who is it for | experience level
This program is recommended for beginner to moderate experienced yogis.
Many modifications and careful guidance will be provided for those with less experience, while more advanced cues will be given to those who have a moderate to already established foundation to your yoga practice.
what you will need
An open mind and an enthusiasm towards diving deep into this exploration of yoga.
a comprehensive 4 day educational retreat
Through the simplicity & mindfulness approach, this educational retreat will optimize, expand, and completely re-align your yoga practice both on and off the mat. Experience challenge, growth and expansion in just 4 days.
content
- what is pranayama
- chakra / mudra / bandha
- mantra / chanting / kirtan
- asana as a spiritual practice
- 8 limbs of yoga
- yoga sutra of patanjali
- inversion class
- chest / heart opening class
- meditation
duration
20 hours in presence / 3 hours online
what you will learn
The fundamentals of authentic Yoga through an immersive 4-day theoretical and practical experience. From the roots of the philosophy of Yoga, through pranayama and meditation techniques, to the most physical part: for the conscious development of a personal practice at all levels.
trip overview
the location
Located about 30 minutes north of Scottsdale, Civana Wellness resort resides in a small town in Arizona, aptly named Carefree.
It is nestled perfectly in the Sonoran Desert, offering beautiful views for miles and the perfect Arizona sunsets to match.
the retreat center
Named a top spa resort in the world in Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards.
Tucked among 20+ acres of succulent-studded Sonoran Desert, CIVANA offers a path to a happier, healthier you through inspiring human connections. Daily sweat and meditation.
Curated personal growth and discovery content. Outdoor adventures. Access to world renowned wellness guides and healers. Comfortable accommodations. A world-class spa. Delicious food and drinks. Ample time to relax and recharge.
Reconnect and reinvigorate your senses in a place of incredible natural beauty, with personalized wellness experiences, and award-winning hospitality.
the wellness experience
Health and wellbeing are at CIVANA's core, which is why we offer 70+ complimentary fitness, personal growth and spiritual classes each week that draw on varied disciplines and techniques.
Whether you are looking to tap into mindfulness by learning meditation or strengthening your core with one of our many yoga offerings there is a class that is right for you.
View your class schedule at this link.
the wellness activities
Considering that CIVANA is a wellness resort, they of course offer a wide array of spa treatments, workshops, exercise classes and mindfulness activities.
It’s really the signature aspect of CIVANA that makes it so unique from other hotel stays.
On their full class schedule online, you’ll find over 70 different complimentary classes to choose from each week that tap into various fitness and spiritual growth disciplines.
Some of the kinds of activities you can expect include guided hikes, yoga classes, TRX, cardio HIIT, gratitude meditations, myofascial release, breathwork, mindful mixology, pickeball and much more.
Here are the classes we partook in during our stay:
Aerial Yoga – This class is definitely a great intro to aerial yoga if you’ve never done it before, although this one does require an add-on fee.
Inner Intimacy – Inner Intimacy was a very vulnerable class that forced us to have intimate interactions with strangers, getting us totally out of our comfort zones. It is really touching and it will surprise you in the best way.
Metate Hike – This was a local group hike. It was led by a knowledgeable guide, so we got to experience this stunning hike to its fullest as they pointed out all of the various flora and fauna along with some local wildlife and fun facts about the area. CIVANA will care of you throughout the whole experience, from providing transportation to and from the hotel and also providing us with water bottles to ensure we remained properly hydrated in the hot desert sun.
the guest rooms
In true wellness fashion, you will find that all of the rooms at CIVANA Wellness Resort are super calming.
From the beds to the bathtubs to the overall color palette and furniture, the neutral tones create a bright and airy feel that warms up each guest room and provides the perfect space for healing and relaxation.
The rooms minimalism is done to invite you into a tranquil space that is a clean slate for your relaxation and to enjoy the nature that surrounds you.
Some of the in-room amenities worth noting are plush white robes (which by the way are totally acceptable to wear both inside and outside your room at CIVANA!), personal care products by Grown Alchemist, Keurig coffee and tea maker, a mini fridge and in-room safe.
the different rooms
There are a few different options when it comes to the kind of room that you can book, depending on your bed sizing needs and budget.
