Save The Date
July 22-25,2021
Sagrada Wellness, San Luis Obispo, California
Save The Date & Join The Waitlist!
Join the waitlist and we will let you know as soon as tickets open up for the next retreat! We have reserved the retreat center for July 22-25, 2021 and are keeping fingers crossed that it is safe to gather then. Drop your email here to get updates!
Join Amber for a radical self-acceptance retreat in Santa Margarita, California just outside of San Luis Obispo. Positioned on a majestic hilltop, surrounded by 45 acres of preserved land, Sagrada Wellness is a one-of-a-kind Central Coast California yoga retreat destination. Recharge and practice radical self-acceptance at this retreat with a supportive group of like-hearted humans.
Body rebels California Retreat
San Luis Obispo, California
July 16-19, 2020
This event is for you if…
- You want to learn how to make radical self-acceptance and body positivity part of your daily life
- You want to feel wonderful and free in your unique, imperfect, powerful body for a whole weekend
- You want to be around like-hearted women who will accept you without judgment
- You want to practice yoga, but haven’t found a teacher that knows how to accommodate your unique body or you’re intimidated to step into a yoga studio
- You’ve tried yoga before but were frustrated or had a bad experience
- You want to strengthen your yoga practice with a teacher who knows non-conforming bodies and can help you find your own unique way to practice
- You want an entire weekend packed with radical body positive conversation, joyful movement, and laughter
- You want to have time away from the distractions and stress of everyday life – either alone or with your friends to rest, relax, and rejuvenate
- You want a beautiful, rejuvenating time in California’s central coast
What To Expect…
- A warm hug (or handshake) and gift bag from Amber when you arrive
- Dinner, an opening circle, and a gentle evening yoga class (after your day of travel getting to the retreat)
- Early morning pranayama (breathing) and meditation practice (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
- Delicious, organic, locally grown, made-from-scratch vegetarian meals
- Body Positive Silent Disco Dance Party – move your body joyfully, freely, and have a ton of fun doing it. Grab a pair of special headphones that allow you to choose one of three musical channels for our silent disco dance party! You can sit by the pool, wander around the grounds, or dance all night. Choose your own adventure for this fun and accessible community experience!
- Live music with award-winning songwriter Heather Mae. Her evocative vocals and rhythmic piano style call to mind artists like Stevie Nicks and Sara Bareilles. She creates intoxicating music that tackles complex topics surrounding mental health, LGBTQ+ issues, self-love, racial injustice, social inequality, and women’s rights. Inspired by her own personal experiences and identities – a queer, plus size woman living with Bipolar Disorder – and those of her multifaceted fans with whom she has forged connections throughout her many years of touring across the United States, Mae crafts powerful lyrics and unforgettable music about life’s moments–from the quietly chaotic to the explosive. Check her out at HeatherMae.net.
- Radical self-acceptance workshops after breakfast (Friday & Saturday). This will include gentle movement, lecture, self-study, and group discussion. We will cover self-acceptance and making peace with our bodies through the lens of the yoga teachings with a healthy dose of feminism.
- Free time in the afternoons (Friday & Saturday). You are free to relax on-site, go for a hike on the gorgeous 45 acre property, chill in the pool or hot tub, take a nap, go offsite to visit local eateries, wineries, or shops, go to the nearby beaches, or get a massage from Deb Malkin of Radical Being Bodywork. Amber will also offer office hours if you’d like to sign up for some one-on-one time.
- Afternoon yoga workshops (Friday & Saturday) where we’ll look at ways to personalize the yoga practice. We will talk a bit, then try stuff, then repeat (we won’t be moving the entire 2.5 hours). Expect to learn about how to use props, pose variations, and more tips to personalize your yoga practice to suit your own unique body. You’ll be able to take this knowledge home with you so you can walk into any yoga class with confidence, even if the teacher doesn’t know how to work with you!
- After dinner, we’ll relax by the pool, soak in the hot tub, gaze at the stars, or just sit and share some laughs. Early risers can also get to bed early if they wish.
- On Sunday, we’ll have a closing circle and sharing time before we say our goodbyes.
