About the Ojai Spring Retreat
Step into Spring with intention during this nourishing getaway in the radiant Ojai Valley! Join Balanced Rock’s co-Founder, Heather Sullivan, at the stunning Twin Creek Ranch in Ojai for a nourishing retreat designed to ease the transition between seasons.
This retreat invites you to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and prepare for the season of renewal. Together, we’ll weave yoga, meditation, nature immersion, and mindful reflection into a spacious weekend designed to awaken your senses and rejuvenate your spirit.
What You’ll Experience
This retreat includes Balanced Rock’s tried-and-true offerings, cultivated over 25+ years of guided transformative experiences:
Carefully-crafted yoga and meditation sessions designed to support springtime vitality
Reflective and inspired writing prompts to help you reset and realign
Unique seasonal and place-based experiences rooted in the magic of Ojai
An option to join a guided hike through the surrounding hillsides, bursting with wildflowers and spring colors
Ample unstructured time to enjoy the hot tub, pool, or wander the beautiful retreat grounds at your own pace
Throughout the retreat, we create an intentional space for deep rest, gentle awakening, and personal renewal—a soulful welcome to Spring.
About the Food
Ojai’s spring bounty is a retreat in itself. Together, we will explore the “flavors of terroir”—a true taste of place—through thoughtfully prepared meals that celebrate the valley’s vibrant farms and orchards.
Together, we will enjoy:
Seasonal dishes crafted from hyper-local produce, sourced directly from Ojai farmers and ranchers
A local culinary tasting or foodie field trip, highlighting the region’s agricultural richness
Fresh, nourishing meals prepared by Chef Ari that reflect the rhythms of the season and support vitality, balance, and delight
Food is a cornerstone of the Balanced Rock experience, and this retreat offers the chance to savor spring’s abundance in every sense. Dietary restrictions and preferences are collected at registration, and Chef Ari will craft a thoughtful, seasonal menu that honors the needs of our group.
Our Retreat Location • Twin Creek Ranch, Ojai
The main house at Twin Creek Ranch is over 4,000 SQ feet. It has 5 bedrooms on the main floor, a loft, 4 bathrooms, and a private yoga studio.
The Main Floor: the 3 private king bedrooms are on the main floor, one is the primary suite with a private bath, the other two king bedrooms access a shared bathroom. The private queen bedroom and 3-Twin bedroom is a shared room on the main floor with access to a shared bathroom. It also has an approximately 1000 sq. feet yoga studio called Light Oneness Center.
The Loft: the spacious loft is upstairs. The loft has 3 twin beds, separated by privacy screen partitions, and 3 daybeds.
The property includes 5 acres of orchards consisting of various fruit & nut trees: peach, nectarine, Asian pear, persimmon, orange, lemon, mandarin, cherry, walnut, and different varieties of apples.
Amenities include: patio, outdoor pool/waterfall, hot tub, barbecue, basketball court, and lots of open, grassy areas perfect for an outdoor practice. The property is next to invigorating hiking trails with beautiful sceneries.
What’s Included
What’s Not Included
Your travel to and from the retreat center (airfare, rental car, etc), travel insurance, or costs for personal expenses are not included, nor are any additional services you may wish to book during your time in the Ojai area. Balanced Rock is happy to support you with questions around travel logistics, and all registered participants will receive access to a retreat contact sheet to coordinate ride-sharing or carpooling upon registration—a common and encouraged practice on our retreats!
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Thursday: Day 1 (Arrival)
Afternoon arrival & check-in
Welcome circle and intention-setting
Gentle yoga
Dinner & evening connection activity
Friday: Day 2
Awaken (hot drinks & morning snacks)
Morning yoga/meditation
Group breakfast
Morning retreat session
Group lunch
Afternoon session
Group dinner
Evening session
Saturday: Day 3
Awaken (hot drinks & morning snacks)
Morning yoga/meditation
Group breakfast
Morning retreat session
Group lunch
Afternoon session
Group dinner
Evening session
Sunday: Day 4 (Closing)
Awaken (hot drinks & morning snacks)
Morning yoga/meditation
Group breakfast
Morning retreat session (closing circle)
Farewells & travel home (by midday)
While we intentionally schedule in down time for rest, time by pool/hot tub, or to read or connect with others…all retreat offerings are optional. We encourage you to take the time you need to retreat and have the kind of experience that is the most supportive for you.
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Venue: Twin Creek Ranch in Ojai, California
Lodging: Shared or private accommodations available
Group Size: Limited to 12–15 participants for intimacy and connection
About Twin Creek Ranch: Twin Creek Ranch is a modern farm house situated on 10 acres of land in upper Ojai, 10 minutes from the Ojai village. It is surrounded by the sacred mountains of Ojai with a panoramic view of the Topa Topa Mountains.
Lodging Logistics: Retreat participants will choose their accommodation option at check out based on availability. Shared accommodations are assigned at random, we will do our best to honor roommate requests based on course fill and availability. Van camping and traditional camping are not permitted, retreat attendees staying onsite must book at room.
