I've spent 3 days at Yogaville twice and am looking forward to going again. It's a wonderful, uplifting, experience. I have no regular spiritual practice - don't meditate frequently; I'm not outdoorsy or athletic, and I'm 70 years old. Even for a person like me, Yogaville made everything so easy and comfortable. If you haven't been to Yogaville, GO! read more

If you haven't yet visited Yogaville I urge you to go! If you are a spiritual or religious person you'll love the campus especially the Lotus Shrine, Nitaraj and Chidambarum. Also there are meditation, breathing and yoga classes and vegetarian meals. If you're a nature lover or birder there are miles of hiking trails and woods to explore. So much for everyone to enjoy! Check it out for a weekend, you'll be glad you did. read more

Its your home away from home, where peace and calm reigns supreme. Great for authors(i'd add). Highlights definitely are - The Lotus Shrine, Kailasha shrine, Chidambaram temple where Satchindananda Maharajji, took his Mahasamadhi, their self-sustaining organic farm with compost used from kitchen waste. Make Yogaville your yearly personal retreat or whatever your intent is to achieve your higher-consciousness or simple peace and joy of a simple, minimalistic and yet, responsible lifestyle. Also I would highly recommend volunteering for the different activities around the ashram. read more

Always a joy to spend time with like-hearted folks seeking peace. The New Years silent retreat was a wonderful reset for the coming year.

There are no words to describe how amazing this place is. I went for Krishna Das and was blown away by everything. The yoga, the programs, the environment, the staff, the food, the concert...well everything was mind blowing. I will definitely be going back! Thank you for an incredible credible weekend! read more

Highest -5 stars-Yogaville is a special experience! A place to recharge body, mind & spirit. The facility is clean & attractive with good, healthy meals-all in a beautiful natural, wooded area . The staff, nuns, monks, etc are on hand to teach yoga & meditation classes-they do an outstanding job. I highly recommend a visit for as long as you can stay! It's a no fringe-back to basics happy place. read more

Looking for a retreat just a few miles (about 2 hours) from DC? This is the place for you. You can go for a specific training...I suggest Laugha Yoga...but they have a ton of offerings monthly. You can also just go for a weekend retreat. They have dorms, single rooms, and camp sites to choose from but the best part is the location and the FOOD!!! Hello all vegetarian/vegan, hearty, health meals!!! When you stay here, all three meals are included in your rate and you eat in a cafeteria where you can mingle and meet others or sit in silence contemplating the lint in your belly button. The schedule is what you make of it. There's meditation and yoga in the morning, meditation in the afternoon, and then after dinner there is usually some sort of program. They have tons of places for you to meditate like the LOTUS Shrine...or one of the rooms on campus or you can just sit outside among nature. One of my favorite things is their staircase that overlooks LOTUS...so serene and peaceful. This is a great option if you're looking for someplace to unwind and relax without breaking the bank!!!! read more

Wonderful community of spiritual seekers. Highly recommend if you're on a spiritual path that includes daily asana practice.

I am currently in the middle of my stay at the Ashram for a personal retreat weekend with a friend. I came here about 10 years ago by myself, but at that time, the vibe felt very "clique-y" and not as inclusive as I'd like and I ended up leaving a day early. I thought that coming with a friend and several years later would be a better vibe. It isn't. What I like about Yogaville: it's beautiful and quiet. Great for reflection and taking in the beauty of the property and the Lotus temple. Nice hiking paths. I like the idea that for a relatively low fee, you get a comfortable, although very basic, room with a private bath, 3 meals a day, and you can participate in any of the yoga/meditation/worship services that they have to offer on a given day. The food is meh, but I didn't expect much. Here's where I have an issue...the "ashramites". These people live at the ashram and devote service to be able to stay here, which before mingling with them twice now, I find admirable. However, they don't want you here if you aren't a devotee. They will not go out of their way to be friendly, show you the ways of the ashram (i.e. navigating the dining room; the protocol for joining meditations and learning chants ahead of time, etc.). Just this evening at dinner, which is communal seating, by the way, an "ashramite" sat next to me and my friend and offered no hello or words at all. I overheard her conversation with the lady sitting across from her and nicely interjected with a thought, If looks could kill! She acted very rudely and curtly and made me wish I hadn't made an attempt to be conversational. This is the attitude that I have experienced from most of the lifies here. They don't want you here if you don't live here. OK if you spend your money to stay for a weekend, but not if you want to try to integrate into their lives. The air of "I am better than you" runs rampant here. I will never come back to spend my money here. If I come back, it will be to visit the LOTUS and to enjoy the views and nature. read more

Perfect place to get away, the classes in the morning are pretty good and there are great teachers. I just wish they have more evening classes for the "night owls" tho. Food is great, all Vegan, many of the things provided. Not lying, the "observing silence" can get on your nerves a bit but hey, that's the reason why came right? I attended the event with Khrisna Das, no words to describe the experience. I could visit the Ashram every weekend. One last note; waking up in at 5 am in the morning either with violin or not... is not my thing and felt kind of "forced". read more

