What to expect at a Boreal Bliss Yoga Retreat?
Well hi there! We’ve had a number of new folks in the mix lately. Welcome!! Whether you’ve been retreating with us for years, or considering coming for the first time - hey, we appreciate you. We exist because of you. Thank you!
If you’re considering coming to a retreat, you may be curious about what to expect? We can give you an overview!
We create inclusive space for yoga & nature enthusiasts to retreat into the wilderness of Northern Minnesota.
We always say what truly sets us apart, what makes up the “secret ingredient”, or the “special sauce”, is YOU. Seriously. We’ve got the best, most wonderful folks that find their way to our retreats. It’s you that makes each retreat experience so truly uniquely awesome.
It’s our goal to empower you to feel your best and to show up as yourself. We want you to feel welcomed and supported.
Some come to our retreats with a lot of experience in yoga and/or adventures in the outdoors. And many come as complete beginner’s in yoga and/or nature immersive experiences. We love the mix of folks, with unique backgrounds, we are able to retreat with with.
Other key Boreal Bliss Yoga Retreat elements?
Venue set in nature
Outdoor immersion & unique experiences
Indoor beautiful & relaxing space for yoga
Choices! We typically offer a packed schedule, with multiple options. You can tailor your retreat to meet your needs. Uniquely this offers both the solo retreater, and someone attending with friend(s), to choose what will really offer the best experience for each individual.
Good food!
Great team: well-trained teachers that are welcoming for a wide range of yoga levels, amazing offerings of specialty workshops and option to add specialty appointments such as massage, Thai Yoga Bodywork, reiki, and more!
Boreal means “of the north”
pronounced: bo·ree·uhl
We believe north is a state of mind, a place in the heart.
Key values we hold in our group experiences:
Trauma-informed approach: we do not do physical adjustments in group classes. We want you to FEEL your practice in your own body. Enjoy the group energy. We hold everyone’s unique circumstances and life experiences in high regard.
Modify in class - this is a LOT of yoga. We encourage our retreaters to rest, choose what works best for you, and craft the ultimate experience for yourself. Sometimes that means napping. ;)
Don’t fret if you’re not “getting all the moves” yoga is about breathing, moving energy, introspection, and connection.
A big mantra for us is: AS LONG AS YOU ARE BREATHING YOU ARE PRACTICING YOGA!
Yoga is a lifelong journey - no need for perfection now or ever.
Don’t “should” all over yourself (or anybody else) i.e. I should wake up for morning meditation.
Don’t yuck anyone else’s yum.
Karma Yoga for everyone: clean up after yourself, help each other out - it’s the little things that we can all do to make this group experience the best!
All of our retreats take place in Minnesota’s wilderness. We enjoy seeking out new locations that will create fresh experiences for our guests. We also love to repeat a memorable experience at a beloved venue.
New venues we are visiting in 2025:
April: Whitewater State Park for our inaugural Family Yoga, Nature & Fly Fishing Yoga Retreat
May/June: Sugar lake Lodge for our inaugural Lake Life State of Mind Yoga Retreat (think plush accommodations and stunning lake views + beach experience)
Beloved venues we are returning to in 2025:
August: Birchwood Wilderness Camp for our annual Adventure Awaits Yoga Retreats
September: Camp Olson for our annual Art Movement Nature Yoga Retreats
Fall (TBA): Camp St. Croix for our annual fall day retreat
Stay tuned for 2026!
We will be returning to beloved venues in the winter such as Camp du Nord and Deep Portage. More to come!
We love inviting others to share in the activities we love- yoga, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, paddling & portaging canoes, rock climbing, entering the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, open-water swimming, and more.
We encourage our fellow yoga community to live seasonally in sync, to nurture the natural world and rhythm around them.
We specialize in creating opportunities to feel fully engaged with life through immersion in outdoor experiences.
At retreats we’ve awoken to over a foot of snow, cross-country skied during a polar vortex, spent countless nights sitting around a bonfire surrounded by deep piles of snow, watched shooting stars stream across the summer sky, and helped women learn to solo-portage canoes for the first time.
We instigate laughter, simple daily appreciation, and living this one precious life to its fullest. We love our Minnesota life, and we love to share it with others.
We are a proud women-owned and run small business in Northern Minnesota.
You can read more about co-owners Bryana Cook & Amanda Imes here.
We also proudly run a non-profit 501c3 scholarship foundation. All of our custom retail items, many sourced in partnership with Minnesota small businesses and non-profits, contribute to our Boreal Bliss Scholarship Foundation. We prioritize a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the yoga space. We encourage you to donate, purchase merch at a retreat, and/or apply!
Want to check out a Boreal Bliss Yoga Retreat for yourself? Come on out!
We are available to answer any specific questions you have via email at hello@borealblissyogaretreats.com.
Warmly, Bryana & Amanda
