Join me for a deeply nourishing two-night women's retreat, October 16-18, 2026, nestled in the breathtaking mountains of North Georgia.
EXHALE is an invitation to step away from the demands of daily life and immerse yourself in a weekend devoted to rest, reflection, movement, and renewal. Surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage, crisp mountain air, and the serene beauty of Elohee Retreat Center, you’ll be supported in releasing what feels heavy and reconnecting with what truly matters.
When was the last time you truly exhaled?
Not just physically—but emotionally, mentally, and energetically.
The pressure.
The responsibility.
The expectations.
The mental load.
The constant doing.
This retreat is for the woman who is ready to put it all down, soften her grip, and return to herself.
As autumn unfolds, nature reminds us that letting go is not an ending—it is a rhythm. The trees release their leaves. The earth slows. Everything begins to soften into stillness.
EXHALE is an invitation to do the same.
Through yoga, meditation, breathwork, time in nature, nourishing meals, women’s circles, and spacious time for rest, you’ll be guided into deep release and gentle reconnection with yourself.
During our weekend together, you will have the opportunity to:
Exhale the stress you've been carrying
Exhale the pressure to be everything for everyone
Exhale the expectations, obligations, and mental clutter
Exhale into rest, presence, and possibility
Exhale into a deeper relationship with yourself
This is more than a retreat.
It's a sacred pause.
A chance to step away from the noise and remember what it feels like to breathe deeply, move slowly, and reconnect with yourself.
Arrival: Friday, October 16, 2026, at 2 PM. We begin at 4 PM.
Departure: Sunday, October 17, 2026, 2 pm
No yoga or meditation experience is necessary. All are welcome.
Take a deep breath.
You've carried enough.
It's time to exhale.
“The exhale is the body’s
original act of letting go.”
This is more than a retreat.
It is a sacred pause.
A letting go.
A return to the quiet place within.
EXHALE is an invitation to soften, trust, and simply be.
Wondering what a retreat with Melba is like? Here is what participants are saying:
Melba’s retreat was simply amazing. The location in the Georgia mountains was beautiful. Melba’s thoughtful preparation wove a relaxing schedule of yoga, group discussion and activities, self-reflection, and self-care opportunities. I was exhausted when I got there from being a caregiver to an aging parent and wasn’t sure what I would feel like at the end. Melba’s guidance led me to renewed belief in myself with new confidence and courage to prioritize taking care of myself through physical, mental, and spiritual practices.
—2024 attendee
I didn’t know what to expect walking into my first yoga retreat. I craved time to reconnect with myself, but leaving my family and responsibilities behind felt a little selfish. Still, I listened to my gut—and I’m so glad I did.
From the first circle, something shifted. What began as a room full of strangers quickly became a space of trust, vulnerability, and connection. I felt seen, supported, and surrounded by genuine love.
Between grounding yoga flows, delicious meals, quiet moments, and deep conversations, I found exactly what I didn’t know I needed: peace, clarity, and a new soul family.
When the weekend ended, I wasn’t ready to leave—but I left with a full heart and lasting connections. Take the “selfish.” We all deserve time to fill our own cups—and mine was overflowing.
—2024 Attendee
The Serenity Retreat was exactly what I needed—time to slow down, reconnect with nature, and find my inner peace. Melba did an incredible job leading the retreat and creating meaningful experiences that truly helped me discover a sense of serenity. I’m so grateful for the time, the connections, and the practices I’ll carry with me moving forward
—2026 Attendee
The retreat was one of the best experiences I've ever had as a person. It helped me understand and forgive myself. It was a much-needed healing. It was a very good experience, and I would do it again a thousand times.
—2025 Attendee
The Yoga Retreat was one of the highs of the year!
—2024 Attendee
Melba's wellness retreat was mentally, spiritually, and physically rejuvenating. She intricately creates each aspect of the retreat. The meditations and yoga sessions are thoughtful. The sound bath is beautiful, the yoga includes many different styles, and the space to be mindful, heal, and reset is top notch. I'm forever grateful for this experience! Thank you, Melba, Elohee, and Bloom!
—2025 Attendee
I had a wonderful experience with Melba and Elohee. Melba has a very calming and grounding presence. She held a beautiful space and container for us all to feel safe and held. I enjoyed the yoga, breathwork, meditation practices and down time. I loved it so much and would definitely like to do another retreat with her!!