Sometimes I do things so I can say things like: "Remember when we went to an ashram for a weekend?" For those not in the know, Yogaville is an interfaith community dedicated to spreading the word of the teachings of Swami Satchidananda. If you don't know who Swami is...you will not forget it by the end of the week! There are photos of him everywhere! Photos of him on a mountaintop, cuddling lions, at the beach, overlooking the hills, at Woodstock, etc. DVDs of him speaking are played on loop throughout the site. My friends always thought my seventh grade pinup shrine to Hanson were a little bit creepy, but now I can understand their concern. Accommodations: My friend and I were set up in a private room. She had a full size bed, while I slept on a pull out couch. There is no TV but you have 30 free minutes of internet a day. Cell phones do not work in the area but there are several phone booths scattered throughout the compound. No decorations on the wall except a photo of Swami. Shower had good water pressure, linens and towels are provided. I'm a princess so I brought my own pillow and down comforter. The room was akin to an Old Comfort Inn. Walls are paper thin so we could sometimes hear chanting in the room next door. Food: The food is plentiful, delicious and healthy. Everything is vegetarian and they have plenty of gluten-free options as well. A typical breakfast is steel cut oats, fresh fruit from a local organic farm, bagels and rice cakes. Lunch or dinner consists of make-your-own salads, tabbouleh, dahl, spiced chick peas, gluten free pasta, and some type of dessert. I enjoyed eating at the communal tables and meeting all different walks of life who were at the ashram for different reasons. Activities: Boy did I feel out of place in my see-through Lululemon pants and technicolor moisture wicking tank tops! Most people wore loose, modest clothing. You can take advantage of daily ashram life: daily pujas on the mountaintop, chanting, meditation, hatha yoga, and pranayama breathing techniques. The ashram is set on over 800 acres neestled in the foot hills of the Blue Hill Mountains so I highly recommend hiking on trails to Kailash (a mountaintop structure that overlooks the entire property) or to Lotus (a GIANT lotus blossom that is illuminated at night and serves as a great place for meditation). The facilities are beautifully maintained -- big props to their landscaper! One of my favorite seminars was "How to Integrate Yoga in Your Daily Life." It was an inspirational talk and was just a great reminded that yoga isn't all about handstands and the splits. It's about serving others, loving yourself, and cultivating relationships. Final Thoughts: There are a lot of old people with long white hair, beards, and white flowy outfits. Don't be intimidated! A lot of the people who live on the ashram are very funny, smart, and friendly. The ashram strongly reminded me of the commune that the Dharma Initiative lived on in "Lost" but I think that added a lot of charm to the weekend. Keep an open mind and even if you don't, you'll walk away feeling serene, well fed, and with your lungs full of fresh mountain air! read more

This is an ashram - - - NOT A SPA. I went there for a week-long retreat with that in mind. Therefore, I came home feeling refreshed. I was treated with respect and welcomed by most everyone I encountered. It was a culture shock upon arrival; however, I live in the burbs of DC and this place is REMOTE (on 300 acres) so it took me some getting used to. I have been practicing yoga for years and recently began meditating. I also eat healthy and am spiritual so adjusting to the atmosphere wasn't that difficult for me. They practice hatha yoga only.... no other types of yoga are offered during the personal retreats, but this could be different on the weekends so I recommend checking before enrolling. I have practiced anusara, hot yoga, vinyasa, kundalini, etc. and hatha is not my favorite but I did enjoy the classes. The instructors were excellent. The food was so good! It's all vegetarian and meals are prepared fresh daily. I stayed in the Lotus guest house which was affordable and super cozy. I had my own room & bathroom and it was quiet and peaceful. It was quite chilly at night and my room was nice & toasty. The bed was comfy; not too firm or soft and the linens were soft. Since I stayed during the winter, there wasn't a lot going on there. If you want more to do during the day other then meditation/yoga, go during the warmer months when you can spend more time outside. Or, just bring lots of books to read :-) It didn't bother me because I run & hike all year round so everyday I spent hours outside, even in the 20-30 degree weather. They have a book/yoga distribution center down the street from the ashram and you can get really great deals on books & yoga materials. Check it out! A few important notes: - wear modest clothing when staying there - only vegetarian food is served and meat isn't allowed on site - no coffee or alcohol but they have a "coffee shop" on site where you can purchase coffee if you must have it - quiet time is from 10pm - 8am - about an hour from Charlottesville; close to lots of wineries if you're into that sort of thing! Again, if you're looking for a spa with all sorts of yoga classes & a spa-like atmosphere, DO NOT stay here. You will be disappointed. People, it's an ashram.... if you're not sure what that means, Google it. This way you can understand what you're signing up for when you stay here. All in all, I really enjoyed my visit there and I look forward to coming back when the weather is nicer and checking out one of the weekend workshops. read more

Went for a mommy retreat to recharge. I recommend it. I think they should advertise this maybe on Mother's Day. It has all the qualities to make sure you recharge: 1. Limited cell service except to check in on the kiddos bit limited enough so whoever is taking care of kiddos won't be tempted to call and you won't be tempted to check 2. Yoga multiple times a day which is great if you're breastfeeding (especially joint yoga), if you're getting back into shape (hatha yoga) or if you're stressed and think too much (nidra yoga) 3. 3 meals a day included that you don't have too cook...eat one handed while you hold a baby...or that's cold (unless it's meant to be...yes they have salad) because they're was a melt down just right when you decided to eat 4. silent mediation twice a day to force you to shut up and mediate on all those mommy thoughts, going back to work thoughts, am I still a good partner/wife thoughts...so you can process and filter them out 5. Amenities include a place to store and sterilize your milk.....You do have to use the kitchen to do this. They don't have a microwave but they do have a boiling water facet that works the same and basins. If you get a shared room you have to make roomates aware your a cow that gets milked multiple times a day even at night (but I pumped in my car). 6. Do Karma yoga....service. I dishes after dinner to thank them for letting me store my breast milk and go in & out of the kitchen like I was the chef. You may think "I do this at home...why?", but drying dishes was surprisingly meditative. And afterwards someone thanks you for doing an act of service...which your children don't necessarily ever do. The only thing I think they could add...comfortable chairs in the bathrooms so you can consistently pump. Or a pump room. read more

