I loved my time at the Omega Institute. As a disabled person, there would have been no way that I could have spent time here without their consistent care. They carted me everywhere I had to go on campus. They provided a mini fridge in my room that was just large enough for my medication and they let me freeze my blue ice for my meds for the flight home in a freezer on campus. Everyone who worked there is kind. They all seem to go above and beyond to ensure that my workshop went well. I appreciate all the hard work they put into their service and I definitely intend to return next season. I'm looking forward to it! read more

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What a beautiful place ! Great cafe , bookstore , library and so many cool workshops weekly !!!love coming back here read more

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The workshops & the food was excellent but the accommodations were pretty awful. It actually took away from our overall experience. I'm not one to complain but I have to say something here. They need a serious renovation. It's like being in a cheap camp for kids. The rooms smelled like mildew when we arrived. I doubt they have done any upgrades in 50 years, at least it looks that way. You also have to be careful of ticks because they don't spray the premises. Our Wksp and accommodations was very expensive. And anything you buy on the property is expensive (food, bookshop, cafe, etc.), So we wonder what they're doing with all of this money. Yes, they say it's eco friendly but clean up the mildew &/or septic tanks and remove the bugs from the rooms! How about thinking of the comfort of your guests? We will never stay on the premises again. Unfortunately, it will limit our visits in the future because most B&B's, hotels & Airbnbs are about 20 mins away. read more

The campus was s beautiful and I have enjoyed the workshops there! The food quality has changed over time, it's a solid 3 out of 5 stars. I think when I first arrived it was a 4- not exceptional but definitely better. Not sure what has changed but I'm sure the pandemic may have to do with this because I first started going to Omega pre-pandemic and this comparison of food is post pandemic. Nevertheless this is a beautiful campus to visit. read more

I love it here and I can't wait to go back! Awesome variety of workshops and wonderful people in a heavenly locale! read more

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I stayed for a weekend program and loved it. The grounds are peaceful, the speakers and programs are top notch. The cafeteria was excellent considering they were feeding 600 people a day. Healthy, clean, fresh, well thought out and considering how expensive fresh food is very well done. This is not Miravale but they deserve praise for everything they are doing. I will definitely be back and kudos to you all for what you continue to create there. read more

This was the first time I have attended Omega and it was for a workshop by a known author. The lecture meeting was great. Really enjoyed the time and what was experienced in the 2 day class. The grounds were lovely and I only walked around a 1/4 of the property. I did not really engage with the staff much, so can't answer to that. The buffet breakfast/lunch and dinner did havoc on my stomach. It was basically vegan/vegetarian cuisine and that is it. There are just so much beans, tofu, cabbage, eggplant and coconut yoguart I could eat. My stomach was so bloated, it was uncomfortable. Workshop was great, though but all very, very pricey. read more

I think overall Omega is a wonderful place to reset, relax, reflect, and make new connections. The programming is thoughtful and always insightful. The campus grounds are well taken care of. I think the accommodations and other areas on campus need some attention. Services are extremely expensive, like the spa. The staff always seems nice and friendly and helpful. Because of the cost, it certainly services a certain demographic, but I hope Omega is trying to bring a more diverse panel of speakers to the program. The café and restaurant are pretty good. Buffet style, mostly vegetarian/vegan food. I would like to see light dessert options to complete the meal. Overall, great experience. read more

They had very little vegan options and not enough activities for the cost . Staff was not helpful when we tried to get guidance and advice.

I love coming to Omega. The staff are always friendly and the food is delicious. I think improvement could be made on the lodging--too expensive for what you get and the activities (more, timing them so they don't conflict with meals and workshops). All that being said, I will continue to visit. read more

