Looking for the perfect weekend getaway?
A quick getaway lies only a few hours from New York City in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. Spend a long weekend (or a few weeks). Let nature restore your mind and spirit in a peaceful refuge, far from the noise and anxiety of city life. De-stress with one of many nature immersion experiences on more than 300 acres of wilderness.
The newly remodeled 200-year-old barn has a chill vibe ― relax by the fireplace, play pool with friends, or catch a film. The Lhasa Inn features cozy, queen sized rooms and deluxe king suites are available in Kathmandu House. Entire private cabins are also available if you are bringing friends or family and need multiple rooms and a kitchen. Discover mountain hikes away from the crowd just outside your door. The unspoiled natural beauty of our land adjoins thousands of acres of state forest, creating endless opportunities to sit back and take in the view or discover secret hideaways.
Please note that Menla is a 501c3 non-profit boutique retreat center located in a remote area in the Catskill mountains. You will encounter things here that are different from your traditional hotel experience, such as our open door policy (while all individual guest rooms have doors that lock from the inside or with key access, the main doors to buildings onsite remain unlocked), no alcohol sold on premises, vegan/vegetarian cuisine, active wildlife of all kinds, and eco-friendly housekeeping practices. Please understand that although Menla strives to create a more communal, trust-focused environment for those staying with us, our guests safety and comfort comes first and foremost. As a Create-Your-Own Getaway guest, you are choosing to join us outside of the more structured group experience; because of this we recommend that you thoroughly explore our website to understand Menla’s atmosphere and mission prior to booking. If any questions arise during this time, please reach out to our Front Desk staff for further explanation or assistance. Do note that although we do welcome children here, Menla does not have services or structures in place to accommodate young ones in a capacity that varies from the adult experience. Also some lodging options involve many stairs (e.g. Thimphu) or are located up a steep hill (Potala).
The spa’s unique hand-painted architecture and Tibetan-inspired accents evoke a sense of tranquility, while saunas and steam rooms offer the modern version of practices used to detox for thousands of years. Artesian water, fresh from mountain springs buried deep beneath Menla, is used in our spa treatments. This natural, mineral-rich elixir acts as a tonic for internal problems and skin conditions. From the Tibetan KuNye massage to herbal baths infused with Himalayan plants, our knowledgeable team brings you a range of Eastern and Western treatments. Cool off with a dip in our outdoor pool or lounge nearby and soak in the sun. Check out the spa menu for a list of all available experiences.
Dewa spa is open Wednesday – Monday by appointment only. If you are interested in booking spa sessions during your stay we highly recommend scheduling your appointments a minimum of 48 hours in advance. If you are interested in a spa focused stay please select dates that are similar to our spa hours to ensure availability.
Improve your fitness routine or take home a new wellness skill with private qi gong, yoga, and meditation sessions. A fully equipped gym is available as well. When the sun goes down, light up the night with bonfire magic under the stars.
Book a guided hike or explore on your own. On-site and nearby trails range from easy to advanced. Our guides will introduce you to native flora and fauna found throughout the woods. Other adventures like kayaking, horseback riding, and other mountain sports are just a short drive away. As a wildlife refuge and Audubon bird sanctuary, there are numerous opportunities to glimpse your favorite feathered friends. Classes and guest experiences are available a la carte ― you can find a full list below. It’s best to book activities when you make your room and lodging reservation.
Wellness sessions such as yoga, meditation, sound healing and Chi Gong are booked through our spa. These options are available Wednesday – Monday during spa hours. Nature Experiences are available 7 days a week and can be booked at the time of registration or with our front desk with a minimum of 24 hours notice. We highly recommend for all CYO’s that you book all your wellness sessions or nature experiences at least 48 hours prior to arrival, as you may not be able to book once you arrive at Menla.
As fresh as it comes. During the growing season, our vegetarian farm-to-table menu features organic dishes straight from Menla’s gardens. Enjoy lunch and dinner through the Lhasa Inn to-go service. You can dine in the privacy of your room or al fresco on the deck overlooking Eva’s Pond. Learn about how we grow on one of our many garden tours. We cover everything from ecology and horticulture to the healing power of medicinal plants. Even cleaning products and decor are chosen with sustainability in mind.
