
Come home to yourself
...rested, rooted and whole
June 7–12, 2026
Mendocino, California
with Theo & Danielle Chappell
“You are not a drop in the ocean.
You are the entire ocean in a drop.”
~ Rumi
This retreat is an invitation to remember who you are beneath the layers of doing, striving, and becoming...
So much of life teaches us to believe we are small, separate drops moving through a vast and often overwhelming world. Rumi reminds us of something ancient and true:
We are not separate from the ocean of life. We carry the whole ocean within us.
Set along the rugged Mendocino coast, near where redwoods meet the sea, this 6 day, 5 night retreat offers a safe, grounded pause. A chance to step out of the noise of everyday life, soften the nervous system, quiet the mind, and return home to yourself.
Held in a compassionate and intentional container with Theo and Danielle Chappell, this is a space to rest, be seen, and explore your inner landscape at your own pace.
Nothing is forced. Nothing is expected. You are welcome exactly as you are.
This is not about fixing or becoming something new.
It is about remembering.
Returning.
Coming home.

We will be staying in the beautiful and cozy luxury Stanford Inn, set along the rugged, breathtaking Mendocino coast, where the redwood covered mountains meet the sea.
This 6 day/5 night retreat offers a safe, spacious pause. A chance to step out of the noise of everyday life, soften the nervous system, quiet the mind, and gently return home to yourself.
Here, at the edge of the North American continent nestled in the forest, looking out across the ocean, we gather in a grounded and compassionate container to rest, to be seen, and to be held. Through gentle yoga, Surya Ram meditation, Qigong, nature immersion, silence and shared presence, we explore being, through movement and stillness of body, breath and mind, through lived experience.
We remember who we are, not just as individuals moving alone, but as a unified consciousness expressing itself through each unique person.

At Raven's Restaurant, dining is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of the connection between wellness, sustainability, and the natural world. Inspired, plant-based culinary experience that delights both vegans and non-vegans alike.
Driven by a deep respect for the environment and a passion for nourishing food, Raven's menu showcases innovative, gourmet vegan cuisine made with organic, seasonal ingredients—many harvested from their own Certified Organic gardens. Each dish reflects the essence of the surrounding landscape, bringing the flavors of Northern California to life in unexpected, artful ways.
Whether you’re savoring a leisurely breakfast with forest and ocean views or enjoying a festive community dinner, Ravens Restaurant invites you to reconnect—with nature, with your health, and with the joy of mindful eating.
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Breakfast alone is worth the trip!
Made-to-order, organic & plant-based breakfasts each morning at 830am!
Included with your stay
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Afternoons at the Inn tea time
4:00 pm – 4:45 pm daily, featuring organic coffee, tea, house made sweet breads, and tea sandwiches. Included with your stay
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Happy Hour – featuring specially priced wines and cocktails*
*Not included
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Dinner each evening is at 730pm.
Raven's restaurant offers a truly exceptional experience, with their organic, plant-based menu.
Selections include a variety of starters, salads, and entrees, and wonderful desserts!
Included in your stay
If you are still hungry after breakfast and before tea time, there are a couple of options to buy lunch. You choose - lunch at Raven's or take a walk or bike ride into the town of Mendocino for lunch and a bit of shopping.

Rooms are the ultimate in comfort, first-class amenities, views extraordinaire … with views of the grand Pacific Ocean, the impressive Big River, the colorful organic gardens, or the historic village of Mendocino.
Options for private accommodations with a queen bed, or shared room with a king or two queen size beds and a wood burning fireplace.
Paneled in Ponderosa pine with redwood accents and a private deck.
Amenities include a hospitality center with refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker supplied with Big River organic, fair trade coffee. HDTV by DirecTV and complimentary WiFi.

Each day, will include a gentle yoga practice designed to support both awakening and deep rest.
Morning sessions are gentle vinyasa flow, led by Danielle, weaving slow, mindful movement with breath to awaken the body, open energy pathways, and cultivate embodied presence. These practices are accessible, nurturing, and adaptable for all le
Each day, will include a gentle yoga practice designed to support both awakening and deep rest.
Morning sessions are gentle vinyasa flow, led by Danielle, weaving slow, mindful movement with breath to awaken the body, open energy pathways, and cultivate embodied presence. These practices are accessible, nurturing, and adaptable for all levels.
Evenings are devoted to Yin and Restorative Yoga, offering long-held, supported postures and quiet stillness to calm the nervous system, integrate the day’s experiences, and invite deep rest. These practices emphasize surrender, softness, and being held, allowing the body and mind to fully unwind.

Learn Surya Ram Meditation with Theo.
Surya Ram Meditation is an effortless silent meditation which brings profound rest to the psycho-physiology. By resting effortlessly into the Self, we allow stresses and strains stored deep in our psyco-physiology to purify out. This purification process enables our natural healing mechanisms to fun
Learn Surya Ram Meditation with Theo.
Surya Ram Meditation is an effortless silent meditation which brings profound rest to the psycho-physiology. By resting effortlessly into the Self, we allow stresses and strains stored deep in our psyco-physiology to purify out. This purification process enables our natural healing mechanisms to function more fully. The Surya Meditation, when done in private, can be a great facilitator for the evolution of the practitioner. When performed in groups, the power of the Surya Meditation multiplies exponentially and one experiences an expanded sphere of positive influence.
Qigong with Theo
Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice that combines gentle movement, breath control and meditation to cultivate and balance the body's vital energy, or "Qi" or "Chi" (pronounced "chee"). The goal of Qigong is to enhance physical health, mental clarity and emotional well-being by promoting the smooth flow of blood, oxygen and energy throughout the bodymind. It is often used for stress reduction, improving flexibility, strength and balance while boosting immune function and increasing vitality.

