Retreats
Wake Up The Heart:
a Sound Yoga and Sacred Music Retreat
Jan 18th- Jan 25th 2025
Villa Sumaya, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
An intimate week of Bhakti Yoga & Sacred Sound practice cultivating the muse and connecting to Spirit.
Join devotional musician and creative guide Kavita Kat Macmillan for this week of Bhakti music, Sound yoga, vocal opening, and deep practice. Kavita will be supported by yoga & pilates intructor Rebecca Schefserson as well as other esteemed musical guests to guide and hold our container for this week.
~ Daily sound yoga, Chakra & mantra meditation & asana practice
~ ‘Open Your Voice~Open Your Heart’ workshops
~ Hanuman Chalisa, morning devotional singing.
~ Evening devotional Kirtan and mystical sound baths.
~ Space for time in nature, excursions to local markets, hiking the mountain, swimming & relaxation
~ Mayan cultural ceremony
~ 3 plant-based wholesome meals a day. Tea and coffee service, filtered water.
~ On-site spa for personal massage and treatments
Each participant will be supported on their personal creative and spiritual journey through the 7 energy centers of the body exploring the power of devotional music supported by beauty of Lake Atitlan and the ritual container created by these experienced facilitators. The facilitators will be available during the week for private sessions if desired. The on-site spa is available for massage and treatments as well. We will indulge in the magic of Mayan Cacao as well as a Mayan Fire Ceremony to connect with the land and pay homage to our ancestors.
No musical experience necessary - just a willingness to show up for your own process and be surprised by what you find! Listeners and those new to Sacred Sound practice are welcome as well as those who have experience or prefer to listen. If you play an instrument you are welcome to bring it if you like.
By witnessing one another on this path we allow for our authentic creative voices to arise and be heard. We are all musical beings and our light shines most brightly reflecting off one another! Come 'Wake up the Heart' of devotion this week with us and feel the LOVE you are.
Refer a friend who signs up and get $108 off!
We are so looking forward to this circle coming together! More details and a full schedule to come after registration.
To join us, please complete your deposit to reserve & contact Kavita: info@kavitakatmacmillan.com
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Deposit & Payment details for 2025 are available at our WeTravel link.
Early bird pricng for shared triple accomodation starts at $2363 with a $500 deposit. All payment info can be found on the WeTravel site link above.
Payment plans are welcome. Get in touch if you have questions.
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Choose from luxury accomodations, shared double room, single room, shared luxury suite, single or double bungalow.
Early-Bird pricing starts at $2363 with a $500 deposit for a shared lake view room w/ private bath & patio.
Early-Bird for a shared bungalow or luxury suite. starts at $2653 with a $500 deposit.
Private luxury suites or bungalows early-bird pricing starts at $3513 with a $1000 deposit. Check our WeTravel site for full room list & all pricing options.
Monthly payment plans are available, 80% due 30 days before our retreat he balance will be due 2 weeks prior to the retreat.
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Kavita Kat Macmillan is a devotional musician & yoga instructor who brings over 20 years of teaching, sharing kirtan & study of naad (sound) yoga to her classes and offerings. Kavita's 'Open Heart Kirtan' presents traditional mantras in original compositions with Western and Indian influences. Through her musical offerings, yoga asana classes & ‘Open your Voice ~ Open your Heart’ workshops Kavita guides students in truthful open expression and exploration of voice & movement, connecting deeply with the divine spirit. Kavita is a generous and nurturing guide for those interested in exploring this path.
Rebecca Schefstrom (Krishna Gayatri) A devotee of Baba Hari Dass and An experienced movement teacher with 1000+ hours of training and study across the two disciplines, Rebecca has led yoga and Pilates classes for industry-leading corporate clients and taught in top-tier health club and hospital settings including Nike, Providence, Legacy Health, and Multnomah Athletic Club.
Dave Hoover a Celtic harper & multi-instrumentalist, storyteller bard who connects ancestral wisdom to faciliate present day healing. https://davehoover.bandcamp.com/music
plus special Guest Musician(s) TBA
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Included: All workshop sessions plus 3 vegetarian meals a day, accommodations at the gorgeous eco-retreat Villa Sumaya on the shore of Lake Atitlan. Temescal Sweat Lodge Ceremony and Mayan Fire Ceremony to conclude our closing ritual.
Not included: Transportation to/from Villa Sumaya. We will help arrange.
Airfare to Guatemala City
Other extras that may be added: Tips, fish or chicken for meals, & internet at the resort are extra, as well as optional excursions that we will arrange once we are together.
Please consult the Villa Sumaya website for more information about this very special place.
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All deposits and payments are non-refundable. If a participant needs to cancel and is able to find a replacement participant more than 2 weeks from the retreat start date we will be able to accommodate the transfer. Please be aware that the participant will be held responsible for any cancellation fees issued by Villa Sumaya (e.g., fees for room for changes less than 2 weeks prior or any other fees incurred).
