Unleash Your Creative Fire
Unleash your creative fire with movement and art at this 7-day, all-inclusive* retreat in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
*Includes all meals, lodging, over 20 hours of yoga classes/art workshops, and more.
"Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it." — Berthold Brecht
What would happen if you gave yourself true creative freedom?
This is your chance to...
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…move and create, without fear of judgment.
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…find a deeper appreciation for YOU and your unique abilities.
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…develop a stronger connection to your body, mind, and inner wisdom.
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…gain perspective on your life and get in touch with your desires.
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…share joy and feel seen in a remarkable, like-minded community.
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…have the freedom to enjoy all the creative experiences that life has to offer.
Your Guides
Madison Elyse
– Founder & Roamer
Eight years ago I quit my job, sold everything I owned, and started traveling the world. I’ve lived in Costa Rica, the Cayman Islands, Chicago, and Spain, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that happiness isn’t found in a place – it’s found within.
And yet, I believe that travel (ahem - retreats, in particular!) can be an incredible catalyst for personal inquiry. When you go on retreat, you're making a commitment to step away from daily life. In turn, you welcome silence, contemplation, and change.
This is why I lead retreats. There's nothing I love more than helping people connect to the world and themselves through movement, meditation, and community.
I am an FRC® Mobility Specialist and have my 200-hour certifications in both Vinyasa Flow and Karuna Flow, as well as Reiki Levels I and II. More importantly, I'm passionate about making movement fun; my classes are a mashup of yoga, mobility, and even a little strength training.
Daniel Todd
aka Artruvian
– Artist and Adventurer
Hi there, my name is Danny - a.k.a. Artruvian. I specialize in painting surreal landscapes inspired by our beautiful world, with some of my own abstract flavor mixed in.
Creating environments where we can think creatively, talk about art, and watch it come to life is one of my greatest passions.
I currently live and work in Cashmere, Washington, teaching art and running my Live-Art and Gallery Vendor Tent at local festivals and markets.
Let’s take a journey together and discover how creativity can change your world.
This is an all- inclusive, 7-day retreat.
It includes:
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Over 20 hours of yoga classes and art workshops with Madison Elyse and Artruvian, cold plunge, sauna, group events, and more!
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Round trip transport to/from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (a 2h drive into the mountains).
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Three meals per day, dessert, snacks, coffee, and tea. Vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian or whatever-arian, the chef will have something for everyone.
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Six nights at Mount Mitchell Eco Retreat in Burnsville, North Carolina.
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Free daily transportation to nearby swimming and hiking sites, should you need a little extra movement.
Accomodation & Pricing
This eco-friendly retreat center in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains focuses on bringing humans and nature together in mutually beneficial ways. Enjoy slow mornings, sunny afternoons, and evenings painted by fireflies as we live by the rhythm of the forest. Room types are arranged from the most expensive to the least expensive.
King & Queen Suite
Winter Star Lodge
Per Room: Double $3275/Single $3997
Named for its views of Winter Star Mountain, this lodge features our largest suite. It has an open loft king room, a queen back bedroom, a living area, and two full bathrooms. Perfect for friends looking to share a living area while enjoying the comfort of a private room.
ONLY ONE REMAINING
Queen Suites
Pisgah Lodge
Double $3275/Single $3997
Named for the national forest that begins just behind this building, these queen suites feature a back bedroom with a queen bed, a living area, kitchenette, and a full bathroom. All rooms come with air conditioning.
The porch with rocking chairs looks out into the forest, making it easy for you to enjoy quiet, contemplative mornings with a cup of coffee, or lazy afternoons nestled up with a good book.
ONLY TWO REMAINING
King Rooms
Whether you're a solo traveler looking for a little privacy or a couple ready to enjoy an adventurous getaway, these rooms will make you feel cozy and relaxed for the duration of your stay. All rooms include a private bathroom, kitchenette, and air conditioning.
Custom payment plans are available for every room type.