The food wasn't bad as it seems the biggest complaint. They seem to have done a 180 and over salted every green vegetable but generally spices are great, tons of salt not great the coffee was not drinkable. The cabins are bare bones with sandpaper sheets but fine. The water is very low flow with a shower curtain that is way way to small so water goes everywhere. You have to let the water run for 10 minutes to get any warm water so the floors get soaked. Most days there is no hot water or lukewarm water. The cabin is 440 per night it should be 200 at most. My biggest complaint is the fact that every activity overlaps. Classes start at 9 so breakfast, thai chi, yoga, meditation all start at 7 so there is no way you can enjoy one of the classes, eat, shower and make it to class by 9. Why wouldn't you have classes at 6:30? Or staggered. Same for dinner. I was there for a week and if you want to eat at 6 you can't enjoy any evening class. There is nothing to do at night so I generally would fall asleep at 8 freezing with a thin blanket, cold water in a 440 dollar room. All omega free classes were taught by Caucasian boomers while i was there there, yoga, thai chi, etc all white teachers. 99.999% white staff and students. Very boomer students by a huge majority. That said everyone was nice, staff and grounds are nice besides the "lake" which is like a construction site and smells awful. Ants all over classrooms, yoga teachers need to ask students to clean mats after use because equipment was very dirty when you pulled it out. I was not prompted to clean anything nor did the teacher clean anything. The last class on the day you leave ends at 12. The shuttle leaves at 12:10... why??? The place is so expensive i spent about $2500 all together but only enjoyed the class i registered for really because omega itself is set up to not be easy to actually access. Most of my classmates were not able to enjoy the optional classes either because of the way the schedule is set up. People want to shower before class especially when the classrooms are using dirty equipment. So the takeaway is if you want to take the paid class for the instructor, take it. The optional classes or anything that omega offers you will have to choose between food or the class. There is nothing to do at night and you will take cold showers in very expensive cabins read more

I just got home from an R&R weekend at Omega. While it was not completely terrible, I will not be returning. Perhaps go to Omega if you have a workshop you are interested in attending, but I do not recommend it for R&R. I am a serious meditator and yogi, and omega does not cater to people like me. First there are only two scheduled activities during the day - one at 7am and one at 5:30pm on Saturday and one at 7 am on Sunday. For R&R there is nothing else schedule. At each of these three times you could do yoga, tai chi, or meditation. I did all three during my stay. The classes are geared for beginners. You will not be reaching any kind of spiritual enlightenment here. Do not expect serious meditators or yogis' here. The best was the tai chi - probably because it was something new to me. My room was fine - I paid for the top price room - so had my own bathroom and it was luckily clean and had a working heater. But it was very rustic and bare bones. I was expecting this, so it was fine. Mixed feelings about the food and dining hall. I would have appreciated a silent breakfast or a silent room for people who are staying solo. There were also not enough 2 tops and it was very crowded so you had to share with others. I was honestly not really there to make friends . I was there to go inward and find that space within. I am vegan so there were some good options - although it did seem more geared toward vegetarian. Most of my meals were okay - but nothing great. The plates, cups and silverware were generally not very clean. The grounds were very nice and I enjoyed a kayak ride at the lake and a hike through the grounds. read more

I was at Omega for a week long retreat. Omega staff created a wonderful space for retreat and respite. The setting is serene. The property features spacious gardens, lush foliage, many areas to sit and reflect and nature to walk and explore. The Ram Dass Library is very nice. You cannot borrow books but enjoy in the AC comfort. The main hall is spacious for events. The dining hall features enough indoor, porch and lawn seating. Lines are never too long. The food is healthy, featuring plant protein, One day they served an unappetizing shredded chicken dish. Gluten free options were available but basic and not too inspiring. They have a lovely assortment of teas. There is a lot of veggies and a strong hand with garlic and spices and onions. if that's your fancy. The salad bar was basic but plentiful. There are dorms, cabins and campsites. My semi private cabin was comfortable and clean and pretty modern but, due to wooden frames and the door latches, movement from dorm and cabin mates can impact your sleep hygiene. I shared a cabin with a short person who weighed about 150# and I swear an elephant was in their room. I tip toed in mine and still made noise. We sorted out the door latch to be courteous. The arrival system is flawless. There is plenty of parking as well. The cafe has a nice assortment of beverages but limited food. I did not see the desserts ever that were advertised on the video. Their locally made kombucha is divine. This is a lovely space to relax in the AC and on the deck. The bookstore is chock full spiritual treasures. Their prices are very good as well. They also have a personal care area where I scored my beloved Skin Trip lotion, Overall, I found my experience to be wonderful due to my chosen event. The food was ok but in truth, I ate just enough for sustenance. It was not the highlight for me. I spent around 1200.00 for 5 nights with food and an additional for the event. I was surprised to learn the recordings are extra. The staff made the experience quite pleasant and the surroundings, lovely. The overall vibe is an adult summer camp for those seeking some zen. Good for me and a lovely respite from the chaos of the world. read more