Please be sure to get in touch as soon as possible if you have any questions or concerns. We will address emergency situations on an individual basis and do our best to find a solution that works for everyone.
“One of the best retreats I have ever attended.
Kavita thoroughly organized a multitude of details with retreat center and our travel, while providing sacred, rich, and fulfilling daily yoga, chanting, open the heart singing classes and kirtan. The cohesion and integration that developed between participants… we became family, in the one heart.”
- S.K. (attendee)
“I couldn’t have dreamed of a more beautiful experience. The venue, location, program and additional offerings were wonderful!”
- J.W. (attendee)
Images from Wake Up The Heart
“It was fabulous from the day we signed up to the day we left.
No stone was unturned. So much attention to detail and to each of our needs. We had so many options: visits to town, daily yoga, voice classes, The Chalisa and kirtans every night for us.
I have been on many retreats and to many kirtans. This was one of the very best…there was tremendous heart in all that Kavita did for us. All questions answered.. and of course all of the growth and learning in the music department plus amazing DAILY yoga… Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”
- S.B. (attendee)
Visit Villa Sumaya’s website for virtual tours
“Kat's retreat was completely magical!
A week of community, song, spirit, and Kat's guidance was a trip I will never forget. So many beautiful moments, so much openness of the heart, such a time spent in how the joy of this human life can be.....
Anyone who gets the opportunity to participate in one of Kat's retreats will be enriched in ways they never anticipated. I can still close my eyes and hear the flowing of the harp…the beauty of Kat’s voice and feel the love surrounding us all.”
- R.M. (attendee)
A Retreat for your Soul: Yoga and Sacred Sound
June 28-30, 2024
Trout Lake Abbey Retreat Center
Quiet your mind, engage your body, and be deeply nourished in this immersive 2-night, 3-day retreat that includes yoga, meditation, breathwork, kirtan, sacred sound, intuitive healing, locally sourced organic food, nature, and so much more!
The retreat will take place at the beautiful Trout Lake Abbey, a Buddhist retreat center and organic farm, located on a 23 acre sanctuary with a stunning view of Mt Adams. The Abbey's mission is to support the well-being of all living things and provides a home for people of all beliefs to find peace.
Pricing starts at $595 per person.
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Kavita Kat Macmillan, Kirtan & Sacred Sound
Kavita is a musician, performer and transformational creative guide who brings over 20 years of teaching, sharing kirtan & study of Naad (sound) yoga & Hindustani vocal practice to her classes and offerings. She facilitates at retreats, workshops, private & group classes & spiritual festivals internationally. @kavitakatmacmillan
Crystal Borup, Yoga & Meditation
Crystal is a Retreat Leader, Yoga and Meditation Teacher, Reiki Master, and Author of Yoga Beyond the Physical. She is the co-founder of the Teton Yoga Festival and Leaders of Unity. She is passionate about aligning individuals with a higher purpose, that supports the well-being of our planet, and strengthens the interconnectedness of humanity. @crystalborup
Special Guest: Reneé Anderson, Intuitive Healer
Renee’ Anderson is an intuitive healer who specializes in easing difficult life transitions by channeling divine guidance. Through the use of symbolism, oracle cards, and crystals Renee is able to help clients clarify hard decisions, work through trauma, and release stagnant energy. Each therapy session will calm your nervous system and provide gentle guidance on your life path. @wildoregongirl
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Friday
1:00 PM Check in
4:00 - 6:00 PM Welcome Class
6:00 - 7:00 PM Dinner
7:00 - 8:30 PM ClassSaturday
8:00 - 9:00 AM Class
9:00 - 10:00 AM Breakfast
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Class TBD
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Class
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Dinner
7:00 - 8:30 PM ClassSunday
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Class
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Breakfast
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Closing Class
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Final Class TNDCheckout TBD
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There are a variety of accommodations available onsite, including RV/Van and tent camping, meditation huts, cabins, and rooms. Please visit our registration page to learn more.
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Included:
Daily Yoga
Breathwork
Meditation
Kirtan
Sacred Sound
Community
5 Meals
LodgingNot included:
Transportation
Tents
Private Sessions
Private Sessions -
Available with Kavita Kat Macmillan or Crystal Borup &
Intuitive Healing with Renee' Anderson
You will have the opportunity to book private sessions with Renee' Anderson. Each therapy session will calm your nervous system and provide gentle guidance on your life path. Renee is a non denominational minister who works with all religions, races, orientations, and genders. Her goal is to heal disease through a holistic mindset, one that aligns spirit, body, and mind. Each session is custom tailored to assist the recipient with their personal goals and highest good.
Other Special Guests!