For example, if you want a breathtaking view of the Continental Mountains along with a bathroom fit for a king (or queen), then the Spa King Room may be your top pick.
On the other hand, if you’re sharing a room with someone and you each want to have your own bed, their simple yet stunning Double Queen Room will be better for you.
the property
The communal parts of the hotel have a very similar vibe to the rooms.
The decor itself is quite minimal with some bohemian touches here and there. The white and neutral tones are consistent throughout, creating a calming and serene atmosphere no matter where you explore on the property.
Plus, the giant Saguaros are simply stunning.
Throughout the property you’ll find two pools (one main one and another that is attached to the spa), two restaurants, a giant lobby/entrance area, a full fitness center, separate rooms for workshops and classes, and plenty of walking paths to stroll throughout the day.
the SPA
The CIVANA spa is absolutely stunning and is its own little compound on the entire hotel property. You could truly spend an entire day (or more) at the spa here as it even has its own pool and brings in food from Seed Restaurant.
Food, sun, spa treatments—what more could you need, right?
The SPA treatments are utterly blissful and will leave you feeling totally restored and refreshed.
Here are the specific spa treatments we personally love:
1. Deep Muscle Relief Massage – if you’re looking for something gentle or soothing, then the deep tissue massage I got might not be for you. However, if you’re looking to have some major tension released then you’ll love this one. This massage treatment focuses on medium to deeper pressure and is perfect to relieve the tension in your body from days spent working at a desk, making you feel instantly lighter.
2. Essential Marine Oxygen Facial – Packed with DNA-repairing enzymes, hyaluronic acid, and pharma-grade liquid oxygen, this facial left my skin literally glowing! In addition to providing epic hydration and helping to balance my skin tone, it will also just really feel good.
3. CIVANA Calm – Using a magnesium salt scrub that is paired with a botanical tonic, you are put into a relaxed and calming state as the scrub penetrates your pores. Following the scrubbing part of the treatment, you are given the option to have a mini facial or body massage, leaving you balanced and relaxed.
View SPA and salon menu at this View your class schedule at this link. .
sample day
- pranayama class
- asana practice
- inversion workshop
- backbend workshop
- maha sadhana
- theory
itinerary
Thursday
2 hours in the yoga studio - followed by a buffet dinner.
Friday
smoothie credit to be claimed at SEED in the morning, 4 hours at the yoga studio, lunch box, 4 hours at the yoga studio in the afternoon , group dinner (buffet style - vegetarian)
Saturday
smoothie credit to be claimed at SEED in the morning, 4 hours at the yoga studio, lunch box, 4 hours at the yoga studio in the afternoon , group dinner (buffet style - vegetarian)
Sunday
smoothie credit, 2 hours at the yoga studio, people will check out before 11am but they will book a SPA treatment and they might stay a little longer on property.
room options
Deposit $800
Two queen beds occupied by two persons (total). Each person will have their own individual bed with a shared bathroom.
This package has all the main retreats inclusions:
- 20 hrs of yoga immersions, spread over 4 days
- 3 nights at a 5 star resort
- daily morning smoothie credit
- daily boxed lunch
- daily buffet dinner (vegetarian)
- SPA Access and SPA credit of $150 (gratuities not included)
Two queen beds occupied by one person.
This package has all the main retreats inclusions:
- 20 hrs of yoga immersions, spread over 4 days
- 3 nights at a 5 star resort
- daily morning smoothie credit
- daily boxed lunch
- daily buffet dinner (vegetarian)
- SPA Access and SPA credit of $150 (gratuities not included)
One king bed occupied by one person.
