North Carolina HSP & Introvert Retreat
Ecotherapy, Yoga & Soulful Connection in the Blue Ridge Mountains
September 24-29, 2025
North Carolina HSP & Introvert Retreat
Ecotherapy, Yoga & Soulful Connection in the Blue Ridge Mountains
September 24-29, 2025
Root with the Land,
Regenerate Your Spirit
Join our 6-day / 5-night nature retreat, crafted to foster belonging, connection, and renewed strength in these challenging times.
We’ll gather at an eco-minded retreat center, nestled within the Cherokee lands known as the Blue Ridge Mountains. With nature trails, a peaceful pond and river, and meditation gardens, the space offers a quiet setting for rest, reflection, and connection.
This retreat is about building relationships—with each other, the Earth, and ourselves—while exploring how to stay engaged and present in a world that often feels overwhelming.
Each day includes a mix of embodied movement, restorative yoga, and ecotherapy, supporting both personal and collective resilience. We’ll nurture our senses, engage in creative play, listen to the land, and explore ways to actively care for the ecosystems we call home.
This retreat offers a space to replenish your energy and finding meaningful ways to contribute without burning out.
With spacious days, you can soak in sunrises, relax by the pond, or take a mindful hike.
Leave feeling more grounded, connected, and strengthened.
Bend of Ivy was not affected by Hurricane Helene, but other communities are still recovering. In a small way, I see this retreat as an opportunity to support the local economy.
At a Glance
Facilitator: Melissa Renzi
Highlights: Ecotherapy in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Venue: Mid-range nature retreat center
Rooms: Single or shared occupancy, shared baths
Food: Vegetarian, dietary needs can be met
Activity Level: Mild (some stairs/hills)
Weather: Variable – day 70s-80s °F, night 60s °F
Group Size: 12-14 people
Cost: $1,850.00 – 2,275.00
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive space where participants of all genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, abilities, ages, and other diverse identities feel welcome. We ask participants who register to join us in fostering an environment that respects and genuinely affirms all forms of diversity.
The Land & Space
Where Nature, Art & Resilience Meet
Plentiful breathtaking hiking trails and tubing adventures abound in this region. Marshall, NC, is a quiet town with deep Appalachian roots and a strong sense of community. Asheville offers a vibrant, queer-friendly culture, and a deeply rooted arts scene.
Despite Hurricane Helene’s impact, these mountain communities remain resilient, committed to recovery, mutual support, and regeneration.
A Sanctuary in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Bend of Ivy Lodge is a tranquil retreat set on 37 acres within the Blue Ridge Mountains of Marshall, NC. Once a tobacco farm, this land has been thoughtfully transformed into a sanctuary for ecological stewardship and personal renewal.
Sustainability is woven into its design, with solar energy powering much of the facility. The property features beautiful mountain views, a tranquil river, a peaceful pond, and meditation gardens, and is home to friendly resident goats.
Convenient Location
Bend of Ivy is situated just 25 minutes from downtown Asheville and 45 minutes from Asheville Regional Airport (AVL).
Cozy Accommodations
The heart of Bend of Ivy is The Lodge, a welcoming retreat space with 9 bedrooms (single or double), a sleeping loft (single), two comfortable lounge areas, and 4 full bathrooms. Four of the rooms feature twin beds that can convert to kings for added comfort.
While The Lodge can accommodate up to 17 guests, we’ll limit capacity to 11-12 for a more spacious experience. Once Lodge rooms are full, we may offer additional accommodations on the property.
Inviting Spaces
A spacious pavilion provides a lovely setting for yoga. The property invites exploration with a serene labyrinth, meditation gardens, and countless cozy nooks—both indoors and out—to unwind. The kitchen will be used by our chef, but guests may store personal items in the refrigerator. For the duration of our retreat, the entire property will be reserved exclusively for our group.
Nourishing Meals
Local, seasonal, and nutritionally-supportive meals will be prepared with love and intention by local Chef Evie Irving. You can be sure her food will be delicious, blending together the wheel of flavors and dimensions of textures. Meals will be vegetarian, but most other dietary needs can be met.
The Land & Space
Where Nature, Art & Resilience Meet
Plentiful breathtaking hiking trails and tubing adventures abound in this region. Marshall, NC, is a quiet town with deep Appalachian roots and a strong sense of community. Asheville offers a vibrant, queer-friendly culture, and a deeply rooted arts scene.
Despite Hurricane Helene’s impact, these mountain communities remain resilient, committed to recovery, mutual support, and regeneration.
