An incredibly beautiful, remote place of deep silence. I felt my self relaxing moments after I parked my car and walked into the forest to my cabin. I stayed in the Krishna cabin which is the last cabin on the way out to Bald Mountain (a lovely 360 degree look-out spot on the Sierra foothills). This is as close to a 5 star cabin in the forest as I could have imagined. Everything I could imagine needing was here. Simple but complete. The temple is absolutely silent. You can hear your heart beat in there. A powerful place for renewing your spirit and deeply refreshing for the dive back into civilization. And perhaps this is true civilization! :) read more

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Just got back from a silent meditation retreat. It was fantastic. Rustic and fantastic. My cabin was in the middle of the woods. Tiny but exactly what was needed. I had an outhouse just down the way. Each afternoon and evening the group was guided through meditation sessions and then given a delicious vegetarian meal. Soups, salads, tacos... all veggie based. Taking the time out to quiet my mind and center was truly priceless. My goal is to visit a couple times a year. If I could give more than 5stars I would... read more

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I stayed here at the end of August in the Krishna cabin. I loved it so much that I'm planning another trip here. I love the fact that I didn't have to share accommodations with anyone else. I loved the atmosphere of the gardens and outside my cabin. The only thing I'd change was the time of year I visited and that's an easy change. It was way too hot in August in my humble opionion. But, like I said, I can always find a different time of year. read more

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The place is very quiet and amazing. It is peaceful and let's you to be on your own. I went last weekend and stayed in the Contentment cabin. It was very clean on arrival and given its location was extremely quiet. If you are here for pranayama, meditation etc then this cottage is ideal. Plenty of hikes around. Be careful hiking as I went around 4.30 pm on the 4 mile loop and saw a bear in close quarters. The Babaji cave is a great place to meditate as well. Please keep the serenity of the place to allow seekers to come and go deeper into their practice. Looking forward to post covid-19 when they are back to having asana and meditation sessions. read more

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A place of peace that helps me to breathe, rest and rejuvenate, to return to myself, to transcend concerns, responsibilities and the roles we assume in life. Here my mind allows itself to become simple again, to remember what matters, and to re-center. Very special place. Thank you. read more

I had a wonderful experience at ananda retreat. The place is just beautiful and peaceful, the cabins are super clean and feel very cozy. The staff is very kind and friendly, they treated me very well and I often heard from Susan, Lala and Brandon "please let me know if you need anything" "don't feel shy to call if you need help" They are really wonderful. The Yuba river is very close by driving, and it was a very pleasant surprise to be able to go hiking and bathe in the river. I highly recommend it, and can't wait to go back. read more

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I had a very restful and peaceful 2 night stay in the Kindness cabin. It was very quiet the whole time. I cooked my own meals in the fully set up kitchenette. I ate out front on the veranda with a view of the woods. The bed was very comfortable and I slept very soundly. The weather was warm but the cabin stayed cool inside during the day and the supplied fans cooled it off at night. When I arrived at this retreat area I was mesmerized by the beauty of the large fenced garden with many places to sit. The serene energy of the whole retreat area is magical. I felt very full with meditating, doing yoga asana outside my door, and taking walks and sitting in the garden. The staff was very kind and helpful. read more

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The best and most healing place I know close to Sacramento, Ca. The Staff and is kind and accommodating. I have stayed in every cabin for years. Highly recommended. read more

This was one of the best experiences I have had in my life. The staff was extremely kind, the food was delicious and the property was peaceful. You can actually step away from our busy lives and relax. There's no cell service but you can text so it's just the right amount of connection (or lack of) with the outside world. I will be back! read more

The Seclusion Retreat - One of the adorable homes among the garden - Meditation Centers Near Me - Nevada City, California

We stayed at Devotion and it was wonderful. Given the current C19 limitations, we had to bring and cook our own food, but that was not a problem since the cabin had a fully functional small kitchen. All the temples were closed, yet we were able to tour the gardens and explore the beautiful nature around the Meditation Retreat. We also played the harmonium available at the meditation spot within the cabin! I loved that they are enforcing all guidelines to keep the place safe during this pandemic. Me and my family are hoping to visit the retreat again. read more

The only way I could bring myself to leave after my 2-night stay recently was to promise myself I'd come back soon. The hint-of-rustic lodging was both charming and comfy. This trip was not unlike going back to a saner time, as if in a period piece. Add to that the majesty of the Northern California foothills in their raw beauty for the most healing experience possible. I felt like the quiet and the stillness enveloped me. And no, I couldn't resist hugging a madrone tree on my way out! :) Once you visit, you too will be planning your return very soon. read more