Don't expect a spa, first and foremost. I came here to check out a lecturer, and to unplug from the frenzy that is the day-to-day. Its a little over an hour south of Charlottesville, and yes its in a pretty remote area. I stayed in the dorm, it had four beds in the room and I had one other lady in the room with me. Shared bathroom as well. Although if that's not your thing they have other accommodation options from camping to having your own private room and bathroom. I'm used to staying at hostels so this was nothing new. The dorm rooms are clean they provide you sheets and towels as well. The schedule is pretty well laid out, meditation early in the morning, midday, and in the evening. And they have a yoga class in the morning and later in the afternoon. The other great thing about this place you can go to meditation, and yoga class or you can choose not to. No one will go looking for you. There's also a variety of hiking trails around the property if you want to soak in nature and there are some nice areas that you can just sit outside, or do some yoga. The food, ok I do love veggies but I was a bit weary of not having any sort of meat. The food is really good!!! When in season they use fruits and veggies from their farm. There was always plenty of food and frankly I was often over stuffing myself. Now here's the thing about breakfast, they don't have coffee. (Yikes!) They do have a large selection of herbal teas. But never fear, there is a little cafe/market on the property and they have coffee there, but you have to pay for it. With your stay 3 vegetarian meals are included and yes they are pretty healthy meals. If you're vegan depending on what they are serving they will specify at the start of the meal where to get vegan only items. The cafeteria is sort of like something from elementary school. Tables you can sit at or you have the option to sit at a short table where you sit on the floor. This place is a great place to go if you just want to unplug your mind or you just want some peace and quiet. I certainly plan to return again. read more

they offer silent retreats. ive been for the weekend and weeklong retreats. great experiences both times! i definitely recommend doing a weeklong silent retreat. the weeklong one i attended was an interfaith retreat and i had teachers (priests, rabbis, monks) from every major faith teaching spiritual lessons. it was a great time listening to each other's prayers to hear how much the message is the same. satchidananda is known for saying "truth is one, paths are many." during the retreat you'll be exposed to yoga 24/7: karma yoga, laughing yoga, physical yoga, mindful eating, meditation, chanting, etc. you'll be exposed to living yoga, not just the fitness piece of it. be open minded. -cell phones don't work. you're in the middle of nowhere. -shopping! they have an amazing store--books, mats, etc. -AMAZING FOOD. yes, all caps. they have their own farm. read more

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I thoroughly enjoyed my experience there. I just spent this past weekend there. I got there late and had trouble finding my room because of miscommunication. I don't hold it against them. I went with the flow and resourcefully located my room with the help of another guest, one "LYT", and this gentleman called Alan. I ended up finding a party where we danced to lots of great international music. Oh the joy! I had a fantastic time meeting all the good natured, kind-hearted people there and learning about their philosophy. I met so many people on a spiritual path who dedicated their lives to living there. I enjoyed meditating, doing yoga (hatha yoga, laugha yoga), and learning from the talks the swami's there gave on. It was even nice to be vegetarian for a weekend. The warm food was refreshing and very filling! The food on Saturday night was redundant (and not as great) but I had options. I look forward to going back, someday. I think I would learn so much. I would like to visit other ashrams before I do, though. The world is a better place because of this haven. read more

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If you want to know what real yoga is get in touch with Yogaville. Visiting there is remarkable but their virtual workshops are fabulous as well. I have been a student of Integral yoga for decades and I credit it with the positive life I have today read more

I don't do yoga so I can't speak to that, the lodgings, food, or grounds. I went here for a Laughing Yoga program. Everybody was really friendly. The vibe was really amazing. Such peace. I was definitely impressed with the staff and the crowd. No matter who you are, you will fit in. read more

I applied for the LYT Program, never heard back from them. Look elsewhere if you need healing and spiritual guidance.. They'll turn you away from this program unless your life is in perfect order and to their liking.. I applied on the 6th (Jan 2020) for the LYT program hoping to eventually get to serve for the ashram yogi program. I mentioned some life struggles that lead up to what can be called a "spiritual awakening", which changed the course of my life.. After sending the application I never heard back from them until close to 3 weeks later when I followed up, just to find they rejected the application.. (Just heard from them today, the 23rd, after contacting them again) Since learning that what I was going through was a sort of "awakening" I've been looking for an ashram to help guide me....This ashram never replied to my application, just ignored it and never contacted my references... Apparently this is not for people like me? Serious seekers of truth..? It's seemingly only for people who what??(I'm still not sure why I was rejected) Nonetheless, put your efforts elsewhere... It feels like these people are too "blissed out" to see anyone other than themselves.. :/ Go where you are needed! This isn't that place ^_^ They didn't contact me or my references after applying! Look elsewhere if you are serious, these people play games.. Peace, Love and progress! ^_^ read more