Please note that lunch and dinner are included as part of the Create Your Own Getaway accommodations package. Meals are served out of our back dining room and are either buffet style or plated depending upon guest attendance. Lunch is from 12:30 – 1:30 pm and Dinner is available between 6 – 7 pm. Guests are encouraged to explore locally for breakfast or are welcome to purchase items such as croissants, muffins, yogurt and granola at our front desk. Coffee and tea are available on the house for guests between 7 am and 11 pm. If choosing to eat locally please check restaurant availability prior to booking to ensure options are open.
Discover the ancient restorative therapies of Tibet at Dewa, Menla’s world-class healing spa and one of the few places in the West where you can experience the Tibetan KuNye massage. Dewa offers a wide range of Eastern and Western spa treatments featuring the Tibe...
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...
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...
Newly renovated, our charming 200-year-old Vintage Barn is a lounge space for all of our guests to sit and read by the fireplace, play pool or board games, or enjoy a film on the 75″ flatscreen TV. With its high vaulted ceilings, the Barn has excellent acoustics and affords...
With its unique septagonal architecture and enormous bay windows facing the southern mountain ridge, our Tara Sanctuary is a beloved space for one-on-one and small group movement and meditation classes, healing therapies, and sound baths. At approximately 615 square feet (diamete...
Constructed in 2019, our Pacific Yurt offers an intimate circular meeting space for one-on-one and small group movement and meditation classes, spa therapies, and sound baths. With windows looking out into the forest, the Yurt is situated on the knoll above the enchanting Panther...
Menla’s tailored nature experiences and private classes let you design your own personal retreat, combining elements that are just the right fit for you. If you are leading your own group retreat, these experiences can add new dimension to your offerings.
Whether a novice or a seasoned practitioner, benefit from expert private instruction on your choice of a variety of yoga styles. The ancient asana practice of...
Regular meditation is proven to benefit cognitive function, increase concentration, reduce stress, boost feelings of happiness, and lead to physiological benefi...
A beautiful meditation where harmonic vibrations are created by singing bowls, gongs, and other resonant instruments. While you sit or lie down, a bath of s...
Take a guided hike on one of our enchanted trails and reap the many benefits of forest bathing. Short easy hikes (1-2hrs) and long intermediate-difficult hikes ...
Learn about our bio-region and how nature and humans have interfaced in this secluded valley. The Pantherkill Valley, our home, has been used by spiritual commu...
Learn about the work that goes on behind the scenes to bring you Menla’s food and flowers! Our main garden is a source of food, flowers, herbs, medicinal ...
Menla is both growing and wild-harvesting a wide variety of healing plants. Learn about the growing techniques, healing properties, and ecological systems of ...
Enjoy a sparkling, wood bonfire in one of our stone fire pits, a classic Catskills experience. Spend a couple of hours after dark in the glow of a nice wood fir...
Pilates is a physical fitness system incorporating slow and precise movements for total body conditioning. Focusing on core strength, Pilates is popular for...
This practice consists of gentle flowing movements believed to help prevent or provide relief from chronic pain and illness. QiGong is designed to let your Qi ...
Have a certified Holistic Health Coach review your diet and lifestyle and help you make a plan that fits with your busy schedule and can be easily implemented ...
Your astrological chart can tell you volumes about your life, its patterns, and even what obstacles and opportunities lie ahead. Our Astrologers provide intuit...
Our 325 acres of tranquil mountain forests and streams are tucked away in the priceless seclusion of the Catskills and feature a range of indoor and outdoor amenities, from our Dewa Spa to unique spaces for mind-body practices, from our dining areas to our hiking trails. Exercis...
“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.
“Menla is one of my favorite retreat centers in the world. The natural beauty, the wonderful staff and great accommodations always make the experience of leading a retreat effortless and graceful. The blessings of HH Dalai Lama and many other Great Beings who have been there usher us into our own True Nature with joy and ease.”
Krishna Das
“Menla is indeed magical, a place out of time that is rich in presence. The vibrational quality of this sanctuary is palpable as well as the magnificent natural beauty. Healing, peaceful and luminous with Light, a pilgrimage to Menla evokes the proverbial Medicine Mountain, and yet it is so close to NYC. Our Ayurvedic massage and experience at Dewa Spa was transporting, regenerative and deeply nourishing. Looking forward to our next retreat here and sharing this treasure with friends.”
Sarah Drew
MENLA
