Yoga As A Way Of Life
An Introduction To Ayurveda
August 9—12, 2026
With
Rosie Latona
Two years after our first retreat at the Himalayan Institute, we are returning to the peaceful hills of the Poconos for a nourishing late‑summer retreat experience. This gathering blends gentle yoga, time in nature, and nourishing food with an accessible introduction to Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga and a traditional system of healing that teaches us how to live in harmony with our own unique constitution.
Over four days, you’ll have space to slow down and reconnect with yourself, recapture simplicity, and explore the deeper roots of yoga as a way of life.
What’s Included
- Ayurveda & Health Basics Practicum: A foundational introduction to Ayurveda, led by a senior faculty member at the Himalayan Institute.
- Daily Yoga: Gentle, all-levels practices that will include slow, mindful flow, restorative yoga, yoga nidra, and other calming, breath-centered sessions. You’ll also have the option to attend additional yoga classes offered on the Institute’s regular schedule.
- Guided meditation
- Group discussion and reflection
- Beautiful nature hikes
- An evening bonfire
- Nourishing vegetarian meals lovingly prepared by the Himalayan Institute staff
- Chai tea party
- Ample time for rest, journaling, and quiet contemplation
- Visits to the Sri Vidya Shrine
- Visit the Moka Chocolate and Coffee Factory
The Setting
The Himalayan Institute sits on 400 acres of forest, hills, and walking trails. With comfortable accommodations, wholesome meals, and access to the Sri Vidya Shrine and community spaces, it offers a serene environment for stepping away from daily life and reconnecting with what matters most.
Who This Retreat Is For
This retreat welcomes all, including those new to yoga or Ayurveda. It is especially supportive for anyone seeking a gentle, restorative getaway, practical tools for cultivating balance, time in nature and community, or space to rest and reset.
Optional Retreat Add-ons
- Spa and Ayurvedic Treatments at Pure Rejuv Wellness Center (book in advance). A full menu of services can be found here, and details about Pure Rejuv’s Massage and Ayurvedic Treatments can be found here. They recommend booking as far in advance as possible since they have limited availability, especially on weekends. Please call (570) 647‑1500 to inquire.
- Your stay can be extended. Please let HI Guest Services know directly at 800.822.4547 x1 if you would like to extend your stay.
Rosie Latona
Rosie Latona is a longtime student of yoga and the founder of White Swan Yoga Studio, which she opened in 2010. She has been teaching yoga for more than 25 years and is dedicated to offering practices that are accessible, mindful, and supportive for students of all ages and levels of experience. Rosie gravitates toward gent...
See Full Bio and Upcoming Events
Himalayan Institute Retreat Center
For more than fifty years, the Himalayan Institute’s Retreat Center has been a gathering place for people seeking inspiration and aspiring to restore inner balance. Home to a vibrant community of yogis, it’s a place for seekers wishing to study the ancient tradition of yoga and to deepen the connection between themselves and the world around them. Whether you visit for a weekend retreat, a personal getaway, or one of our longer-term programs, your visit to the Himalayan Institute will accelerate your personal journey of rejuvenation and transformation.
Free Wifi
400-Acre Campus
On-Site Cafe
Meditation Shrine
Wooded Hiking Trails
Pond with Kayaks
On-Site Wellness Center
Bonfires and Stargazing
Bookstore and Giftshop
Retreat Center Highlights
Sacred Space
The Sri Vidya Shrine is the spiritual heart of the Himalayan Institute. This sanctuary offers an ideal setting for silent meditation and group spiritual practice, a cornerstone of the Himalayan Tradition for thousands of years. Open to seekers of all backgrounds and traditions, the Shrine provides a serene, sacred space for meditation, quiet reflection, prayer, and contemplation.
Nourishing Meals
Our nutritionally balanced vegetarian meals are thoughtfully prepared to nourish body, mind, and spirit. Each of our three daily meals is designed to be easily digestible and to support a meditative lifestyle. Sharing meals here naturally fosters connection, offering both deep nourishment and a sense of community.
Loving Community
The Himalayan Institute welcomes people from all walks of life. With a blend of short-term guests, long-term visitors, and a vibrant residential community, the atmosphere here is warm, inviting, and rooted in kindness, generosity, and service. It’s a place where friendships form naturally, often becoming the kind of connections that feel like family, and last a lifetime.
Rest in Nature
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Poconos, the Himalayan Institute’s 400-acre campus offers breathtaking views, scenic hiking trails, and quiet spaces for reflection and contemplation. Walking is a favorite activity, whether along our groomed trails or meandering paved roads, inviting both movement and mindful presence in nature.
Conscious Simplicity
At the Himalayan Institute, we embrace simplicity in all aspects of life, from our surroundings to our approach to yoga. By minimizing distractions, we create space to strengthen the inner self and quiet the mind. Guided by authenticity and grounded in philosophy rather than frills, we support a path of meaningful personal growth.
Treat Yourself
Our Himalayan Café serves the Institute’s signature chai, coffee, and homemade cookies and treats on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The 24/7 Tea Lounge offers a variety of herbal teas for anytime enjoyment. On campus, the MOKA Origins Factory is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering handcrafted, ethically sourced chocolate and coffee, with free tours and tastings on Saturdays.
Registration
Dates
Sunday, August 9, 2026 @ 5:00 pm–Wednesday, August 12, 2026 @ 12:00 pm
Tuition
$395 per person + accommodations
Register Now Campus Info
Need Help?
Call us: (570) 253-5551
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$395