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Yoga Retreat with Anneke Faas
Join the waitlist for a Yoga Retreat
March 13 – 15, 2026
Land of the Medicine Buddha
in the Santa Cruz Mountains
Pratyakṣa – The Practice of Direct Experience
A Weekend Iyengar Yoga Retreat with Anneke Faas
In the Yoga Sutras, pratyakṣa means direct perception — the clarity that arises through immediate, lived experience rather than concept or belief. This weekend retreat invites you to turn practice into inquiry: to see, feel, and know directly through the lens of the body, the breath, and the quiet mind.
Through carefully sequenced Iyengar Yoga asana, chanting, and pranayama, you’ll refine awareness from the outer structure toward the subtle interior space of presence. Each session will help you cultivate sensitivity, discernment, and steadiness — awakening perception in both action and stillness.
Set among the redwoods at Land of Medicine Buddha, this retreat offers time for deep practice, reflection, and connection with a community of dedicated practitioners.
You will immerse yourself in daily sessions that include morning chanting, active asana, restorative postures, and pranayama. This retreat is designed for those who already have direct and consistent experience with Iyengar Yoga and who want to go deeper in their studies. Participants should already be regularly attending classes with a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher
Land of the Medicine Buddha is a center for healing and developing a good heart. Located in Aptos, Land of the Medicine Buddha is an easy 2- hour drive from Berkeley. You will appreciate the experience of retreat among the 108 acres of ancient redwood groves and sunny oak meadows. In the spirit of study and contemplation, you will have time between sessions to explore the property including its many walking trails and holy objects, heat up in the sauna or cool down in the spring fed pool. Participants will enjoy the effects of being nourished on many levels.
This is an opportunity to step away from your busy life and take a deep breath, follow your body through well sequenced asana classes, and experience tranquility. We will enjoy cozy accommodations and dine on delicious internationally-inspired vegetarian cuisine. Discover new joy in your yoga practice and feel refreshed with a sense of wonder about yoga and your relationship to nature.
Retreat highlights:
Retreat highlights:- Explore this peaceful property: 3 days / 2 nights in the serenity of a Buddhist retreat center
- Enjoy the practice of Iyengar Yoga: Daily sessions with Anneke in our private space overlooking the redwoods
- Nourish yourself: Three delicious organic vegetarian meals each day
- Deeply relax: Walks on the property, massage and other on-site spa services await
- Explore your surroundings: Time to soak in the incredible temples and walking trails
- Connect: Enjoy being with like-minded people
This is your opportunity:
feel supported and nourish your spirit!
THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE
“Anneke is an incredible teacher— she’s authentic, thoughtful, creative, inspiring, caring, humble, and most importantly, she brings her great sense of humor into her teaching. ”
~Erin Lashnits Hermann
“Land of the Medicine Buddha is an exceptional place for deep practice.”
~Laurika Harris-Kaye
“The retreat inspired a deeper commitment to practicing yoga daily.. I feel renewed, and have a sense of equilibrium and calm as I return to the stresses of daily life. I also feel a stronger sense of my own capacity… I am so grateful for this experience, and for the blessings that we’re offered.”
~Amy Mueller
“I loved all of the programming and I thought Anneke did an exceptional job at leading the sessions – asana, pranayama, chanting, philosophy, discussions – and personalizing the weekend’s programming to our specific needs and requests. Anneke is always so thoughtful, and pays such close attention to detail. It was wonderful to get to spend a whole weekend studying with her.”
~Mira L.
Cozy Accommodations
$1090 Single Occupancy (FULL)
or
$950 Double Occupancy (FULL)
or
$875 Triple/Quad Occupancy (FULL)
These guests rooms are steps from the yoga space and dining hall. They include a private bathroom with shower, towel and linen service is provided.
$750 Camping, bring your own tent (FULL)
$850 Yurt Single or Double Occupancy (FULL)
The Yurt & Camping area is a 10-min uphill walk from the yoga room and dining area. This area has shared bathrooms with amenities a short walk away.
YOUR WEEKEND OF YOGA AWAITS
Friday
4 pm | Arrival and Check-in
Asana Practice
Dinner and Welcome Ceremony
Saturday
- Pranayama & Chanting
- Breakfast
- Active Asana
- Lunch
- Free Time
- Restorative Yoga
- Dinner
- Evening Activities
Sunday
Pranayama & Asana Practice
Breakfast and lunch
2 pm | Departure
Practice
The asana classes will be geared toward all levels. Pranayama, chanting and yoga philosophy discussions will be part of our weekend together.
What else you need to know:
Participants are requested to bring their yoga practice kit: 4 blankets, mat, two blocks and a strap. Don’t have props? You can purchase them here, or rent the kit from us for $25.
Delicious vegetarian meals are part of this special experience: The culinary staff can accommodate specific needs such as gluten free, wheat free, sugar free, garlic free, onion free, nut free, and vegan. When you register, please let us know your requirements. A guest refrigerator is also available for anyone who brings their own food items.
Mindfulness is an important aspect of your stay at the Land of Medicine Buddha: As a Buddhist retreat center, guests are invited to be mindful of their actions of body and speech and to be aware that other people share this beautiful space. All guests are invited observe these five precepts: (1) No killing – this includes all insects. (2) No lying (3) No stealing – borrowing without asking permission. (4) No sexual misconduct – any sexual activity that will cause suffering to another being. (5) No intoxicants – includes alcohol, drugs and smoking cigarettes.
Cancellation details: Cancellations received by Jan 15 are entitled to a full refund minus a $50 admin fee. Cancellations received by Feb 15th are entitled to a full credit towards future Adeline Yoga programs, minus a $50 admin fee. No refunds or credits will be given for cancellations after Feb 15th. Due to arrangements made with our hosts, there can be no exceptions to this policy.
REGISTER FOR THE WAITLIST
ABOUT THE RETREAT LEADER:
Anneke Faas(she/her) is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher and Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) with over two decades of teaching experience. She began practicing yoga at 14 and has been teaching since her college years. Yoga has supported her through every stage of life, deepening her understanding of balance, awareness, and compassion.
Anneke has completed several in-depth certificate programs in yoga philosophy, including An Immersion into the Depths of the Vibhuti Pada and The Soul Psychology of Patañjali. A dedicated daily chanting practice fuels her connection to the esoteric roots of yoga.
Known for her warmth, clarity, and thoughtful sequencing, Anneke makes yoga relevant to daily life. She teaches students of all levels, offers expertise in prenatal and postnatal yoga, and mentors teachers on their path toward certification. Outside the studio, she loves being in nature and spending time with her teenage sons.