Caterer: Kristen Young, Private Chef
Kristen Young started cooking at an early age alongside her mother and Grandfather. She attended culinary school in Chicago, promptly moved to San Diego where she worked as a Private Chef for over 10 years. With the help of some friends, Kristen created a pop up dinner group called Table by Destination, t.b.d., featuring themed dinners based on the seasons, the location and their whims. They partnered with farms, breweries and wineries to create unique, one time only dinner events for people to enjoy. Now here, in the Columbia Gorge, Kristen still cooks and occasionally hosts pop up dinners at her property pulling from her garden and what nature has to offer. An Advent gardener and baker, she also loves to explore nature by hiking and paddle boarding.
Photographer: Kelly Turso
Kelly Turso has been a professional photographer for over 20 years she attended university of the arts in philadelphia and received a bfa in photography. Her work includes editorial, fashion, architecture and interior design, documentary and also working with authors to help their books come alive. She has traveled all over but is currently located in the pacific northwest, although still has roots in New York City and frequents there very often. Turso remains an active professional and will always indulge in her love for photography. @kellytursophoto
Kelly will divide her time during the retreat between taking photos and actively participating in the experience. Her goal is to capture the magic of our retreat, ensuring that all participants have something to remember our special weekend. A link will be emailed to everyone after Kelly is done editing and uploading the photos. Once Kelly completes the editing and uploading process, a link to all the retreat photos will be emailed to everyone. These photos will be accessible for purchase and download.
Awakening Bhakti Retreat
2024 DATES TBA
A weekend immersion in Kirtan, Bhakti practice, Sound yoga and Asana with Kavita & friends.
Come spend three special days in Bhakti and Kirtan practice at the beautiful Oregon Coast.
Awakening Bhakti is a chance to spend time with Kavita and the Open Heart Sangha musicians, sing with others in community, explore voice and music in the workshop space, and enjoy the power and magnificence of the Pacific Northwest coast. Accommodations TBA.
Participants are invited to arrive any time after 3 pm Friday, to check in. We will share an evening vegetarian meal and then offer Kirtan to get the weekend going! See the schedule below for other sessions.
Partial attendance is possible if you can only make some of the weekend. Get in touch with Kavita to arrange. There is a 2-night minimum for the room reservations. One person can reserve and others can drop in for the entire time or partial time. Let Kavita know if you are reserving and looking for folks to share with. Click “Room details” in the dropdown menu to the left for more info!
Exchange for Weekend Workshop includes all sessions + community meal Friday & Saturday + fruit and snacks during the weekend. Participants will take care of their own breakfast and lunch, either in their rooms or in nearby Yachats which has many lovely cafes.
We are offering tiered workshop prices to help make this weekend accessible to ALL. Those that are able to offer more will assist us to provide for sliding scale & help support musicians. Inquire about this and work-trade options if you would like to participate and do not find a tier that fits your situation
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$280 supporting offering / $333 community offering / $350 pay it forward offering
Saturday only $150
Kirtans only Fri or Sat $25/ night
Other options to save fees: ZELLE (preferred) to (503) 758 - 5889 OR Venmo @kat-macmillan
Then reach out to Kavita at info@kavitakatmacmillan.com
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ALL rooms must be reserved separately by calling Yachats Inn at (541) 547-3456. Please mention “KAVITA & AWAKENING BHAKTI” to reserve.
Suites have a Queen bed + Sofa Sleeper + kitchen and sleep 1-4 people
Room rates are $140 / night
Children & pets welcome with care for them. A dog in the room is $15/ night additional.
There is one ADA-equipped room available.
Rooms are HELD for our retreat and will not be avail on the website. Rates go up after Sept 13th, 2023.
There is a two-night minimum on the room reservations. Get in touch with Kavita if you’d like to share.
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PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE (subject to surprises):
Friday, Oct 13th
5-6 pm vegetarian meal
7-8:30 pm KirtanSaturday, Oct 14th
7:30- 9 yoga asana + sound & silent meditation
9-11 breakfast and rest
11-1 Hanuman Chalisa + Sound workshop
1-3 lunch, rest, explore the beach or town
3:30-5:30 Awakening Bhakti workshop
7-9 Saturday night KirtanSunday, Oct 15th
7:30-9 yoga asana + sound & silent meditation
9-11 breakfast and check-out of rooms
11:30-1:30 Hanuman Chalisa + Sound & Bhakti workshop
1:30-2:30 Sharing food and stories
2:30- 3:30 Closing Bhakti Circle
“I would highly recommend any workshop or retreat with Kavita!
She has a way of lifting up the vocal vibrations like no other! Even if you don’t have much experience singing, you feel like you can sing with Kavita!”
- C.L.F.
“Kavita creates a beautiful and comfortable space to practice and center devotion. She humbly shares the divine teaching of those who have come before her. Her generosity and humility ground the students into the purpose of the practice.”