Inner Sanctuary Retreat


July 9- 13th, 2025

Join us in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina for a transformative 5-day, 4-night retreat at the serene Moon Rising Retreat Center. This retreat is thoughtfully designed to help you restore your inner sanctuary, so you can feel grounded and at peace amidst life’s inevitable stressors. Immerse yourself in daily yoga sessions that enhance flexibility, build strength, and cultivate mindfulness. Discover tranquility through meditation, find inspiration in timeless yogic wisdom, and experience the joy of genuine community connection.

Savor the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a rewarding hike to the summit of Table Rock, offering panoramic views of the Linville Gorge. Relish delicious, nourishing meals crafted with locally sourced ingredients.

Your inner sanctuary is waiting for you.

Reserve your space with a $300 deposit.

Lenoir, Western NC

Focus and Intentions

Holistic Reset

Step away from the demands of daily life and give yourself the gift of a full-body, mind, and spirit reset. This retreat blends yoga, breathwork, and reflective workshops to guide you back to balance, restore your nervous system, and leave you feeling deeply grounded and renewed..

Authenticity & Connection:

 Experience the joy of meaningful relationships—both with yourself and others. Through group activities, heartfelt conversations, and practices that encourage vulnerability and trust, you’ll cultivate authentic connections that nourish your soul.

Nature & Circadian Rhythm

Reawaken your innate harmony with the natural world by immersing yourself in breathtaking landscapes and fresh mountain air. This retreat is designed to help you realign with your body’s natural rhythms, fostering deeper rest, energy balance, and vitality through mindful practices and the healing power of nature.

What’s Included

  • 4 night accommodation in Moon Rising Retreat Center

  • 2 abundant vegetarian meals per day. Can accommodate vegan/dietary restrictions

  • Daily yoga

  • Forrest hiking

  • Table Rock Summit visit

  • Guided meditations

  • Yoga nidra

  • Inner Child Healing workshop

  • Philosophy Talks on the Yoga Sutras

Overview


Authentic Relating & Connection-Building: Through group exercises and discussions, you will connect deeply with others while staying true to your authentic self.

Connecting with Nature: Breathe in fresh air, take in magnificent views, and reconnect with the rhythms of nature in the serene space beyond the city.

Yoga: Daily pranayama, meditation, and asana sessions will support you in embodying mindfulness and inner balance. 

Table Rock Summit Visit: Hike to the peak of Table Rock, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Linville Gorge. On a clear day, marvel at the endless, layered ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains stretching into the horizon.

Inner Child Workshop: Take a deep dive within to reconnect with your inner child and uncover patterns that may be holding you back.

Mindfulness Practices: Mantras provide a space for shared healing through vocal expression. Loving-kindness meditation and Yoga Nidra will provide deeper layers of rest and compassionate awareness.

Diala Hamed RDN E-RYT 500, began her studies of yoga under Adi Shakti in Vinyasa and traditional Hatha yoga in Costa Rica. After years of travel and teaching yoga, she ventured off to India to earn her 500 hr certification through Akhanda Yoga School in Rishikesh. She has since taught and participated in yoga across the globe, in places throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia. As a Vipassana meditator she values the quiet space that yoga creates and enjoys sharing her learnings on and off the mat in Yoga Teacher Training and retreats around the world. Yoga has taught Diala to ride the waves of life instead of trying to fight them. She believes wherever you are in your practice is always enough, but when you’re ready she’ll give you the extra push you need to pass your expectations.

When she is not on the mat you can find her strumming her ukulele or sipping cacao reading in a comfy chair.

  • "This was such an amazing retreat, I was expecting mostly a lot of yoga but it was so much more. A lot of fun activities and relaxation mixed in, an ideal summer retreat at the top of the mountain with superb views, amazing teachers, and awesome people. This turned out to be the highlight of my summer. Thank you!"

    Harry T

  • "This retreat exceeded my expectations. It was clear that a lot of planning had gone into making this a special experience for the participants. The property is beautiful and unique. The food was amazing, the yoga was challenging and rejuvenating, the yoga instructors are highly-qualified and the participants were dedicated to learning and fun!"

    Kay B

  • "I had a great time. They provided some of the healthiest and delicious food I have ever had. The location, accommodations and hospitality were top notch. Forever grateful."

    Patrick M

  • "Everything about this retreat was so well organized, and the quality of care for everyone who went was exceptional. The location was simply magical, both with inviting hospitality and a peaceful stillness, nestled on the peak of a mountain with breathtaking views. The prepared food was delicious, while still remaining conscious of healthy eating and individual food preferences. One of the BEST retreat experiences I've had! Much gratitude to Diala and Nova Retreats. I look forward to the next one! :D"

    Andrew

  • "Our weekend was an amazing experience, and that was all thanks to Nova Yoga & Retreats! The location was beautiful for a peaceful yoga get-away. The personal touches made the guests feel welcomed and special. The itinerary and food choices were perfection. No detail went unnoticed. I cannot wait for my next retreat!"