This was my first time here. It was beautiful, clean, staff was amazing. It is a very spiritual calm peaceful. They have amazing speakers, water sports and delicious food read more

Omega Institute - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Rhinebeck, New York

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Such a magical place. My son and I attended family week several times and I stayed at Omega on many occasions. Everything about this beautiful place is special. The food is healthy, local and delicious, the classes are enriching and the grounds are filled with beauty. The housing is comfortable and clean with air conditioning and everything you need for a nice stay. read more

I came for a camp reunion (Omega was a from 1920s-1970s). The reunion was lovely, but that was not coordinated by Omega. I stayed one night. The food was okay - 3 stars - but believe all the bad reviews of the dorm lodging. It was the worst night I ever spent in paid lodging. Bed sloped down, so I always had to brace myself for falling. Squeaked constantly when I tossed and turned. Bed sheets were like thin sandpaper. Pillow had no cushion, was like lumps of cottony rocks. Loud snoring through the walls of the next room. I did not sleep at all. Can't believe I paid close to $300 for that. Never again. read more

I was signed up to attend my first ever event at Omega. My connecting flight was canceled, leaving me stranded at an airport for 26 hours. There was no way to call Omega - only email. They did not get back with me until the next Tuesday. When I explained that I could not get there because I was stranded and there were no flights or cars I could take from where I was - they refused to give me a full refund on the fee for the event that I had paid in full months ahead. They only offered half a refund and then half a credit. I will never go back. They felt justified in taking $569 for absolutely nothing, and did not care at all that I lost over $2000 on a trip that never even happened! They are bougie and out to make money - and using "spirituality" as a front. Don't waste your time...its all fake. read more

I would love to give less than one star but I'm not allowed. I thought this was supposed to be a spiritual center being sensitive to the needs of the people attending. However, as a therapist wanting to sign up for an advanced course I found myself reaching out to the facilitator explaining the disability of being fully blind and would have my assistant with me during the course. He was absolutely amenable to this, but suggested I let the registrar know when I sign up. I called in and had to speak with two different people who couldn't understand or fathom the role of "assistant". All they wanted was their bottom line - money, more money. In short they wanted my assistant to pay for the course. I had to explain again that my assistant wasn't taking the course and shouldn't have to pay, but they couldn't comprehend that. They left it with "I'll have speak with the faculty and team, and get back to you". It has been well over a week and no one has gotten back to me. It's safe to say Omega excells at rudeness and lack of care and understanding for those with disabilities. Edit: After two weeks waiting for an answer, I decided it was too much of a hassle, and would not sign up. They finally did call and said they would make an exception for me, but when I told them I had decided otherwise and tried to explain why, the girl abruptly hung up on me! That just confirmed my decision. A word to the wise should be sufficient. read more

Had a really good time at Omega. There's no corporate buildings here so it's living simply and naturally. Great place to go when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the real world! read more

The Omega Institute is NOT an intentional community. Room and board are offered as part of the employment package and employees can not opt out. Housing is routinely inadequate, moldy and in disrepair. Management will routinely black ball staff based on personality conflicts. There is no transparency between HR and staff, training is non-existent, and top level decisions regarding equipment purchase or repair impairs the staff from property performing their assigned tasks. The Omega Institute is an example of the corporatization of a once flourishing spiritual community. Disheartening. read more

For some reason I feel that a review of Omega just isn't necessary. It's a great place. Think Nobody puts Babe in a corner kinda location with for me at least a level of calm I am actively trying to have at all times. Their classes are always relevant and meaningful. read more

I loved the setting, I stayed in a rustic cottage in the woods, although I know there are options for dorms and camping. It was very quiet in the early mornings and evenings to just enjoy nature. The staff in the office was super friendly and helpful, and also the dining hall staff. I loved every meal and that there was enough variety and healthy food. It was great that they are locally sourcing foods/coffee/etc. The program I took had morning and afternoon sessions but just enough time to go for walks on the beautiful grounds. I look forward to coming back next year. read more

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Very pleasant. Ram Dass library excellent. Nice off the path breakfast and coffee spot on the campus open to the community. People are healing heat so respect the ambience. read more

