Tucked away in the wild Maine woods alongside the rushing Carrabassett River in Kingfield, Maine, you will find Santosha at Hillholm Estate. This is a peaceful and welcoming retreat in a Gilded Age mansion and carriage house. Our hosts have thought of everything to offer an elevated, yet grounding experience that will stay with us long after the closing circle.

 

I am so grateful that we have secured three nights in the height of summer to pause and savor the bounty of the season, tend to our bodies, minds and souls, and indeed to cultivate Santosha - contentment and appreciation for our existence. All lodging is reserved solely for our group; throughout the weekend we may also share space with local community members coming to property for the center's own weekly yoga classes and dinner service.

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SCHEDULE & DETAILS:

On Thursday, we will check in at 4:00 pm. There will be time to settle in and relax after your journey, enjoy our first dinner together, and end the day with an opening circle and bedtime restorative yoga session - come in your PJ's if you like! :)

 

Friday and Saturday will be our glorious full days of retreat. Each day will include two yoga classes - a more active practice in the morning and gentle offering in the afternoon - with some sound healing included as well. The Santosha yoga shala is fully stocked with all the props we will need. All classes will be led in an accessible manner that is welcoming to those with all levels of experience, including beginners to the practice. Checka will be your main teacher for this retreat, with a potential guest teacher for one class.

 

We will be delightfully nourished with four chef-curated meals each day: light breakfast, brunch, light lunch, and dinner. Santosha offers four daily menus: the Omnivore Menu, the Pescatarian Menu, the Vegetarian Menu, and the Vegan Menu. Tea, coffee and water are included, with a full and snazzy selection of mocktails and cocktails available for purchase in the evenings. Please click here to read more about dining at Santosha.

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What to do in your free time? Where do I start? You might like to book a Healing Arts session, such as massage, reiki, or craniosacral therapy. You could take a 5-minute walk into the small town of Kingfield or 10-minute walk to the sandy river beach on property (cold dip, anyone?). Maybe you're up for a nature walk right from the backdoor, or a hike on the nearby Appalachian Trail. There are even nearby options for mountain biking and golfing. Basically, the Carrabassett Valley is the perfect home base for all that summer in Maine has to offer.

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And of course, get ready for some serious campfire stories and s'mores time! :)

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On Sunday we will take our time to soak in the last morning of the retreat. We will enjoy one yoga class together, circle up to reflect and wish one another well, fuel up for the drive home with a hearty brunch, and check out at noon.

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THE DOG DOWNLOAD:

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Have you been eagerly scrolling waiting for me to finally get around to talking about dogs?! I don't blame you! For the first time ever, I am able to offer a dog-friendly yoga retreat. This means that if you would like to bring your own dog OR you simply enjoy being around them, this is the retreat for you! There is an additional $50 fee to bring your dog, and advance notice is required. Here are a few simple requirements and things to know:

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• Please bring your own crate. 

• The Santosha owners have two free-range doodles on site (Pamplemousse and Winnie), so your dog should be comfortable around other dogs. 

• Due to allergies, Santosha is unable to welcome other pets, including cats. 

• In common areas and on the grounds, your dog must remain on a leash at all times. 

• Your dog must be vaccinated with a standard series of vaccinations, including rabies, and must be spayed/neutered.

• Dogs are not allowed in the yoga shala or the dining room. 

• You are welcome to leave your dog in your room unattended, provided that they stay crated anytime you’re out of the room so housekeeping and security staff can enter. 

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LODGING:

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We are in for such a treat at this beautiful home away from home - charming, comfortable, and on the luxury end of yoga retreat spots!

 

There are four guest rooms in the mansion; each has a king bed. There are sixteen guest rooms in the carriage house, some with a queen bed and others with two double beds.

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Check out these amenities included in all rooms:
 

• Freshly renovated, private ensuite bathrooms: no shared bathrooms

• Soft cotton linens, ample quilts, and plush towels

• New memory foam mattresses and hypoallergenic pillows

• Homemade hypoallergenic soaps, lotions, and sundries

• Sustainable wooden floral arrangements by local artisan K. Castillones Chenery

• Hairdryer and wall clock

• Complimentary high-speed WiFi

• Independently controlled heating and air conditioning

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PRICING AND REGISTRATION:*

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* There is a $25 discount on any price for current members of my Anyday Yogaway virtual yoga and meditation membership - enrollment is always open! You must have a total of three or more months of membership by April 1, 2024 to qualify for the discount.

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* Your all-inclusive retreat package includes all yoga classes, meals, lodging, taxes and staff gratuities. Additional costs will be limited to optional specialty beverages, healing arts appointments and dog fees.

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* FIRST TIME EVER! >> For this particular retreat, I have a few discounted spots for non-yoga-practicing folks available. This is a great option for people who are not practicing yoga at the moment, but would love to be with us in community and dive in to everything else this retreat has to offer. These limited spaces are available for $150 less than the prices quoted below.

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* You do not need to register with someone else to book a double occupancy spot; I can pair you up with a roommate!

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*EARLY BIRD PRICING below is in effect through April 30, 2024. Prices will increase by $100 from then onward.

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Options:

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1) Single Occupancy in Mansion (king bed) - $1650 per person​

 

2) Double Occupancy in Mansion (king bed) - $1400 per person

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3) Single Occupancy in Carriage House (queen bed) - $1550 per person 

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4) Double Occupancy in Carriage House (queen bed or two double beds) - $1300 per person 

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To register: Please email Checka at info@yogawayretreats.com to request your room type (and please mention if you already know you will be bringing your pup). A 50% deposit will confirm your spot; balance payments will be due on May 31, 2024 (electronic invoices will be provided for both).

 

Retreat deposits and balance payments are non-refundable; trip insurance is recommended. I personally recommend and partner with Wanderwell due to their excellent customer service and commitment to environmental responsibility as a Certified B Corp, 1% for the Planet business member, and Transformational Travel Council ALLY.

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Final note: Our hosts at Santosha ask that all guests test negative for Covid-19  (with an at-home test) before traveling to the retreat center, as a courtesy to help ensure that there is no interruption in their small-business operation.

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Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions - I hope to see you in Maine! This is going to be so special.

Warmly, Checka

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