I’d recommend this retreat to a friend because it was such a nourishing experience – I felt my body and soul get stronger, I felt my intentions take a more meaningful shape, I felt refueled. Plus, all the lovely people there are so supportive and made me feel like I had found a new community.
I felt like my world opened up and I was not limited by my body. I learned to make my body work for me and it was liberating. I also made lasting friendships and shared a lot of laughs!
A typical day’s schedule
7:45-8:30 AM
Morning pranayama & meditation
8:30-9:30 AM
Breakfast
9:45AM-12:00 PM
Radical self-acceptance
workshop & yoga class
12:00-1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00-4:00 PM
Swimming, hikes, beach time,
massages, and relaxation
4:00-6:30 PM
Afternoon yoga workshop –
learn to personalize your practice
6:30-7:30 PM
Dinner
7:30 PM & LATER
Silent disco, live music, or hot tub time under the stars
What they’re saying…
“I was pretty skeptical about what to expect, despite having signed up on a last minute whim. I deal with social anxiety and struggle to step out of my comfort zone when it comes to meeting new people. This was a great opportunity to challenge my own insecurities and do so in a supportive environment with other women who face the same internal conflicts.”
“Being in a community of intelligent, authentic and like minded, yet diverse women is exceptionally empowering. To know there are others out there that you can identify with, learn from, and share community with is so impactful and can be carried with you in everyday life wherever you go.”
“I didn’t think my second retreat could be better than my first. I have grown so much using my experience from my first retreat to the this second one. I maintained friendships, made new ones, deepened my connection with myself, others, and with my practice. It has taught me how to use what I feel on my mat and share it with the world. Most of all it has given me a place to calm my mind, feel confident, and be more authentic with myself. Loved every minute!”
“I’ve never felt so safe, accepted, and cared for by a group of perfect strangers. The yoga workshops were perfectly accessible, even if it’s been a long time since you last practiced, and I learned more than I dreamed I would. Can’t wait for the next one!”
ABOUT THE LOCATION
Sagrada’s mission is to be a model of sustainability, a place where people renew and remember the art of being.
Sagrada Wellness is a digital detox environment. There is no internet connection, offering you the opportunity to connect to a deeper state of mind, replenishing the optimal version of you.
The 45-acre mountain sanctuary is dedicated to peace and awakened doing. Sagrada strives to be a low impact business, supporting a positive planetary shift.
Sagrada is 100% solar powered – fueled by the suns brilliant rays, committed to real and organic foods, and living with feathery creatures that present us with qi filled eggs every morning.
At the heart of the ranch is an organic herb garden. In the summer they grow heirloom tomatoes, lettuces and herbs. Olive and fruit trees are integrated throughout Sagrada. They are committed to purchasing certified organic vegetables, grains and oils. They believe that when it comes to the health and well being of their guests and communities, organics should be the first and only choice. They utilize the nitrogen rich chicken manure for the fruit trees and garden and never spray herbicides, pesticides or any synthetic chemicals, which are harmful to the environment, the immediate watershed and ourselves.
We are stewards of this land and believe in the deeply sacred power of this place. With our sweet legacy, the fertile land and space, we honor the importance of living balanced and positive lives.
ACCOMmODATIONS
Sagrada’s accommodations are in our architecturally designed retreat center. The newly constructed center is designed by Co-owner and Architect Scott Currie has a contemporary, rustic, country aesthetic that offers guests a special place to reflect on peace, awareness and rejuvenation in the ranches majestic and natural landscape. Purified spring water and an abundance of fresh local fruit is always available. A cool cleanse in Sagrada’s outdoor shower is refreshing after yoga, or a walk on one of Sagrada’s nature trails. Sagrada’s all-inclusive retreat is designed around a landscaped courtyard, where guests can enjoy their meals, or a glass of wine at sunset. At the end of the day relax in the hot tub or saltwater pool under our starry night skies.