Absolutely one of the most disappointing experiences and places I have ever attended. This institute does not embody the so called values it claims to abide by. Experienced and witnessed a incredibly toxic work environment in the Cafe. Management in the cafe where emotionally abusive tactics such as ignoring employees on purpose was utilized. An employee whom left the department to get away from it, as we all as a personal experience where I was unprofessionally and inappropriately snapped at after a minor mishap. I believe HR has close ties with managers, which is not inherently ethical as HR is meant to help employees. Because of this it does not seem employee complaints are taken very seriously. This manager still had the audacity to claim the environment was not toxic when confronted with HR and then attempted to harass me out of the corporation claiming Omega "wasn't the place for me." I was incredibly disappointed with the entire experience of both management and HR. Almost every (respected) corporation has a release form at the end of workers stay where employees can give honest feedback. This is usually to ensure workplace abuse does not happen. Omega institute does NOT have this form/survey which is a MAJOR red flag. This institute has ALOT of work it needs to do if it truly wants to be perceived as a "holistic" organization. Right now it is still corporate America playing pretend disguised as "spirituality" I sincerely hope future employees never have to go through what I experienced here. I did not feel safe here, I did not feel protected by HR here, and since observing what I've seen here. It is an organization that caters to the rich with zero regards for how its employees are treated. Do better! read more

I haven't reviewed this place since our visit a few years ago because I have felt like I'm not on-the-in enough to do so. What I mean is, it felt a little like a lot of the people there were "drink the Kool-Aid" people and it's just not for me to be immersed at that level. I actually felt better when I read other Yelp reviews because there are differing opinions on here, and it made me feel not alone about my view on things. So first I will say, we did not stay on campus. We did not eat on campus. We rented a house nearby. The house was affordable, beautiful, and allowed us to bring our dogs, which were the main reason we went. (more on that in a bit) So our accommodations had nothing to do with Omega; we just went there all day for the retreat. I registered for our visit online and every time I called, I quickly spoke with someone who was helpful and gracious. Anyone I spoke to was well-informed about the particulars of the event, and could answer every single one of my MANY questions, as well as point me to online documents where I could get even more info. So A+ for the administration at Omega. (Again, I did not stay on campus, so I did not need to rely on the admin staff or anyone else there for anything because the people running my event took care of directing everything I did all day.) I'm sorry I don't have photos as I normally do for my Yelp reviews, but this particular event required us to dress all in white (including underwear) and to have no jewelry or anything else on our person, in order for the healing to work. I can post the John of God instruction sheet since he pretty regularly visits Omega and is very popular when he does. It will show how intense the visit was. Obviously, this is not applicable for other events at Omega. As for the cost, Omega ain't cheap! This is a place frequented by Manhattanites, and don't let its woodsy-hippie vibe fool you, because it's Manhattan prices right down the line. For that money, you will be able to get top notch courses, and access to people who don't meet with the public in many other places. So Omega has a unique atmosphere, with exclusive, unique course/event offerings, and it's reflected in their prices, simple as that. On a friend's recommendation, our visit to Omega was to see John of God, the healer from Brazil. Yes, the guy from the Oprah special, who does God-led "operations" in Brazil, cutting people open and making (some) miraculous healings. Yes, I was a skeptic, and that is where I felt different from the others there, because pretty much everyone else was a fanatical believer compared to me. I recognize that the fellow guests at Omega really aren't something controlled by Omega, however, they are a huge part of the experience, especially because so many of Omega's courses and retreats require and encourage people to spend long amounts of time with one another, and it's a little commune-style, at least for dining and stuff. So I can say on the plus side, you will meet positive, inquisitive people, who are enthusiastic about making the most of their time and money investment in Omega. So the reason we took our dogs was because we wanted them in close proximity in case any of the healing worked, and could help our dying dog. For John of God, they say you can send someone as a proxy to get healing if a sick loved one is in the hospital, or otherwise unable to get there in person, so we hoped we could do the same for our dog. We'd been struggling with conventional and even unconventional medicine for a while, and had spent a very large sum, only to get no answers and no cures. So this was the desperate mission we were on for our furry loved one. This bit has nothing to do with Omega, but it is meant to explain why we stayed off campus, with our dogs. The way we went about our visit prevented deep immersion into the whole campus experience, so things worked for us in areas where many others have complained. I wanted to share my review in case it helped others understand it is not difficult at all to rent a house nearby, and show up for the day. Bring groceries or order takeout nearby, and voila, the best of both worlds! Lunch in the Omega cafeteria was even included with our event, but we passed in order to go let the dogs out and have a bite at the house (no long lines, or wrestling for a spot at a family style table). To lodge away from campus, you do need a car, and I know many city-dwellers do not have one, but for the money you'd spend for accommodations on campus, you could probably swing a car rental and house rental for close to the same price. World-class access to Omega's courses/events but lodging that's a more private, tailored experience just for you! read more