Mitchell Lodge
King Bed, Mountain View
Single Occupancy: $3,697
Double Occupancy: $2,995 per person
ONLY TWO REMAINING
Clear Creek Lodge
King Bed, Forest View
Single Occupancy: $3,597
Double Occupancy: $2,895 per person
ONLY ONE REMAINING
Bunk Beds &
Shared Rooms
$1,895 Per Person/All Inclusive
For the budget-conscious traveler, we offer modest, shared rooms. These rooms feature a full bathroom, but either do not have a kitchenette, or they share a kitchenette with an adjoining room. All rooms come with air conditioning, a rocking chair porch, and access to the kitchen in the Main Lodge. Please note that the top bunk beds have a maximum weight limit of 150 lbs.
We also have one private queen room with a shared bathroom and kitchenette at a discounted rate. Send us a message to inquire about pricing.
What to Expect
The Itinerary
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8:00am - 9:15am
Daybreak Yoga
Classes are designed to help you move creatively and develop a stronger connection to your body, mind, and inner wisdom.
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9:15am - 10:15am
Breakfast
Don't worry, coffee is available both before and after your morning practice.
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10:30am - 12:30pm
Art Workshop
Create art without the fear of being judged, in a way that feels authentic to you.
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12:30pm - 1:30pm
Lunch
Eat in the Main Lodge or have a picnic on the grounds. It's up to you.
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1:30pm - 5:30pm
Free Time
Book a massage or plan an adventure in Appalachia's wild landscape.
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5:30pm - 6:45 pm
Evening Yoga & Meditation
Our evening practice will always end with meditation!
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7:00pm - 8:30pm
Dinner
Mix, mingle, and enjoy the veggies from the onsite gardens.
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8:30pm - 10:00pm
Social Time/Campfire Songs
Enjoy evenings under the stars with music, s'mores, and campfires.
Optional Add-Ons
Getting offsite to explore the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains can be an excellent decision if you're looking for a little more adventure on your retreat. Choose any of these add-ons at checkout and we'll book them for you. As this is an add-on, you will pay for these services day-of, with the provider or tour company.
Massage & Energy Work
Want a little extra pampering? Book a massage, reiki, sound bath or other energy work during your stay.
60/$81-$100 90/$150
Glass Blowing
Channel your creativity and craft unique glass masterpieces under the guidance of our skilled instructors.
$100/Per Person
Golf Trip
Beautiful Mount Mitchell Golf Club is less than two miles away, rated 4.5 Stars by Golf Digest Magazine’s “Places to Play.”
TBA - Rebuilding from Hurricane
Fly Fishing
Enjoy world-class fly fishing with an incredible tour guide, tucked into the seclusion of a beautiful mountain stream.
Starting at $275/Half Day
Sauna &
Cold Plunge
If you know Madison, then you know that no retreat is complete without a little hot and cold. I mean, come on - Is there any better way to unwind? Join the cold plunge crew - you just might fall in love! (And if you just want to enjoy the sauna, that's okay too.)
Every once and a while you come across people who simply "wow" you with their exuberance and passion for working with others. Madison is one of those people. She makes lighting your inner fire FUN, and compliments a strong practice with a compassionate tone to encourage you along the way. I found Madison to be an excellent guide during my own yoga exploration, and absolutely recommend her for group or private study.
Is Appalachia Calling?
Unleash Your Creative Fire
Burnsville, North Carolina
Mount Mitchell Eco Retreat
August 23rd - 29th, 2025
Unleash your creative fire with movement and art at this 7-day, all-inclusive* retreat in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Your investment includes:
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Six nights at Mount Mitchell Eco Retreat near Burnsville, North Carolina.
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Round trip transport to/from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (a 2h drive into the mountains).
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Three meals per day, dessert, snacks, coffee, and tea. Vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian or whatever-arian, the chef will have something for everyone.
-
Over 20 hours of yoga classes, art workshops, and group events and more!
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Free daily transportation to nearby swimming and hiking sites, should you need a little extra movement.
This is our first retreat in the U.S. and we expect it to sell out soon. Reserve your spot now to ensure that you're part of this stunning escape in the heart of Appalachia.
We can't wait to share this experience with you!
Love exploring? Join the retreat mailing list and be the first to know about new locations and special pop-up events in your area.
© Copyright 2024 by Madison Elyse, LLC. All Rights Reserved.