IYENGAR YOGA
experience a retreat like no other
July 16th - 20th, 2025 | Ontario, Canada
Looking for an inspiring 5 days of Iyengar Yoga surrounded by beautiful boreal forest, biodiverse wetlands, and accessible lakefront trails?
Join us July 16th - 20th, 2025 to experience nourishing rest and a meaningful reboot.
“After I got home, I was shocked by how much this time away had seeped into my practice - My poses seemed magically deepened; the yoga came not easier but better. I’m grateful in body and mind for the gifts of the retreat - can’t wait till next year.”
Joanne K. | Toronto, ON
SANTOSHA | a practice of contentment
As modern practitioners of yoga, the concept of Santosha—contentment—offers us a profound opportunity for reflection and growth. As we navigate the complexities of daily life, filled with competing demands and distractions we learn from this ancient concept of finding satisfaction and peace within ourselves, regardless of external circumstances.
We’ve chosen Santosha as the theme for this year’s retreat because it is such an impactful part of our practice. Santosha encourages us to cultivate gratitude for what we have and to accept life as it is. This doesn’t mean we stop striving for improvement or change; rather, it invites us to appreciate the journey while embracing and staying connected to the present moment.
Iyengar yoga teaches us several key aspects of Santosha. It cultivates awareness and guides us into the present moment. As we navigate various poses, we encounter our strengths and limitations. We learn to acquire the perspective to accept ourselves as we are while fostering a sense of compassion and understanding that extends beyond the mat. We learn to embrace resilience and the desire to continue challenging ourselves through practice while not being attached to the outcome. We learn to celebrate the joy of practicing with others who are also on the path of self-discovery through yoga.
This retreat is an opportunity to explore the concept of Santosha in a nurturing and supportive environment. Together, we will engage in daily yoga sessions designed to deepen our understanding of contentment, both individually and as a community.
Through curated sequences, group discussions/activities, and shared experiences, you will have the chance to uncover what Santosha means for you. This retreat offers space to connect with your own needs, cultivate self-compassion, and celebrate the beauty and joy of living in the present moment. We look forward to sharing space with you for an artful embodied exploration of Santosha.
Warmly,
Stephanie & Lori
Retreat Schedule
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4:00 pm | Check-in and settle into accommodations
6:00 pm | Dinner
7:00 pm | Orientation
7:30 pm | Restorative Practice
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6:30 am | Coffee Station/Muffins/Fruit
7:00 am | Inversions Practice (90 min)
8:30 am | Light Breakfast
9:30 am | Asana Practice (90 min)
12:00 pm | Lunch
1:00 pm | Free Time (3 hours)
4:00 pm | Asana Practice (90 min)
6:00 pm | Dinner
7:00 pm | Sauna
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6:30 am | Coffee Station/Muffins/Fruit
7:45 am | Pranayama (45 min)
8:30 am | Light Breakfast
9:30 am | Asana Practice (90 min)
12:00 pm | Lunch
1:00 pm | Free Time (3 hours)
4:00 pm | Asana Practice (90 min)
6:00 pm | Dinner
-
6:30 am | Coffee Station/Muffins/Fruit
7:00 am | Inversions Practice (90 min)
8:30 am | Light Breakfast
9:30 am | Asana Practice (90 min)
12:00 pm | Lunch
1:00 pm | Free Time (3 hours)
4:00 pm | Asana Practice (90 min)
6:00 pm | Dinner
7:00 pm | Bonfire & Closing Ceremony
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6:30 am | Coffee Station/Muffins/Fruit
7:30 am | Pranayama & Consolidating Practice (90 min)
9:30 am | Farewell Brunch
12:00 pm | Checkout & Departure
Bloom Retreat Centre
Bloom on Loughborough Lake is a yoga, meditation and wellness retreat centre located in Eastern Ontario, about 20 minutes north of Kingston.
Situated lakefront on 681 acres of biodiverse boreal forest, the venue maintains a deep sense of place while offering unparalleled comfort. It was designed by celebrated architect Siamak Hariri, and Bloom’s 16 rooms (each with its own ensuite) sleep 36 guests.
The property offers more than 25 kilometres of beautiful forest, wetland, and lakefront trails, as well as lookout points, a fire pit, a dock for lounging and cold plunges, and an outdoor dining area with pizza oven.
Bloom’s food philosophy celebrates the bounty of Eastern Ontario through wholesome and heartwarming food experiences. Bloom works with local farmers to source the very best local ingredients, and prioritizes locality, seasonality, and a simple love of the delicious.
And because Bloom was conceived as a yoga and wellness retreat centre, the yoga space is phenomenal!
“By the end, I felt strong, confident, and back on track with my practice. The classes were brilliantly structured to gradually build strength, confidence, & culminated with me doing headstands and handstands, something I never thought possible!”
Carol C. | Toronto, ON
Meet your Teachers
Stephanie Tencer, Studio Po
Stephanie is the owner, director, and senior teacher at Toronto’s Studio Po, She is deeply moved by the playfulness and self-discovery inherent to Iyengar Yoga and loves weaving these themes into her classes.