I just came back from a weekend at this place. It's important to go in with realistic expectations. I did some due diligence beforehand, and left refreshed and happy. It's an ashram, and it is rustic. If you're concerned about the thread count in your sheets, or require a foot massage every morning, look elsewhere. I stayed in a dorm with four bunks, although they took care to ensure that no dorm room had more than two people before putting people in the top bunks. When I arrived, someone had already squatted my designated bed, but they found me another one, and there weren't enough people so that they need to have more than two in a room. Bathrooms are shared, although adequately clean. Meals are vegan, with a few dairy condiments like butter available for breakfast. None of the main dishes have dairy or meat products though. The food is super fresh and simple, without a lot of spice. They have a wide range of spices available as condiments, from Sri Racha sauce to powdered kelp to various peppers and more. I'm not even vegetarian, and found the meals ample and satisfying outside of breakfast, which is kind of weak. Some of the dishes run out before the meal is over, so it pays to arrive at the beginning. At lunch, you are expected not to talk during the first half hour, when someone reads from a text. The yoga is rather slow, with two sessions a day of 90 minutes. They have a level 1 and level 2 - level one is very basic, and level 2 was less intense than what I'm used to. The ashram is on about a thousand acres of wooded, hilly land south of Charlottesville. It's beautiful country, with deer and other wildlife everywhere. I did a lot of hiking. The main trail leads from the building complex to the LOTUS shrine, which is about a mile away on an artificial lake near the James River. There is a cafe on the corner of the grounds, called Mandala Cafe. They have killer coffee (unavailable elsewhere at the site), and the basic groceries you'd expect like kombucha, snacks, veggie products, and souvenirs. I've read a lot of complaints about the ashram being cultish. I didn't get that at all. There's no pressure at all to partake in any of the activities. Upon arrival on Friday, they handed me a list of activities that were available, telling me that I could participate in all or none of them. There was absolutely no proselytizing. I went for the setting, the yoga, and the meals, and didn't participate in any of the talks or chanting or stuff like that. No one gave me a hard time about it, or really even noticed my absence. I hung around the library a lot, taking the opportunity to study Sanskrit. There really isn't a whole lot to do if you don't participate in the group activities, so bring some books to keep yourself occupied if you don't want to participate. People are extremely friendly and nonjudgmental. The only rules are no drugs, no alcohol, no tobacco, no meat, no sexual contact, and to demonstrate respect for everyone. I went to recharge after a breakup and a few hard weeks at work, hoping mostly to be left alone for a silent weekend, and walked out feeling better beyond measure. I'll definitely be back the next time I need a recharge. read more

Yogaville is not a spa retreat. It is an ashram. An ashram is a place for sanctuary, a place to retreat, a place that welcomes spiritual study (of ALL religions, which makes this one most unique in the world) and personal growth. It's important to do some research before you go to help understand its history. The founder came to virginia decades ago with a plan to establish a place that would welcome all people. He was a Hindu, but he accepted/encouraged the study and understanding of every other religion (which should be a clear sign that this place is not a cult). He even included non-religious studies (musicians, scientists and politicians) as well as, left room for religions not yet developed. He built a shrine that was "dedicated to interfaith understanding and the Light within all faiths. Individual altars represent and honor the different world faiths and spiritual paths. "Truth is One, Paths are Many." It is a beautiful monument and we love our monuments in Virginia! The people that run the ashram are a combination of monks and volunteers that are there studying. This is their home, maybe temporarily or permanently. If you are confused by some of their ways and rules, simple ask them. They will be happy to explain and demystify these concerns for you. The food they prepare is vegan, fresh and incredibly delicious. (I've been in the restaurant business for 20 years and was happily surprised by how delicious it was). There is no alcohol on the property (remember, this is place to recharge yourself). Also, cell service is spotty however, they provide wifi for a small fee. Oh, and they wake you by playing the violin. I'd like that to be my new alarm clock!! Try to come to Yogaville with an open mind, free of judgement. Remember, they've welcomed you without judgement and will spend a good bit of their time making you welcome. read more

Satchidananda Ashram - Yogaville - This is the entrance to the LOTUS shrine. - Yoga Near Me - Buckingham, Virginia

Yogaville is an amazing place! If you're looking for relaxation in the gorgeous VA mountains full of meditation, chanting, hiking, vegetarian cuisine, reading, lectures, and of course #yoga, then look no further. Clean, comfortable rooms, affordable and welcoming. I most defiantly will be back! read more

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I am completing my 1-month Living Yoga Training program (http://www.livingyogatraining.org) at Yogaville this Sunday. It has been a monumental personal growth experience. Yogaville is an excellent place to cultivate one's spirituality, health, and happiness. I'm so thankful to have discovered such an amazing community and concept early in my life that empowers me to better myself, others, and my surroundings. I will undoubtedly be returning for other programs, retreats, short and extended stays. read more

This was my second silent retreat at Yogaville. It is such a blessing to be there and to experience this amazing practice. Will be back next year! Thank you! read more

The most important information to keep in mind about Yogaville is an understanding of what it is and what it isn't, especially when reading some of the reviews. With those expectations properly understood, it is an amazing place that I know I'll visit again to at some point. Yogaville is not a yoga retreat in the traditional gym, "yoga is hip and therefore makes me cultured" sort of way. People do not walk around in work out clothing and yoga mats. Yes there are yoga classes there but they are part, and only a part, of the bigger picture of the ashram. The Asrahm is a spiritual retreat for those who subscribe to yogaville's belief structure. They are open, vulnerable, and accommodating enough to allows others to witness their spiritual practice. The idea behind is the aspects of yoga as a full practice are essentially the same principles that guide all religions and faiths - contentment, self discipline, truthfulness. Many different aspects of yoga are present including physical, emotional, spiritual, and social. Yoga, to the followers of Integral Yoga, is more than a few poses. It is a way of life that encompass breath, kindness, openness, doing good, physical, mental, and spiritual exercise. They are genuine and unapologetic in their devotion to the Divine Light and their guru. Which at times was strange to see as an outsider. I didn't understand most of the prayers or rituals but I never made to feel uncomfortable by not participating. They never forced their practice or made it a big presentation. It occurred quietly with as little fanfare as ritual can have. I am sure that had I asked, they would have been more than happy to explain some of the seemingly odd rituals. But I wasn't interested so that aspect never came up in conversation. The grounds are beautiful. They have a few hiking trails, a beautiful outlook overlooking rolling hills, a winding river, and the Lotus. It is beautiful at sunset. Just bring a little bug spray and do not mess with the spiders. I took two yoga classes. The first was a joint freeing one very different from the yoga classes I have taken at big box gyms. The second was a laughing yoga class where I had a blast. Seriously, the instructor is so much fun it is impossible not to laugh with his genuine heartfelt giggles and belly laughs. I've taken some of the exercises into my normal life when I am feeling crappy. We really do not laugh enough but we used to as children. I also went to a meditation class/service. I spent most of the time in the meditation room wondering if I was doing it right and rightfully deciding that I wasn't. I supposed you can take a class or seminar to learn. They have a welcome weekend where you can take a couple of classes both physical, meditation, and lifestyle. The Lotus stands for Light of Truth Universal Shire and is shares artifacts and beliefs of all the world's religions and those that have not been created yet. It shows the similarities within the faiths. It is at the core of Yogaville's practices and philosophies. read more

