Retreat Recap: Brattleboro, vermont

Our seond retreat of 2026 is officially wrapped. This was an extra special one for two reasons.

  1. It was our 10th Rooted Renewal Wellness Retreat! Just unreal.

  2. We hosted this retreat during the 2026 Summer Solstice, and it was everything and more.

This retreat landed us in The Green Mountain State at Vermont’s leading Ayurvedic Center, Setu. Setu means bridge, and at Setu Vermont, they hold that crossing point through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga, and the quiet teaching of Vermont’s forests.

Nestled on 13 acres of forested land in Southern Vermont, Setu provided the perfect backdrop for our retreat. Surrounded by mountain views, nature trails, perennial gardens, and a peaceful spring-fed pond, the property invited us to slow down, reconnect, and fully immerse ourselves in the experience.

Last weekend, 11 humans traveled from around the country to move, connect, breath, reflect and rest. Below are a few of our favorite moments from our tenth Rooted Retreat.

One of our many breathtaking views from the property. No wonder they call Vermont the Green Mountain State!



Upon arrival to Setu? We were greeted with traditional Indian Chia, Henna, and a warm face towel! It definitely helped us all settle in.

One of our many unique Henna designs!

We truly believe we have found the perfect mix of connection, socialization, rest, practice, and learning during our Rooted Renewal Yoga & Wellness weekends. We know the big deal that it is to say yes to yourself here. We realize that investment you’re placing in yourself and feel honored each time you choose Rooted Renewal for your wellness and yoga experience. Let’s go over what the weekend looked like.

Thursday concluded with our first dinner together, along with our opening ceremony and yin yoga so all could settle in for a restful night to prepare for the full weekend ahead.

Friday

Each morning starts with meditation and a powerful vinyasa flow. All classes are always suited for all levels. We have all attending retreats. Yoga teachers, students that practice weekly, students who are brand new to the practice, and those bringing themselves back to their practice after a break.

We all have something to learn from each other, and we witness that on each retreat.

Every meal we had on this retreat showcased traditional Ayurvedic & Indian meals which was so cool. A chance to understand what is being put in the body, and why.

You know it’s not a retreat with Rooted if we don’t get the crew out to connect with nature and the local land. Most of us geared up for a fun hike to Wantastiquet Mountain and had lunch at the summit! The weather was perfect and the company even better. :)

We wrapped up Friday by exploring downtown Brattleboro and having dinner at the wonderful Peter Haven’s. We’ve actually never had dinner out before and we think it might become a new staple. It was so fun exploring a new downtown with the crew and wrapping it up with a yummy dinner!

If you’re not familiar with Rooted, one of the ways that we like to market our retreats is through our monthly virtual challenges. These take place primarily on our Instagram account and it’s a great way for us to meet new people! Occasionally, we’ll offer free or discounted tickets to future retreats. For our Vermont retreat, many folks had already practiced with us virtually, and got to know us online before in person! Sometimes that helps the arrival jitters.

Saturday

Saturday was most definitely our self-care day! We love having at least one day to fully immerse in the property. Staying put, and staying comfy. After we wrapped up 108 Sun Sals to honor the Summer Solstice with Keirst, we headed to breakfast and right into sacred silence.

During sacred silence, attendees had the opportunity to explore the land, and walking paths in the forest. There was a sauna, hot tub, and spring fed pond on site for all to enjoy as well.

The afternoon took us right into community acupuncture. This was such a cool experience to have with everyone.

Pearl was lovely, and accommodated everyone’s unique needs. We all connected together here in the beautiful yoga studio. From there, those who opted into spa services headed to their Swedish massage! Like, what a dream.

Our beautiful yoga studio. Do you see those gongs?! We had a personal Gong Meditation Saturday night let by Harmeet. This was definitely a highlight of the retreat.

Aside from the Gong Meditation on Saturday night, we all participated in a traditional Ayurvedic Cooking Class and learned a bit about Ayurvedic living and eating along the way. We each had a hand in helping make our dinner for the evening!

Sunday

It’s the day that alway comes too quickly. From Thursday, when those arrive excited, but also anxious. Somehow energized but tired. Sunday brings a whole new light, and big bright smiles. We all leave more connected to self and each other. Grounded and peaceful as we remain hopeful for what’s next.

A true community rooted in love, connection, and understanding.

We wrap up with a wholesome closing ceremony and class to prep us all for travel. We pack, we eat, we hug, we laugh, and we cry.

Until next time…

What are you doing this September? Join us in Berkeley Hills, California for the Autumn Equinox.

April Denning

After spending a few years developing her own practice, April decided to take the leap and enroll in a 200HR YTT program (the best decision ever). She now teaches both in person and online to students all over the world.

She loves inspiring people to connect with themselves through a movement- and inversion-based practice. With the proper guidance and training tools, she makes what seems impossible, possible.

https://www.aprildenningyoga.com/
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