Spirit of the Forest 

September 25-27, 2026

Idyllwild, California

Intention

Nestled among the towering pines and granite peaks of Idyllwild, this private yoga and meditation retreat offers an opportunity to step away from the grind and noise of daily life and reconnect to Self.

Throughout our time together, we will weave together yoga asana, breathwork, meditation, mantra, guided inquiry, and ritual to explore the profound connection between mind, body, and Spirit. Through these practices, we will allow space for healing, connection to the natural world, and a more integrated, compassionate relationship with ourselves and the Sacred.

This is a space where you can arrive exactly as you are, and know that you belong. Every age, every gender, every body, every story; we welcome them all. There are no prerequisites or experience to join this retreat.

Lodging

Our lodging has been upgraded to a private property in Idyllwild that has sweeping views and comfortable sleeping arrangements. The main house has three floors with two master suites, a private queen, and shared accommodations, and the property also contains a separate guest cottage.

Whether you are flying solo, partnered or visiting with a few close friends, we can find you the best cabin or shared option.

  • The Cottage - King Private Guesthouse (1/1 avail)

  • The Jacinto - King Private with ensuite (1/1 avail)

  • The Idy Sunset - King Private with ensuite (1/1 avail)

  • The Queen Room - Queen Private with shared bath (1/1 avail)

  • The Bunk Room - Shared Room Double (2/2 avail)

  • The Bunk Room - Shared Room Twin (2/2 avail)

See below for photos, pricing and descriptions.

The Cottage

The Cottage - Private Guesthouse

The cottage is a newly updated separate house with a king sized bed and ensuite bathroom. Separated from the main house, this private cabin has its own kitchen, living area with sofa, and Pack-n-Play/crib. This is ideal for a group or family that wants privacy.

Cost is $1600 (can be shared for an additional $250).

This package includes:

  • Two-night accommodations in a private cottage, separate from the main house. 

  • King bed with ensuite bathroom.

  • Private space with separate kitchen, living area and seating. 

  • Four specially themed classes by Beth & Sara including vinyasa, yin, nidra and meditation.

  • Four delicious organic vegan meals, freshly prepared daily, plus daily snacks.

  • Coffee and Tea bar and sparkling water.

  • Gratuity for our team of culinary and cleaning staff.

  • Full access to the property’s amenities (Japanese garden, walking paths, etc.).

  • Adjacent to renowned hiking trails and Downtown Idyllwild shopping.

  • Welcome gift containing information on hikes, restaurants, shops, and activities.

  • Bedding, linens, and towels.

  • Air conditioning, wifi, fan, and space heater.

The Jacinto

The Jacinto - Primary King with ensuite bathroom

The lower level primary bedroom is a large room with a king bed and ensuite bathroom with heated floors, a soaking tub and rainwater style shower. This bedroom has a beautiful view with a private deck overlooking the valley. It also features a private entrance and deck. Great for a couple or someone who wants seclusion.

Cost is $1500 (can be shared for an additional $250pp). 

This package includes:

  • Two-night accommodations in the primary king bedroom. 

  • King bed with private ensuite bathroom.

  • Heated floors, soaking tub and rainwater shower.Two-night accommodations in the downstairs primary bedroom. 

  • Four specially themed classes by Beth & Sara including vinyasa, yin, nidra and meditation.

  • Four delicious organic vegan meals, freshly prepared daily, plus daily snacks.

  • Coffee and Tea bar and sparkling water.

  • Gratuity for our team of culinary and cleaning staff.

  • Full access to the property’s amenities (Japanese garden, walking paths, etc.).

  • Adjacent to renowned hiking trails and Downtown Idyllwild shopping.

  • Welcome gift containing information on hikes, restaurants, shops, and activities.

  • Bedding, linens, and towels.

  • Air conditioning, wifi, fan, and space heater.

The Idy Sunset

The Idy Sunset - Upstairs Primary King with ensuite 

The third floor primary bedroom is the original primary bedroom of the house with panoramic views of the natural habitat around the house. It has a private balcony and ensuite bathroom. This room has a king size bed, as well as 2 futons. Great for a group of friends!

Cost is $1400 (can be shared for an additional $250pp).

This package includes:

  • Two-night accommodations in the upstairs primary king bedroom.

  • King bed with private ensuite bathroom and two futons.

  • Fireplace with panoramic views

  • Four specially themed classes by Beth & Sara including vinyasa, yin, nidra and meditation.

