Anyone been to a great yoga retreat near SF Bay?

Although I haven't been personally, I've heard

firsthand only wonderful things about Tassajara and Green Gulch, both affiliated with SF Zen Center, and I know at least one of the yoga teachers on the program.

Has anyone been to either of these? I can't wait to go try them.

http://sfzc.org/tassajara/zenandyogaretreats.php

I have been to the Sivananda Yoga Farm in Grass Valley, CA. It was a wonderful experience in a beautiful setting. I went alone to enjoy a quiet retreat away from home and family with the hope of enhancing my yoga practice. Many couples and families attended. You can reserve a cabin for yourself or share with others. I recommend it highly. It is cooperative...you are expected to help with meals (vegetarian) and cleaning. The meditation and yoga sessions were outstanding.

YogaMom, What a great idea. You're in luck - there are lots of options within 1-2 hours from SF for yoga retreats that accomodate all levels of instruction.

The Yoga Journal Directory section has Vacations and Retreats browsable by location, and there is also good information on some of the best studio websites:

http://yogajournal.com/

http://www.yogastudiomillvalley.com/

http://www.yogatreesf.com/

Have fun and report back :)

Thanks Sarah,

Have you been to any? I love looking through the listings, but also really appreciate firsthand accounts.

Thanks,

YogaMom

YogaMom, I have been to many yoga teacher trainings with my primary teacher, John Friend, the founder of Anusara yoga. But I haven't been to any retreat centers that focus solely on yoga 24/7.

I like the path that Jan Browne and laurabrownetbd are going down - thinking of various types of retreat centers that offer yoga as a part of what they do.

I've been to Green Gulch for dharma talks - it's great. And I've spent long stretches of time at Esalen which is a really special place. It's on an exquisite piece of property in Big Sur. They have an extensive organic garden which provides most of the food served there, natural hot springs sitting on the cliffs overlooking the ocean, many gifted bodyworkers, and myriad weekend and week long workshops, including yoga. I recommend it highly for levelling stress, getting grounded and blissed out.

Also try Spirit Rock up near Fairfax on the way out to Olema.

Isn't "fun yoga retreat" an oxymoron? I'm saying this as a person who practiced yoga for years, but never enjoyed it. I *did* like the relaxation part after the asanas, but I always dreaded the rest of it.