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The grounds are incredibly beautiful and check in process was very smooth, efficient and fast. Café is very good both in terms of drinks food and service. Our cabin was clean but mattresses not comfortable. Next morning shower ran cold even after 15 mins. Previous night I heard a gurgling sound after turning off a/c so thought it was a/c but likely broken water heater. Next day omega guest services leaves a note saying nothing wrong with hot water and then hot water worked in shower. Quite dishonest of them as it had clearly not been functioning and they fixed it. Also no gurgling sound when turned off a/c. Could live w uncomfortable mattress and cold shower but the food was awful, close to inedible. The first night it was good - collard greens, black-eyed peas and corn-encrusted catfish - but most people there were unfamiliar with this food so there was a lot left. The following days meals were awful, next night served tasteless o er liked chimichurri cauliflower with undercooked chicken thighs. Breakfast eggs were mushy and gross while utensils and coffee cups not properly cleaned. I have attended conferences at facilities similar to Omega where the as produce. Food is not just edible, it is excellent. So it is possible. Quite disappointing as the grounds gardens and cabins are beautiful but doubtful I'd ever return due to food. There's nowhere close by to get good food. read more

I came while I was vacationing in the Hudson River area. I had heard of the Omega Institute, as they host popular speakers and they do retreats. I would recommend it for those that are getting burned out in their surroundings and need catering or a change of lifestyle. For those in the rightful path (wink wink), you can come to check out a speaker. They have a beautiful shop and library, and the space is pretty amazing, but I live in Florida, and I am not trading paradise for the OI. read more

Omega Institute - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Rhinebeck, New York

I found Omega deep in Dutchess country woods over 35 Years ago way before Nav on cell phones. I flew from Florida to the Albany Airport, and made the drive. Not easy back then, Like looking for an earring at the beach! What I found was a welcoming community of seekers. As a single woman I felt included when I entered the dining hall and saw tables of people, none of whom I knew. Most welcomed me to join them. The cabins were adequate and the food excellent. The workshops taught me things I couldn't learn any place else. After 35 years I finally bought land and built a house close to the campus. Omega is a special place, like any place it is not perfect, but consciously trying to improve lives and the planet. Those who find fault Are missing the point, There is something special here, something good. Grab the Golden Ring! read more

Omega is a great idea, but I think something may have gotten lost over the years. The programming is great. The grounds are lovely. It seems to me that everyone could use one or more of the 'classes', but nowadays it is geared toward 'the ladies who lunch' crowd. Very pricey. Not as open and friendly as they used to be. It's a well oiled machine rather than a spiritual organization. I'm not saying we won't go again, but it would have to be for an exceptional program and prices will have to be more realistic. read more

First and last time I signed up an online course. Said course was starting at 7:00 pm. Logged on at 7:00. Moderator said sorry course actually starts at 7:30. I log back in at 7:30 and entered in the middle of it. Wrote to Omega Center to get a refund. Was told I could listen to recording instead of getting my money back. I do not recommend taking any of their online courses if you value your time and money. read more

Definitely a wonderful experience. I was free to honor myself and enjoy all that Omega had to offer. Very quiet setting with beautiful landscaping. I certainly can't wait to attend another workshop or just go for a solo retreat. I would highly recommend to anyone who is looking to get away from the noise in the world today to quiet their minds and find some peace. read more

I enjoyed my experience at Omega back in the summer of 2018. It was peaceful and restorative for me... from the spa treatments and shamanic healing at the Wellness Center to the healthy meals and campus greenery. read more

