Autumn Alchemy Retreat
October 3rd - 5th
A Transformative Weekend in the Hudson Valley
Step into the embrace of Autumn's golden hues and embark on a soul-nourishing journey! Join us for a transformative weekend retreat curated exclusively for women seeking connection, relaxation and rejuvenation of your mind, body, and spirit. Set in a serene natural environment, this retreat offers a perfect blend of holistic practices, community connection, animal-assisted therapies and gourmet nourishment.
LOCATION
Sanctuary at Quaker Hill: A Historic Manor Retreat on 16.5 Acres of Beauty
Spend a magical weekend immersed in the timeless charm of this stunning retreat property, where nature, history, and comfort come together in perfect harmony.
At the heart of the property stands a meticulously restored 1840 Egyptian Revival Manor House, a rare architectural gem with six comfortable bedrooms and four bathrooms. Original details blend seamlessly with modern comforts, including a chef’s kitchen, formal dining area, and cozy nooks throughout the home ideal for quiet moments, reading, or connection. A covered patio invites you to sip coffee at sunrise or wind down under the stars.
Just steps away, is a pristine light-filled cottage with open spaces perfect for yoga, meditation, and group gatherings. Large windows invite the outdoors in, creating an atmosphere of peace and inspiration.
Surrounding you is a landscape that soothes the soul—wooded walking trails, a gently flowing creek, and the heartwarming presence of rescued goats and horses, who call this sanctuary home.
Conveniently located in Pawling, New York, this retreat is easily accessible from both New York City and Connecticut, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. The Pawling Metro-North station, just a quick cab ride away from the property, provides a seamless travel experience for guests.
This unique haven offers the perfect balance of luxury, tranquility, and connection with nature.
Come, unwind, and find your calm.
Retreat Activities
Meditation
Begin each day with centering practices to cultivate inner peace and clarity.
Yoga with Goats
Enjoy a playful yoga session accompanied by friendly goats, adding a lighthearted and joyful element to your practice.
Sound Baths
Experience the healing vibrations of sound baths, where crystal bowls and other instruments create a tranquil atmosphere for deep relaxation.
Ayurvedic Chef-Prepared Meals
Savor delicious, nourishing meals crafted by our private Ayurvedic chef, focused on balance and wellness through season and individual-appropriate food.
(the entire weekend menu will be lacto-ovo vegetarian)
Cacao Ceremony
Engage in a heart-opening Cacao Ceremony using ceremonial grade Cacao to deepen emotional awareness and enhance your spiritual journey.
Forest Bathing
Immerse yourself in the healing energies of the woods with a guided forest bathing session, promoting relaxation and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Mindfulness with Horses
Participate in a unique Equine mindfulness session, fostering a deep sense of presence and connection with these majestic animals.
Community Building
Engage in group activities and discussions that foster a sense of belonging and connection with fellow participants.
Meet Your Retreat Team
Diane Barnett
Diane Barnett, founder of Grounded Meditation, spent over two decades practicing law in New York City before following a quieter calling—one rooted in stillness, healing, and inner peace. In 2009, she stepped onto a new path and began to teach yoga and meditation at New York City studios. A few years later, she relocated to Connecticut, where her passion for mindfulness and well-being continued to grow.
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In 2019, Diane founded Grounded Meditation with the motto “Find Your Calm”—a heartfelt mission to make meditation and related practices more accessible, inclusive, and approachable for all.
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Today, Diane specializes in Sound Baths and Sound Healing Therapy, weaving these deeply restorative modalities into retreats, workshops, and private and corporate wellness events.
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She is a graduate of Cornell University and CUNY School of Law, and holds an array of certifications in teaching meditation, yoga, Yoga Nidra, sound healing, tapping (EFT), pranayama, and Reiki. She is also a certified Forest Bathing guide and trained Dancing Mindfulness facilitator—always exploring new ways to help others reconnect with their bodies, their breath, and the present moment.
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Diane believes that everyone can meditate, everyone deserves to heal, and that something powerful happens when women gather with intention. Her retreats are a reflection of that belief—safe, soulful spaces to pause, breathe, and begin again.
Catherine Barrett
Catherine Barrett began her meditation journey years ago as a healthy coping mechanism for everyday stressors, as well as way to discover inner peace through mindfulness. She strongly believes meditation to be one of the most profound forms of self-care and is deeply passionate about guiding each student on their own unique path to develop a practice that suits them. Catherine supports Grounded Meditation’s premise that meditation should be accessible to people from every background and walk of life. She facilitates her classes, workshops and private sessions with that premise in mind.
Certificates in teaching the Shamatha style of meditation as well as in Sound Healing, Reiki and Pranayama (breath work) round out Catherine’s knowledge and ability to provide user-friendly instruction to all. She leads meditation workshops, sound and energy healing sessions with Grounded and volunteers at Silver Hill Hospital, where she teaches meditation to the inpatient adolescent population and those in the Executive/Professionals Program. Catherine received a BS in Sociology from Sacred Heart University.
