Unwind this summer in the enchanting woods of Maine! We are thrilled to return for our second summer vacation to Santosha at Hillholm Estate, a beautifully restored historic mansion and yoga retreat center set on an 8-acre property. During this long weekend getaway, you'll have the chance to unplug, reset, and recharge.
This trip includes daily family meals and group yoga classes, beginning on Thursday afternoon and wrapping up on Monday morning. Meals are served at the retreat center four times daily, emphasizing seasonal, local ingredients. (See a sample menu HERE.) The nourishing food is a vital aspect of our yoga retreat experience. Our classes will take place in a beautiful pine-lined yoga shala, which can be heated to 100+ degrees to satify our hot yoga lovers! We'll offer daily hot yoga classes with our teachers Juliana, Zac, and Ged, along with deeply relaxing Yin Yoga, poetry readings, and an energizing morning workout.
During your free time, you can hike through nature sanctuaries, paddle on the Kennebec River, shop in local towns, or simply sit back and relax. We'll coordinate several retreat excursions, but the choice is always yours. Join the group for an adventure, book yourself a massage, or enjoy quiet time on the porch with your favorite novel. Take time to nourish your body and feed your soul!
Pack your bags and hit the road! Our check-in begins at 3pm, giving you plenty of time for your drive. Once you reach Lewiston, you’ll be driving on scenic state highways for the rest of the trip. We traditionally stop at Obscura Cafe for grilled cheese sandwiches on the way - be sure to order ahead!
When you arrive, the hospitality staff will show you to your room. Take some time to unwind, stretch your legs, and explore the property. We’ll have our first hot yoga class at 4:30pm - this will be a chill 60 minute express class with Juliana that lets you gently move your body after your long car ride!
Dinner will be served at 6:30pm, where you’ll meet our lovely hosts and learn more about the property. After dinner, we’ll enjoy dessert and cocktails or mocktails in the great room, giving you time to unwind and get to know your fellow guests.
You’re on vacation - sleep in a little bit! Continental breakfast will be available in the dining room beginning at 7:30am. Our morning class will be a full 90 minute Original Hot Yoga session led by Zac at 9am, followed by brunch at 11am!
After brunch, you can join us for a paddle trip (see details below) or simply hang back at the retreat center and enjoy a cold plunge in the river that's an easy 10 minute walk from our backdoor. Lunch will be served at 2pm for those who do not attend the paddle trip.
We'll meet back up at 5:30pm for a relaxing Yin Yoga session with Juliana followed by a homecooked dinner at 6:30pm. Enjoy another evening at the cocktail lounge or take a dip in the hot tub out back to let your muscles fully relax!
Want to hit the river? At noon, we’ll depart for a paddle trip on the lower Kennebec River with Northern Outdoors where we’ll be doing an easy self-guided kayak trip. Float on easy class 1-2 rapids, paddle to inlets, and keep your eyes out for eagle and osprey diving for fish! After approximately 1 to 2 hours (depending on how much you paddle), we’ll be back at the Northern Outdoors campground. You’ll have time to enjoy the Brewpub and enjoy a snack or a locally crafted beer before we head back to Santosha.
Please note that this activity is somewhat weather dependent and will be adjusted if necessary!
Interested in working up a little sweat? Zac will start our Saturday with a Core Fire Conditioning workout at 7am for those that want to build up their strength! After continental breakfast, we'll have a full length 90 minute Original Hot Yoga session with Ged at 9:30am, followed once again by brunch (our favorite meal of the day.)
After lunch, join us for an optional Nature Walk on Perham Stream Birding Trail. There are also plenty of options along the Appalachian trail for anyone that would like a more challenging hike! Lunch will be served at 2pm for those who prefer to stay back and relax, or perhaps book a massage.
At 5pm, we'll offer a very special retreat-only class: a Yin yoga session led by Juliana and accompanied by a poetry recitation by Ged, who is our resident poetry connoisseur! Let your body relax while you soak up beautiful words about our natural environment.
We'll end our day with a shared dinner and of course dessert!
Join us for a beginner-friendly hike along Perham Stream Birding trail, a beautiful nature area on the side of Saddleback Mountain. There are over two miles of easy, wide trails leading visitors through a variety of habitats, and several good viewpoints of Perham Stream, Saddleback Mountain, and Mt. Abraham along the trail. The trail is set up with birders and wildlife watchers in mind, and binoculars are definitely encouraged!
Enjoy a lazy morning sleeping in or take a walk to the river behind the property and wake up with the birds! After that, we'll start our day with a hot yoga class taught by retreat leader Juliana.
After brunch, you’ll have a “free day” to explore your favorite spots in Maine! You might return to the river for another paddle, hike the Appalachian trail, check out some local waterfalls, or explore the local towns and shops. (We love Twice Sold Tales in Farmington and Maine Grains in Skowhegan!)
We are happy to help you coordinate any additional activities, and we often find that it's best to be spontaneous at this point in the weekend. You may be feeling energized and ready to explore, or you may have the urge to rest, journal, or nap!
In the afternoon, we’ll have a special 1970s throwback yoga class with music selected by Ged before enjoying one final dinner at Santosha! After dinner, we definitely need to light up the campfire and have a good old-fashioned campfire singalong to close out the weekend. (These can happen at any time!) Let us know if you have any favorite songs and we'll try to learn the chords!
Sadly all good things must come to and end, and this will be our last day together! You will have time to enjoy one last yoga class and one final brunch together before hitting the road (also letting us avoid the worst of the weekend traffic!) Take your time heading home - we recommend taking a little detour to Salisbury Beach in MA where you can get the best “beach pizza” for your road trip. (Tripoli's is the best spot!)
Be sure to keep in touch and travel with us again very soon!
With river frontage and direct access to swimming holes and hiking trails, Hillholm Estate creates the perfect setting for our long weekend of yoga. This 8-acre estate features expansive grounds and gardens, including an outdoor barrel sauna, jacuzzi, fire pit, and tennis / pickleball courts. The stunning pine yoga room will make you feel like you are IN a sauna, and all yoga mats and props will be provided for you.
All rooms feature personal climate controls and private bathrooms. Prices vary based on accommodation; the King and Queen Rooms may be booked a single occupancy or double occupany for couples, and the Double Rooms are ideal for roommates.
All prices are per person and include all of the following:
Accommodation for 5 days and 4 nights at Hillholm Estate
Four daily meals with options for all dietary needs
Daily yoga sessions with Juliana, Zac, and Ged
Use of all property amenities including sauna, hot tub, fire pit, tennis courts, and access to river
Kayak rental & paddle trip with Northern Outdoors (optional)
What's NOT included:
Massage therapy may be added for an additional fee
Custom cocktails and mocktails will be available for purchase
Transportation is not included but we are happy to assist with carpool coordination or van rental!
Can I bring my dog?! This retreat center is DOG FRIENDLY and dogs may attend for an additional $50 fee per dog. All dogs must be well-behaved, house trained, and able to play nicely with the two resident dogs, Winnie and Pamplemousse.
Sign up now to reserve your room. A $500 deposit saves your spot!
Ready to join us? Click BOOK NOW for available rooms & rates! If you have any questions, please email [email protected]