What to Expect at Our Berkeley Hills Yoga Retreat

Welcome to a Weekend of Balance
Open with the feeling of arriving.

With only 2.5 months until our third retreat of 2026, we thought it was time to give a little preview to those attending (and those who are signing up, and just don’t know it yet). But for real.

Imagine pulling into the winding Berkeley Hills, taking a deep breath of crisp eucalyptus-scented air, and leaving the busyness of everyday life behind. Over the next four days, you'll move your body, nourish your mind, connect with incredible people, and experience the beauty of the Autumn Equinox in a place designed for restoration.

We’re excited for the location, intention, and energy thats already brewing for our Autumn Equinox Yoga Retreat being hosted in Berkley Hills, CA.

Hosting at the beautiful Anza Resort.

A Hidden Sanctuary in the Berkeley Hills

Anza is tucked into the hillside of the Berkeley Hills, about 10 minutes from the campus of UC Berkeley and roughly 30 minutes from San Francisco.

Named for its meaning—“a dwelling among the elder trees”—Anza is a hidden gem nestled in the folds of the Berkeley Hill. Completely surrounded by towering redwoods, creating a forest sanctuary that invites reflection, grounding, and deep connection with nature. The Autumn Equinox marks a sacred turning point for us! Join us as we explore finding perfect balance between day and night, light and dark.

Being surrounded by elder trees, rolling hills, and views overlooking Tilden Regional Park while it being quiet enough to hear birds in the morning and watch golden light settle over the hills in the evening. This encompasses genuine peace.

Bedrooms are cozy, a deck surrounds the entire space. The only thing you have to plan? When you’ll use the Japanese soaking tub, Cedar sauna, and cold plunge.

One of the reasons we chose Anza is because it embodies exactly what we hope you'll experience during the weekend; space to slow down, reconnect with nature, and remember what it feels like to simply be present.



Mornings That Begin with Intention

Morning begins with morning meditation, movement, and mindful breath, alldesigned to awaken the body, not exhaust it. Whether you're new to yoga or have been practicing for years, classes are thoughtfully layered so everyone feels supported.

From here? Breakfast curated by none other than Chef Mackenzie Larsen. She’s been with us for a few retreats and her meals are always a highlight of the weekend.

Time to Wander or Simply Be

One thing about our retreats? You’re going to leave more refreshed, and recentered. Not exhausted and anxiety filled. Why? Because we give you time to do nothing. No guilt attached. We are so used to “maximizing” every part of life, and we do our best to unwire that pattern on our retreats.

You will have plenty of time to…

  • Curl up with a book.

  • Journal on the deck.

  • Enjoy tea while overlooking the hills.

  • Sweat it out in the sauna.

  • Take a refreshing cold plunge.

  • Soak in the Japanese tub.

  • Walk nearby trails.

Afternoon Workshops for Lasting Transformation

One of the unique experiences you'll enjoy during the retreat is a guided somatic practice led by Keirst. Blending mindful movement, breathwork, and intuitive exploration, this session invites you to slow down and reconnect with your body in a way that's both grounding and empowering. Rather than focusing on perfect poses or performance, somatic movement encourages you to notice how you feel from the inside out, helping you release habitual tension, regulate your nervous system, and cultivate a deeper sense of presence. It's a gentle yet powerful practice that many guests find to be one of the most transformative parts of the weekend.

Create Your Personal Ritual with April. One of the intentions behind every Rooted Renewal retreat is to ensure the experience doesn't end when you head home. During April's guided workshop, you'll reflect on the practices that help you feel your best and begin creating simple, meaningful rituals you can weave into your everyday life. Through mindfulness, guided journaling, and intentional reflection, you'll leave with a personalized vision for maintaining the sense of balance, presence, and restoration you cultivated throughout the weekend.

Rooted in Costa Rica!

time in nature

Every retreat we spend time outside. On the land. That could be a hike, a stroll of the property, or practicing outside! Expect an option hike to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Tilden Regional Park

Evenings to Unwind

We end the nights like one big family. :)

Dinner at the big table, talking about the day. Slowly into our yin class, with sound meditation. Our goal is to set you up for deep rest, and deep connection at the end of day. You might decide to call it a night after yin, or sip tea outside as you stargaze.

The cherry on top of a fulfilling day.

Community Happens Naturally

One of the most meaningful parts of every Rooted Renewal retreat is the sense of connection that unfolds organically. There's no pressure to share more than you're comfortable with or to be social every moment of the day. Whether you're chatting over a nourishing meal, laughing after a yoga class, taking a walk through nature, or simply sitting quietly together, meaningful relationships often grow in the spaces between the scheduled activities. Many of our guests arrive knowing no one else and leave with new friendships, a deeper sense of belonging, and the comforting reminder that they're not alone on their wellness journey.

By Sunday we are all sharing meals, laughing over morning coffee, encouraging each other during yoga, exchanging phone numbers, making plans for future retreats. <333

You’ll leave feeling…

Not "fixed."

Not "transformed overnight."

Instead:

You'll leave with:

  • practical wellness tools,

  • a calmer nervous system,

  • meaningful connections,

  • renewed energy,

  • and a deeper trust in yourself.

Because that's what Rooted Renewal is really about.

Join us in Berkeley Hills, California for our Autumn Equinox yoga retreat.

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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