Beyond the Poses: Heartfelt Yoga Retreat in Joshua Tree
with Susan D’Onofrio
Joshua Tree, California
October 4 - 8, 2026
5-Days / 4-Nights
Starting at $1695
Join Susan in Joshua Tree next autumn, a season of transition and introspection, to deepen your practice beyond the poses and explore yoga as a tool for inner work. Set amid the tranquil, raw beauty of the Mojave Desert, Gaia Villa provides a restorative setting for turning inward, realigning with your true essence, and connecting with nature. Over a 5-day and 4-night span, you’ll engage in gentle yoga and mindfulness practices, enjoy nourishing chef-prepared meals, and find space for quiet contemplation balanced with moments of heartfelt connection within community. Ample free time allows for rest in one of the villa’s courtyards, hammocks, or saltwater spa area, or for exploring the surrounding area through hiking and mindful adventures.
This retreat offers a chance to step away from daily distractions and focus on your own process of reflection and growth. Here, you’ll have time to pause, notice, and engage with your inner world, with the high desert’s stillness and expanse offering a subtle, steady support as you explore your thoughts and intentions.
What is “Inner Work”?
Inner work is the process of exploring one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with the intention of gaining a deeper understanding and acceptance of oneself. This journey of self-awareness allows us to cultivate compassion — for both ourselves and others — and to recognize how our actions impact those around us. The ancient wisdom of yoga encourages us to open our hearts, find clarity, and let go of what no longer serves us, helping us reconnect with our authentic selves.
What’s Included
5 days / 4 nights lodging at Gaia Villa Retreat Center in Joshua Tree
Twice daily gentle yoga practice led by Susan that weaves mindfulness, pranayama, and meditation into class, suitable for all levels
(3) daily nourishing, fresh vegetarian meals prepared and catered by local chefs
Optional Silent Meditation Walk in Joshua Tree National Park guided by Susan
Use of on-site saltwater pool, jacuzzi, and cold plunge
Ample free time for independent exploration of the area & other local sites
About the Property
Gaia Villa is a boutique retreat center set on 3.5 acres in Southern California’s Yucca Valley, just 30 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park and 45 minutes from Palm Springs. This high desert sanctuary exudes an intentional, restorative energy, featuring minimalist, Spanish Adobe-style architecture with full-length windows, high ceilings, and organic design elements that reflect the surrounding landscape.
The property has a warm, elevated atmosphere that naturally invites both quiet reflection and sweet connection, featuring two dedicated practice spaces — an indoor, air-conditioned studio detached from the main villa, and an outdoor yoga pavilion surrounded by agave and cacti, perfect for open-air flows. Expansive grounds include multiple patios and porches with hammocks, a peaceful walking labyrinth, a saltwater pool and jacuzzi, cold plunges, fire pits, a bocce court, and a rooftop deck for stargazing or soaking up the sunrise.
The region surrounding Joshua Tree is marked by sculptural rock formations, resilient desert flora, and the iconic twisted trees that give the area its name. Artists, musicians, and spiritual seekers are drawn here for its quiet magnetism and creative pulse. Days can be spent exploring the national park or nearby towns, with mild, sunny fall weather typically in the mid- to high-70s. Evenings bring vivid sunsets, mesmerizing desert-scapes, and cool, refreshing temperatures that dip into the low-50s.
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Joshua Tree National Park — The world-famous national park is known for its unique and endangered Joshua Trees, rugged rock formations and vast desert landscape, and is the spot to go for hiking, rock climbing, or simply taking in the views.
Hiking — From beginner trails to expert hiking trails, Joshua Tree National Park has something for everyone looking to explore the area’s unique desert views and ecosystem.
Pioneertown— Built in 1946 as a “living breathing movie set”, Pioneer Town welcomes visitors to step back into the frontier days of the Old West. Along the short drive, enjoy breathtaking views of boulders formations.
The Integratron — A landmark one-of-a-kind wood dome used for sound baths, and a popular spot for visitors looking for a unique wellness experience.
Rock Climbing — With over 8,000 climbing routes and 2,000 spots for bouldering, Joshua Tree National Park is the ultimate spot for climbers.
Investment
All accommodations are located within the main villa (reserved exclusively for our group) and feature shared bathrooms along with spacious gathering areas that support socializing, sharing, and savoring slower living within community. Rooms are airy and bright, with large windows or sliding doors that lead outside and a modern, bohemian-meets-southwest vibe. Choose between a shared room for a sense of community or your own private quarters with a king bed.
Shared Suites
Double or Triple Occupancy w/ Twin Beds — $1695
Private Suites
Single Occupancy Room with King Bed - $2250
Shared rooms are designed for partners, friends, or solo travelers who wish to be paired. They can accommodate two or three people in single beds, or a couple in a king-size bed. All rooms feature luxury linens, complimentary wi-fi, and organic shower gels.
Before making a deposit, please read through our payment terms and cancellation policy here.
Work Trade Scholarship
(1) Scholarship Opportunity Available for Work Trade Exchange —
$895
Retreat Details
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Arrival:
Check-in is available starting from 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2026Departure:
Check-out is at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2026Retreat center is about a 30 minute drive from airport. Fly into Palm Springs and rent a car, or we can coordinate car rentals together to split the expense.
*Tip for those based in Bellingham: Allegiant Air offers direct flights from Bellingham to Palm Springs!
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The following expenses are not included in the total retreat cost:
Flights
Gratuities for meals
Fees to enter Joshua Tree
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Prices are per person + add 3% processing/admin fee for credit cards
Payment methods: cash, check, or credit card (make checks payable to Bellingham Yoga Collective)
Payment plans available!
Secure your spot with a $400 deposit; to be paid in person or online. Once you place your deposit we will email you to confirm your preferred room choice.
Final balance due 90 days before start of retreat.
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Please be sure you will be able to attend before you submit your deposit. All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Payment is due in full 90 days prior to the start of the retreat. If you cancel 90 days or more prior to the retreat start date, you will be issued a refund, less your $400 non-refundable deposit.
Trip insurance can protect your retreat investment if you need to cancel for covered circumstances. Due to retreat centers’ refund policies, we cannot offer any refunds, transfers or credits for cancellations for any reason within 90 days of the retreat start date. Thank you for your consideration with this policy as so much time and heart go into planning retreats for you!
Due to retreat centers’ refund policies, we cannot offer any refunds, transfers or credits for cancellations for any reason within 90 days of the retreat start date. If you cancel 90 days or more prior to the retreat start date, you will be issued a refund, less your $500 non-refundable deposit. Thank you for your consideration with this policy as so much time, liability, studio resources and heart go into planning retreats for you!
About Susan
Susan D’Onofrio (RYT-200, Anusara-Inspired) enjoys sharing the knowledge she has gained from practicing and teaching yoga for over 40 years. She teaches the subtleties of alignment with clarity and patience, inviting each student to explore and challenge themselves compassionately.
Questions?
Please email Claire@bellinghamyogacollective.com for more information about payment plans and all general retreat inquiries.
