Winter Respite Retreat - Finding Warmth in the Cold
With Melina Meza and Baxter Bell
December 19 - 21, 2025
Join Melina Meza and Baxter Bell, MD this winter for an unforgettable and deeply nourishing yoga retreat. This retreat, led by two experienced instructors, will be a wonderful way to pause and immerse yourself in the practice of yoga and mindfulness during the holiday season. Melina will share winter Seasonal Gentle Yoga classes, introduce Ayurvedic practices for self-care, and teach Yin Yoga to prepare your body and mind for meditation. Baxter will be offering Yoga for Healthy Aging classes and mudras to help you turn inward during this slow, quiet time of the year.
Morning practices will be invigorating (yang) while afternoon classes will be restorative (yin).
Our yoga getaway will be perfect way to deepen your practice while simultaneously keeping your inner fire (agni) bright during this dark season. And there is no better place to do this than our beautiful center in the redwoods!
COVID POLICY: For your safety and ours, we require proof of vaccination AND negative test result from all visitors to Ratna Ling Retreat Center. We wish to provide peace of mind for all of our residents and guests.
Retreat Schedule (Subject to Change)
Friday:
- 3:00pm Check in
- 4:15-5:30pm Yoga
- 5:45pm Dinner
Saturday:
- 7:30-8:00am Pranayama/Meditation
- 8:00am Breakfast
- 10:00am-12:00pm Yoga
- 12:15pm Lunch
- Free Time
- 4:00-5:30pm Yoga
- 5:45pm Dinner + Talk on the History of Ratna Ling
Sunday:
- 8:00-10:00am Meditation/Yoga
- 10:00am Brunch
- Check out
For directions to Ratna Ling – Ratna Ling Retreat Center 35755 Hauser Bridge Rd Cazadero, CA 95421
Accommodations are beautiful lux cabins

- Transportation to/from Ratna Ling is NOT included – carpooling encouraged
- Payments are nonrefundable and transferable to a future Ratna Ling stay or retreat
- Each cottage includes TWO private rooms with queen beds, large dining & living area, gas fireplace,
- spacious deck, jacuzzi tub, linens/towels/hand soap, kitchenette with tea & coffee, complimentary wireless internet. Towels and hand soap are provided.
- vegetarian meals are served during our weekend together.
What people are saying about our retreats:
“The accommodations were great along with the beautiful surroundings – everything was so peaceful and nurturing” | “It was exactly what I needed – to disconnect, get in tune with my soul and recharge my spirit.” | “I loved having time to myself to reflect on my life and where I am going. Thank you Ratna Ling.” |
“Space for reflection while also giving me anchor points through teachings. | “Space and time for meditation and movement classes were truly wonderful.” | “Being able to move at my own pace is a luxury. And of course the food was delicious.” |
About the Facilitators

Melina Meza
Melina Meza is a pioneer in the field of yoga, nutrition, and Ayurvedic Health, sharing her knowledge with yogis around the world for more than 25 years. She is the creator of Seasonal Vinyasa Yoga, a holistic practice that features lifestyle, diet, and yoga practices tailored to the rhythms of the four seasons to help […]
Learn more about Melina Meza
Baxter Bell
Baxter Bell, MD, has been actively deepening his understanding of the power of yoga since making the stress-reducing move from a career as a busy family doctor to that of a yoga teacher and medical acupuncturist. Baxter is a graduate of the Piedmont Yoga Studio’s 18-month Advanced Studies Program, and served as Director of PYS’s […]
Learn more about Baxter BellCategories : Guest Teacher Program, Homepage, Meditation Retreats, Self Care, Wellness Retreats, Yoga Retreats