This wintertime retreat is a safe haven within the beauty of GilChrist for quiet and togetherness. Yoga practices, Lovey Dovey hot cocoa & marshmallows, a creative project, rest time in your cozy cabin, and a community dinner offer respite and restoration. Sometimes winter inspires one to seek refuge in solitude and quiet – which can be rejuvenating – and other times togetherness is a balm for the cold. This retreat provides space for hibernating in togetherness.
About the Facilitator
Marne Johnson Apolo, M.A. RYT is an adjunct Professor of Communication with Grand Rapids Community College. With a Master’s degree in Communication from Western Michigan University and an intensive 200 hour RYT training with Sangha Yoga, Marne strives to cultivate creative ways to integrate communication studies with yoga philosophy and practice. She has studied yoga with Judith Hanson Lasater, Angela Farmer, as well as Loving Kindness meditation with Sharon Salzberg and is currently a student of Insight Yoga with Sarah Powers.
Retreat Schedule
Friday, January 30
5:15 p.m.: Friday evening gentle yin yoga. Soup & Lovey Dovey Cocoa Mix to go (please pack your milk of choice).
Saturday, January 31
10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Soft and warm morning yoga and breath practice.
4:30 – 6:30 p.m: Restorative Yoga and loving kindness meditation. Dinner.
Sunday, February 1
10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Slow and gentle morning yoga and reflection practice.
1:30 p.m.: Checkout.
Registration and Lodging Details
To join this retreat, contact Marne Apolo at (269) 270-8513.
Early bird registration for the retreat is $300 by Jan 1, 2026. $350 after Jan 2, 2026. Cancellation fee is half of paid amount.
Once you have registered and paid for the program with the facilitator, Marne will direct you to contact GilChrist to reserve your cabin using the online registration form (or by calling the main office at (269) 244-1130 with any questions). Lodging is $75/night per person in addition to the program fee, payable to GilChrist at the end of the retreat by cash, check, or Venmo.
Participants will check into their cabins between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. on Friday, Jan 30 or at a time you communicate via your cabin reservation. Cabin check-out is at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1.
A communal dinner will take place on Saturday evening, so please let Marne know if you have any food restrictions. Other than Saturday evening, individuals are responsible for their own meals. Each guest space at GilChrist is equipped with a complete kitchen. See the complete GilChrist FAQ for more information about the facility.
