October 2-5 | Highlands, NC | Elev. 4118 ft
Space. Rest. Connection. Inspiration.
Elevate is a long weekend designed to help you breathe deeply and move gently. Connect with nature, others, and your most inspired self.
Held in the vibrant autumn beauty of Highlands, NC (elevation 4,118 ft), this retreat combines nervous system-nourishing yoga, soulful creativity sessions, and spacious time for rest and reflection.
Leave feeling grounded, clear, and creatively recharged—ready to return to your life with more ease, energy, and purpose.
Elevate is designed to meet you exactly where you are.
Our yoga community is warm and relaxed. Many of us are busy caregivers, healers, teachers, and/or creatives—people who care a lot about making the world better.
That’s why I focus on gentle, grounding practices and simple, practical tools that can fit into already full lives—and support a wide range of bodies and experiences.
Wondering if there's space for you at Elevate? The answer is yes!
(Unless we run out of rooms, of course, so book early!)
Wind along a paved road and take in the stunning fall colors to reach the beautiful, mountain home that will host our retreat, conveniently located between the towns of Franklin and Highlands, NC.
Enjoy a spacious common area with a 20-foot fireplace. Beautifully appointed bedrooms and bathrooms, including spa amenities.
Three tiers of wrap-around porches offering expansive views of the mountains, no matter the weather.
And the slope-side fire pit lets you stay toasty while you take in starry skies on a clear night.
Mountain Laurel is the perfect home-base to recharge, connect, and be inspired.
- 4 days and 3 nights lodgings
- early arrival option with light breakfast (+$300/person)
- wholesome, nourishing meals (brunches + two dinners)
- daily yoga
- mindful creativity workshops with art supplies
- group outings to local towns, waterfalls, and art center
- fireside evening tea and guided journaling sessions
Enjoy plenty of spacious free time to REST or adventure through the wonderful highlights of the area:
Shopping, spas, art, and dining in downtown Highlands and Franklin
Mountain Waters National Scenic Byway, with dozens of accessible trails and waterfalls
Bascom Visual Arts Center in Highlands, where we'll enjoy a group excursion to see the work of local artists
Mindful creativity is the practice of enjoying the process and the present moment through self-expression. I call it, "meditation with markers."
Examples of mindful creativity may include intuitive collage, painting, drawing, and reflective journaling.
Since the journey is the destination, you don't need any special skills or experience to enjoy mindful creativity.
See how fun, easy, and relaxing creative expression can be. I'll gently guide you through the process and supply everything you need.
If a yoga retreat feels intimidating, you're not alone.
That's why I offer accessible practices and events for real bodies and real lives. My students are often new to yoga and creativity and looking to improve their quality of life. This retreat meets you where you are.
All levels. Gentle movement, deep stretching, and somatic awareness. Most days include morning yoga and evening wind-down sessions to improve sleep.
No experience needed. All supplies are provided, with guidance and support in multiple formats.
Low-pressure and group-paced. Guests can opt out of anything that feels too strenuous.
Craft the retreat YOU need with open space built into each day.
Hi, I'm Christa, and I passionately believe that when we feel our best we show up as our best. We are able to believe the best about ourselves and others; and we can offer our best work to the world.
So I teach accessible yoga and mindful creativity that focuses on nervous system regulation and helps more students find an entry point to improve their overall wellness, regardless of their physical fitness.
At Elevate, I create a welcoming space for you to come as you are—no experience needed. I’ll guide you in reconnecting with your body, quieting your mind, and rediscovering what lights you up.
What can I expect for driving conditions?
The road leading up to the house is paved and maintained by a community HOA. As this is a mountainous region, however, you should expect to encounter wildlife crossings and the occasional dirt road when out on excursions. Roads may also be steep, narrow, and winding, so drive with caution. If you aren’t comfortable driving to the retreat, you may be able to carpool with other guests.
I have planned the itinerary so that no one should need to be out on the roads after dark. We can also move things around for any inclement weather if needed. But plan on taking longer to get everywhere so you can take in those stunning, Autumn views!
Is transportation provided on excursions?
Transportation isn’t guaranteed for excursions. I have limited room for transporting guests in my own vehicle. Guests are welcome to carpool with others or follow in their own vehicles.
What will the schedule be like?
You can view the itinerary on the WeTravel registration page here. I stick pretty closely to the itinerary for the retreat, but remain flexible for weather changes and guests’ energy fluctuations.
What will the food be like?
The actual dinner menus will vary, according to how registered guests respond to the food survey. I make every effort to meet those requests and provide a variety of scrumptious and healthy choices that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. Past meals have included stuffed peppers, baked salmon, macaroni and cheese bakes, salads, and jerk chicken with veggies.
Brunches are typically served buffet-style with an omelet station, yogurt bar, fresh fruit, oatmeal, pastries, and bagels and cream cheese for options. And, of course, hot coffee with fixings.
For lunch, there are usually leftovers, though I can’t guarantee them. You can also bring your own food to store in the fridge or freezer or head into town during breaks to grab a bite.
How is a yoga retreat different from a typical vacation?
Great question! Often, when we return home from vacation we have eaten too many rich foods, drank too much, stayed up late, expended a lot of physical energy, and had little time to be still and rest. And that can be great! Often we return home feeling tired and in need of a vacation from our vacation.
With a yoga retreat, the focus is on slowing down, reconnecting with yourself, and getting some distance from your daily life. Without all of the noise, it’s easier to hear your life and your body speak. They may tell you, “It’s time to rest,” or “You need to think about making a change,” or even, “Have fun! You deserve this!”
AND you don’t have to do any of the hard work of planning a really special, relaxing getaway. I do all that for you! No cooking, getting groceries, finding a place to stay, organizing everyone. Just pick your room, pay the fees, fill out the forms and show up with an open heart and mind.
Throughout the retreat I’ll be checking in with the group, taking your lead, but also keeping everything on track. I’m also holding space and building a container that allows you to be yourself and have an amazing time. You get to just receive. It’s kinda amazing really, which is why I love to do these retreats!
What exactly does mindful art and mindful creativity entail?
Mindful creativity is a meditative practice that helps students learn to enjoy the process of creative expression. No experience or training is necessary to get started. Practices may include collage, painting, or drawing. All supplies for the retreat are provided and practices are tailored to suit the retreat’s themes and guests’ needs and preferences.
How accessible is the retreat?
Guests will need to: climb stairs to access the house; get up and down from the floor for yoga; and take a short hike on an established path for our excursion.
The house is accessed via stairs. There are two queen rooms with a shared bath located on the main level with the kitchen and living room.
For yoga, guests will need to be able to get up and down from the floor. You will be given an opportunity to modify any movements. You are also welcome to let the host know about any recent injuries or limitations to movement and bring any props that support your practice.
Most activities can be adjusted to meet guests' needs. Guests are welcome to opt out of any excursions that feel too strenuous for their bodies.
Is there WIFI and cell service?
There is free WIFI throughout the house. Cell service is also available. As this is a mountainous area, service may be interrupted.
Where can I find your Terms and Conditions?
View the complete Terms & Conditions.