    Rachael M

  • "What a relaxing and wonderful weekend with good people! The grounds were beautiful and peaceful, I enjoyed the workshops, loved the yoga, the firepit was awesome, great vegetarian food, and awesome people! I can't wait until the next retreat!"

    Darla B

Venue

The ambiance of Moon Rising Retreat brings together the ancient wisdom of the Himalayas, international culture, and the charm of the Blue Ridge Mountains High Country.  From the first moment of arrival to the last goodbye, they have intentionally curated all of the small details to support rest, remembrance, and powerful shifts in consciousness. 

Moon Rising is a space for healing and learning.  The medicine of this potent space is felt upon entering the gates and exploring the 22 acres.  The land is full of spaces intentionally created and maintained with love.  From the crystal-powered Chakra Garden overflowing with vegetables, herbs, and wild flowers, serenity at Spirit Spot, cold water immersion at Buddha's Beach, silence at Moss Point, grounding at Big Rock, exploring at Opportunity Bridge, and going inward at Kunda's Cave, there is no shortage of dedicated spaces to be in presence and peace.

Moon Rising Retreat is a non-profit organization committed to evolution, growth, and transformation. A sacred nature immersion and healing space filled with love where you can nurture your soul, connect to a true sense of being, and experience inner peace nestled in the mountains.

PRICING

Shared Twin Room (3 beds left)

$1,055 $897

Earlybird Pricing

One bed in a double twin room, shared bathroom.

Save 15% when you book before March 1st, 2025

Save 15% when you book before March 1st, 2025

Private Twin Room (sold out)

$1,173 $997

Earlybird Pricing

A private twin bed with access to a shared bathroom.

Private Suite (sold out)

$1,408 $1,197

Earlybird Pricing

A private suite with a private bathroom.

2 King Bed Rooms

1 double twin bed room (price is per guest)

A $300 deposit is required to reserve your space.

The remaining payment is due on May 16th, 2025

Save 15% when you book before March 1st, 2025

Save 15% when you book before March 1st, 2025

Flow of the day

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner served at the retreat center

  • Group excursions throughout the week

  • Plenty of free time to relax or explore on your own

  • A more active vinyasa/power/flow morning session and a more passive yin/restorative/gentle evening session 

  • All classes are suitable for all levels. Beginners welcome.

    *All activities are optional*

Sample Itinerary

7:30 AM Meditation/Journaling

8:00-9:30 AM Morning Yoga

10:00 AM Brunch

11:00-2:00 PM Free time for relaxing on the property or hiking local trails

2:00-4:00 PM Evening yoga session or workshop

5:00 PM Dinner

6:30 PM Relax or group activity like a sharing circle, yoga nidra, or bonfire

FAQs

Do I need to be good at yoga and can beginners join?

Beginners are absolutely welcome. This retreat offers longer practices with more time to dive into instruction and the purpose of each pose. Your instructor will work individually with you to correct alignment, achieve goals, and answer any questions. It’s a great way to start your practice, equipping you with every tool you’ll need for a successful yoga journey.  

What can I expect daily?

You can expect a yoga practice once or twice daily. When there are two classes, one will be more active vinyasa style in the morning, and the other will be a gentle, yin, or restorative evening flow. Our teachers are highly qualified and incorporate yogic wisdom, pranayama (breathing practices), and mantra throughout each class.

Between classes, you are free to explore the area, enjoy some rest and relaxation, journal or socialize with other guests. There are local walking trails on the property. Take a deep dive into the practice through optional informative sessions on ancient yogic principles, yoga energetics, and more.

What is the typical retreat group size?

This retreat will be limited to 16 participants.

Who typically attends yoga retreats?

We have a variety of attendees with a wide range of ages and backgrounds. We appreciate variety and the wisdom that each person brings from their unique background.

Do I need to know someone going already?

Most of our attendees are solo, but we sometimes have couples, friends, daughter-mom duos, etc. All are welcome.

What kind of meals are served, and will my dietary restriction be an issue?

This retreat has vegetarian meals. An abundant brunch and early dinner made with local ingredients right from the property! We gladly accommodate all diet restrictions and allergies. Our retreat host Diala is a licensed Dietitian Nutritionist who ensures our delicious meals are packed with fuel for our transformational experiences! As they say, yoga starts in the kitchen.

What does the rooming situation look like?

Depending on your room choice, we will match you with another participant. You can also opt for a private room if preferred.

How do I book?

Bookings can be made on our website on the retreat page once the retreat is open for registration. A $300 nonrefundable deposit is required to hold your space, and the remaining payment is due May 16th. You can also pay in full, or make a custom payment plan that concludes before the start of the retreat.