In-person retreat

Kripalu, Massachusetts

Aug 28 – Sep 4, 2026

A week-long jhana meditation retreat in the Berkshires. Rolling hills, forest, and lake views. Two hours from both Boston and New York City. Meals, lodging, and a full program included.
Book this retreat
From $3,995 per person

The retreat

Retreat info

Kripalu Center sits on 125 acres of rolling hills and forest in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, overlooking Lake Mahkeenac. It's been a renowned retreat destination for over 50 years.

Accommodations range from shared rooms with twin beds to private rooms with queen beds, with shared or private bathrooms. Meals feature organic, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients with optional poultry, fish, and dairy.

What's included:

  • Seven nights at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
  • All meals (organic, seasonal, locally sourced)
  • 1-on-1 sessions with experienced facilitators
  • Group meditation, guided practice, and instruction
  • Access to 125 acres of grounds, hiking trails, and Lake Mahkeenac
Book retreat

FAQs

Arrival: Friday, August 28. Arrive between 2:00 and 4:00 PM. Rooms may not be ready until 4:00 PM — luggage storage is available and you're welcome to explore the grounds if you arrive early. Opening session at 5:00 PM.

Daily structure: The retreat day runs 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Sessions include group instruction, guided meditation, 1-on-1 facilitation, and dedicated solo practice time.

Departure: Friday, September 4. Programming ends at 9:30 AM. Check out by 10:00 AM. You're welcome to stay for lunch (11:30 AM–12:30 PM) and remain on campus until 2:00 PM.

Before you book

✓ You must be at least 18 years old to attend

✓ Participation requires completing a mental health screening and signing required agreements

✓ Do not book flights or make travel arrangements until your screening is complete and your spot is confirmed. Screenings begin no later than February 15

✓ This is a full-week retreat — only sign up if you can attend the entire program from August 28 through September 4

✓ Late August weather: warm and humid days in the upper 70s to low 80s°F, with cooler evenings in the upper 50s to low 60s°F. Occasional fast-moving thunderstorms. Pack light layers, a jacket for evenings, bug spray, and sun protection

✓ A limited number of scholarships are available — email retreats@jhourney.io

Kripalu is at 57 Interlaken Road, Stockbridge, MA — approximately 2 hours from Boston and 2 hours from New York City by car. A participant-led carpool spreadsheet will be shared before the retreat.

Closest airports:

  • Albany International (ALB) — ~1 hour drive
  • Bradley International (BDL) — ~1.5 hour drive
  • JFK / LGA / EWR — ~2.5–3 hour drive

what people say

It's not about the intensity.
It's about the journey.

Probably one of the nicest things that's ever happened to me, like up there with beautiful events like marriage.

David Phelan

Songwriter for Zayn, Sia, and BLACKPINK

Absolutely amazing. A secret nobody is talking about, and I’ve never felt anything like it. I’m so grateful; I’m a better and happier person.

Francisco Larrain

CTO of Topsort, ex-VP of Engineering Groupon, investor in SpaceX, Lyft

To know there’s this infinite resource within me that’s accessible without external conditions…it’s just crazy. You can’t unsee that.

Zach Lauzon

Google software engineer

This experience was the best thing that’s happened to me this year. I had no idea how enjoyable meditation could be.

Ruby Yu

Founder of YC-backed 10 Lives, formerly at UCSF & Harvard

Why would I have a second piece of chocolate cake when I know I can beat that by 100x in 10 minutes with my eyes closed?

Nick Cammarata

AI Safety Researcher & former founder

The jhanas may be the single most important thing on the planet right now. You may think it’s superintelligence or longevity. That’s nothing without wellbeing.

Shamil Chandaria

Oxford neuroscientist, ex-DeepMind

Twin Bed in Shared Room (shared hall bath)

$3,995

A bed in a simple dorm-style twin room designed for a minimalist, distraction-free retreat experience. Bathrooms are shared and located in the hall. Shared with 1 other participant. We will match you with another participant of the same gender unless you specify a roommate.

Book your spot

Standard Queen (Private room, shared hall bath)

$4,795

A queen bed in a private, simple dorm-style room designed for a minimalist, distraction-free retreat experience. Bathrooms are shared and located in the hall. Each room includes access to a shared hallway bathroom and an in-room safe. Note: the image below shows two twins, but the actual room is one queen.

Book your spot

Classic Queen (private room, private bath)

$5,595

A basic hotel-style room offering a comfortable retreat stay with one queen bed and a private bathroom. Close to the dining hall, shop, cafe, and program rooms. Each room includes an in-room safe.

Book your spot

Couples Private Classic Queen Room (private bath)

$4,995

A basic hotel-style room offering a comfortable retreat stay with one queen bed and a private bathroom. Close to the dining hall, shop, cafe, and program rooms. Each room includes an in-room safe. Note: This room is reserved for couples only. The listed price is per person, and both partners must complete their own registration within 24 hours.

Book your spot

Couples Annex Queen Room with scenic view (private bath)

$5,495

This is the best room the venue has to offer. It’s a hotel-style room with a queen bed, a private bathroom, and scenic views for a more luxurious retreat. The image below shows two twins, but the actual room is one queen. Note: This room is reserved for couples only. The listed price is per person, and both partners must complete their own registration within 24 hours.

Book your spot

Premium Annex Room with scenic view (private room, private bath)

$5,995

It’s a hotel-style room with a queen bed, a private bathroom, and scenic views for a more luxurious retreat. Located in the eco-friendly Annex building. These rooms feature air conditioning and a private bathroom. Each Annex room includes an in-room safe. Note: the image below shows two twins, but the actual room is one queen.

Book your spot
can't make this date?

Get notified about future retreats →

Get our intro to Jhana series

The Jhanas are meditation states that bring extraordinary pleasure, like the opposite of a panic attack. Having openhearted joy on tap makes it easier to be the person you aspire to be.

Submit
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.