This package has all the main retreats inclusions:
- 20 hrs of yoga immersions, spread over 4 days
- 3 nights at a 5 star resort
- daily morning smoothie credit
- daily boxed lunch
- daily buffet dinner (vegetarian)
- SPA Access and SPA credit of $150 (gratuities not included)
This package includes
- 8 hrs of yoga immersions, spread over 1 day
- morning smoothie credit
- boxed lunch
- SPA Access and SPA credit of $150 (gratuities not included)
luxury rooms
Delight in all the modern amenities of our wellness inspired rooms. Choose between single and shared room.
daily breakfast smoothie & boxed lunch
start your day with a breakfast smoothie and get energized by a delicious lunch, prepared by Civana's amazing chefs
daily dinner
Each evening, we will circle up after an amazing day and share in a culinary feast prepared by the house Chefs on property.
get your moves in
get on your mat and dive deep into asanas classes
sangha | community
you will meet like-minded people, who will become your yoga family
focused workshops
see the content list at the beginning of this page
Civana wellness classes
Complimentary classes offered from Civana resort. From wall yoga, to e-bikes, hikes, sound bath, enjoy all complimentary classes provided by Civana. Make sure you sign up in advance!
on site concierge
A person of Yogando staff will be with you the whole time, to make sure you are getting spoiled and pampered!
support
I really like how supported I feel in the immersion - fabio is very accessible, questions are always thoughtfully answered, and all my feelings are validated and valued. (december 2022) - marc s.
connection
I love how much I’ve been able connect with myself spiritually and on the inside with this immersion. I used to concentrate more on just the poses and pranayama breathing when I was doing that separately and now you’re helping me bring it all together. Thank you! (march 2023) - federica c.
discipline
Your presence, your passion, your dedication, your discipline, your surrender, all translated into a form of radiance that I have never experienced from any human on this planet.
I’m grateful, that God gave me the opportunity to learn from you (june 2023) -
walter b.
faq's
Can I come alone?
Yes. You can either book a room by yourself (King or Queen Single), or be paired to a cool new person (Queen room, double occupancy)
Can I book the room with my partner or friend?
Of course! If you would like to share a bed, please book the King room, shared occupancy, for each person. If you would like a private room for you and your friend in separate queen beds, please book the Queen room Double occupancy
What time should I arrive and what time will I be leaving?
Check in time is 4pm and check out time is 11am. Please, send us an email if you would like to have an earlier check in and later check out. Email at contact@yogandoretreats.com
What is not included in the price?
flight, transportation to and from the resort, alcohol and off menu food, SPA services and extra gratuities.
It’s really the signature aspect of CIVANA that makes it so unique from other hotel stays.
On their full class schedule online, you’ll find over 70 different complimentary classes to choose from each week that tap into various fitness and spiritual growth disciplines.
Some of the kinds of activities you can expect include guided hikes, yoga classes, TRX, cardio HIIT, gratitude meditations, myofascial release, breathwork, mindful mixology, pickeball and much more.
Here are the classes we partook in during our stay:
Aerial Yoga – This class is definitely a great intro to aerial yoga if you’ve never done it before, although this one does require an add-on fee.
Inner Intimacy – Inner Intimacy was a very vulnerable class that forced us to have intimate interactions with strangers, getting us totally out of our comfort zones. It is really touching and it will surprise you in the best way.
Metate Hike – This was a local group hike. It was led by a knowledgeable guide, so we got to experience this stunning hike to its fullest as they pointed out all of the various flora and fauna along with some local wildlife and fun facts about the area. CIVANA will care of you throughout the whole experience, from providing transportation to and from the hotel and also providing us with water bottles to ensure we remained properly hydrated in the hot desert sun.
What if I am a beginner?
This trip is all levels. Brooke will gear every work out, sessions, workshops, to everyone. No experience is necessary. We only expect that you come with a willingness to keep an open mind.
Do you offer any payment plans?
Yes! You can decide to pay as often as you want. Or you can pay your deposit and the balance 60 days prior to the retreat date.
Terms and conditions
By submitting your retreat deposit you are agreeing to Yogando Retreats' retreat policy and terms and conditions linked: https://yogandoretreats.com/retreat-terms/
Anything else should I need to know?
We work so hard to cultivate an environment that is inclusive, judgment free, safe and welcoming. It will be a life changing experience of people driven to pursue better il life, together.
