Alchemy of Earth: Yoga + Ayurveda + Natural Dyeing Retreat

Nevada City, CA, USA

GC
Gaby Colletta
  • Email address verified
26 reviews
May 16 - 19, 2019
Group size: 4 - 14
Alchemy of Earth: Yoga + Ayurveda + Natural Dyeing Retreat
Nevada City, CA, USA

Gaby Colletta
  • Email address verified
26 reviews

May 16 - 19, 2019
Group size: 4 - 14

About this trip

Led by 500 RYT Gaby Colletta and Natural Dye + RYT 250 Textiles Artist Kristin Arzt


Journey to the Yuba River in the heart of Northern California for a 4-day wellness retreat and discover the art of creative living. Reconnect to body and soul through daily yoga practices rooted in the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. Discover self-care rituals that align with the rhythms of the Earth. Nourish your creative potential with the art of natural dyeing. Join for a gathering of connection, intuition and inspiration. 

A Wilderness Immersion to the Yuba River

Explore the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the sacred Yuba River. If you ask any local, they’ll tell you the Yuba is a place like no other. Come to be cleansed, inspired, or simply soak the crystal clear waters for rejuvenation. We believe Nature is medicine and beneath all our conditioning, it’s our inherent state of being. Through wilderness immersion, we reconnect with the land, the plants, the animals and the subtle rhythms of the river to strengthen our intuition, creative flow and connection to life. A return to nature is a way home to ourselves. 

  • Afternoon excursion to the Yuba River 
  • Workshop on Ancient Ayurvedic rituals of self-care + medicine making 
  • Discover healing properties of local plants, ethical harvesting + wildcrafting
  • Workshop Series on Natural Dyeing using healing plants such as Indigo, Turmeric, Eucalyptus

The Movement

Enjoy two yoga classes daily, intended to inspire embodied awareness and personal expression. Each class is guided with mindfulness, alignment focus, and Ayurvedic principles to integrate body, mind and heart. Morning Asana is inspired by solar energy, a Vinyasa class unfolding consciousness through the dance of breath with movement. In the afternoon, we wind down the day with a lunar-inspired practice such as Restorative, Aromatherapy Grounding Flow, or Yoga Nidra. One can expect meditation, pranayama, breath awareness, mudra and mantra. Whether an seasoned practitioner or new yogi, instruction and modifications are given for each individual explore one’s potential. 

The Nourishment

Enjoy a retreat menu intentionally crafted to nourish and heal. Each meal is made with Ayurvedic principles that align with the transition of seasons and the local harvest. We believe food is medicine and our chef, Tiffany Chen prepares each dish with enthusiasm, mindfulness and love. All meals are plant-based with organic ingredients that are sourced for their high quality, nutrient-dense and nourishing essence. We support our local farmers when possible. If you have any special dietary needs or restrictions, we can happily accommodate. 

Workshop Series: Natural Dyeing

Enjoy two thorough and fun natural dye classes! We will dive into natural indigo and shibori techniques and explore the colors of medicinal plants. Certain plants can simultaneously offer medicinal and healing benefits to cloth and our bodies, an ancient practice known as Ayurvastra in India. Using only organic plant matter, you will gain knowledge and experiment with the art of natural dyeing. You will take home samples in a variety of colors.

The Retreat Space

Our home away from home is called “Serenity Hills,” and rightfully so. This large exposed-wood cabin is nested in 4-acres of Nevada County wilderness surrounded by fruit trees and a quaint pond. It’s a short 15 minutes away from the beloved Yuba River and 30 minutes away from the old historic mining town of Nevada City. With a wrap around porch drenched in sunlight, a hot tub and the backdrop of nature’s sounds, it captures the essence of peace and tranquility. We have tiered accommodation offerings, so read here for details. 

Meet your Guides

Gaby Colletta 

Gaby is Berkeley-based Yoga Teacher and Ayurvedic Health Counselor who leads retreats, workshops and trainings worldwide. Her practice is steeped in 10 years of study, inspired by the Eastern philosophies of Tantra and Buddhism, modern psychology, the Ancient healing arts of India and varying traditions of folk medicine. When not in Berkeley, she is off rock climbing, trekking or sipping tea with a stranger in a far corner of the world. 

W: www.gabycollettayoga.com

IG: @wanderingvayu


Kristin Arzt 

Kristin is a textiles artist based in Oakland, CA, using natural dyes and textile arts as a form of collage to make one-of-a-kind quilts. The alchemy of natural indigo and medicinal plant dyes are particularly special art forms that she loves to share with others. 