I wasn't sure what to expect on my weekend visit at Omega for R&R. We were picked up by the shuttle at Rhinebeck ($15 each way per person) and it was an easy 20 minute drive to the campus. I would highly recommend Amtrak as we were able to avoid Friday traffic. Book your tickets in advance. While we paid only $25 (booked a few weeks prior), I noticed it was $49 a day prior. We decided on the tented cabin option which was very affordable and simple. It was quite a bit of a walk from main campus to the hill camping site, expect some hills. However, it wasn't tough and I think I walked back and forth a dozen times. The cabin is simple and the door does lock from within. Definitely need a flashlight and warning, pulley suitcases don't work well in that area. The bathhouse by the way wasn't bad... I was of course a bit worried, but it was kept clean. There were though a crapload of mosquitoes that made their way there by morning (probably b/c it's the only bldg in the vicinity of the camping ground with lights on all night). There were 3 showers (there's a curtain to a mini dressing area and then the shower to the side of it), 4 stalls, and 4 sinks The yoga classes were good though it would've been nice for it to be a bit more challenging; I found the morning intermediate class and beginners class in the evening to be pretty similar. It was rainy weekend but we managed to play some tennis (they provide racquets and balls free of charge) before a downpour, enjoyed a tour of their sustainable living facility (aka waste water treatment center), a walk to the lake (hammocks!), the library, hanging out at the cafe, etc. There was always something to do if you wanted to do something, but there was always obviously the option just to enjoy doing nothing. Staff was friendly and there was a sense of community there. We met other guests; there were many solo travelers. For those who must be "connected", there are 3 computers for guest use with internet access. There's also wifi in the cafe. I had a massage ($80) and it was darn good (ask for Lynn!) It wasn't at the wellness center but at an "annex location" which was one of their cabins converted into a spa room. The food here was amazing. I was skeptical at first since it's all vegetarian but everything was tasty, fresh, and lot of variety for different dietary preferences. I enjoyed the oat milk and other diary products. Oh, and on Sat night there was dessert (brownies!). A must-try is the organic ice cream in the cafe (worth the $2.50). Conclusion: I would definitely return. I'd stay in the tented cabin or the dorm option. I've been to New Age Health Spa several times before discovering Omega. I can't even begin to compare b/c they are just totally different. However, for the objective of R&R, city getaway, yoga, and healthy eating I'd choose Omega any day. It's hard to explain the vibe at this place... it was very different than anything I've ever experienced. Check it out yourself; go with an open mind and you'll come back refreshed. read more

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LOVE ME SOME OMEGA !!!! I was fortunate enough to go here for a Guy Finley, "Fearless Living" retreat in September 2008. It definitely marked as one of theeee MOST memorable times of my life !!! The Good - So far..the closest place to heaven for me. Talk about spiritual awakening !!! /le sigh The Bad - If you're a meat lover, tough luck. All vegetarian food and vegan-friendly as well. Expect to lose weight. Okay.. so maybe it's not so bad then..hehe. Come with an open mind and stomach...you might be surprised. Although, my omnivore friend was going through withdrawals. The Ugly - Leaving this place. Boo. 1 week sure flew by and was not long enough imo. I miss it everyday ! How I long to go back ! Note: Read Vijay's review ! He nailed it ! read more

I was just at Omega this weekend for a workshop that I really enjoyed. Overall, it's a great place and I would love to go back. The campus is beautiful and extremely well maintained. The whole place is very very new-agey, but if that's not your thing, don't worry. It's not forced on you. I stayed in a dorm and had no issues with the size of the room or the furniture. (see photos) It would have been nice if the room had been recently vacuumed, but it's not a hotel. I brought my own linens and towels, but it would have been easier to just rent these items from Omega, so that's what I recommend. They will deliver your luggage and towels/linens right to where you're staying. It's very convenient. The only real drawback for me was getting indigestion from the food! I enjoy vegetarian food, so I don't know what went wrong. I had to skip dinner on Saturday to recover. Oh well. I survived. I'd love to go back and give the cuisine another chance! read more

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East Coast reset button for NYC Metro day trippers seeking health and rejuvenation for sure. Great selection of casual classes and yoga in pretty nice spot but this is far from Kripalu or Easelen for sure! I enjoyed the tour of the LEED certified building and the cafe is great for casual eats. My chances of returning are high but I'd need the right workshop or schedule to drive me in as it is remote and clearly a destination spot. Everyone at Omega is from somewhere else and that's what makes it most interesting! read more

