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Return to the Land: 4-Day Retreat in Blue Ridge Mountains

October 8 - 11, 2026

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4 days

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12 person retreat

Highlights

  • Cacoa ceremony led by indigenous woman,

  • Foraging walk in forest

  • Optional mountain hikes

  • Daily guided meditation

Details

Come be renewed in some of the oldest mountains on earth. We'll gather in a gorgeous retreat space along a rocky stream, surrounded by Hickory Nut Gap forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains, outside of Asheville, NC. We'll share nourishing meals, meditative walks and sits, gentle grounding teachings, a foraging walk, a cacao ceremony, and time on your own for quiet reflection or exploration of the trails around the center. Limited to twelve participants, the tuition includes use of the space and grounds, all programming and all meals. Housing is handled separately so that you can choose the room type you want. Registration will include the chance to indicate your meal preferences, with vegan and gluten-free options, among others. This is not a wheelchair friendly space, unfortunately.

Accommodation

Retreat Access without Accommodation

Participants to organize their own lodging or commuting.

$835 USD total

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Meals

Meals provided

Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

Diets catered

Vegan · Vegetarian · Gluten-free · Dairy-free · Nut Allergy Friendly

Catered by a favorite local Asheville restaurant, 67 Biltmore, the menu will depend somewhat on the preferences of the participants (e.g. vegetarian), as offered when registration is complete.

Schedule

Begins at 4 pm on Thursday 7:30 am guided meditation 8:00 breakfast 9:30 Morning sessions with three leaders: a forager, an indigenous ceremony leader, and host teacher Laura Collins 12:30 Shared Lunch Downtime Optional guided afternoon mountain hikes 6:30 Dinner 7:30 Evening Sessions with host teacher Laura Collins

Testimonials

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“Laura beautifully blends intellectual curiosity, spiritual wisdom, music, sacred ritual and humor to create events which promise to stir the soul and touch the heart.”

Suzannah Tebbe Davis, USA

“Laura is a rare joy to hear speak.”

Matt Kaiser, USA

Laura is a gifted leader of spiritual retreats that guide participants to listen for and discern the voice of deep truth within. Her own willingness to share her own journey creates a fertile space for love, acceptance, forgiveness and courage.

Michelle Smith, USA

I attended Laura's retreat called "Crossing Thresholds." It was very well-planned and well-executed and prepared me for the process of crossing many thresholds in the past year. I am thankful for her wisdom, and compassion and creativity.

Beth Maczka, USA

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Host

What's Included

All programming including foraging walk and cacao ceremony

All meals

Use of retreat space and grounds

Not Included

Accommodations, either at the lodge or nearby.

Lodge accommodations are booked directly with host Laura Collins

FAQs

Guest requirements

  • No previous meditation experience required.

  • Must be able to walk over uneven ground and up steps.

Cancellation policy

The remaining balance for the retreat is due 14 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 14 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 14 days before the retreat begins.

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