—2026 Attendee
Attending the retreat for the first time was more profound than I ever expected. I arrived emotionally drained, burdened by guilt, and weighed down by a heaviness I couldn’t shake. I hoped for a shift—any shift—and I found so much more.
From the moment I arrived, the space felt grounding and safe. Nature, the sessions, the stillness, and the energy of the group began to soften something within me.
By the end, it was as if a fog had lifted. I felt lighter, clearer, and more connected to myself. The retreat reminded me of the power of stillness, presence, and being with myself without judgment. I left feeling renewed and deeply grateful.
—2025 Attendee
Embarking on my first yoga retreat was a transformative journey that awakened my inner resilience. Melba's expert guidance inspired me to reclaim my self-assurance, unlocking unprecedented confidence and courage to prioritize my holistic well-being. The majestic Georgia mountains setting was a serene sanctuary that nurtured my mental and spiritual growth. Melba's meticulous planning crafted a soothing schedule of yoga, hiking, and downtime, while the delectable cuisine brought us together, fostering profound connections and conversations in the most incredible way.
-2025 Attendee
Melba’s retreat was mentally, spiritually, and physically rejuvenating. Every detail—from the meditations and affirmations to the yoga and sound bath—was thoughtfully curated. It was a beautiful space to heal, reset, and reconnect. Forever grateful!
—2025 Attendee
Accommodations and Pricing
The Thanksgiving House was the original structure at Elohee. With six bedrooms and four bathrooms, it sleeps up to thirteen people. It offers two community rooms with fireplaces, a kitchen and dining room, as well as a meditation/yoga room. The outdoor patio has a fireplace and overlooks a 100-foot waterfall and a small pool.
The Thanksgiving House is nestled in a niche of the Rich Cove Forest, which supports a wide range of trees and plants. Red maple, oak, basswood, and poplar are only a few of the types of trees growing here. Spring wildflowers and medicinal herbs flourish here. Mosses and rotting logs make the damp forest floor suitable for a wide variety of salamanders, and it is one of the most diverse ecosystems found outside the tropics.
The Thanksgiving House is situated next to a 100-ft waterfall, and about a 10-minute walk from Bald Mountain. It has 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 indoor fireplaces, 1 outdoor fireplace, and a meeting space that comfortably fits 10-11people.
(from Elohee)
This is an All-Inclusive Retreat (see what’s included below):
Queen Suite (queen bed, private room, shared bathroom)
Single Occupancy: $1250
Double Occupancy: $950/person (must book alongside another guest, must share a bed)
Double Room (twin bed, shared room, shared bathroom) ONE LEFT
$900/person
Triple Room (twin bed, shared room, shared bathroom)
$850/person
King Suite (king bed, private room, private bathroom) SOLD OUT
Single Occupancy: $1450
Double Occupancy: $1150/person (must book alongside another guest, must share a bed)
What’s Included:
3 days/2 nights accommodations in the Thanksgiving House.
Twice daily yoga and meditation offerings
All meals per day made with fresh, local ingredients (most special diet requirements can be accommodated)
Tea Service throughout the day
Free Unlimited Wi-Fi Access
Guided hike and access to multiple hiking trails, including waterfalls and streams
Use of the naturally-filtered pond at the top of Bald Mountain
What’s Not Included:
Transportation to and from Elohee
Spa treatments and/or Reiki Sessions (you can book these through Elohee)
Optional Excursions
Ready to Reserve Your Spot?
A $300 deposit is required to reserve your space. This deposit is non-refundable, non-exchangeable, and non-transferable. Full cancellation details are shared at registration.
Once your deposit has been received, you will be sent a Retreat Agreement via email within seven (7) business days.
Your booking is not complete until your retreat agreement and waiver are submitted.
Full payment is due by September 17, 2027. Payment plans are available upon request. Reservations made after this date require full payment at the time of booking.
Payments via ACH (bank transfer) are free; credit card payments incur a 3% processing fee.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to me, Melba, at amalieyoga@gmail.com. This is especially helpful if you are booking alongside family or friends.
ABOUT YOUR RETREAT LEADER
Melba Payan
RYT 500, YACEP, Embodied Life Coach