• Gray Bear Lodge (map)
  • Hohenwald, TN
  • United States

An April delight awaits you…

The dogwoods at Gray Bear Lodge are in full, tender bloom. A floating ocean of white dogwood blossoms hovers throughout the awakening forests. Winter has surrendered to spring; whippoorwills and tree frogs are calling, the fresh air has a welcome stillness, and the nighttime sky displays a starry blanket.

Join Laura Jane and welcome spring’s promise of new growth at Gray Bear Lodge in Hohenwald, TN. Gray Bear Lodge is a rustic retreat center dedicated to keeping the spirit of fun and inspiration alive. Stone hot tubs, steaming Watsu pools, and wood-fired saunas erase the lingering winter.....we look forward to sharing this time with you!

“Let’s celebrate spring and the renewal of the spirit in the beauty of the Tennessee woods. Join me on this special time to celebrate the sacred in being together as we breathe in the wonders of healing life. Gray Bear is my happy place, and I’m thrilled to be returning this April.”

LAURA JANE MELLENCAMP

A Refreshing Renewal Yoga Experience

Experience and commune with the simple beauty of nature as you connect with yourself through dedicated daily yoga asana, meditation, and sangha (community) with Laura Jane's teachings from the heart! Explore the teachings of going deeper into the gifts of yoga and meditation using asana and linking breath as a whole body, mind experience.

Not only will you enjoy the rejuvenating daily yoga sessions, but there will also be plenty of free time for exploring and experiencing the beauty of Gray Bear!  Take a hike to the local waterfall, soak in the hot tubs, or enjoy relaxation from Gray Bear's expert therapeutic massage staff (including Watsu, Reiki, and Thai massage). Enjoy healthy nourishment through great food, the laughter of the community, and the best healing nature can offer as we feed the soul.

Waterfall at Tennessee Yoga Retreat at Gray Bear Lodge

This retreat is a perfect balance between rest and play. Through leading and attending many retreats, Laura has discovered that traveling together and saying yes to life and its opportunities create lasting friendships and gratitude for life’s abundance that will last forever.

This yoga retreat is for all ages and all life experiences. Perfect for all levels of practitioners, yoga teachers, and bodywork therapists.

Private yoga sessions will also be available.

Sample Daily Schedule*

(Optional to meet each student’s needs)

  • Morning walk

  • Breakfast

  • Meditation and yoga practice

  • Free Time to explore this beautiful and healing environment

  • Lunch

  • Free Time

  • Afternoon yoga and meditation practice

  • Late afternoon yoga Nidra

  • Dinner

  • Evening shared Sanga

*Schedule is subject to change.

Reviews of Laura's Previous Retreats



  • Everything was so natural, like windows meant to overlook the snow covered mountains, but cozy and warm both in our cabins and lodge. Ideally located for a retreat and meals were created by an delightful chef. Laura Jane led us with just the amount of yoga and activity to keep it still a relaxing retreat.
    — MARLA


  • The Icelandic Yoga Retreat was magical. The lodgings were cozy and clean, the yoga room was beautiful (especially at night!), amenities were perfect (sauna, hot tub under the stars, expert masseuse), and we were treated to three expertly and lovingly prepared meals a day by our dedicated chef. The twice daily yoga practice was accessible to all levels and Laura Jane made a point of teaching the whole of yoga, not just the physical practice. We had a wonderful group of human beings and it was a pleasure spending time with each one.
    — JULIE DRAHO


  • I am so excited to attend my third retreat with Laura Jane and this amazing community of yogis. There is a reason so many of us keep coming back year after year. Beyond the incredible resort we are staying at (and "incredible" doesn't do it justice), Laura Jane creates such a warm and welcoming atmosphere in which to explore your yoga practice regardless of where you are at in your life. The twice daily practices and daily sutra study, combined with the beauty of the Baja peninsula and the phenomenal food, make this a retreat everyone should experience!
    — CATHY CHRISTOFF