Private rooms
Private Rooms have a full, queen, or king size bed with comfy linens. Some rooms open onto spacious patios with gorgeous ranch views. Others are in newly constructed buildings with shared living spaces or kitchens. Bathrooms (shared) are accented with Italian tiles, reclaimed barn wood from our property and modern waterfall showers. Bathrooms are cleaned daily and fresh towels are always provided. We use environmentally friendly laundry detergent and sun dry whenever possible.
communal room
Communal Room is a shared accommodation in our sunny mountain vista room. Large outside patio with gorgeous views is the ideal space for journaling, chatting with new friends or meditating on all of Sagrada’s nature sounds. The communal room has a sitting area, plenty of cubby spaces for your clothes, toiletries and yoga gear and large bathroom. Bathrooms are cleaned daily and fresh towels are always provided.
THE FOOD
The Sagrada Kitchen is organic, vegetarian and mainly gluten free. They spend a lot of time menu planning for each retreat and shopping at our local farmers markets and health food stores to supplement the fresh produce from their organic garden. The cuisine is rustic yet gourmet and is served family style. The meals are prepared fresh each day with great attention to flavor and quality.
The menus are inspired by the best of what the garden produces. Each morning they serve strong organic coffee, their own free range organic eggs with sprouted bread and jelly, sliced tomatoes, yogurt and their famous homemade granola. You’ll return home stimulated and inspired to cook great meals at home for yourselves, your family, and friends.
They serve their favorite modest local wines throughout the retreat. Please bring any wines that you would like to share with the group and add them to the mix. Every afternoon Eva blends a fresh tea with organic herbs to create a fresh and vibrant herbal beverage.
What they’re saying…
“How powerful community can be. It was so wonderful being around women who were committed (even at different levels) to achieving body peace. I love looking at our bodies together and witnessing the power that we hold to heal ourselves and each other. I think what Amber does is so important in holding space for us to find one another and lead us through example, wisdom, kindness, and humor.”
“Amber is a very effective teacher. She’s incredibly bright in a non threatening kind of way. I like the way she asks follow up questions. I like that she isn’t afraid to politicize the body or take a public stand against white supremacy, capitalism, patriarchy, heteronormativity, and other systems of oppression.”
“Loved all the tips about attending yoga classes. Loved all the modifications. Loved the poses. Loved the jokes. I think you’re rad!”
“I learned so much and reaffirmed a lot of what I had already learned and was feeling weak on. It was great to be able to learn from Amber and so many other knowledgeable women. The session on body image/opting out of diet culture was a great primer and overview of everything. It was great to talk about how all of these systems of oppression work together and to realize how radical body positivity really is.”
Scholarship available
Thanks to a generous donation from a Body Positive Yoga community member, one full scholarship is available to this retreat!
We are proud to partner with Sanctuary in the City to make this scholarship spot available to black or indigenous people of color (BIPOC). Sanctuary in the City is a nonprofit based in Charlotte, NC, whose mission is to create affirming spaces for BIPOC to heal from race-based trauma.
Sanctuary in the City was founded by six women of color community leaders who saw the need for an accessible, safe, and affirming space for individuals and families of color to gather locally to promote transformation on social, community, professional and environmental levels.
"Sanctuary In The City holds abundantly grateful for the support and collaboration we have found in community with Amber Karnes. I have personally witnessed and benefited from Amber’s understanding of the need to create equitable access for BIPOC in wellness spaces. We are honored to serve our community by supporting scholarships to Amber’s retreats and trainings. We trust Amber to hold safe space and share tools and resources that create a ripple of healing." - Kelley Palmer (co-founder, Sanctuary In The City)
To apply for a scholarship, visit this link. Scholarships will be reviewed and awarded by the Sanctuary in the City board. Deadline to apply is April 15, 2020. Recipients will be notified by May 1, 2020.
- One full scholarship is available to each 2020 retreat (Body Positive Yoga Summer Camp in Virginia and Body Rebels in California)
- Scholarship includes all activities, meals, and accommodations in our shared communal space at the retreat center. A stipend for travel is also available.
- Scholarship recipients must reside within the United States and identify as a black or indigenous person of color. These retreats are designed for women and other gender minorities. Cisgender women, transgender women, femmes of all genders, and non-binary folks may apply.
- Questions? Email support@bodypositiveyoga.com
MEET AMBER
Hey, I’m Amber Karnes, creator of Body Positive Yoga.
Yoga has been an integral part of my decade-long journey toward self-acceptance and body positivity: making peace with my body and helping others to do the same.