Went here years ago for a 3 day silent retreat. I wanted to like it more but it was...really weird. On the plus side, it's in a really beautiful place. Quite, tranquil, hidden away. They do a good job of pairing riders and drivers if you don't have a car. The people are very nice. Their restful yoga is good. Otherwise, this place felt a little culty. The whole point of a silent retreat is to be silent, but instead we were talking about half the time for the "daily program". There's the reverence to the leader, the singing of songs to the guru (overlayed on Christian gospel music, which was trippy), following of rituals, the books, etc. Also the food was just off - I'm not sure how to explain it. It's like they took random dishes that don't belong together and put them in one meal, without any seasoning. On my third day they tried to recruit me to "stay and learn more". No thanks, I'm outta here. read more

Spent 4 glorious days in Silence! It was a Silent Meditation Retreat here and it was exactly what was so needed in my life at the moment. Imagine hearing only the wind through the trees, the rain on the leaves, snowfall & natures creatures instead of all the constant noise that surrounds us!! The supported Meditation Classes, Facilities and Food were terrific as well. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to take a break from the noise & go inward! read more

Just returned home from a relaxing and uplifting women's retreat, which was nourishing on many levels. My meditation practice deepened and the yoga, which was new to me, took away my low back pain. It was also great being cooked for! A wonderful experience in a beautiful place, expertly facilitated. Thank you! read more

I recently attended the Guided Silent Retreat with my husband, and we had a wonderful time. First, I want to thank Susan and the Retreat staff for their incredible flexibility in accommodating my schedule. After I booked the retreat, I realized that I had my second trimester ultrasound scheduled right in the middle! When I tried to reschedule my ultrasound, my doctor strongly recommended against it, and I asked Ananda whether they would allow me and my husband to leave the retreat for one day to do the ultrasound. Instead, they very graciously allowed us to start our retreat after we finished the ultrasound, and Susan gave us a private meditation lesson and orientation after our late arrival. I really can't imagine such flexibility and understanding happening at any other place! Thank you so much! We stayed for four nights and five days in a bungalow and loved it. Originally, I had booked a tent, but upon Susan's recommendation, we upgraded to a bungalow, and it was the perfect size! We loved strolling the grounds, and the yoga/meditation classes were wonderful. The food was also amazing (that sweet-potato-tempeh baked red pepper was particularly delicious!) and has inspired me to cook and eat healthier now that I am back home. I chose Ananda as the place to plant a seed of spirituality as my husband and I expand our family with our first baby. He'd had very little prior exposure to yoga and meditation, but after our stay, he recognized the importance of both practices and even bought a meditation bench so that we can meditate together. Someday, I hope to be back with our child and have a retreat at Ananda as a family! :) (A few tips -- if you have the chance to take a class with John, DO IT! He is incredible. He is one of the most knowledgeable and dedicated yoga/meditation teachers that I've ever had, and from the feedback of other retreat participants, many felt the same way. I also highly, highly recommend bringing plenty of mosquito repellent. There are so many mosquitoes all over the retreat grounds! I wonder if the landscapers can try to reduce the amount of standing water or take more aggressive measures to counter the mosquito population. They are legion and relentless!) read more

I've been here twice now and it's always an amazing stay. The food is delicious, the cabins are simple and rustic and the surroundings are beautiful. read more

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This was just the place I was needing. It was silent and secluded. I had a cabin with a kitchen so I made my own meals. I enjoyed the four mile walk around the "Bear Mountain Trail" surrounding the retreat. read more

Beautiful place, energy and people. I enjoyed the quiet, peaceful atmosphere, the reviving forest scent, the love with which the gardens were created. Nice hikes around the area. The lunch provided by the kitchen was delicious. The Yuba river is magical and the water was perfect and refreshing to dip into and revel in the moment. I will definitely return. Thank you Ananda! read more

Simply incredible! I started coming to Ananda 3 years ago as I was looking for a place to unplug from the busy Bay Area and deepen my meditation practice. That was exactly what I found and more. I now make my visits to Ananda an annual trip as it recharges my soul and helps me to grow. All of the retreat programs are of extremely high quality and the staff are some of the most loving and wonderful people I have ever met! The accommodations are simple but the setting is breathtaking! I highly recommend Ananda to everyone who is looking to recharge and refresh! read more

I have been coming to The Ananda Meditation retreat for several years. The staff is amazing and responsive. I do at least 1 one week silent retreat per year, preferably 2. I always leave calmer and with a deeper connection to the Divine and my meditation practice improved - every time! In addition, there are wonderful trails to hike, walk or run on with gorgeous vista's. A week without being "plugged" into electronics is a balm to my soul. I cannot recommend this place enough if you are looking for peace, quiet, calm and renewal. read more

