Menla Retreat & Dewa Spa

Menla Retreat & Dewa Spa is a nonprofit retreat center and health spa located in the Catskill Forest Preserve, two hours north of NYC. The facility is dedicated to sharing authentic Tibetan mind-body healing arts and sciences with visitors. Guests praise the friendly and helpful staff, the beautiful yoga sessions and lectures, and the wealth of information shared during their stay. The spa offers various treatments, including the Arica Deep Tissue massage, which many find highly effective. Accommodations such as the Dragon are described as comfortable, spacious, and clean, featuring full kitchens and stunning natural surroundings. The gardens, statues, and wildlife add to the peaceful atmosphere. Guests appreciate the vegan options, including soups, drinks, and desserts, along with homegrown fresh vegetables and herbs. The grounds are filled with wildflowers, and there are nice hiking trails with peacocks and other wildlife roaming freely. The Dewa Spa is a tranquil place with a knowledgeable team skilled in different forms of treatment and relaxation, offering a true gift of peace in uncertain times. The spa facilities are modern and state-of-the-art, and the atmosphere is enhanced by the natural beauty of the surroundings. Visitors also enjoy the food, which is vegetarian but includes eggs and dairy, with fresh fruit juice in the morning and options like roasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, bread, and gluten-free bread. Overall, the experience is highly valued, with some noting that the experience is worth the cost despite the prices being somewhat high. The Sanctuary offers a space for healing, where gifted practitioners like Jennifer Muir provide remarkable sound healing sessions that leave a deep sense of renewal.