If you want to feel wonderful and free in your unique, powerful, (imperfect) human body for a whole week, this retreat is for you. You’ll join a group of likeminded, body positive folks who will accept you without judgment. Together, we’ll create a safe container to explore our feelings around yoga, body image, and radical self-acceptance.
I will lead you through low-pressure, judgment-free, beginner-friendly yoga classes. My body positive yoga style is a gentle, slow flow with plenty of strength-building opportunities as well as time for self-study.
Morning yoga and meditation classes will get you going and prepare you for the day, and in the afternoon we’ll have workshop-style classes where we learn to personalize our yoga practice to work with the body we have today.
We’ll also have plenty of adventures, good food, fun in the sun, and time to relax and have some laughs. Treat yourself to a massage to round out your time away!
Come meet your new BFFs in the gorgeous California hills and celebrate the body you have today!
SOLD OUT
KING ROOM
shared bath
2 available
$1,395 each (shared)
$1,595 solo rate
QUEEN ROOM
shared bath
4 available
$1,195 each (shared)
$1,395 solo rate
FULL ROOM
shared bath
1 available
$1,195 each (shared)
$1,395 solo rate
COMMUNAL ROOM
shared bath
5 full beds available
$1,095 per bed
Cancellation Policy
- Deposit of $350 is due upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable.
- The remaining balance is due in full on May 15, 2020. Flexible payment plans are available. The earlier you sign up, the more flexibility you can have in paying the balance.
- Through April 15, 2020, if you must cancel, we will refund any amount paid minus your $350 non-refundable deposit.
- After April 15, 2020, there are no refunds, but you may transfer your paid spot to another person, sending a friend or family member to the retreat in your place for a $50 admin fee (to be paid by original attendee).
- After June 1, 2020, no refunds or transfers.
- In the rare circumstance that the retreat does not “make” (if we don’t get the minimum number of people needed to hold the event), 100% of the monies paid to Body Positive Yoga will be refunded to you. We are not responsible for the cost of flights or other transportation you may have booked, or any cancellation or change fees that result from the retreat being cancelled. We recommend purchasing trip insurance to cover any travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register?
- Step 1: When registration opens, you’ll reserve your spot with a non-refundable deposit of $350.
- Step 2: As soon as your deposit is paid, fill out a registration form for the retreat (this is when you’ll select your room).
- Step 3: Set up a payment plan for the balance due (optional).
What's included in my ticket price?
Your ticket covers your entrance to the retreat, your accommodations, all yoga classes, workshops, activities, and meals for the 4-day, 3-night retreat.
What's not included in my ticket?
Transportation to and from the retreat, alcohol if you wish to consume, optional massage service at the retreat.
How do payments & Cancellation work?
- Deposit of $350 is due upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable.
- The remaining balance is due in full on May 15, 2020. Flexible payment plans are available. The earlier you sign up, the more flexibility you can have in paying the balance.
- Through April 15, 2020, if you must cancel, we will refund any amount paid minus your $350 non-refundable deposit.
- After April 15, 2020, there are no refunds, but you may transfer your paid spot to another person, sending a friend or family member to the retreat in your place for a $50 admin fee (to be paid by original attendee).
- After June 1, 2020, no refunds or transfers.
- In the rare circumstance that the retreat does not “make” (if we don’t get the minimum number of people needed to hold the event), 100% of the monies paid to Body Positive Yoga will be refunded to you. We are not responsible for the cost of flights or other transportation you may have booked, or any cancellation or change fees that result from the retreat being cancelled. We recommend purchasing trip insurance to cover any travel plans.
How far are the rooms from the yoga & dining space?
The king rooms, full room, and two of the queen rooms are a few paces away. Two remaining queen rooms are in the same building as the yoga and dining spaces. The communal room is up one flight of stairs (same building as the yoga and dining spaces).
I've never been to a retreat and I'm worried I won't fit in. Help!
If you’ve never been to a retreat, it might seem intimidating, but I work extra hard to make sure this retreat is a safe, judgment-free, fun space for everyone! Humans of all shapes, sizes, and abilities will be celebrated and accommodated, and you’ll be sharing space with other likeminded folks who are interested in self-acceptance, self care, yoga, nature, creative thought, and body positivity. Folks who have attended my previous retreats have told me they made friendships that have lasted for years!