  • A trip to Greece had been on my “bucket list” for many years. The experience with Laura Jane in Amorgos was beautiful, peaceful, and exceeded my expectations about visiting Greece! We practiced well thought out yoga classes twice a day, and still had plenty of time for outings on the island, or time to relax by the pool. The group was a true sangha, community, of friendly open people. Old friends reconnected, and new friends were made by each yogi. I feel confident about traveling with Laura Jane!
    — KAY GILMORE


  • I try to never miss Laura Jane's wonderful yoga retreats! They are the one time of the year that is just about me. I don't have to take care of anyone or anything other than myself. The combination of yoga, healthy food, journaling, quiet time, a wonderful guide and amazing friends is just what I need to regenerate for the year ahead. Not to mention that Prana Delmar is a real jem!
    — KANDICE HENNING


  • I am so excited to attend my third retreat with Laura Jane and this amazing community of yogis. There is a reason so many of us keep coming back year after year. Beyond the incredible resort we are staying at (and "incredible" doesn't do it justice), Laura Jane creates such a warm and welcoming atmosphere in which to explore your yoga practice regardless of where you are at in your life. The twice daily practices and daily sutra study, combined with the beauty of the Baja peninsula and the phenomenal food, make this a retreat everyone should experience!
    — CATHY CHRISTOFF

Accommodations

Rooms and cabins are shared occupancy. A limited number may be available for single or double occupancy at an additional cost. Please inquire.

What to Pack

Gray Bear is home to over 150 acres of rolling hills, thick forests, natural springs, and even a waterfall. You can experience the wonders of nature while sitting in a hand-built wood fire sauna, hear the silence of nature's symphony lying on a hammock while curled under a blanket, and revel in clear air and water while using a shower outdoors (weather permitting).

With all of this nature, we have some suggestions to consider when packing:

  • Working flashlight ...it gets dark with only the light of the stars to guide you!

  • A bathing suit ...not required, but good for the hot tub, sauna, and Watsu massage pool

  • Water bottle ...Gray Bear does not use disposable cups. Purified water is available in the Main House and the yoga room.

  • A bathrobe/sarong

  • House slippers or socks to wear indoors ...shoes are not allowed

  • Comfortable walking shoes/sandals for an inspired nature hike

  • Warm clothing ...mornings & evenings can be cool

  • Comfortable clothes for exercising/yoga

Retreat Cost

Shared Occupancy - Dorm

$876 Credit (PayPal)

$850 Cash or Check



Double Occupancy - Limited Availability

$1031 Credit (PayPal)

$1000 Cash or Check


Single Occupancy - Limited Availability

$1237 Credit (PayPal)

$1200 Cash or Check


The cost of the retreat includes all yoga sessions, 3 nights lodging, 3 gourmet meals a day starting with dinner on Thursday evening and ending with breakfast on Sunday, and full use of the facilities.

The retreat DOES NOT include transportation to Gray Bear Lodge, spa treatments, travel insurance, or gratuities.

If you have any questions or concerns about sharing a room, please contact Laura Jane. We are here to help!

Transportation

Gray Bear Lodge is located 2 hours from the Nashville International Airport. You will need to arrange transportation from the airport to the lodge. YAF will help connect those who are flying so they can carpool to the lodge together (and save on gas and rental fees!) We will also help arrange car pools to drive to Nashville from Chicago for those who do not want to fly.

Register in 2 steps

Register online or mail your registration form and cash/check today! Full payment is due at the time of registration to hold your place.

1) Please click the button below to fill out and submit a registration form

 
2) Make your payment. Credit cards accepted online through PayPal only.

Select Payment Option
Traveler's Full Name
Traveler's Contact Phone#

Cash Payment

Mail or drop off your check payable to Yoga Among Friends, 4949 Forest Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515.

YAF only accepts cash and checks at the studio.

Refund/Cancellation Policy

Please see Gray Bear’s website for their latest refund/cancellation/credit policy as we navigate the national Covid hurtle. Note the policy information is listed at the bottom of their registration page. Please scroll down to view.

Interested, but need some questions answered before you can commit?