Iraimer Ruiz, Chef
A Native Puerto Rican, with a Spanish-French-Creole heritage, Iraimer Ruiz is an Ayurvedic Chef and wellness practitioner dedicated to nourishing body, mind, and spirit through conscious cuisine and holistic care. Trained in Ayurveda and the art of Ayurvedic diagnosis, Iraimer creates vibrant, healing meals tailored to each client’s unique constitution and seasonal needs. Beyond the kitchen, Iraimer serves their community through yoga, somatic breathwork, Marma Therapy, and mindful living practices—offering a sanctuary of warmth, wisdom, and wellbeing for all who seek balance and joy.
Callann Wolff Gautier, Equine Assisted Mindfulness Facilitator; Goat Yoga; Owner, Sanctuary at Quaker Hill
Callann is a lover of animals and nature, and the peace, harmony, presence and joy they exude. She shares with her fellow human beings through Equine Assisted Learning and Animal Connection experiences that engage our body, mind, and spirit.
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Merging her early experience working as business consultant with her longtime passion and training as an Animal Communicator Horse Trainer, and Yoga Teacher, she offers transformative experiences with the rescue animals at her farm and retreat center, Sanctuary at Quaker Hill.
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From mindfulness meditations in nature, corporate leadership development with the horses and playful goat yoga, Callann enjoys nurture human awareness, growth, and connection to ourselves, the natural world, and one another.
Retreat Benefits
*Enhance your mindfulness and meditation practice.
*Reconnect with nature and yourself.
*Build lasting connections with like-minded individuals.
*Experience holistic healing through sound, movement, nutrition, and time spent with animals.
*Leave feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and grounded.
This weekend retreat promises a holistic experience that will nurture your body, mind, and spirit. Whether you are seeking relaxation, personal growth, community, or simply a couple of days of peace and quiet, this retreat offers a unique opportunity to explore and deepen your practice in a supportive environment. Join us for an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and well-being.
Weekend Schedule
Schedule subject to change and adjust as we do!
Friday
Arrivals begin at 3:00
Opening Circle, introductions, intention setting, overview of weekend
Dinner
Heart & Mind opening
Cacao Ceremony
Saturday
Gentle Yoga & Meditation
Light Breakfast
Equine Mindfulness Experience
Intentional journaling, free time, optional services
Brunch
Forest Bathing walk in surrounding woods
Free time- optional services***, walk, journal, explore, read, visit the goats and horses
Spiritual happy hour and releasing ceremony around fire-pit
Dinner
Yoga Nidra - deep guided meditation with Sound Bath
Sunday
Silent Walking Meditation
Light Breakfast
Yoga with Goats
Brunch
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Closing Circle, goodbyes
Accomodations
(all rooms share bathrooms)
Sleeping accommodations at the Sanctuary at Quaker Hill are located on the second floor of the Manor House - Linens and blankets are provided.
Private King Bed Suite
(with sitting area)
$1,500 for one person
or $1,100 per person to share- (must be booked together if sharing)
Queen Bedroom
(three rooms)
ONE STILL AVAILABLE
$1,400 for one person
or $1,000 per person to share-
(must be booked together if sharing)
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RESERVED!
Shared Room with
Two Twin Beds
$1,300
per person for two people
Single Supplement +$500
Shared Room with
Bunk Beds
$1,100
per person for two people
(must book together)
Single Supplement +$300
PRICES INCLUDE:
- Two nights accommodation in your choice of room (all rooms have shared bathrooms)
- All meals- nourishing and delicious dinners on Friday and Saturday; light breakfast on Saturday and Sunday; Brunch on Saturday and Sunday- all freshly made by our private Ayurvedic chef. Meals are plant-based or lacto-ovo vegetarian, prepared from organic, ethically sourced, toxin-free ingredients.
- All activities, including Equine Mindfulness Session (no riding involved) and Yoga with Goats.
- Carefully curated "swag bag" with weekend theme-related items.
- Healthy snacks, tea, water throughout the weekend.
***Optional private Sound Healing and/or Reiki sessions will be available during free times for an additional charge.
Booking & Payment
Submit The Registration Form
Please fill out the booking form with your contact details, room preference, and any relevant notes or requests.
Send Your Deposit
A $200 deposit is required to reserve your room.
Send payment via:
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Venmo: @groundedmeditation
Choose Your Payment Plan
You may choose to:
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Pay in full upfront, or
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Use our payment plan:
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$200 deposit to reserve your room
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50% of balance due within ten days of the initial deposit.
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Final balance due by September 1st
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Or, contact us to discuss alternate arrangements
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PAY WITH VENMO:
Scan the QR Code below with your venmo account
Retreat Cancellation Policy
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All other funds are:
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Fully refundable 60 or more days prior to the event
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50% refundable if canceled 30–60 days prior
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Non-refundable if canceled within 30 days
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If you cancel within 30 days and we are able to fill your spot, you will be eligible for a 50% refund
Please Note: Our standard event cancellation policy does not apply to this retreat.