Travel Support: Our team is here to support you in planning your arrival to the area and offering local knowledge on how to best make your plans. You will be sent a shared participant roster upon registration which facilitates ride sharing or carpooling arrangements, and below is a list of the nearest airports to Ojai, CA.
Nearby Airport Options
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) – ~50–51 miles (closest)
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) – ~68 miles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – ~85–88 miles
Santa Ana (John Wayne) Airport (SNA) – ~122 miles
Long Beach Airport (LGB) – ~102 miles
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The main house has (4) private bedrooms and (1) shared bedroom on the main floor. The loft has (3) additional beds in a shared space.
PRIVATE BEDROOM OPTIONS (MAIN FLOOR)
1. PROSPERITY — Primary King Suite (1 available)
King bed + futon with a fireplace and large ensuite bath (jacuzzi tub, double vanity, shower, walk-in closet)
The most luxurious accommodation: spacious, serene, and deeply restful with views of the surrounding Topa Topa mountains.Retreat Rate:
✨ $2,250 — Solo Private ($2,150 Early Bird Rate)This is a single occupancy price, friends/couples must inquire to book.
2. SERENITY — Private King Bedroom (1 available)
King bed + twin bed with access to a shared bathroom
Retreat Rate:
✨ $2,050 — Solo Private ($1,950 Early Bird Rate)This is a single occupancy price, friends/couples must inquire to book.
3. JOY — Private King Bedroom (1 available)
King bed + twin bed with access to a shared bathroom
Retreat Rate:
✨ $2,050 — Solo Private ($1,950 Early Bird Rate)This is a single occupancy price, friends/couples must inquire to book.
SERENITY & JOY rooms share access to a bathroom with a double vanity and shower/tub.
4. GRATITUDE — Private Queen Bedroom (1 available)
Queen bed with access to a shared bathroom. Close to the yoga studio with views of the orchard.
Retreat Rate:
✨ $1,850 — Solo Private ($1,750 Early Bird Rate)This is a single occupancy price, friends/couples must inquire to book.
SHARED ROOM OPTIONS
5. ROSE GARDEN — 3-Twin Bedroom (Main Floor) (Shared room, 3 beds total)
Room contains 3 twin beds
A cozy shared room on the main floor for guests who prefer a community experience while still being in a fully enclosed bedroom (not an open loft).Retreat Rate:
🌿 $1,450 per person ($1,350 Early Bird Rate)6. BEAUTY — Loft Twin Beds & Day Beds, Shared Accommodation (6 total beds)
Airy upstairs loft with natural light, separated sleeping areas, and access to main-floor bathrooms.
2 twins in one shared area; 1 twin in its own nook with a partition
3 twin daybeds in a shared area
Retreat Rate:
🌿 $1,395 per person for Twin Bed ($1,295 Early Bird Rate)🌿 $1,350 per person for Day Bed ($1,250 Early Bird Rate)
ROSE GARDEN, GRATITUDE, & BEAUTY rooms have access to main floor shared bathrooms.
A Note on Accommodations:
Shared rooms are a beautiful way to meet new people. If you select a shared accommodation, you’ll be paired with fellow retreat participants—many guests form lasting friendships this way.
If you’re attending with a friend and would like to room together, simply have each person book the same shared-room option (if available); we will do our best to honor roommate requests based on availability.
Private room rates listed are single occupancy. A double-occupancy rate is available for friends or couples who wish to share a private room. Please contact us directly to arrange shared lodging.
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All-inclusive pricing varies by accommodation option. See “Accommodation Options” for more details.
Balanced Rock strives to offer affordable programming to all of our interested participants. If you need financial assistance to attend this program, please contact us to request an application.
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We will be sending out a recommended packing list to registered participants. This is a lodge-based retreat, and participants will be responsible for bringing their own personal items (food and yoga gear included in the retreat).
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If you cancel your registration more than 1 month prior to the trip start date, you will receive a full refund minus a $50 registration fee to the credit card on file.
If you cancel your registration less than 1 month prior to the program start date, you will not be eligible to receive a refund.
We highly recommend all participants purchase trip insurance in the case of a trip cancellation (a full refund of course tuition will be remitted if Balanced Rock has to cancel the trip due to natural disaster, park closure, etc).
All participants are required to read and accept our Cancellation and Refund Policy upon registration.
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This retreat is designed to be gentle, flexible, and accessible. All practices are optional, and participants are welcome to engage at their own comfort level throughout the weekend.
All participants will be required to read and sign the Health & Safety Policy for Programs at registration.
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Q: What is included in the retreat price?
Your registration includes:
Your selected lodging option for the retreat dates (private or shared accommodations; Thursday evening through Saturday night; checking out Sunday)
Lovingly-prepared meals
Guided yoga and meditation practices
Facilitated group experiences
Access to nature-based wellness activities
Some retreats may also include art workshops, hikes, or special guest teachings. Travel to/from the retreat location, travel insurance, and optional add-ons are not included.
Q: Do I need prior yoga or meditation experience?
