The Art of Being Happy
A Blue Ridge Mountain Yoga Retreat
May 19–23, 2027
Imagine enjoying your life more, without needing a different job, a perfect relationship, or everything to go your way.
We spend so much time trying to get life just right. But what if we could get better at enjoying it as it is?
Happiness is a skill we can learn and practice. And during this retreat, I’ll show you how.
We’ll explore the habits and expectations that get in the way of enjoying life, and practice simple ways to experience more happiness in the life you already have.
We’ll spend five days and four nights at a private mountain lodge exploring this through yoga, meditation, guided journaling, creative workshops, and honest conversation.
Who This Retreat Is For
Maybe life is good and you’re curious about how to enjoy it even more. Or maybe you’re going through a challenging time. Either way, you’re welcome here.
You don’t need to be experienced at yoga or have meditation figured out. Beginners are welcome. Come curious, with an open mind and a willingness to try something new.
Coming alone? You’ll be in good company. More people come on their own than with someone else.
All activities are optional. Join in, take a break, or spend a little extra time by the river. You get to choose.
The Venue
As soon as I set foot at Moon Rising Retreat Center, I knew it was the right place. It’s a one-of-a-kind mountain lodge full of character, about as far from a cookie-cutter hotel as you can get.
There are inviting spaces to gather indoors and out, with unexpected details that make you want to look a little closer. The rooms are simple, rustic, and cozy.
Outside, 22 acres of woods and open meadows invite you to wander, with a river running through the property.
Tucked away near the Blue Ridge Parkway, close to Boone and Blowing Rock, it’s about three hours from the Triangle, yet it feels like you’ve gone somewhere entirely different.
A private mountain lodge just for us
Oh, and did I mention? We’ll have the whole place to ourselves, reserved exclusively for our group.
Cuisine
The meals are an experience in themselves. Chef Bond Trisansri and the Moon Rising team prepare nourishing vegetarian dishes inspired by flavors from around the world, with vibrant colors, beautiful presentation, and unexpected combinations.
There’s something special about sitting down to a meal someone has put so much care into, with time to savor every bite and get to know the people around the table.
What’s Included
Four nights of lodging at a cozy mountain lodge reserved exclusively for our group.
Vegetarian meals: Light early breakfast with fruit, yogurt and granola, plus chef-prepared, farm-to-table brunch at 11 am and dinner at 5 pm.
Eight yoga classes: Four active, energizing morning vinyasa-style classes and four slower, restorative afternoon classes.
Daily morning meditation.
The Art of Being Happy workshops: Practical tools to experience more happiness in everyday life.
Guided journaling and creative activities for reflection, clarity, curiosity, and connection.
Optional waterfall hike.
Evenings together around the fire, with conversation and stargazing.
A few fun surprises: You’ll just have to wait and see!
Free time to explore the woods and meadows, sit by the river, read, or simply enjoy the mountains.
What’s Not Included
Transportation to and from the lodge.
Transportation to and from the waterfall trailhead.
Travel insurance.
Sauna sessions and massages: Booked and paid for separately, subject to availability.
The Rooms
Whether you love having someone to chat with at the end of the day or prefer to close the door and enjoy a little solitude, there’s a room for you. Simple, rustic, and cozy, with three options to choose from:
Shared Twin Room · Shared Bathroom: Two twin beds, shared with a friend or another retreat guest. A more affordable choice and a chance to get to know someone new. A Jack-and-Jill bathroom connects to one neighboring room.
Private Twin Room · Shared Bathroom: Your own room with one twin bed, giving you personal space and quiet time between activities. A Jack-and-Jill bathroom connects to one neighboring room.
Private King Room · Private Bathroom: A king bed and your own bathroom for extra comfort and privacy. Enjoy it on your own or share it with a partner or friend.
Bedding and towels are provided in every room.
Your Investment
Save 10% with the code EARLYBIRD through Sunday, January 31st, 2027.
Prices are per person and include four nights of lodging, meals, and the retreat activities listed above.
Shared Twin Room · Shared Bathroom:
$1,500$1,350Private Twin Room · Shared Bathroom:
$2,100SOLD OUTPrivate King Room · Private Bathroom, one person:
$2,750$2,475Please note: The Private King Room can also accommodate two people at a rate of
$1,875$1,687 per person. Please contact me if you would like to book it for two, and I will adjust the pricing.
Your facilitator
Tina Idhammar
I grew up in the Swedish countryside and came to the US in my late twenties. Loved it. Stayed.
Give me a good fire, a full moon, a starry night, or butterflies, and I’m happy.
Born with a busy mind in a restless body, I practice finding inner calm every day.
I’m curious about people and love listening to their stories.
I want to experience as much of life as I can, so when an opportunity comes along, I tend to say yes.
Yoga has taken me to Bali for my advanced teacher training and to Guatemala to assist with a teacher training.
I’m a 500-hour certified yoga teacher and mindfulness meditation coach, and I love going to yoga retreats just as much as I love hosting them.
Good to Know
When should I arrive, and when do we leave?
Check-in is Wednesday, May 19, at 3 pm. Check-out is Sunday, May 23, at 11 am.
How do payments work?
Pay your deposit to reserve your spot. Then pay the remaining balance in full or in three monthly installments.
Cancellation Policy
Your deposit reserves your spot and is nonrefundable.
For cancellations received before March 20, 2027, all payments beyond your deposit will be refunded.
Cancellations received on or after March 20, 2027, are nonrefundable. However, you may find someone to take your place. Please contact me to arrange the transfer.
Have a question before booking?
Contact me. I’m happy to help.
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