Spring (& Summer) Revivals

Northern Michigan yoga retreats that offer relaxation and refreshment for your mind, body, and soul.

By Ross Boissoneau | March 30, 2019

For vacationers, northern Michigan offers a host of things to do: Festivals, music, biking and hiking, boating, golfing, swimming. But if you just want to get away from it all — or learn how to do so — there are any number of people and places willing to help.
 
Many are centered around yoga, famed for helping participants relax mind and body. Adding dance or other movement to the mix, along with healthy food and the relaxing surroundings of fields and forest, can turn a weekend away into a refreshing retreat.
 
Here are a few upcoming weekend getaways to rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul.
 
Resonae Retreat, May 17–19
White Birch Lodge, Elk Rapids
Yoga instructor Laura Matchett vacationed at White Birch Lodge on Elk Lake while living and working downstate. She enjoyed the peace and tranquility so much she started offering a yoga retreat there. She’s continued to do so since moving to Traverse City, enlisting other yoga and movement instructors, including Leslie Simionescu, who now helps coordinate the program, for a weekend of activities.
 
“I became good friends with the owners, and it’s a beautiful, quiet place. Elk Lake is quiet and calm, and being able to take a yoga class in that old lodge with its huge wooden floor — those are the moments I think of. It’s a great way to spend a weekend to prepare for the craziness of summer,” Matchett said.
 
Cost is $319 plus lodging. White Birch Lodge offers a variety of accommodations. Go to www.resonaeretreat.com.
 
Yoga Retreat with Michael McCarthy, May 2–5
Leland Lodge
As part of his mission to spread ancient Eastern philosophies, downstate yoga teacher, Thai Massage therapist, healer, and spiritual guide Michael McCarthy offers a yearly retreat in northern Michigan. In addition to a full schedule of yoga classes, it offers a hike, winery tour, bonfire, and general bonhomie. This year’s sixth retreat offers variety and inclusion for both the newcomer and those well-versed in yoga.
 
In addition to classes, it offers flexible scheduling to those so inclined to relax, bike, escape for lunch or shopping. It includes three nights accommodation at the Leland Lodge, with continental breakfasts, classes, reception, and a wine tasting at a local winery. Cost is $1,075 single occupancy, $875 double occupancy. But hurry, the deadline to register is April 7. www.michaelmccarthyretreats.com
 
YogaFest, July 25–28
Song of the Morning Yoga Retreat, Vanderbilt
This four-day event is billed as “an immersive experience into your innermost bliss,a deeply nourishing, highly joyful, and spiritually authentic four-day celebration of spirit, nature, community, service, and all things yoga.” So there. Held at Song of the Morning Retreat, outside Vanderbilt, the weekend offers a host of yoga classes, activities include meditation, hiking, camping, swimming, art, music, dance, children’s programming, spiritual discussions, and more.
 
Tickets are available as both day passes and full festival passes. Children 12 and under may attend free with a paying adult, while prices for teens are half that of adults. Adult day passes are $40 for Thursday and Sunday, $80 for Friday and Saturday; full festival tickets are $200. These prices do not include accommodations. For tickets and more information, go to www.yogafestmi.com.
 
Inspirational Women Yoga Retreat USA, Aug. 9–12, Grand Traverse Resort
Organized by Black Women About Business in Kalamazoo, this four-day retreat combines business and relaxation. The “Taking Care of You, Taking Care of Business” retreat is all about the mind, body, spirit connection.Attendees will be able to attend mastermind workshops, motivational talks, holistic offerings, parties, networking, and more. Prices start at $1,000 for double occupancy. Go to www.bookyogaretreats.com/black-women-about-business.
 
Spring into Balance, April 12–14
Song of the Morning Yoga Retreat, Vanderbilt
This “weekend of yoga, meditation, and ayurveda with Beccy Stevenson and Matthew Ismail” is presented by the Yoga Cave of Petoskey. Stevenson is a registered nurse and the owner of Yoga Cave; she balances her Western medical background with Eastern philosophies and practices. The weekend will consist of yoga and meditation instruction for all levels, with a focus on how the practices and concepts pertain to the end of winter and beginning of spring.
 
Prices start at $176 and go up, depending upon accommodations. Go to www.theyogacavepetoskey.com for more information.
 
Friends Weekend Getaway, June 7–9
Northern Michigan Retreat, Mesick
Owner Amanda Morgan is a physician assistant who emphasizes holistic health. She offers weekend getaways at her aptly-named Northern Michigan Retreat, a four-bedroom, two-bath home on 20 acres, with a babbling brook meandering through it, in the Manistee Forest. The weekend includes morning yoga and evening meditation in the studio overlooking the creek, guided hikes in the surrounding national forest and along the Manistee River, and free time to relax, talk, enjoy, read, even nap.
 
All meals are included, featuring a four-course dinner Saturday night paired with local wines. Cost is $299 each for groups of three to six. (Additional dates available in August, September and October.) Go to www.northernmichiganretreat.com.