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I always have mixed feelings about Omega. I'm grateful for the nature, the peace, and the people it attracts. I also very much like the day rooms we've been in for the courses over the years. They have good natural light and airflow and are equipped with padded folding chairs as well as yoga blocks and meditation cushions and props for comfort during lectures. The AV is good too. We've always been able to hear the instructor and see the lecture materials from different points in the room, there's never been a need to jockey for position. I'm not so grateful for the passive aggressive staff who treat their grown adult patrons like naughty little children. Stop it. You're no better than the rest of us. Lodging rates are incredibly high for the quality of accommodation. We haven't stayed onsite for 3 years now. Omega charges us mandatory commuter fees in exchange for the privilege of staying offsite. The fees are to subsidize the cafeteria food and the yoga/meditation/movement classes. There's no talking at Omega after 10PM. If you dare to do such an egregious thing as talk outside, someone will roll up in a golf cart to shine a flashlight in your face like a police officer, lecture you on your bad behavior, and then tell you to move along. It's not a charming or endearing experience. I'd maybe understand their attitude if I was doing something illegal or dangerous or obnoxious but I've only ever been talking to a fellow classmate about the class when this sort of thing has happened. I think Omega staff would argue that this no talking thing is to create a peaceful environment. But what always happens is a feeling of alienation. I'm interested to bond and build fellowship with other lecture attendees and there isn't a lot of time to do that so every single moment is precious. I'd be pleased if they provided a social room or extended the cafe hours until midnight to allow for discussion. Oh the food. I can tell they're trying to fix the cafeteria food problems, and there were definite improvements in this years meals compared to last year (meaning they put some seasoning on the food). But undercooked pasta is off-putting and gets wasted. Improperly seasoned food gets wasted. So raw it's still bloody chicken is dangerous and gets wasted. If you stand near the cafeteria hall exit you will see just how much food gets thrown for not being palatable. It irritates me that we're all complicit in subsidizing this waste. I'd like to see Omega make this change in their kitchen: Rather than hiring an expensive food consultant they could instead hire people that will taste food for seasoning and check it for doneness. If they can't find someone, offer a better wage and try again. Don't waste money on thrown out food or consultants who won't stick around to make the changes they recommend. I would like it if Omega found a way to make the dining hall easier to navigate. The tables and chairs are a minefield to walk through, even for a spry little yogi like me. People with physical ailments really struggle. Surely there is some way to make an improvement there. I end at the beginning. The Welcome session. Just stop having it. There's no point. The instructions we hear about where to go and when to go there are always 25% wrong, and that's when we're even able to discern the words which are spoken so quickly there's no point in listening. Bottom line: I'm grateful for Omega in general. The land is beautiful. The lecture rooms are well appointed and attended. The quality and variety of courses is very good. I'm not grateful for the lodging quality or pricing. I'm not grateful for the curfew. I'm not grateful for the mandatory subsidizing of wasted food or the mandatory subsidizing of "optional" classes I don't ever attend. read more

My spouse has been here several times but this is my first visit and I came as an "R&R" visitor - one who isn't enrolled in any of the offered workshops. This cost me $120. We were here for the weekend, Friday evening to noon Sunday, and we stayed in a tent cabin (no heat, no AC) with two twin "beds" that we could push together. This was about $290 per person. For late August, it was cold in the evenings and we didn't pack enough layers but there were pillows and 3 blankets provided in the cabin plus a thick "mattress cover" for each bed. As a somewhat picky eater, I thought the food was great, with lots of vegan selections, but also chicken options. The hilly grounds are very pretty. At the minimum, pack Teva-like sandals to walk the campus comfortably. The vibe here is very Buddhist-centric and the demographics skew higher-income white. The classes are expensive, as is the lodging, particularly since the lodging is very bare bones. If you commute and choose not to lodge there, it costs you about $55 for the privilege per day. Try to tour the environmental education center (Omega Center for Sustainable Living - OCSL), a "natural water reclamation facility built to meet the highest standards currently available in sustainable architecture." That was amazing! There is a shop, cafe, massage space, lake (with canoes, kayaks, rowboats), and the Ram Dass Library (you can read there but you can't check out the books). My spouse has enjoyed every workshop he has done here but nothing has peaked my interest enough to swipe my credit card. read more

The most amazing breakfast in the area this place is so beautiful and peaceful. It is open not only for the people who stays there, everyone could attend their yoga classes and enjoys their amazing food and coffee. read more

Love it here. Peaceful, good people and fresh food. Sit at the library, or by the lake.., meditation or yoga... take the time to de-stress!