I've never been a person who likes remembering and adhering to a lot of rules. And I found out on Easter weekend that Yogaville has quite a few of them: no shoes indoors, no meat, no cheese, no caffeine, no alcohol, no public displays of affection, no revealing clothes, limited cell phone use, and no pointing your feet at altars or presenters. I had a headache all weekend from caffeine withdrawal. I can't tell you how much I missed having coffee in the morning. I was pretty grumpy waking up for 6:30 AM yoga class. But they did have a pretty extensive selection of herbal tea. There's also a little cafe in the dorm area where they sell coffee and other "contraband", but it was never open when I stopped by. My luck! I don't eat much meat as it is, so that was pretty easy to abandon. But dammit, I missed dairy! On the drive back home, all I wanted was a pretzel smothered in cheese. The cafeteria food was pretty standard vegan fare - lots of beans (they were inescapable) and soups and tofu and salads. There were a few items I liked, but I'm not a big fan of beans, nor am I a fan of the effects of beans, so I felt like I lost weight over the weekend. My boyfriend, a major meat-eater, was pretty unhappy with the cuisine. While I was craving cheese, he was craving meat-focused German food. We both agreed the food was bland; however, there is a spice table where you can season and jazz up the food to how you like it. But there's only so much you can do. I also missed having sweets. Dessert was infrequent, but they served fruit with every meal; I guess this was supposed to fulfill sugar cravings. It didn't fulfill mine. You will lose weight at Yogaville if you're anything like me or my boyfriend. And forget about having a nice red wine with your meal - you are not allowed to bring alcohol on the property. I did miss the freedom to have a drink. While we did do some hiking there, it was rather sad that we couldn't bring spiked hot cocoa along with us and sit looking at a stream sipping on something warm. And if you're a pothead or crack addict, you can't bring that either. On to the other rules... I forgot to take off my flip flops once in the cafeteria, but after I got the stare down, I remembered and quickly shuffled to the entrance cubbies to stow them away. They ask that everyone wear modest clothes - ladies should try to cover their shoulders and wear loose yoga pants. Short shorts and spaghetti straps are a no no. And fellas, you better keep your shirts on, no matter how sweaty you get. Actually hatha yoga isn't really sweat-inducing. It's more about calming the body and mind, and focusing on breathing. So it wasn't too much to ask for everyone to be covered up. I think a couple women missed the memo on this, but no one was kicked out of the class. Everyone was pretty accepting. No PDA. Pretty easy to adhere to this, unless you have some fetish about kissing in shrines and temples and other spiritual places. If you're going with your significant other, I'd recommend getting a private room, rather than staying in the dorms. If you stay in the dorm, it's filled with bunk beds, so you won't get any privacy. And even if you get a private room, there is a photo of Swami (yogaville's founder) hanging right near the bed, so you may not feel like you're alone there either. It was a little unsettling to unlock the door for the first time, walk into the room, and see a bearded old man smiling at us. "Hi Swami, I'm Lauren, the three of us will be spending two nights together!" Limited cell phone use was my favorite part of the weekend. It was so liberating to leave all of my things in the room and not feel tied down to my daily life. Also, if you don't have Verizon, you won't get service anyway. So you'll be out of luck. But there are communal phones around the property, so bring a calling card. On to what to expect once you arrive Friday evening: 1. They will ask you to remove your shoes and check in. 2. They will give you a wristband - whatever you do, don't lose this. It's how they know you've paid for weekend meals, so it's your stamp for cafeteria access. They serve three meals a day, at very specific times. Do not miss these times. You will be left to your own devices if you do. 3. You will be given your room key. You can lose this if you want. 4. They will review the map and various buildings. 5. Cafeteria style dinner. There will be song and prayer before serving the meal. It might be unsettling if you're an atheist like me. They will also ask for volunteer dish washers. 6. You will receive an orientation and watch videos. 7. Visit the Lotus Temple - it's only illuminated Friday night. Highly recommend this. There's a crazy buzz upstairs, and it's like the Las Vegas of meditation. Despite the rules, Yogaville is a very peaceful escape and offers a way to experience another lifestyle. My big complaint, however, was that they kept moving class locations or canceling classes without giving notice. read more

Look, my review is based on the fact that I bought a groupon to what I thought of a yoga retreat, not a cult-like spiritual journey. So- obviously, if someone is seeking spiritual guidance in Hindu philosophy that is the right place to go. That wasn't my understanding regarding the welcome weekend. But I have a spiritual practice, with which I am at peace, and which I do not want to impose on others. It involves meditation and yoga, but without seeking the external guidance that yogaville tries to instill. No such luck here. My discomfort started with the fact that I could not do a single move, without a huge portrait of the Guru watching me. I mean it: you cannot climb the stairs, enter the bathroom, turn in your bed, without an image of the Guru watching. Meditation is done facing a candle lit image of the Guru, and a large portrait watches you during yoga. During silent meal times, his words will be read to you, and you'll at least watch two videos of his speeches. The yoga classes are also very basic (even the advanced ones) , so I did not even get the yoga experience I was seeking. That said, the food is amazing. And as many faithful people, who want you to see their light, are- the folks there are incredibly friendly. Again, if people seek guidance in the Hindu faith, this is a fantastic retreat. If you are just seeking a quite place to meditate and practice yoga without attempts to convert you, I would encourage you to look elsewhere. read more