A Sanctuary in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Bend of Ivy Lodge is a tranquil retreat set on 37 acres within the Blue Ridge Mountains of Marshall, NC. Once a tobacco farm, this land has been thoughtfully transformed into a sanctuary for ecological stewardship and personal renewal.
Sustainability is woven into its design, with solar energy powering much of the facility. The property features beautiful mountain views, a tranquil river, a peaceful pond, and meditation gardens, and is home to friendly resident goats.
Convenient Location
Bend of Ivy is situated just 25 minutes from downtown Asheville and 45 minutes from Asheville Regional Airport (AVL).
Cozy Accommodations
The heart of Bend of Ivy is The Lodge, a welcoming retreat space with 9 bedrooms (single or double), a sleeping loft (single), two comfortable lounge areas, and 4 full bathrooms. Four of the rooms feature twin beds that can convert to kings for added comfort.
While The Lodge can accommodate up to 17 guests, we’ll limit capacity to 11-12 for a more spacious experience. Once Lodge rooms are full, we may offer additional accommodations on the property.
Inviting Spaces
A spacious pavilion provides a lovely setting for yoga. The property invites exploration with a serene labyrinth, meditation gardens, and countless cozy nooks—both indoors and out—to unwind. The kitchen will be used by our chef, but guests may store personal items in the refrigerator. For the duration of our retreat, the entire property will be reserved exclusively for our group.
Nourishing Meals
Local, seasonal, and nutritionally supportive meals will be prepared with love and intention by local Chef Evie Irving. You can be sure her food will be delicious, blending together the wheel of flavors and dimensions of textures. Meals will be vegetarian, but meat can be provided upon request for a small fee.
Sample Daily Schedule
7:00-8:00: Self-Guided Contemplative Time
Wake up slowly with fresh coffee, tea, and quiet time for self-guided meditation or mindful walking.
8:00–9:00: Nourishing Breakfast
Fuel your body with a nutritious breakfast made by our Chef Ev.
9:30–12:00: Mindful Movement & Ecotherapy
Engage in guided movement to energize your body, followed by nature-based practices to deepen your connection with the land.
12:00–4:30: Lunch & Free Time
Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch, and then have the afternoon to hike, journal, or relax by the pond.
4:30–6:30: Flow into Evening
Unwind with a gentle yoga practice; on some evenings, we’ll also gather for a reflection circle.
6:30–7:30: Delicious Dinner
Savor the flavors either with others, or in quietude with the sounds of nature.
7:30–9:00: Evening Relaxation
Watch the sunset, gather around a bonfire, or enjoy quiet solo time.
You will share laughter and tears, find rest and rejuvenation, enjoy activities at your own pace, share experiences and connect with others, gain confidence and inner strength, and teach each other while learning so much more.
What’s Included
- 5 nights Bend of Ivy Lodge, surrounded by nature
- 14 delicious, nutritious, and seasonal meals
- Daily guided ecotherapy and expressive arts sessions
- Daily yoga held most evenings for gentle restoration
- Facilitated discussions to deepen connection & insights
- Meet & Greet to connect with other guests (via Zoom)
- Private Signal group for participants to stay connected
- Unlimited coffee, tea & filtered water
- 37 acres of trails, gardens, and quiet spaces
- And yes—super cute goats! 🐐
Not Included:
- Airfare to/from Asheville (AVL)
- Ground transport to/from retreat
- Travel insurance
- Gratuity for chef ($40-50 p.p. recommended)
- Additional activities, massages, etc.
Accommodations
The photos shown are examples of the 9 rooms, plus loft, in The Lodge. Each room has 1 or 2 beds and all rooms share 4 bathrooms. About 10-12 people will placed in The Lodge. For further info, you can look at the floor plan.
Shared Occupancy: $1,850.00
Single in Loft: $1,850.00
Single Occupancy: $2,275.00
*Four rooms may be converted to a king bed for an added fee.
Re-imagine how you see yourself and your place in the world
September 24-29, 2025
Limited availability – Reserve your spot!
For our Cancellation Policy and other FAQs, see the tabs below.
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive space where participants of all genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, abilities, ages, and other diverse identities feel welcome. We ask participants who register to join us in fostering an environment that respects and genuinely affirms all forms of diversity.
Re-imagine how you see yourself and your place in the world
September 24-29, 2025
See our Cancellation Policy and FAQs below.
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive space where participants of all genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, abilities, ages, and other diverse identities feel welcome. We ask participants who register to join us in fostering an environment that respects and genuinely affirms all forms of diversity.
