Information for First-Time Visitors

Immersion into Yogic Life is a wonderful, rare and life-changing experience. The Ashram is a chance to disconnect from your daily life and reconnect with nature on our 100-acre facility. If you are new to Sat Manav Yoga Ashram, there are a few important things you need to know. Please take a few minutes to read this page thoroughly.

If you are traveling to the Ashram in Spring or Winter, BE ADVISED if you are driving a vehicle with low ground clearance and/or two wheel drive, let us know so we can advise you on our road conditions and best practices for a smooth arrival.

Reservations Required
Reservations are required for all visits, including day guests. Please call (207) 485-1228 for last minute bookings as we might not receive an email in time. We are open to first-time day guests on weekends. Exceptions can be made. First-time retreatants MUST arrive on Fridays. Thank you!

Grounds
The Ashram layout requires a fair amount of being outside. Please check the weather in our area before your arrival to make sure you have appropriate clothing and footwear to enjoy our beautiful surroundings!

Retreats
We keep our retreats small to maximize your experience and preserve the tranquil environment of focused practice that makes SMYA unique. Our retreats cater to people seeking deep physical, spiritual and emotional growth, more than a “yoga vacation” to socialize and relax. Sat Manav is first and foremost our home and place of practice that we invite people in to experience, rather than a business oriented retreat center that offers Yoga programs. Our offerings are scalable and able to fit your needs as you seek a healing, transformative retreat.

Modest Clothing
In keeping with classical Yogic intention please wear modest, loose, comfortable clothing. We highly recommend, although do not require, clothing made of natural fibers. Many of the activities at our retreat center include but are not limited to: nature walks, meditation walks, and many outdoors activities to reconnect with your true nature. Be mindful of the clothing that you pack to be comfortable and practical for the environment.

Organic Vegan Fare
All meals are prepared by skilled Yogi chefs. Meals are served at 11:00am and 5:30pm on “Pradakshina,” our dining area that surrounds our Shakti Temple. Fruit and herbal tea are available in the morning and there will refreshments served afternoon. Please inform us of any allergies or special dietary needs. If you are bringing children please bring VEGAN snacks for them if you anticipate they might not enjoy a whole foods, plant-based menu.

Caffeinated Beverages
We serve mildly caffeinated beverages (i.e. green tea). We are happy to provide hot water if you would like to bring a thermos and black tea (NO COFFEE). If you typically start your day with coffee we recommend having black tea.

NO Alcohol, Drugs, Intoxicants or Stimulants
Alcohol, ALL recreational drugs, coffee (all highly caffeinated beverages), meat, dairy, eggs, fish, onions and garlic are not permitted.

Pets Are Not Permitted
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate your pets. We have our own very friendly dog and cat. Please let us know if you have allergies. No animals are allowed in the accommodations areas.

No Cell Phones or Internet
Cell phone signals do not reach us. Internet or phone access is available in cases of emergency. There is no internet access in our accommodations.

Valuables
Please leave any unneeded valuables at home. Very few of the doors at the Ashram have locks, including our homes. The Ashram is a very safe environment; in our 30+ years of operation we have never had an incident of theft or unlawful misconduct.

Use Our Driving Directions
Online maps and GPS systems provide incorrect directions. There is a snowmobile/ATV trail that leads to the ashram that GPS thinks is a road. To reach us, please use the driving directions provided here or in your confirmation email. In the event that you get lost because you followed your GPS we reserve the right to charge $25/hour to come “rescue” you. (Yes, that is how long it can take!)

Electricity
EMFs (electromagnetic fields) emitted by all electronics are proven to be harmful to the human organism. Because of this and our aim to create the ideal environment for Yoga practice, the only electronics in our guest houses are solar lights. Solar-powered outlets are available by request in our main buildings to charge essential items.

Accommodations
We have 2 guest houses, with 2 bedrooms (a full bed in one room and 2 twin beds in the other) and a shared commons room and bathroom and some additional small cabins. Tenting is available May-September. Our cabins have solar lighting, indoor composting toilets, hand pumped water, hand pumped shower (hot), wood heat (we will manage your stove), and cooling by opening the windows to the fresh mountain air! We are off-grid and surrounded by mountains and forest—the ideal retreat to change your life.

Environment
We are secluded, far removed from the bustle of society. Being here and moving between activities involves walking on dirt paths along the stream, communing with the elements, connecting to your natural state... Please be prepared for the season, walking on uneven ground and being outside. If you live further south or at a lower elevation, be ready for cooler temperatures. Click here for our 7 day weather forecast.

Discounts
We offer group rates and work exchange discounts for those whose finances are legitimately an obstacle to joining us. Please email to inquire.