I am so grateful for the continued work of these people to create such a beautiful and deeply healing space. I hope to return soon. The food was also amazing and supportive for my body's inner work, obviously prepared with love. read more

My favorite spiritual retreat center ever! (And I've visited many.) If you are looking for a place that supports turning inwards and slowing down, this is the place to stay. I spent my time walking the forest and mountain trails (with distant views of the snow-capped Sierras), attending several yoga and meditation classes, reflecting as I walked the beautiful gardens, and connecting with the residents and other guests. I am so grateful for this gem of a place, created by years of dedicated spiritual seekers and their meditation/prayer practice. The community is welcoming and respectful if you prefer to do silence. And...the food is amazing! Highly recommend! read more

I just finished a 10-day retreat and feel cleansed and refreshed by being in this peaceful, quiet, beautiful setting. I rented the Peace of Mind Cabin for the second time and was delighted by the tranquility. I made most of my meals but joined the retreat staff for two delicious lunches, eating outside under the soaring trees, surrounded by colorful flowers, hummingbirds, squirrels, lizards, woodpeckers. Every day I walked around the grounds, discovering hidden treasures, frogs, meditation seats, stunning views. The cabin itself is bright and cheerful; I bring sheets and clothes pins to hang over windows at night since the full moon was very bright. A cool breeze floats down the hills into the cottage each night, and trees whisper above. The Ananda Meditation Retreat is a magical, special place I look forward to visiting every year. read more

Fantastic calm friendly. People have been meditating on this land for over 50 years. It is also ancient sacred Indian grounds. Very special place. Deep and subtle vibrations. A powerful place to focus within and find your peace and calm Ness. A wide variety of places to stay. Everything from tent Bungalo's to houses on the edge of the hill. Incredible beauty and an amazing value. I highly recommend it. We go again and again. Always amazing. read more

Ananda's grounds are peaceful, relaxing, and it was exactly what I was looking for to spend several days in silent retreat. There are a number of cozy, perfectly-furnished cabins and cottages for individuals or groups that are spread out in the woods, and I was grateful for the heater since I went in the wintertime. There was a snowstorm coming through, and I had some car troubles, and the staff were very generous and helpful with coordinating travel logistics. Highly recommended -- I will certainly be back! read more

This is a great place to do an individual retreat. Nice accomodations, nice staff, good, healthy food, and lots of space to just relax and rejuvinate. You don't need to be part of their tradition - you can join in with their daily meditation practice, or not. Beautiful gardens to just hang out in, and hiking trails if that suits you. One recommendation: try to get there before dark as the last few miles to get there are on a dirt road and even though their directions are excellent, it is a lot easier if you can see where you are going. Use your odometer! read more

A quiet peaceful setting for meditation and reflection. They have many different kinds of accommodations depending on your preferences and the staff is very warm and friendly. They have regular meals and meditations or you can book a cabin with a kitchen and be entirely alone. It is also a nice place to walk through their naturally beautiful gardens or on a trail nearby. read more

This is one of those reviews I hesitate to write, for fear of more people going there..! I absolutely love this place and have gone for personal retreats several times. It is tranquil, the gardens and surrounding forrest are beautiful, and the cabins are cozy and comfortable. The people here are just wonderful, kind, un-intrusive, yet quick to help or answer any questions. The food, which is optional, is delicious and home-cooked with obvious care. This is my go-to sanctuary when I need to settle into some real stillness and quiet. read more

The peace and calmness of the environment permeates the entire experience. I was so recharged at the end of the week and the cost is so affordable compared to any other "vacation" spot. I highly recommend the Retreat for a get away. read more

I recently attended the 4 night, 5 day silent meditation retreat on my own... I was looking for something to help me further my meditation practice and this was way, way more than I bargained for! I had a very peaceful time, learned a lot about meditation, myself, silence, and opening my heart and mind to the teachers there. Thank you so much to Anandi, Susan and Charles and of course all of the staff for making my experience amazing. I will be back! The food was wonderful, the grounds and the healing energy is indescribable. Check it out for yourself! read more

The meditation retreat center is a green oasis of a tranquil and vitally alive mosaic of gardens to meditate and journal in , trickling ponds and streams , a place to know Stillness and Joy . The staff absolutely delightful and filled with grace. read more

The Ananda Meditation Retreat is a magical getaway. I found it relaxing, tranquil, and exceptionally refreshing in the peaceful, nature surroundings. And the cherry on top is that the staff is some of the most friendly, serviceful people I've ever met. They care about your stay and they care about you. read more