Join Intentional Yoga and Settle Into Stillness for a transformative mid-winter retreat at Barothy Lodge. Nestled within the serene snow-draped beauty of the Manistee National Forest, Barothy Lodge offers the perfect retreat to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.This mid-winter retreat invites you to unwind and recharge with yoga sessions led by Emily Hughes, accompanied by soothing live music with the Settle Into Stillness Ensemble. Experience the grounding power of meditation, a soulful cacao ceremony, and nourish your body with plant-based meals prepared by Kalamazoo Umami. Take advantage of ample free time to savor in activities such as enjoying the warmth of saunas and hot tubs (contrasted with cold plunges in our plunge pools if you dare!), relaxing by the fireplace with a rich treat from the hot cocoa bar, or exploring the snowy landscape with trails that allow for hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing adventures. This retreat is your winter sanctuary for deep connection, reflection, and restoration.  Therefore, the Retreat will be substance free (including alcohol & marijuana).  

At Intentional Yoga, we create a supportive, welcoming environment where everyone can deepen their practice. Our classes focus on alignment, strength, and mindful movement to help you feel centered and empowered. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, our community and instructors are here to support your wellness journey every step of the way. Join us to cultivate balance, resilience, and inner peace.

Emily Hughes earned her 200 hour certificate at Intentional Yoga in Kalamazoo, MI. She then attained her CPR/First Aid/AED certification through The American Red Cross and gained her SUP Yoga certification through Yen Yoga and Fitness in beautiful Traverse City, MI. Shortly afterward, Emily started her own SUP and beach yoga company on the Great Lakes. For Emily, the calling of more yogic knowledge was so great that she ultimately decided to travel to India to study under the masters. Emily earned her 500 hour certificate with a specialization in Ayurveda at Ayuryoga Eco Ashram near Mysore, India. Then followed the sun to the fabulous Florida Keys, where she studied sound therapy & reiki, founded a non-profit organization through the practice of seva, taught within several local studios and at yoga festivals.  Always a student, Emily spent a season giving and studying Karma Yoga at The Sivananda Ashram in The Bahamas. Since then, Emily has facilitated many workshops on Anatomy, Pranayama, Safety in Asana, Sanskrit Basics and more.

Following her Dharma, Emily has now facilitated and co-facilitated more than a dozen 200 and 300 hour Yoga Teacher Trainings nationally and internationally; living with a deep commitment and discipline to the teachings and yogic texts while guiding powerfully transformational classes with a pure and kind heart from Kalamazoo to Koh Samui and beyond.

For all of us in the Settle Into Stillness Ensemble, there would be no life without music. Music pervades all areas of our life, and our purpose is to share it with others to enrich your life and provide beauty to the world. 

When you join us on the Whispers of Winter Retreat, you can expect that your journey will be infused with beautiful music from start to finish, whether it is with the entire Settle Into Stillness Ensemble in a late night Sound Journey before you drift off to a peaceful sleep, a community rhythm workshop where you get to experience the therapeutic power of drumming and learn world rhythms in a comfortable and inviting workshop with Parker Horsch, or exploring your own innate voice (whether you sing or not) with Kimberly Joy Rieli, of Singing for your Soul. 

The Settle Into Stillness Ensemble stands apart from the ever-growing landscape of mindfulness-based musical offerings. By seamlessly weaving together diverse world music instrumentation, such as the mesmerizing handpan, the enchanting didgeridoo, the angelic beauty of the harp, the gentle resonance of gongs, the ethereal tones of crystal singing bowls and setting it all to the backbeat of an eclectic variety of world percussion instruments, the ensemble has crafted a truly extraordinary experience. Each element is carefully chosen and delivered with intention, creating a symphony of soothing vibrations that nurture the mind, body, and soul. Their offerings create an immersive experience that transports participants towards a state of deep inner calm. Through carefully curated sessions, individuals are invited to release stress, let go of tension, and embark on a profound journey of self-exploration.

Each Sound Journey is a unique tapestry of sonic landscapes, woven together with love and a deep commitment to the individual's well-being. The purity of sound permeates every cell, evoking a sense of harmony that soothes the spirit and opens doors to personal transformation.  The Settle Into Stillness Ensemble invites you to come experience one of their Sound Journeys, where the transformative fusion of these enchanting instruments and mindfulness practices will open doors to your innermost self. 

In 1889, Dr. Arpad Barothy, a Hungarian immigrant and neurosurgeon, purchased 80 acres of land along the Pere Marquette River, twenty miles east of Lake Michigan.  Though his medical practice was in Chicago, Arpad opened a health retreat, offering ‘healing mineral waters in a recuperative setting’ at a time when city dwellers were finding their way north in greater numbers for recreation and relief.

In 1915 the doctor had the farmhouse remodeled into the building now known as Main Lodge. It was completed with six bedrooms, a large dining area and a restaurant kitchen.  A tavern, (Duffy’s), stable, and twenty-two bedrooms were added, (Long Lodge).

