, I enjoyed excellent organic food, and organic bedding in clean, nicely done room with beautiful mountain views, and pleasant helpful staff.
The speakers yoga instructors were giants in their fields (Robert Thurman-​Buddhism, Sharon Salzberg — Insight Meditation /​Carolyn and Brooke from the Ivangar Yoga Institute of NYC taught technique as well as philosophy).
People came from Holland, Germany, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, NYC, Brooklyn, Missouri…
Being around friendly and happy people with positive attitudes interested in understanding and enjoying life in all it’s vicissitudes, curiosity, and making a better world was intoxicating and became the way I want to celebrate my New Year in the future.

Awesome setting. Even better staff.

No words can really express how I feel about this, but I will make a feeble attempt.
I came here for a YTTP yoga retreat this past weekend and it was a mind blowing experience.
Menla is located about 4 hours north from NYC and it is nestled in lush greenery with total serenity and peace. Menla is operated by Tibet House US and the Dalai Lama has stayed here in the past. To stay in the same place as his Holiness is a blessing and privilege. It is as if I could feel his love and tranquility vibrating all throughout.
There was no phone service the whole time at Menla and I didn’t mind that much. Sometimes, it is just good to disconnect from the world. I really had time to just focus on thoughts and emotions.
I stayed in room #7 in the Hill House with 3 other roommates. The room was extremely comfortable with shower and sink. Don’t expect a TV. Your door opens to nature and overlooks the Delos Inn.
Many of our events occurred at the conference center which has a lounge and also a multipurpose room. They also have a separate yoga studio that easily fit all of us (48 people).
We were also able to go on an amazingly challenging hike and the view was well worth it, but make sure you are cardiovascular fit or else it will feel like torture. I also spotted lots of wildlife including deers, chipmunks, and woodpeckers.
Make sure to bring a flashlight as it is pitch dark in the evening.
Other amenities include:
sauna
swimming pool
outdoor tennis courts (2)
bookstore and café
fitness center
natural trails and hikes
This was a great way to detox and cleanse the mind and body. I would definitely come back for future retreats!