/
Spirituality Retreats in United States/
Spirituality Retreats in Gerton/
Return to the Land: 4-Day Retreat in Blue Ridge Mountains
Return to the Land: 4-Day Retreat in Blue Ridge Mountains
October 8 - 11, 2026
Gerton, NC, United States
4 days
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.
Venue
Laughing Waters
4.6 ★ 24 Reviews
Laughing Waters is part of the Hickory Nut Forest Eco Community, which strives to be environmentally friendly stewards of the forest and its inhabitants. Laughing Waters is a family run, community- oriented business that partners with and supports local nonprofits that are working toward a more sustainable future. It welcomes groups and events that value living in harmony with the land.
Yoga Studio
Garden
Kitchen
Fireplace
Accommodation
Retreat Access without Accommodation
Participants to organize their own lodging or commuting.
$793.25 USD total
1 / 1
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.
Testimonials
1 / 4
Host
Laura J. Collins
Buncombe County, NC, USA
Laura has spent the past 30 years creating spiritual space for individuals and groups to find joy, healing, and peace. Whether working one-to-one, leading a retreat, or speaking to a large group, her ...
1 language
English
Teaching for 3 years
Joined Insight Timer in Jan 2023
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.