Today, Barothy Lodge is a twenty-first-century, year-round wilderness getaway.  Much has changed and much has remained the same.  More than a hundred years after the first guests drove the dirt roads or took the long train ride to the north woods, folks still come to Barothy Lodge to be in nature with friends and family, away from the distractions and stress of everyday life.

Barothy no longer operates bed-and-breakfast style.  Every lodge, from 1-bedroom Log Cabin to 9-bedroom Whitetail Lodge, has its own kitchen, fireplace, deck, and other amenities.  Most lodges have a pool table, hot tub, washer and dryer.

Barothy Lodge now encompasses 300 wilderness acres in the heart of the Manistee National Forest.  The Wild and Scenic Pere Marquette River winds 7 river-miles from Barothy’s upriver boundary to its downriver boundary.  Deep glacial sands feed the watershed with cool, clear water, creating a blue-ribbon fishery, a smooth flowing river for canoeists and other paddlers, and a haven for wildlife.

Sited along the river, are fifteen private lodges with walking access to:   swimming pool,  fire pit, hiking and skiing trails,  tennis courts,  sand volleyball courts, children’s playground,  fishing ponds,  wetland preserves,  shuffleboard,  climbing wall,  horseshoes,  and a 1/2 court basketball pad.  

The lodges have no televisions or telephones.  All have great deck views. Cell service is generally spotty at Barothy Lodge, but most providers have some service available. WiFi is available in the cabins, but it is a rural internet connection and can be slow.

About our offerings:

Yoga classes will be led by Emily Hughes of Intentional Yoga. 

Settle Into Stillness Retreats:

We strive to make our retreats accessible and supportive of everyone, regardless of where you are in your practice or in your life. On past retreats, we have had students ranging from complete beginners to seasoned, experienced teachers. Our teachers have years of experience with the practice and teaching working with students of all ages, skill levels, and body types. At our retreats, you are invited to practice at your pace, along with the guidance of our teachers, and grow from where you are in this moment. Activities are always optional, so if you want to slip away for a solo adventure, rest and recovery in your room, etc., you are free to do as you need. 

To live and practice in alignment with yogic principles, the Retreat will be substance free (including alcohol & marijuana).  

If you have any questions about whether our retreat is right for you, please send us a message.

This retreat will be held at Barothy Lodge.

Barothy Lodge Address:
Barothy Rd, Walhalla, MI 49458

Phone number:
231-898-2340

Directions:
From US-10 (between Ludington, MI and Baldwin, MI), turn south in Walhalla, MI onto Walhalla Road. Travel two miles (across Pere Marquette River). Turn left (east) onto Barothy Road. Travel one mile. Turn left into Barothy Lodge.

Driving Times:
1.5 hours from Grand Rapids

3 hours from Kalamazoo
3.5 hours from Detroit

4.5 hours from Chicago

Lake Michigan Car-ferry: To and from Manitowac WI – 4 hours one way.

For use with GPS devices: 43.9278958, -86.09305

You are responsible for all travel to and from Barothy Lodge. If you're flying in from out of state, we suggest flying into Grand Rapids International Airport or Muskegon County Airport. Rental Cars are available at both airports. Please be aware of changing weather patterns and plan your trip accordingly. Northern Michigan is subject to snowstorms in the winter. Retreat organizers are not responsible for any missed attendance due to inclement weather. No refunds will be issued in case of inclement weather.

Your credit card charges will show up as 'WeTravel'. Please do not forget that your payment charges show up as WeTravel. For any disputed charges that are accidental or that go against our Payment Plan Terms and Conditions there will be a $300 admin fee to cover the cost of the administrative work that will required to resolve this error.

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(Please read. These terms are binding with the purchase of your package)

This retreat with Intentional Yoga and Settle Into Stillness is non-refundable and exceptions cannot be made.

All payments are non-refundable. Payment reminders will be sent for each monthly payment. If a payment is 7 business days late without prior authorization, the package is subject to a $50 admin fee. Should a payment be more than 10 days late, the organizer has the right to cancel the package. If you need to adjust a payment date, please speak with the organizer one week or more before the payment due date. 

By confirming this spot, you have agreed and confirmed that the payment is non-refundable. Package may only be transferred to another name. You are also confirming that the terms and conditions have been read. If for any reason you believe there may be a circumstance that might affect your ability to attend after purchasing your package please purchase travel insurance. We are unable to refund package under any circumstance. 

We will email our travel agreement/contract upon sign up. This contract must be signed in order for you to attend the retreat. If you wish to see our travel contract prior to signing up, please send us a message.

Intentional Yoga and Settle Into Stillness Retreats will not be held responsible for any costs or lost days due to travel days. Settle Into Stillness Retreats will also not able to refund packages related to illness or injury prior to travel. Travel insurance protect against financial loss. Should the retreat not be able to take place due to travel restrictions, the retreat will be moved and all packages will be transferred to a new date. No refunds will be issued.