Designed around fresh locally and seasonally sourced ingredients, including produce harvested from our on-site organic garden, Menla’s buffet-style dining features protein-balanced plant-based dishes.
Our Executive Chef and her team bring a creative flair to dishes that are as delicious as they are nutritious. Menla’s wellness cuisine is centered around healing foods, sourced primarily from the Menla garden and local farms with an eye toward seasonal and organic fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.
Our guests consistently rave about the high quality and memorable tastes of our meals. Be sure to check out some of our sample menus!
Originally from Los Angeles, Chef Alicia grew up surrounded by the rich cultural and culinary heritage of her Mexican family. She is classically-trained in the culinary arts with a career spanning more than 25 years. Among the many roles she has played professionally, she has always been a creative force. She served as Executive Chef for Dreamworks Studio, Managing Chef for Bon Appétit at Sony Music, Executive Chef at Beets Cafe in Austin, Texas and more recently as the retreat chef for Australia athlete, Grant Campbell, in Thailand. Chef Alicia was also invited to be the Executive Chef for the Woodstock Fruit Festival.
A proud grandmother of three, she has completed two sprint distance triathlons and a 90-day Bikram Yoga challenge. Her own experience with significant weight loss coupled with new found energy inspired her to dedicate her life to helping people redefine their relationship with food, empowering them to create their own masterpieces. She is excited about living and working in the community at Menla.
Discover beautifully appointed deluxe private rooms and suites featuring unique Tibet-inspired artworks and features, or opt for our more modest shared cabins & cottages for couples, families, or small groups. ShareShareTweetPin...
From the biggest conference hall in the Castkills to an intimate septagonal meditation space suspended above the valley, Menla offers fully equipped facilities to accommodate a wide range of programs and groups of every size ...
Seated on the world’s oldest known meteor crater, our 325 acres of tranquil mountain forests and streams are nestled deep in the heart of the Catskill mountains and feature a range of indoor and outdoor amenities ...
“Another world deep within untouched natural beauty of the Catskills. You have to come here to truly experience the sublime healing energy it has.”
Nathaniel H.
“You know that thing when you think you soul might be finally crushed for good and the nameless, wordless, friendless dread of the city has sucked you dry? Well, this place has the cure. You can help with the grounds and garden, you can yoga and meditate, you can get the best massage in 48 states, you can eat the most delicious vegetarian cuisine, and my favorite, walk the trails and paths through bubbling brooks and over rushing waterfalls and regain your spirit and feel the beat of your heart in time to nature.”
Robbie S.
“A place of exceptional beauty. A retreat center surrounded by nature, silence and beauty.”
Adriana Hoyos
MENLA
