Satchidananda Ashram Review

This is one of my favorite get-away retreats and the an awesome environment for going deeper in your yoga practice. You won't find a more caring staff to ensure your visit goes well and the food is plentiful and delicious. If you decide to take a workshop, you will learn from the best. The Swamis who have dedicated their lives to creating this peaceful environment and sharing their hard won wisdom make a visit to Yogaville something that will benefit you for a long time after you have left.

This place is amazing. My wife and I just did a 5 day retreat here for the New Year. The experience was beautiful and enlightening. Everything from the talks to the yoga, breathing and meditation sessions, meals and hiking was perfect. A wonderful place to escape from the go go go of everyday life, to reset and recenter. Thanks to the amazing people of Yogaville for creating such a beautiful space for gathering, contemplation and the spirit.

Great place. Made me want to become a Yogi. I went vegan for 4 days and felt great! Good people!

Been going here on and off for the last couple of years. The best place I can think of if you want to learn about pretty much any kind of spirituality.

One of my favorite places in the whole world. It has been some time since I have been back and I would certainly enjoy Yogaville in the spring. Great yoga classes, both for visitors and those wanting to study yoga at any level, clean comfortable rooms (although I enjoy the camping platforms in the forest), Good clean healthy meals, mid-day meditation, and real camaraderie. Looking forward to returning.

I grew up here so I have to like it. But seriously, it's a lovely place with lovely people. Amazing vegetarian lunches with fresh salad and homemade dressing. Take a walk on the nature trails and go to Lotus for noon meditation.

Experience Yogaville yourself and you will understand why people love it.

Research, please. I went with a friend in 2011. They only want you to stay here to finance their cult. Watch Wild Wild Country on Netflix. It s like the podunk version of that. Grow your practice at a studio or at home...not here, it s just weird and icky.

Always welcoming. Staff and guests friendly & kind.
Lovely location. A true place for a rest.

Beautiful, peaceful, mystical holy place with loving, kind people.

One of my favorite get away place in VA. Beautiful location, very friendly & great atmosphere for a relaxing and spiritual experience. Can't wait to visit this place again

Bought a Groupon last year and spent a weekend w a friend. It was wonderful! Completely unexpected, delightful surprise. The food was very very good, and the surroundings were peaceful. Enjoyed the lectures and the classes.

Found a deal on groupon and went with a few girl friends for a weekend getaway and it turned out to be one of my best weekend retreat ever. People are extremely friendly and there is a reason after knowing the history of the founder and the place. This place has an energy that make people feel love and peace. The community is a paradise to me that I can throw away all worries from real world. No wonder I see many people come back many times. They provide many yoga and meditation classes with different levels, spiritual talks, and bus tour. Meals are organic vegetarian buffet style and very delicious. After staying a weekend I feel both my mind and physical body are cleansed.

Yogaville is a quiet retreat in central VA, near historic Appomattox. The LOTUS temple houses artifacts and teachings from around 10 religions and is a good place for meditation. Many tourists stay here for weeks doing meditation courses offered.

I have visited Yogavile mainly for the dance programs organized by Smt. Padmarani Rasaiah Cantu and her students, a prominent exponent of Bharatanatyam. There is a huge Nataraja statue, which depicts the Hindu god of dance. Guru Poornima (during July every year) is one of the most celebrated festivals here, rife with various programs to commemorate it.

The view of the James river and railroad running here are just calming and beautiful. One tiny downside is that you will not receive cellular signal unless you are a Verizon customer.

If you take a class with Steffany Moonaz, be prepared to get her pathetic opinions about diversity and a little bit about Yoga. She is using this as her ultra left wing platform to spew her opinions, VERY unprofessional teacher. You have been warned.

I bought a Groupon and had to try it out. The place is like a little world of it's own. It was a little misleading to me on expectations. I expected more yoga and interaction. Not that it wasn't available but on a different level. The yoga offered was more on a meditative level, more of a yin yoga, soft, and relaxing. Having taken Bikram for 4 years this was quite the opposite. If you are looking for a relaxing get away this is the place. It sets on a beautiful 25ish acres, a beautiful view of the mountains and the staff that runs and lives there are tremendous. If I was to go back I would definitely be prepared. They also offer all kinds of activities and the shrines are a must-see.