It is was a pretty amazing experience, my first time at Yogaville/Satchidananda Ashram. The weather was gorgeous, which helps tremendously. We went up just for the day to explore (before committing to a longer overnight stay). And I'm glad we did. It is hard to discern from the reviews what the experience is like. You should know that I have done some form of yoga intermittently for over ten years. I'm no power yogini. I don't have a matching yoga outfit. I'm not blonde. My parts are real. I'm not skinny. So, I don't do the yoga-for-show thing. If you prefer your yoga at Gold's Gym or the like, this may not be for you. It is an ashram, a working religious community. The people are welcoming. It is a multigenerational crowd, elders and young children. It is walkable, with about five trails of various levels of difficulty. (Ask for the map that rates the trails by difficulty, actually. We didn't know to ask for it and let's just say that my sore feet suggest that we chose poorly as a result). You can drop in for the day and take classes, eat lunch, explore the temples, and chill out. It's donation based except for meals, which was $10 for a vegetarian lunch (red sauce, pasta, vegetables, salads). I'm not a vegetarian and it was good. It wasn't retreat slop food. The red sauce tasted fresh and had great flavor. No need for salting, etc. Officially, there's no coffee but there is a cafe on the grounds that serves simple brewed coffee. Everyone says you cannot miss the Lotus temple and I agree. We went after hiking about two miles, doing a laughing yoga class, and eating lunch. You can drive from the main quad to the temple (something they said you couldn't do, btw) but we walked it. Maybe it was all the fresh air and exercise but I meditated so deeply in the temple that when we left an hour or so later I felt like I'd slept for days. Anyway, listen, it isn't a spa and that's a good thing. It's a nice place for human connection with warm people and fresh air and a really inexpensive way to slow down your mind, stretch out your body, and forget that the world is going to hades in a handbasket (I didn't check my social media or email the whole time and was suspended in a magic bubble for 9 hours where the european union wasn't dissolving and the presidential election wasn't a reality tv show -- bliss). read more

Satchidananda Ashram - Yogaville - Walking down to the Lotus temple on a clear day. Really lovely. - Yoga Near Me - Buckingham, Virginia

I have been in yoga retreats but none of them made me feel that I am in a cult. Yogaville is set up to follow a religion called Integral Yoga. I went there with my husband hoping to share a great yoga experience with him. Our reservation was for two nights but we stayed one night and left early in the next morning. We didn't even ask for our money back because of the strange vibe of the place. Note: I have been doing yoga for the past 1-1/2 year. Love yoga retreats and been in a few. read more

Over New Years, I attended their five day silent retreat. The first day was challenging as I am a new meditator and I realized how restless my mind is. It felt impossible to sit still beyond five minutes. Just by being in an intentional space of mindfulness, and by listening to the staff's teachings, it helped me say to myself, "Okay, I want to get up and check my emails, but let's just see what happens if I choose to stay and concentrate on my breath." By day three, there was a shift. Meditation wasn't easier but the after effect was noticeable. Yogaville is in a countryside location where there's no light pollution. At night, I remember looking up at the sky and being able to see clusters of stars, the Milky Way, and planets. I went on retreat to retreat from a situation going on in my life. In that moment, my worries lessened because the sky was so big and I was so small. Even though that feeling of perspective only lasted a few minutes, that memory is something I'll always carry with me. Online there are reviews of Yogaville as being cult-like. I can understand that. Residents wear white clothing, Swami Satchidananda's picture is everywhere, and there is a fair amount of chanting. Getting too caught up in those factors, though, diminish breakthroughs that could arise. Everything is optional: their yoga sessions, Dharma talks, etc. Some afternoons, I just wandered around their grounds and their trails through the woods. That alone was helpful and healing to unplug. Whatever brings you to Yogaville, let it be a personal experience and you might just surprise yourself. read more

4.5 stars. I recently had my first-ever yoga retreat/ashram experience at Yogaville -- and I loved it. It was a wonderfully beneficial experience, great for "detox" physically and mentally. The ashram is about an hour's drive from Charlottesville, near the James River. The ashram ethos is one of service and welcome, and they do it very well. For example, I left the city during rush hour and had to arrive late, and they set aside a plate for me so I could eat even though the kitchen had closed. One of their staff gently shepherded our group through our daily schedule, helping us to get oriented and making sure we knew the locations of our sessions. I went for a particular program, and initially I was annoyed because we didn't spend much time talking about the topic; I expected the usual western approach of "processing" things, and perhaps being given some kind of tips or strategies. Instead, we mostly spent the time doing meditation (silent or guided), some pranayama (breathwork), and gentle yoga, interspersed with talks from ashram staff. In the end, that was just what I needed, and in the long term it was more beneficial than filling my head with more pop-psych techniques. There are different levels of yoga classes, but in general the yoga practiced there is *not* the strenuous, athletic, show-offy Americanized kind. One of our instructors said she never pushes herself beyond about 80 percent of her capacity; the benefit is just as great, without risk of injury. I respect this approach. As others have noted, the food is vegan and delicious. One example: coconut black beans! Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Another day they had a citrus press and make-your-own-lemonade station. Worthy of note is the extensive condiment table. You won't find ketchup and mustard, but in addition to salt & pepper there is kelp, nutritional yeast, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, ground flax seeds, sriracha, and so many other things I can't remember them all. On the sweet side, there is honey, shredded coconut, and cocoa powder. The salad dressings will rock your socks. I had a distinctive experience of detoxing: the absence of caffeine, the clean diet, the fresh air, and the slower pace actually made me feel logy and "out of it" for the first day as my body adjusted. If you are used to drinking caffeine, you may want to decide whether to stop drinking it and potentially deal with a headache, or to purchase coffee at their market so you aren't distracted by missing it. On my next visit I'll plan to arrive a day or two before my program to acclimate my body. The accommodations are simple, clean, and comfortable. You take off your shoes when entering every building, and there is lots of soft, soothing carpeting. I stayed in the dormitory but had a room to myself mid-week. I was grateful that people aren't supposed to use their cell phones near the buildings (to avoid distracting others) and that there are specified quiet hours. We were awakened in the morning by the delightful Mataji playing her violin. I took half a star off my rating because I found the constant references to Swami Satchitananda (the founder, who died in 2002) a bit much. But that was more of an "aesthetic" issue -- I never felt that anyone was pushing a belief system on me. Although the ashram's spiritual practices are rooted in the Hindu tradition, it is *explicitly interfaith*, with a temple constructed to honor ALL faith traditions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Shinto, Confucianism, Native American traditions, African traditions; plus "all other" traditions and faiths "not yet in existence." I totally recommend a stay at Yogaville as an affordable way to step out of the rat race and tune into simplicity and self-care. read more

