Summer Sangha Retreat

an annual, philosophy-focused gathering

June 29-July 3, 2026 | Starting at $1,795

What to Expect

This gathering is for students who want to expand their yoga practice in an intentional way. Blending community, asana, and thoughtful study, this philosophy-focused experience invites you to deepen your understanding of yoga in a welcoming and practical way.

This year’s theme, “Kriya Camp,” introduces Kriya Yoga through practice, reflection, and shared inquiry. Come as you are (no prior philosophy experience needed!) and join a supportive sangha dedicated to learning, connecting, and living the practice together.

Outdoor dining table set for a meal on a wooden deck overlooking a scenic landscape with rolling hills and lush greenery.
An outdoor wooden deck with a railing, featuring two rocking chairs with cushions, a dining table with chairs, and umbrellas, overlooking a scenic landscape of trees and distant hills under a clear blue sky.
A backyard with a swimming pool surrounded by outdoor chairs, umbrellas, and lush green trees, with brown wooden houses on a hill in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Two neatly made beds with white quilted bedspreads and folded towels on top, nightstands with black lamps, framed botanical print on plain white wall, hardwood flooring, partially open wooden door in background.
A man wearing a gray flat cap and a blue patterned shirt with a denim apron stands in a kitchen behind a table with multiple plates of colorful salads and dishes.

More Details

This dreamy property has everything needed to support us during our time together.

Amenities include a mineral hot tub, shaded pool, wholesome meals and beautiful hiking trails.

You will feel comfortable and cared for throughout our week together.

  • Desiree Heckman and Jenna Moraski-Martinez will be your Summer Sangha Retreat hosts. This idea for gathering was born out of our shared love for yoga (especially yoga philosophy) and the many hours we’ve spent talking about it simply because we enjoy it. We both believe these teachings are meant to be lived, questioned, explored, and revisited again and again in community.

    Desiree brings years of experience teaching yoga and philosophy in a way that feels clear, practical, and grounded in everyday life. She loves taking big ideas and making them approachable by creating space for real reflection and honest conversation.

    Jenna brings deep experience in rest practices, including Yoga Nidra and Restorative Yoga. She has a gift for guiding students into stillness and offering thoughtful, nuanced insight that helps the teachings land in a meaningful way. Her ability to hold space for integration and quiet understanding is a beautiful complement to the study itself.

    At the core of everything we teach is a shared belief: beneath the noise and the striving, each of us carries something steady and whole. Pure love. Light. Awareness. Our hope is that through practice, study, and time together in sangha, we can help one another remember that.

  • This retreat will be hosted at a beautiful, eco conscious property tucked in the hills of Southern California near Murrieta. The property has 8 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, an expansive practice space, a pool, hot tub, fire pit and hiking trails directly connected to the property.

    Available accommodations include single, double and triple occupancy rooms.

    • Lodging

    • All meals & non-alcoholic beverages

    • Daily meditation & yoga practices

    • Three (3) philosophy workshops

    • One (1) wellness treatment

    • Pool + hot tub access

    • CEU hours available for yoga teachers

  • Triple Occupancy - $1,795
    Double Occupancy - $2,295
    Single Occupancy - $3,995

    Deposit - $400

  • How do

    Do I need prior knowledge of yoga philosophy?

    Not at all. Summer Sangha is designed to be welcoming and accessible. Whether you’re brand new to philosophy or have been studying for years, you’ll be guided through the teachings in a way that is practical, reflective, and easy to engage with. All that’s required is curiosity and a willingness to explore.

    What is Sangha?

    Sangha is a Sanskrit word meaning community. Speciifically, a gathering of people who come together in shared practice and mutual support. At its heart, Summer Sangha is about learning and growing alongside others who are walking the path with intention.

    What will a typical day look like?

    Each day will include a blend of philosophy study, embodied practice, and time for reflection and conversation. You can expect:

    • A guided philosophy session

    • Asana practice connected to the theme

    • Meditation and journaling

    • Group discussion and inquiry

    • Spacious time for integration and rest

    The rhythm will feel intentional but not rushed.

    How is this different from a traditional retreat?

    While we will practice together and enjoy the retreat setting, Summer Sangha is centered around study and inquiry. This is not an escape-focused getaway. It’s an opportunity to explore yoga philosophy in a grounded, applicable way and to consider how the teachings can support your everyday life.

    What level of asana practice is expected?

    Our asana sessions will be accessible and adaptable. You do not need to be advanced or highly experienced. The emphasis is on embodied understanding, not performance. Come as you are.

    How does transportation work?

    Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the retreat location. Once registration opens, we’ll create a space for attendees to connect if they’d like to coordinate carpools. We’re happy to help facilitate those connections so that getting there feels simple and supported.

    If you have specific questions about travel logistics, feel free to reach out. We’re glad to help however we can.

A wooden deck with potted plants and a house with large windows, surrounded by trees and green plants, under bright daylight.

Sample Retreat Day

Morning Meditation

7:30am


Breakfast

8:15am


Morning Space

9:00am


Philosophy Workshop

10:30am


Yoga Practice

11:30am


Lunch

12:45pm


Afternoon Space/Treatment

1:45pm


Dinner

5:30pm


Rest Practice 

7:30pm

Reserve Your Spot

To join us, simply complete the form and submit your deposit using the link below.

Questions?

Email us any additional questions.
hello@oldtownyogastudio.com

Upper hallway view with wooden accents, potted plants, framed photos, and a staircase leading down to a lower level.
A backyard garden scene with a concrete pathway, a small pond, lush green trees and bushes, and outdoor seating with a table and two chairs under the shade.
Outdoor deck with relaxation area featuring a hot tub, lounge chairs, tables, and umbrellas, with a lush green hillside and trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Bedroom with a bed, two bedside tables with lamps, a window, wooden flooring, and a sloped ceiling with wooden beams and windows.
A spacious room with high wooden ceiling and large windows showing green trees outside. The room is set up for a yoga or meditation class with mats, bolsters, blankets, and blocks arranged neatly on the floor. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling, and there are ceiling fans and framed pictures on the wooden walls.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

- African Proverb