Do most retreat participants come alone?
Most of our guests do come alone. By the end of their stay they usually have made some great new friends.
Do I have to share a bed with anyone?
Not unless you want to! The queen and king suites are easily sharable with friends (so bring a friend and save money!) but you can also reserve a room to yourself. If you’d like to share a room, but aren’t bringing a friend, let us know when you register, and we’ll try to find you a roommate who’s also looking!
What's the food like?
Sagrada’s food is about 95% vegan, 99% vegetarian and 90% gluten free. We do love an occasional crunchy baguette with local goat cheese!
I'm new to yoga. Will I be able to keep up in the yoga classes?
Yes! Amber specializes in adaptive, inclusive yoga practice for diverse body types. This is low-pressure, judgment-free yoga led by a woman who isn’t a “typical” yoga teacher. I welcome you into this practice!
Each day will feature an early morning pranayama (breathing) and meditation practice. In the afternoon we’ll learn in more of a workshop-style with the teaching geared toward personalizing the yoga practice to your unique body!
What if I have a mobility aid, use a CPAP, or I need special help?
Note about accessibility: Unfortunately, the retreat center is not wheelchair accessible due to the uneven terrain. If you book a bed in the Communal Room, you will need to be able to get up and down one flight of stairs.
If you need other special accommodations or help, that’s fine. Just let me know when you register and I’ll do my darndest to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible.
How do I get to the retreat center?
Sagrada Wellness is located in California’s Central Coast, 12 miles north of San Luis Obispo. It is midpoint between Los Angeles and San Francisco, 3.5 hour drive from each. We are about 4 miles off the famed Highway 101.
Fly into San Luis Obispo’s airport (SBP) if you want to get here fast and don’t want to rent a car. It is about 20 minutes via taxi or Uber or Lyft ride from the airport in San Luis Obispo to Sagrada Wellness. If you want to see California and save some money fly into Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) or San Jose (SJC). Flying into any of these three airports will require a car rental. The drive from these airports is beautiful and full of interesting sites along the way.
Does the retreat center have WiFi?
No, the retreat center does not have WiFi, it is a designated digital detox zone. There is, however, good cell phone reception throughout the ranch.
When should I arrive and depart?
Check in is after 2pm on Thursday, July 11. Check out is around noon on Sunday, July 14.
What do I need to bring?
We’ll send you a complete packing list before the retreat, but you don’t need any complicated or fancy items. We’ll be bringing comfortable, casual clothing, a bathing suit, and stuff we need for the outdoors (like sunscreen and bug repellant). We provide mats and props for the yoga practice and all the supplies you’ll need for our workshops and activities.
Is this retreat only for women?
Yes, this retreat is for women. If you identify as a woman, you are welcome. Cisgender women, transgender women, femmes of all genders, and non-binary folks are all welcome to attend. Cisgender men may not attend this retreat. If you have any questions about who this retreat is for, please contact me.
What they’re saying…
“I felt more open and free than I’ve ever felt in my life. Never have I felt more comfortable with myself and my surroundings than I did that weekend. I’ve taken this sense of self-acceptance and love with me and have reflected on my experience daily. I’m trying to keep those good vibes alive!”
“I feel like I have made friends for a lifetime at the retreat. As women we all have similar issues and to hear you are not alone and that we have shared experiences is a beautiful thing.”
“I enjoyed this retreat immensely. The friendships I made, the yoga I learned, and the experience will stay with me a lifetime. My practice feels more my own now and I feel comfortable continuing what I learned and incorporating it into my current and future practice. Amber is a phenomenal teacher and makes yoga feel like a natural part of life. Your feedback and your guidance made me feel good about yoga and my body. Anne-Marie and Lisa were exceptional and I hope they come back next year. There help and their corrections were key in helping me learn and grow as a yogi!”
“I felt extremely safe and the modifications that were given were very helpful to my overall practice. Also, the physical adjustments were key to helping me understand what a pose should truly feel like and I feel that I can now get myself to the correct pose(s) more successfully.”