This place is out in the boonies for real BUT that is not a bad thing per say if you are staying for the reasons it is intended for. Like other reviewers have posted this is not a spa or a retreat. It is an place where people go and practice yoga in every sense possible through postures, breaths, scriptures and the whole shebang. It is modest in decor and there is an air of solace about. I originally stayed here for a week in April, it was a monday through friday and the place was dead! The prices were cheap I felt but of course the more privacy you want like a private bath and room the more expensive it gets. I thought by staying in the dorm I would be able to interact with other but I had not only the whole dorm but floor to myself. Which wasn't so bad as my intentions for going was to deepen my practice and learn about the Integral style but it felt honestly like a silent retreat for me. The people were friendly but not sociable which again was okay with me, but if you are chatting then perhaps bring a friends. I practice some meditation and a song meeting during the evening. I did not know what to expect but I had so much fun while I did. The lectures were interesting and interactive. I had one guy introduce himself but when he found out I was not there as an actual student he cut the conversation short. There was a diverse set of people within the ashram from all walks of life and religious background. I did not feel out of place as I did dress modest and simple for the most part The ashram itself is located in a beautiful area, mountains, hills, lush trees and water. I hiked just about everyday to the farm, the LOTUS temple and designated hiking trails. There are maps and brochures but I just followed the primitive trail markings along the way and never got lost. The food was great. Lots of options in a cafeteria style setting with prayers in the background. I appreciate how they grow a large amount of veggies at their farm, who by the way actual residents interning and living there who do so, some as a part of their Karma Yoga. Overall, I would go again but perhaps in a group so I do not feel so isolated. They hold plenty of workshops, teacher training and "retreats" as well as programs for those interested in Yoga beyond the actual postures one would practice in the gym. Perhaps I will update that trip. read more

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This was my first time doing yoga or being on a retreat, and I must say I walked away so calm, relaxed, and grateful. First and foremost, I stayed in a dorm room with 7 beds. They do have other accommodations but it was fine. There are shared bathrooms but I never ran into an issue trying to fight for a shower or get to a bathroom. I liked they had things pretty structured and it was up to each person to decide what they did or didn't want to attend. I enjoyed the presentations, talks, and yoga classes. I am a beginner and it was tailored to all levels. The only thing I did not like was the fact that everyone 'worships' the leader Swami Satchitananda but they did not force it on you, either. I thought it was a tad creepy leaders in the ashram wore pendants with his picture on it...but, whatever. The vegetarian food was amazing!!! I walked away feeling lighter, clearer, and happier as a result of the detox this food gave. I looked forward to each meal while I was there. I look forward to trying this place again when I need some peace and relaxation. read more

Yogaville is an absolute gem, and truly a hidden treasure in Buckingham County. When traveling to Buckingham, I never imagined that this would be the place I would come up to. Yogaville holds absolutely spectacular architecture, unique buildings, wonderful food, and friendly staff. So incredibly peaceful! read more

The views are stunning and the atmosphere is very peaceful. Meals are ok if you are vegetarian and don't mind having meat at each meal, although you may want to have a good portion the first time as when they run out of food the will not refill the trays. The LGH are ok, overall clean. Having said that, you may want to come to this place with a really open mind. It is a particular place where they where they venerate the founder of the Ashram and everything turns around him. If I come back, I will come with other expectations and for sure knowing where I am going. The transportation service was not very good. I understand that they are all volunteers but we were waiting for an hour at the train station and then we had to go to the airport to pick up delayed guests. I was supposed to arrive at 3 pm and I end up arriving at 5 pm and almost missed the yoga class. I payed for the guest stay and I couldn't take much advantage of that. So keep this in mind if you are planning to use the transportation services. It is not a place for everyone, you just have to be open mind and be prepare. read more

