The True North Bikram Retreat I attended September 25th was definitely not worth the inflated price I paid. I went last year and It was located at a far superior venue (The Killington House, intimate and beautiful, 24 hour access to the two kitchens, lovely common area) and was very enjoyable - I assumed that the price increase would insure this year would be better - wrong! I kept in touch with some of the 25 attendees from last year - when I asked them why they didn't attend this year - it was because the price was increased quite a bit and they questioned the change in location and thought the price increase was just too much. I mistakenly put a deposit down way back in December for a Hawaii retreat through the same company; then realized my 94 year mother was too ill for me to attend. I asked that my deposit be refunded, (months in advance) - no go, so it was credited towards the Autumn retreat in Vermont. I tried to make the best of it with a positive attitude. Also, I overextended myself and was extremely worried about being so far from my elderly mother with advancing dementia. If it was me, I would have had the compassion to refund the deposit.
The daily itinerary at the retreat was not adhered to, discussions and activities that were supposed to be part of the retreat to make our experience special never took place. The vegan lunches were mediocre compared to last year - we had pumpernickel bread w/ Tofutti cream cheese for one lunch; lettuce, sprouts, leftover black beans, rice and a homemade cheese for another lunch - a lot more effort was put into last years cuisine. Other guests (of which there were only about 8 - compared to about 25 last year), were also disappointed. 5 star prices for much less than a stellar experience. And the 'Fall Foliage' sales pitch that I fell for. I investigated the general timing of the ''peak' of Autumn colors in Vermont - statistically begin around the week of October 5th at the earliest - it' would be like promoting the New Year's Celebration in Las Vegas, but having the the trip takes place 2 weeks before New Year's Eve - my fault for being so naïve. Will never return to this retreat - as another guest wisely said to me (the woman of a couple that left early) "So much for Namaste". I should know by now, money is the name of the game.
P.S. The Yoga Studio at Mendon was acceptable and the instructors good - my complaint is about the Retreat, value vs. cost - paying around $500.00 A DAY for what??.....not even filtered water available. My request for a small
10% refund for the week, $258.00 was denied by the owner. read more