  • Four delicious organic vegan meals, freshly prepared daily, plus daily snacks.

  • Coffee and Tea bar and sparkling water.

  • Gratuity for our team of culinary and cleaning staff.

  • Full access to the property’s amenities (Japanese garden, walking paths, etc.).

  • Adjacent to renowned hiking trails and Downtown Idyllwild shopping.

  • Welcome gift containing information on hikes, restaurants, shops, and activities.

  • Bedding, linens, and towels.

  • Air conditioning, wifi, fan, and space heater.

Schedule

  • Friday

    3:00 PM Arrivals

    4:00 PM Intro & Intentions

    6:30 PM Welcome Dinner

    8:30 PM Candlelit Yoga Nidra

  • Saturday

    6:30 AM Guided nature walk

    8:30 AM Breakfast

    10:00 AM Yoga (90 min)

    12:30 PM Lunch & Reflections

    (2-5 pm - free time)

    5:00 PM Sunset Yoga (75 min)

    7:30 PM Dinner & Reflections

  • Sunday

    7:30 AM Breakfast

    9:00 AM Yoga (90m)

    11:00 AM Closing Ceremony (90m)

What’s included

Yoga Classes

Five thoughtfully crafted, uniquely themed classes led by Sara and Beth, designed to inspire and deepen your practice.

Delicious Meals

Four delicious organic meals served fresh daily, plus daily snacks and sweet treats!

Activities

Free time on Saturday to visit local shops and restaurants, explore Idyllwild’s renowned hiking trails or stay onsite and enjoy the tranquil property.

Two-Night Stay

Nestled on a stunning private estate in Idyllwild, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, offering a serene and peaceful setting for your retreat experience.

Gratuity

Our talented culinary team will prepare exquisite, locally sourced meals that are both nourishing and delicious, tailored to support your wellness journey throughout the retreat.

Not included:

Transportation

Participants are responsible for their own airfare and transportation to and from the retreat location.

Lunch on Saturday

Participants are free to explore town during this time on Saturday.

This retreat is an invitation to embrace your whole self…the parts that feel grounded, clear, and confident, as well as the parts that feel tender, reactive, uncertain or unresolved. Rather than turning away from these experiences, we will learn how to meet them with curiosity, presence and compassion.

Surrounded by the wild beauty of the San Jacinto Mountains, the sacred stillness of the forest, and the expansive mountain sky, the land itself becomes part of our practice. We will be nourished by wholesome plant-based meals, fresh mountain air, time in nature, restorative self-care practices, and the support of a community of like-hearted seekers committed to their own inner growth and spiritual exploration.

Our intention is to create a space where you feel safe, supported, and deeply held. We hope you will join us for this embodied, mystical journey in the mountains of Idyllwild.

Love,

Sara and Beth

  • Sara Ruffin

    FOUNDER, CO-HOST

    Sara Ruffin (RYT-500) is a Tantra Hatha teacher who teaches classes at One Life Yoga in Pasadena. She loves to explore liberation through her teachings, with a focus on embodied movement, meditation, mantra, and celebration of the divine feminine.

    Sara teaches and practices Tantra Hatha yoga in the tradition of Krishnamacharya. She first studied Jivamukti yoga before completing various advanced studies (RYT-500) in Tantra Para Yoga. Always a student, she continues education in yoga therapy, yoga nidra, and meditation, with deep reverence for the source of yoga and tradition of the practice.

    Sara is a proud wife and mother of two beautiful sons. She also serves on the board of Building Trust Americas, a nonprofit focused on international philanthropic work.

  • Beth Imai

    FOUNDER, CO-HOST

    Beth Imai is a Certified Massage Therapist and Registered Yoga Teacher based in Los Angeles. She teaches public yoga classes at Modo Yoga LA in Echo Park and owns her own massage therapy practice (Beth Imai Bodywork) in Atwater Village.

    In her yoga classes, she challenges students to explore breath and movement in a fun and safe way, with functional anatomy at the core. She aims to empower students to deepen their relationship to body, mind and spirit.

    ​Beth studied Massage Therapy, Myofascial Release and Energy Work at IPSB (Institute of Psycho-Structural Bodywork) in Santa Monica, California. Her education at IPSB not only gifted Beth the technical skill in the art of Massage, but it brought her back home to her body in a profound way that she was eager to share with others.

Interested?