Satchidananda Ashram Yogaville is exactly what it claims to be, and it does it very well at a excellent price. For that, five stars. Yogaville provides a variety of Hatha yoga classes at different levels, group meditation, spiritual readings and teachings based on but not exclusive to the Hindu tradition, group meals (always vegetarian with lots of vegan options), and a wonderful sense of peace, calm and quiet in a wooded setting. Some of it was a bit over-the-top for me, but I'm not downgrading Yogaville for that. I just let it go. If it bothered me that much, I should not have gone to a place where they advertise themselves as exactly I consider over the top.

The people are very lovely here but the living conditions are not quite good there s bugs everywhere and they never take out the dead bugs on the window

I just returned from my third trip to Yogaville. The first time I visited here was back in the summer of 2016. I came here at that time for my "Eat, Pray, Love" journey after my divorce. It was really the reset that I needed. Words can't even describe how it has positively impacted my life. This is my heaven on earth. The people here are incredibly kind. The LOTUS temple is amazing for noon meditation. Sitting on top of Kailash in the morning is cleansing for the soul. The Hatha yoga classes are first rate and are a great way to start the day. This time, I dedicated my trip to hiking many of the beautiful trails in the sunshine (around LOTUS Lake, to the James River, etc.). Also, you MUST visit the Mandala Cafe! I can't wait to go back again to the happiest place on earth - my Yogaville!

A true temple to man as Goddess. And God of course. But the Goddess part has been suppressed on purpose until right now!

Beautiful place to visit. Free and open to the public to come and explore, meditate, and relax. Bookstore is very interesting along with a intro video. Lots of programs to try also.

It was a great experience. The Ashram is the place to be to work on yourself with Yoga, pujas, meditation, and self reflection. Walking in nature daily nourished my soul. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Seeing the Lotus at night was a highlight during my stay. The food was awesome ! So fresh, organic, and right from the farm. Thank You to the staff for the challenges and learnings

They are the kindest, sweetest people. Every step of the experience is delightful, from calling for registration through departure. The teachers are knowledgeable, and the food is fresh and delectable! I want to carpool to the yogaville from DC area, leave of Friday and return on Sunday. Please email me at guyingta@. Thank you

Great people, excellent immersion into yogic practices. Yogaschittavrittinirodhah Yogahkarmashukaushalam

What a beautiful experience. I took a worship and learned so much.

Horrible. Some people there were good but you will run into dangerous people who if they don t like you for whatever reason will run you out harass threaten and mock you. Certain programs you stay there and dorm with another roommate some of the roommates are racist just like one of the workers that I met and have serious problems and take it out on newcomers. Bullies

This was my second silent retreat at Yogaville. It is such a blessing to be there and to experience this amazing practice. Will be back next year! Thank you!

It s a nice a nice place to spend day off. The view from top were amazing. The lotus flower building is also very nice. It s a total relaxing place.

I have visited Yogaville several times over the last four years. Their Welcome weekend program is a great introduction to real yoga and ashram living. It starts with a Friday pm yoga nidra and includes guided meditations and talks from senior Swamis (monks), gentle hatha yoga classes, ashram tours and fantastic vegetarian food. Saturday night Satsang is entertaining, educational and spiritual. The Lotus Guest Houses offer private accommodations in clean simple rooms. Tenting (you can't call it camping) is amazingly cost effective. They also offer dorms. This is not a trendy yoga eco resort. It is the real deal.

