You’re invited to a 5-day, 4-night retreat packed with yoga, joyful exploration of nature, my favorite swimming holes, camaraderie, relaxation, rejuvenation, laughter, body-positive discussion, and self-care in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
Buena Vista, Virginia
July 31- August 4, 2019
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!
8:00 AM
Beginner-friendly yoga
9:30 AM
Breakfast
10:30AM
Workshop
1:00 PM
Lunch
2:00 PM
Swimming, hikes,
massages & relaxation
6:00 PM
Evening yoga
7:00 PM
Dinner
8:00 PM
Fire pit & relaxation
“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.”
The South River Highlands retreat and nature preserve is located above the confluence of the Maury and South Rivers on 250 acres of forests, meadows and hayfields. From our hilltops you will have a 360 degree, seven county view of the Alleghenies, the Blue Ridge and the interesting cone shaped mountains of Buena Vista. The view stretches on forever.
We will eat our meals and practice yoga together in a renovated 100-year old dairy barn. Chill time will happen under a peaceful pergola with a fire pit and the sounds of a fountain nearby. Many secluded outdoor nooks exist from walkable meditation gardens to benches and hammocks in the sunshine.
Deer, wild turkey, over 100 species of birds and much other wildlife inhabits this nature preserve. The natural world is just outside your window. Hike on the network of internal trails or stroll along the Maury River’s Chessie Trail on the old canal path to Lexington, history, art, restaurants and shopping.
Our mission is to encourage you to experience a slower, quieter, more connected time with nature, away from the hectic pace of the modern day world.
Swipe through this photo gallery to view photos of the cabins, rooms, retreat center, and surrounding areas.
Hey, I’m Amber Karnes, the founder 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. I believe that through joyful movement and self-care, we can learn radical self-acceptance and positively experience our bodies, no matter our shape, size, age, or ability.
In my yoga teaching, I emphasize safe alignment and mindful transitions, and help you give yourself permission to honor the body you bring to the mat today, while also being empowered to learn about the body’s intelligence and power. I infuse my classes, workshops, and retreats with the foundational principles of inclusivity, agency, consent, body positivity, and self-acceptance.
I’ve been leading sold out, body-positive retreats all over the country and have been amazed and so grateful to see the transformations that take place when folks feel empowered in their bodies and confident in their minds and hearts. Are you ready to take the first step toward body peace AND have a fabulous, rejuvenating weekend in the mountains? Join me!
Space is limited and this retreat sells out every year!
Tuition is $795 for the 5-day retreat and includes food and all activities. I’ll reserve your spot with a non-refundable deposit of $350.
You’ll book a room separately with South River Highlands. Prices vary from $45/night for a bed in the shared loft space to $185 a night for a cabin with multiple bedrooms (you can share with friends or other retreat participants if you wish). Click to see accommodations.
Please carefully read the cancellation policy below before registering.
The website will say no vacancy becas
The cabins are within a short drive (or long walk). The detached private suites are within steps of the retreat space, and the private rooms and shared loft dorm space are in the same building as our yoga and dining space.
If you’d like to share a room or cabin, 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!
“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!”
“Thank you so much, Amber, for organizing such an amazing weekend. The stars aligned and brought so many beautiful souls together in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. I am so thankful for the chance to meet you and all of the other campers – what a wonderful network we’ve created!”
“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.”