No. Balanced Rock retreats are intentionally designed to welcome all levels, from complete beginners to longtime practitioners. Our skilled instructors offer variations so everyone feels supported, comfortable, and empowered. If you have specific health or mobility concerns, please contact us before booking.
Q: What should I pack for a lodge-based retreat?
We encourage guests to bring comfortable clothing for yoga and movement, warm layers, outdoor footwear, a reusable water bottle, and any personal items you need for rest and reflection. A full packing list will be provided, and all yoga props will available at the lodge.
Q: What is the lodging situation like?
For this retreat, we will be staying at the Twin Creek Ranch, which you can explore here.
Lodges vary by retreat but are generally cozy, communal spaces with comfortable shared or private rooms, warm gathering areas, and access to the surrounding natural landscape. Many offer modern amenities while preserving a sense of simplicity and connection to place.
Q: I have dietary restrictions—can they be accommodated?
Absolutely. Balanced Rock retreats offer wholesome, nourishing meals with vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available. If you have allergies or specific needs, you will be able to share those in your registration form and we’ll do our best to ensure you are cared for.
Q: What happens after I register?
Once you complete your registration, you’ll immediately receive an automated Welcome Email with everything you need to prepare for our time together, including:
Arrival & Check-In Details
The full retreat address, a Google Maps link to Twin Creek Ranch, and guidance for timing your arrival and departure.Ride-sharing & Carpooling Contact Sheet
A link to our participant directory so you can connect with others to coordinate transportation — a common and encouraged practice on our retreats.Recommended Packing List
A link to a PDF to support your packing and preparation for the retreat.Required Medical Form
A simple online form we ask all participants to complete before the retreat start date.Waivers & Participant Agreements
Copies of our standard waivers and policies for your review so you can arrive informed and confident.
You’ll also receive additional reminders and updates as we approach the retreat date. Our team is always available to support travel planning or answer any questions that arise.
Want to speak to a human being? Book a 15-min discovery call with one of our team members to ask questions and learn more about this program!
What People Are Saying About Balanced Rock’s Retreats
“From the moment I stepped into the retreat, I felt loved, welcomed, and safe. Our yoga practices were centering and our journaling time helped me to reignite my love of writing. Heather Sullivan was an amazing leader. The peace and rest I found there are truly indescribable.”
“I was so inspired and transformed by our time together that I am hosting my own retreat here in 2 weeks! It’s just primarily close friends, and I’m co-leading it with another dear friend, but I wanted to pay homage to Balanced Rock for fanning the spark in me to try it. Ever since leaving the retreat, I have felt called to help my fellow women wake up to their own power, creativity, and intuition in a way that I cannot ignore.”
“I stumbled across Balanced Rock completely by accident, and I’m so glad I did. The whole retreat experience was incredible, from the group outings to the food to the wonderful staff. If you’re on the fence about a Balanced Rock trip: book it. It will change your life.”
Meet Your Retreat Facilitators
HEATHER SULLIVAN • Retreat Leader
Heather has lived in the Yosemite area for over 20 years. The steep granite valley walls, seasonal change of the river song, and community of animals and humans have deeply shaped her being and worldview. Co-Founder of Balanced Rock, she continues to serve as Executive Director using her skills of non-profit management and leadership, group facilitation, community building, mentorship, and program development to hold the vision and lead the organization through its continued evolution.
She delights in creating unique, powerful programs and supporting staff and instructors to shine their magic in the world. She is a gifted teacher and seasoned mountain guide at heart and makes sure to get in the field as an instructor each season.
ARIANA NOELKE • Retreat Chef
Ariana is a chef and educator who brings warmth, creativity, and a deep sense of care to every meal. As the retreat chef for yoga and wellness gatherings, she designs menus that are Ayurvedically-inspired—nourishing body and spirit through seasonal balance, color, and intention.
Rooted in the bounty of the Ojai Valley, Ariana’s cooking celebrates the citrus groves, vibrant produce, and bright herbs of the season. Her meals invite guests to slow down, reconnect with the rhythms of nature, and gather in laughter and gratitude. Each dish is crafted to support renewal, mindfulness, and the simple beauty of eating well in a place that feels alive.
From Burnout to Balance Series: a collection of FREE workshops brought to you by Yosemite Health and Wellness in partnership with Balanced Rock. Open to all park partners and community members.
In these 2-hour workshops, participants will learn how to recognize common stress responses in themselves, understand what their nervous system may be asking for in moments of overwhelm or shutdown, and practice tools that can be used on the job and in everyday life.
Participants will register for one session on the date and location of their choosing by selecting an option below. This will be the same workshop in four different locations to offer access to the varied communities in Yosemite.
Locations: Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Mather District, and Tuolumne Meadows
Dates & Times:
June 15: Yosemite Valley (Yosemite Valley Library) • 5:00pm - 7:00pm
June 16: Wawona (Community Center) • 5:00pm - 7:00pm
June 17: Mather District (Rush Creek Lodge) • 5:00pm - 7:00pm
June 18: Tuolumne Meadows (Picnic Tables by SAR Cache) • 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Your Facilitator: Paula Wild