A very serious religious ashram providing yoga classes

I love this place. Yogaville offers quality instruction, lovely people, very mindful and caring. It lives up to its aspiration as a place to heal, to learn, to become "one" with all that is. Very profound. If you are not a vegetarian and you are staying a full week, be aware regarding the food. It' may require a change of attitude. The thinking is very compassionate,( zero animal products except some cow type yoghurt as well as coconut yoghurt, etc, )sometimes, but not wildly imaginatively prepared food. that is my only non-positive comment. Weekends the food seems a bit more zippy or interesting. I wished desperately for some almonds, or cashews, or other nuts ( there was peanut butter which seemed to be awfully popular) or a bit more variety somehow in the food, but I didn't go there for the food. It was definitely healthy .So take some of your own snacks perhaps. Everything else about Yogaville is quality in terms of experience and people's loving willingness to help. Otherwise the important things like teachers, setting, staff, the other participants: all as good as you'll ever find anywhere and I've studied at a lot of places East and West coasts. A truly healing, learning, expansive experience. I will go back.

Beautiful, peaceful place with the most friendly people.

I recently attended a 3-day workshop to celebrate my birthday weekend. I met so many wonderful people - and so many fellow Libras! - this will definitely be an annual destination for rest, renewal and Spiritual growth. While it is a full day's drive from Cincinnati, the trek is beautiful with minimal traffic. The vegetarian food was delicious, accommodations clean, and staff and volunteers were kind, helpful, and truly filled with the light and love their peaceful lifestyle promotes.

A heavenly, peaceful location! The accomadations were nice, the food was wonderful, and the people are loving and giving. It is scenic and refreshing.

A nice day trip, A religious theme Yoga and farming. Set near the James River and a Mountain backdrop, they welcome everyone. The people are very friendly and helpful.

This place is very rustic. Our room had tons of lady bugs and stink bugs. The food is all vegan and not many choices. There are meditation and yoga classes offered but we were too turned off by the food and room that we left after 1 night. They did offer us a full refund which was nice. If you are a really crunchy, nature lover, you might enjoy it. Not for us!

This is a haven for the first time visitor as well as the long time spiritual student. The Ashram is a place to learn how to practice the universal spiritual teachings under the guidance of Sri Swami Satchidananda and his senior devotees and the monastics directly trained by him. Swami Satchidananda left the body in 2002. Many who come to the Ashram feel a peace and tranquility on the grounds that is his living legacy. As the name states, Yogaville is an Ashram. There are dress and lifestyle guidelines designed to keep the focus on discovering the peace within. These were put forth by Swami Satchidananda. We carry them out with deep gratitude for the opportunity to live peaceful, easeful, and useful days. Join us as your schedule permits!

Beautiful place, people, food and experience. I feel a deep sense of connection and renewal.

Hair Om!
Yogaville is like home. Last year I went as a guest and then went back for the LYT program, which I recommend to any spiritual seeker. It was an indescribable experience. I miss my LYT family and all the friends I made. Whenever you go to yogaville, have your heart opened to absorb all the love and light. Oh! If you are a female guest on RN, please, on Sunday, wake up at 6 am to listen to Mataji playing her violin; it's like waking up on clouds.
Love and Light to all!

I went there in September as I got a Groupon deal for welcome weekend. I just wanted to get away from DC to a peaceful place. The place is exactly what I expected , calm and peaceful. Three organic meals a day are included along with your stay, the food is great.I was able to attend 2 yoga classes and 1 mediation class. Only downside is all the programs are scheduled between 6 am to 5 pm so you will not be able to attend all of them because most of them are scheduled at same time.You have to pick one which is important to you.

The staff are so friendly. Would love to recommend this to everyone

Yogaville is a quiet, peaceful,meditative place for rest, relaxation and renewal.
I have been going there at least twice a year since 2003. The ashram residents are friendly, helpful,very aware and a joy to be around. I love Yogaville and highly recommend a visit whenever the spirit moves you.
Om Peace

This is my first time visiting. It was a one day trip and we brought our own food. it was about 3 hours and it felt so relaxing here. I loved all the shrines here and also the meditation. Hari OM

Amazing food, classes, people, and overall a relaxing and enjoyable few days that flew by.

A true sanctuary for sincere seekers. Amazing yoga teachers, divine sacred meditation spaces, and delicious food. Really really really delicious food! I love you, Yogaville.