This retreat was truly spectacular — an enlightening experience surrounded by wonderful souls, nature, and a place where you will find comfort in building bonds, creating connections, and forging friendships.
Melissa sets everyone at ease without fuss. She arranges supportive yoga sessions and encourages adventures out on your own. I never felt rushed or overwhelmed. Lifelong friendships were forged and forever memories engraved on my heart.
This was one of the best trips I’ve ever taken. The connections I formed and the HSP tools I learned have made my life richer. I’ve already signed up for another retreat!
Payment + Cancellation Policy
Read the full policy and terms in our Yoga Retreat Agreement before registering.
Payment Details
– All deposits are non-refundable/non-transferable.
– Fifty (50) percent of the balance must be paid sixty (60) days before retreat start date.
– Total remaining balance must be paid thirty (30) days before retreat start date.
Trip Cancelled by Participant
If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply:
– More than 60 days before the retreat start date, receive a full refund of your payment, excluding your deposit.
– 31 to 59 days before retreat start date, 50 percent of any payment previously made may be applied to another retreat, excluding your deposit. You will forfeit 50 percent of the price of your retreat, excluding the deposit.
– If you cancel 30 days or less before the start date, you forfeit your entire payment.
Trip Postponed by MNR Retreat, LLC.
We reserve the right to make reasonable changes to the itinerary or postpone the retreat where deemed advisable for the safety and well-being of participants. If it is necessary to postpone the retreat due to conditions that may be hazardous such as pandemics, weather, political, or any other reason we deem necessary, we reserve the right to postpone said retreat. In this case, 100 percent of all payments will be applied toward the same retreat on future dates.
We reserve the right to cancel any retreat prior to departure in the event that there are too few people booked. In this case, you will be given a full refund of your payment, including your deposit. We recommend purchasing your flight after your retreat is confirmed, which will be no more than 60 days days prior to retreat start date.
You will not be entitled to claim any additional amounts or seek any compensation for any injury, loss, expenses or damage, either direct or consequential, or for any loss of time or inconvenience which may result from such cancellation, including but not limited to visa and passport fees, flights, flight cancellation, and other reservation fees. We strongly encourage and recommend that you purchase travel insurance for your trip.
Getting There + Check-In
Weather
Bend of Ivy Lodge is sits at roughly 2000 feet above sea level. Late September receives average rainfall and can see variable temperatures ranging from the 70s-80s during the day and drop down to 60s at night. Pack layers and bring a rain coat.
Food + Dietary Needs
Three (3) vegetarian meals per day are included in your stay, beginning with dinner on the day of arrival and ending with breakfast the day of departure. The chef can meet many dietary needs such as gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan diets. If you have special needs, please reach out to discuss.
Alcohol / Drugs / Firearms
We ask that you refrain from consuming alcohol and other drugs during our retreat. This is not for any moral or health reason, but to create a supportive dynamic and have consideration for those who may be recovery. Firearms are NOT allowed on the property.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance to anyone coming from outside of the United States, as healthcare can be extremely expensive. While U.S. participants with health insurance should not need additional medical coverage, you may wish to insure your retreat package, flight, rental car, and any other travel costs.
We don’t recommend a specific company or policy. We’ve partnered with InsureMyTrip as an affiliate as a great option to compare plans. They have thousands of travel insurance plans, as well as a recommendation engine to help travelers find the right plan. They will also provide support before, during, and after your trip should need anything, including help with a claim.
You might consider “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) insurance, which typically reimburses 50 or 75 percent of your trip cost if you need to cancel for reasons not otherwise covered by standard travel insurance. However, it requires the following conditions:
- Purchase the policy within 14-21 days of first trip payment.
- Insure all prepaid and non-refundable travel expenses prior to departure.
- Cancel more than 48-72 hours prior to your departure date.
Read the policy terms. If you miss the window for CFAR coverage, you can still buy other policies.
Packing + Stay Tips
Bend of Ivy has compiled a basic packing list, along with a few other tips for your stay.
Resources + Guide Book
Take a look at Bend of Ivy’s Resource & Guide Book of restaurants, sights, and services in the area.
If you’re looking to extend your stay in Asheville, you might stay in Downtown Asheville, the River Arts District, West Asheville, and the Montford Historic District.
Physical Accessibility
Unfortunately, the house does not meet ADA standards. All rooms require walking one flight of stairs or a small hill, but there is at least one bathroom on every floor. Additionally, the yoga pavilion requires walking up some steps. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss your needs!
WiFi / Cell Service
The Lodge is equipped with high speed WiFi. Cell service is good with most major carriers.
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