Lori Berenz, Yoga Journey
Lori is the senior teacher and director of Yoga Journey in Collingwood, She is grateful for the gift of yoga and passionate about sharing it with others. Drawing on her personal experiences with yoga, Lori connects to her students on a physical and emotional level
“Stephanie and Lori are both amazing teachers that put so much thought into the full experience. The facility is gorgeous, the food was delicious and the people very warm and friendly.”
Nancy P. | Collingwood, ON
The investment
Rates are listed in Canadian Dollars.
The cost of registration ranges from $1,465 to $2,934 per person (all inclusive) depending on which accommodation option is chosen. Scroll down for accommodation options.
Payment plans are available at checkout.
Please note: retreat payments are non refundable.
What’s included
A curated Iyengar Yoga program including asana and pranayama.
Access to yoga props including 1 bolster, 1 strap, 2 blocks, 2 blankets, and 1 mat. It’s not required but students are welcome to bring additional props, if they wish.
Accommodations for 4 nights beginning on July 16th.
All meals beginning with dinner on July 16th and concluding with breakfast on July 20th.
Ample free time to stroll the nature trails, swim in the lake, and enjoy other on-site amenities,
“During this retreat I strongly felt how deepening my understanding of the basics and spending more time on the mat can propel me forward into more challenging poses. All of the sudden, I found myself in a handstand for the very first time! This was a real highlight for me!”
Herbert Z. | Houston, TX
Meals
Vegetarian meals, beginning with dinner on the first evening and including breakfast on our last day are included.
Upon registration, you’ll receive a link to an online form where you can indicate dietary restrictions.
Accommodations
Private Suite
This room features a queen bed with an ensuite and a view of the surrounding forest or lake.
There are only 2 private suites available.
$2,934 CAD, taxes included (covers meals, accommodations, & yoga for one person).
queen bed in a private suite
Shared Suite
This room features 2 twin beds with ensuite for two people with a view of the surrounding forest or lake view.
The room will be shared with 2 people. You can book with a friend (price is per person), or we’ll pair you with someone incredible.
After registration, you’ll receive a link to an online form where you can indicate who you’d like to room with.
There are 10 shared suites available.
$2,306.61 CAD, taxes included (covers meals, accommodations, & yoga for one person).
Registration for the remaining rooms will open to folks on the EARLY ACCESS LIST on Monday November 4th, at 9 AM.
twin bed in a shared suite
Quad Room
This room features two bunk beds, an ensuite bath, and is located on the lower level of the retreat centre. Each bed has its own light, fan, and privacy.
This room will be shared with 4 people. If you’re coming solo we’ll pair you with three amazing new friends.
After registration, you’ll receive a link to an online form where you can indicate who you’d like to room with.
$1,465 CAD, taxes included (covers meals, accommodations, & yoga for one person).
bunk bed in a quad room
Dining area
Ensuite bath
Bloom Retreat Centre
Indoor lounge
“Thank you for a wonderful retreat! I very much enjoyed the classes, the retreat center and the surrounding environs were beautiful. The very best part was the wonderful community and most especially my very special roommate who I had just met, and now feel a budding friendship developing.”
Patti M. | San Francisco, CA
Questions?
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Iyengar Yoga practitioners with a minimum of 6 months experience are invited to attend. During the asana sessions, accommodation can be made for physical limitations. It will however also be assumed that students have a general familiarity with typical Iyengar Yoga modifications.
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Most yoga props, including mats will be supplied. However, each student is required to bring their own yoga blankets. A minimum of 2 blankets each is suggested but if you enjoy more blankets for poses like shoulderstand, please bring more.
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At the moment, we are giving preference to students who are staying at the retreat centre. If you are interested in an alternate arrangement, please send us an email prior to registering and we’ll see what we can do to accommodate.
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The cost of registration ranges from $1,297 to $2,597 per person depending on which accommodation option is chosen.
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Here is a suggested packing list:
—> comfortable clothes for active yoga and restorative practice
—> light sweater and long pants for cooler mornings/evenings
—> comfortable everyday clothing & pj’s
—> a minimum of 2 yoga blankets
—> water bottle (glass bottles/open vessels are not permitted around pool)
—> walking shoes
—> bathing suit/towel
—> sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
—> bug repellant
—> personal toiletries
—> journal and pen
—> travel alarm clock
—> small flashlight
—> a book to read
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Absolutely! The food will be vegetarian, with many vegan-friendly options. If you have other allergies or food sensitivities, please make sure to let us know.
After you register, you will be sent a link to an online form where you can indicate your dietary preferences.
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Retreat payments are 100% non refundable. However, if we are able to fill your spot we will refund your payment, less an admin fee of $150.
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“I loved the balance between intensive yoga, free time to swim, read, chat, walk the trails, meditate, rest, be in silence. The exceptional serenity of the retreat centre, the outdoor natural beauty, the comfy bed, and the absolutely amazing food (& coffee!) were beyond expectations.”
Claire R. | Collingwood, ON