Hi , i was there on august 29th saturday with my mom. we came all the way from DC ,drove almost 4 hours to reach there because we lost our way . The website and signage there clearly says the temple closes at 6 pm. we reached there 5:30 ,firstly went to the visitor center and the lady was very nice she said us you have only very less time to visit so please hurry up to go down to the temple. After that we rushed to the temple which took 7 minutes drive from there. It was 5:47 and one lady with yellow sawl was locking the gate. I asked her can you please give us 10 minutes since it is only 5:47 i ll just show to my mom inside and will come before 6pm ,she did not want to listen to me , she was very rude . Again i begged her mam please my mom came all the way from Nepal and we drove 4 hours to reach here only to see ,she did not listened she said you can come tomorrow at 10 . Again i said Mam the signage said 6 and still you have 12 more minutes and again she said very rudely its closed and i need to close the main entrance too,you can leave . we felt very bad and i felt very sorry for my mom that i could not show the main lotus temple. we came to the visitor center with the very heavy heart , we came to the religious shrine and how she treat us which was very unfair and she was not obeying the signage schedule. We bought dinner at the visitor center and had dinner and i saw the same lady she was very rushing to have the dinner then i realized she closed the gate before time because she had to rush for the dinner. Any way it was not a good treatment ,because we were treated very unfair but still the dinner was very delicious. Please have someone or concerned people watch out the closing timing there how the people are working and behaving so that any other visitor don't have to feel depressed or treated the same way we were treated very unfair by the lady. we loved the place but due to one person behavior we felt very bad.

Peaceful, good programs , reasonable, prices. Good vegetarian food

If you enjoy yoga, this is the place for you! Great classes and instructors. Beautiful surroundings.

As awesome as Yogaville is for an Ashram not all of the programs and classes accommodate or care for people with handicaps or disabilities. I had the unfortunate displeasure to meet Hope Mel before the Joint Freeing class. As I was explaining my back problems and addiction to pain medication, she was very rude and dismissive. Then she interrupted me and exclaimed that she knows how people become addicted to opiods then abruptly changed subject.

I later attended the Joint Freeing class and had back pain with her exercises and found her sexual innuendos about her pelvis freeing exercises crude and offensive for an ashram setting. I quietly excused myself from her class and left early. When I saw her later that day she impolitely requested that not attend her classes again.

There is something very wrong about a person who does not care about the people they are supposed to care for. I don't know what to think about an Ashram that allows anyone to represent them in this ill mannered way. Maybe the Ashram Bureaucrats don't monitor the classes as long as they produce a profit. I hope that they can correct this fiasco before it ruins them. Peace

It was a peaceful weeklong getaway with yoga, meditation and wonderful nature hikes! the food was sumptuous. Wonderful!

My wife and I were there at the dedication and now they have got beautiful rooms for staying over in the evening, they have vegetarian meals, lovely with the James River overlooks of the river, wonderful programs.

My stay here was relaxed and easy. Good accommodations especially for the price and great food! Enjoyed a surprise (to me) talk by Tenzin Rinpoche and got the feeling that one can never be too sure just what will happen there! Jai!

I was reminiscing of my stay here with my mother years ago, when I was 10 or less, and it was one of the best few days of my life. I was opposed to going at first, but the Ashram opened me up to yoga and meditation. All the instructors were extremely kind, and I'm planning on going back when I'm 18 (about a year from now). Even if you know nothing about yoga or meditation, you are welcome here. One of my favorite places is the LOTUS (the shrine), where you can sit and meditate for as long as you'd like. The food here is amazing, and accomadated me even as a whiny child who had a very limited palette!!! I can't wait to come back

Beautiful loving supportive mindful environment. I camped here 28 days during the living yoga program and really enjoyed it.

Yogaville is an amazing peaceful place to be at with very kind, compassionate and supportive staff, instructors and teachers. The wisdom and wealth of knowledge that can be obtained through teachers are priceless and I am so honored for the opportunity to spend some time there.

Interesting place to visit. Beautiful grounds overlooking the James River.

The Home of Swami Satchidananda and a Busy Ashram open to Interested Guests of All Backgrounds. Please call for times. MUST SEE: The LOTUS Shrine...
A Wonder of the Natural World.
Om Shanti... Peace be with You...