I visited Yogaville long ago, stayed for about 2 weeks. Perhaps things have changed there. I didn't enjoy my stay. One of the first people I met was one of Yogaville's Reverends, who after I introduced myself glared at me and told me "many people who come here don't belong here and shouldn't have come in the first place." Warm welcome! I was assigned to stay in a trailer with one of the resident swamis, who like the Reverend clearly didn't cotton to new faces, and he made it plain he wasn't jazzed that I'd be sharing his trailer. Swamiji came into my room the first night and angrily shook me awake because I was snoring. The next morning I requested new digs, and to the staff's credit they obliged. In general, I found the Yogaville ashramites to be either completely distant or speaking in sticky sweet spiritual tones..not sure which was worse. Not one of them ventured to attempt instruction or simple goodwill to a newcomer. Where was the yoga at Yogaville? I don't remember any yoga instruction from anyone, except the chanting hari om. I came on their "karma yogi" program, meaning that I got a discount for working 6 days a week. They put me to work all right, by myself in the Summer sun of Virginia painting a swimming pool. I.e., the job no one else wanted. I'd look up at the guru's swank house on the hill from my vantage and felt like what things must have been like in antebellum times for other VA residents. When my two weeks were up I was glad to leave. As I said, this happened a long time ago and things at Yogaville might be very different. Nevertheless, I learned that spiritual retreats aren't always the heaven on earth they're advertised to be. read more

This is a hidden gem! I visited for a retreat with my yoga teacher training group and was pleasantly surprised by the entire experience. Great hike trail to the Lotus Shrine! The food was yummy and there was good variety of options. Everyone was helpful and friendly and the dorms were perfectly clean! read more

The silent retreats at Yogaville are a wonderful environment to unplug, unwind, and contemplate one's life. The staff are in complete service to everyone, and make the retreat run seamlessly. The food is healthy, organic and vegetarian, with many vegan options. The speakers are inspiring, accommodations comfortable, and the program is rich with varied options. Yoga classes and meditation are offered for beginners or advanced yogis. Silence is restful and profound. At the end participants can share their experience if they wish, and it is enlightening to hear what people have to say. Reserve early because these are popular programs. read more

Let me preface this with saying: I do not write reviews unless I feel strongly one way or the other about something. This is the opinion of my gut and instincts alone. It is not to be accepted as truth for all, for there are so many paths and ways of life, but it is for me. My yoga practice is strong and has spanned almost 6 years. In that time, I have attended workshops, achieved RYT status and had exposure to various yoga practices including hatha, Kundalini, yin and Forrest. I practice meditation daily, as well as asana and pranayama. I believe that yoga is about self care and empowerment, cultivating community, heightening spirituality and growing more attuned with Oneness. This introduction is merely to reflect my background to give the reader some area of connection as to why this retreat center did not work for me, not to laud my history. On the search for a spiritual retreat meeting my personal needs, I discovered Yogaville. I arrived at 5:30 PM, just before closure. A man at the desk called me, due to people becoming lost on the way, which was very kind of him; however, something about his demeanor was off. His affect was uninviting and almost disenchanted. When I arrived, with little difficulty, I entered the building next to Registration. The woman there had an air about her that exuded indifference and unwelcome. I chalked it up to being in a new place and my personal response. When I registered, the man explained the schedule, which is routine based on day. Regardless, he showed me my dorm, and explained there were no locks. Ok, that was cool with me. I had driven 6 hours and had not eaten in that time: dinner was in an hour. The food was excellent. Absolutely delicious, I loved it. Considerately, they had a table set out for silence to be respected. It was here that I observed and meditated on my meal, as well as the ashramites. There was a sense of disconnection, fragmentation and seclusion emanating from their conversations as well as their spirits. Just observing how they walk, they seemed lost and stripped of their personal identity. Granted, this is something that is disconcerting to me, I am including it due to it being one of the main reasons I was turned off to the ashram. Later that night, we did a full moon chant around the glow of a lamp in the LOTUS shrine. That was a beautiful and unforgettable experience. My mind was like a conduit to the divine, creativity harnessed and transmitted through the lunar to my soul to paper, my creative and spiritual medium. The one thing I should mention about this chant was how, in the beginning, Sister Bhakti announced if anyone wanted to say a prayer, to please do so. Everyone's prayers were thoughtful, but their attention is turned away from the spirit. The focus of the prayers in general were geared towards everyone else, not you. It is this undertone and subtly of not being worth prayer. This is where I believe the ashramites' natures were derived. This feeling of disempowerment, neutrality and identity lack. Perhaps this is where the stripping away of ego comes in, in their method of practice. I respect that; however, it horrified me. In the yoga practice I took the next morning, the instructor nit-picked minute details of each person's practice, trying to refine it to the way Integral yoga intended. This is totally against my philosophy that we are all born perfectly imperfect, with our own practices and that they should flourish as such. If his adjustments were constructive and to avoid injury, this would be understandable and appreciated. However, there was no feeling of that whatsoever. It was being set to match the way Swami regarded practice to be. Dorm beds were super uncomfortable. I did not sleep at all, but that also could have been the result of the unsettling energy felt. Regardless, what do you expect from dorm accommodations? Hiking grounds were nice. It was a way to connect with nature with a walking meditation along the James River. There was virtually nobody on the trails which created a pleasant solitude. There is a notion of "love" transmitted by the Swami, but the definition and action in place lacked a certain humanity. It could not be felt. Before I left, I had lunch which is silent with a reading of Swami's. His theories and viewpoints are generally sound, but the enactment by the ashramites did not lend to it. If you've ever read Watership Down, I would relate this ashram as the Cowslip warren. I drove 720 miles in 24 hours as the result of the disharmony felt for my personal journey on the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It served me very well, for I have returned home feeling refreshed and settled in my own skin, more attuned with my mind, body and most importantly God. read more

I agree with the other comment above about the cult feeling. I was here for a day trip with a college interfaith group and I couldn't wait to leave this place. It all felt very eerie and almost like we were on the verge of being brainwashed. The way people worshipped Swami Satchidananda was a bit extreme. Not to mention, after listening to his recording before lunch, we were berated the entire time we tried to enjoy lunch because we were not vegetarians. I'm all for being vegan/vegetarian, but I am not all for people being rude to me because I am not. This is a place I would never return to and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone else, either. read more