W: www.kristinarzt.com

IG: @scramblesquilts

Cancellation Policy

  • Deposits are non-refundable. 
  • If you cancel your booking more than 30 days prior to departure, the penalty is 50% of the trip price. 
  • Within 30 days of departure, the penalty is 100%. 

What’s included

  • Welcoming Circle + Cacao
  • 2 Yoga Classes Daily
    Element-inspired, solar + lunar practice
  • 3 Meals Ayurvedic Meals
    And nourishing snacks
  • Accomodation
    For 3 Nights and 4 Days
  • Ayurveda Workshop
    Rituals for Self-Care, Herbal Healing + Folk Remedies
  • Medicinal Dye Workshop
    Dye with medicinal plants, ethically harvested from the source
  • Indigo Dye Workshop
    Dye with an organic indigo vat and shibori resist techniques to create patterns on natural fibers
  • All workshop materials
  • Sound Meditation Journey
    A soundscape of Tibetan Singing Bowls
  • Yuba River Excursion
    Guided hike, plant identification and river cleanse

What’s not included

  • Transport to Retreat

Available Packages

Private Room King Suite
$1,200
Deposit:$300
Private Room Queen Bed

 Comfortable tempurpedic queen mattress on the second floor. 

$1,050
Deposit:$300
Private Single Room
$950
Deposit:$300
Shared Room Single Bed

One private room with two single beds

$850
Deposit:$300
Pitch a Tent

Make it a campout and pitch a tent anywhere on the 4-acres of wilderness! If you don't have a tent, no worries, we have a few extra tents, sleeping bags and pillows to offer for free. You will still have access to the house, the shared bathrooms, hot showers, hot tub, and all the comforts of the common space! 

$750
Deposit:$300


Your Organizer


GC
Gaby Colletta
26 reviews
E-RYT 500, YACEP, AHC. Gaby is a Meditation and Yoga Instructor and Ayurvedic Health Counselor with over 15 years of practice in integrative wellness. She facilitates transformational nature-based retreats, guides mind-body courses, leads teacher trainings and coaches individuals on how to create an ecosystem of internal resources that bring forth one’s greater potential.

Reviews

RB
I attended the Alchemy of Earth Retreat for the past several years and I am never disappointed. It is always such a sweet group of people in a sweet and relaxing spot in nature by the river. Gaby and Kristin always make this experience just what I need when it comes around. The food is always nourishing and amazing. I highly recommend this retreat if you are thinking about it.
By Rahmat B for Spring Alchemy of Earth 2024: Yoga + Ayurveda + Natural Dye Retreat on Jun 25, 2024
KM
Absolutely wonderful experience! This was my first yoga retreat and first real getaway since becoming a mom, and I felt rejuvenated afterward, making it a worthwhile investment in my health and mental well-being. Gabby and Kristin were lovely hosts and made us feel welcome when we arrived. The retreat house was secluded and comfortable, and our chef, Kaori, made delicious, nutritious meals that left us happy and full. There was the perfect balance of activities and rest incorporated into the weekend, with a calmness in all transitions that made the relaxation feel real, even if we were hiking up hills or warding off mosquitos in Shavasana. We're already planning our next trip and can't wait to see where Gabby might go next.
By Kelly M for Spring Alchemy of Earth 2024: Yoga + Ayurveda + Natural Dye Retreat on Jun 07, 2024
Exceeded all expectations. I signed up for the yoga which was beyond amazing per usual with Gaby at the helm, but was pleasantly surprised by the botanical fabric dyeing and the introduction to Ayurvedic diet and living. Food was nourishing and delicious and the group of women friendly and funny and creative and warm. A much needed retreat! Totally recommend!!!
By Leane V for Spring Alchemy of Earth 2024: Yoga + Ayurveda + Natural Dye Retreat on Jun 05, 2024
I had a fantastic time. Intentionally prepared and led by knowledgeable and fun leaders. The schedule was really tight so the days felt very full but everything was so enjoyable I don't want to complain about any of it. Gaby and Kristin create a welcoming and creative environment that sets the stage for you to engage in whatever way that serves you. Highly recommend for anyone looking for an active respite from their regular schedule.
By Emily F for Spring Alchemy of Earth 2024: Yoga + Ayurveda + Natural Dye Retreat on Jun 04, 2024
JE
This was an amazing experience and highly beneficial to my personal yoga practice, creative process and overall wellbeing. Gaby and Bevie were so lovely to learn from and be around. The professional chef, Bella, was also brilliant and the food was so good. The entire event was smooth, with enjoyable organic transitions as well as ample time for socializing and free time. Thanks to all involved, can't wait to do it again. ✨
By JANET E for Creative Roots Retreat 2024 - Yoga, Process Art + Nature in Sedona on Apr 26, 2024
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