Enjoy a deeply healing journey of body and mind in our exclusive Yoga & Massage class, lovingly guided by Danielle, a compassionate yoga instructor, and Theo, a skilled massage therapist with over 30 years of experience in the healing arts. This restorative experience is designed to support profound rest and relaxation, gently bringing
Enjoy a deeply healing journey of body and mind in our exclusive Yoga & Massage class, lovingly guided by Danielle, a compassionate yoga instructor, and Theo, a skilled massage therapist with over 30 years of experience in the healing arts. This restorative experience is designed to support profound rest and relaxation, gently bringing the nervous system back into balance. You will be guided into carefully supported restorative yoga poses, using props to ensure complete comfort, while receiving intentional, healing touch massage to ease tension, quiet the mind, and invite a deep sense of return—back to your body, your breath, and yourself.

The Stanford Inn offers Mendocino’s only fitness center and aquatic facility. The Aquatic Center’s greenhouse features a saltwater swimming pool (heated to 82F), dry sauna, hot tub, showers, and lounging areas among plants. The greenhouse provides a warm, relaxing experience throughout all four seasons, and is especially delightful on a rainy evening!

Complimentary resort amenities include use of mountain or comfort bikes for exploring coastal roads and trails.
Nestled in a small cove on Big River Estuary, just before it flows into Mendocino Bay, is the adventure destination for outdoor enthusiasts .
Explore the quaint historic town of Mendocino, or ride the popular Big River Trail (highly recommended!)

Big River flows fifty five miles westward from the rugged Coast Range into Mendocino Bay. Due to its slight gradient, the lower eight miles are tidal, providing paddlers with good depth year round. Nestled within California’s newest state park, the Big River estuary–including its abundant wildlife and adjacent lands–is now permanently pr
Big River flows fifty five miles westward from the rugged Coast Range into Mendocino Bay. Due to its slight gradient, the lower eight miles are tidal, providing paddlers with good depth year round. Nestled within California’s newest state park, the Big River estuary–including its abundant wildlife and adjacent lands–is now permanently protected. Our unique trio of Big River tours will help you experience the wildlife and river in a way that is truly remarkable … and profoundly memorable.
*Options to Rent a Canoe or book a tour on a Mendolea

At the heart of Stanford Inn’s wellness offerings is a serene sanctuary known as Massage in the Forest, where skilled therapists guide you into deep relaxation and restoration set against the peaceful backdrop of Mendocino’s coastal forest.
The spa menu blends time-honored techniques with intuitive care, helping you release tension, cal
At the heart of Stanford Inn’s wellness offerings is a serene sanctuary known as Massage in the Forest, where skilled therapists guide you into deep relaxation and restoration set against the peaceful backdrop of Mendocino’s coastal forest.
The spa menu blends time-honored techniques with intuitive care, helping you release tension, calm the nervous system, and nourish the body. Choose from a range of therapeutic experiences .
"The healing power of touch is unmistakable. Elephants caress fellow elephants if they are injured or ill. They caress each other at times of loss. Health benefits of touch include relieving muscular aches and tension, improving circulation and generating a feeling of well being. Massage is truly educated touching. "
*Options to add a spa treatments

Nestled deep within the forested hills of Mendocino County, Orr Hot Springs is a rustic, clothing-optional sanctuary devoted to rest, renewal, and simple living. Surrounded by oaks, madrone, and quiet woodland trails, this off-grid retreat offers a deeply grounding experience—one that invites you to slow down, unplug, and return to the n
Nestled deep within the forested hills of Mendocino County, Orr Hot Springs is a rustic, clothing-optional sanctuary devoted to rest, renewal, and simple living. Surrounded by oaks, madrone, and quiet woodland trails, this off-grid retreat offers a deeply grounding experience—one that invites you to slow down, unplug, and return to the natural rhythms of the body.
The hot springs feature a series of stone soaking tubs, including a communal pool, private tubs, and outdoor baths tucked into the landscape. Naturally heated mineral water flows continuously, supporting deep relaxation, easing muscle tension, and calming the nervous system. Evenings are especially magical, with lantern-lit pathways, star-filled skies, and the gentle hush of the forest all around.
Orr Hot Springs is intentionally simple and eco-conscious. There is no cell service or Wi-Fi, encouraging a true digital detox and a rare opportunity to be fully present. Guests are invited to honor a culture of respect, quiet, and consent, creating a safe and welcoming space for rest, contemplation, and authentic connection.
Soaking at Orr Hot Springs is not just about the water—it is a ritual of release. A chance to soften effort, surrender to warmth, and let the earth hold you. Many leave feeling grounded, restored, and profoundly at ease, carrying the calm of the springs long after they return home.
*Optional day trip to Hot Springs

Tucked deep within California’s Coast Range, Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve is a hidden gem offering a rare and intimate encounter with ancient coast redwoods. Less traveled and quietly majestic, this sanctuary invites you into a primeval landscape of towering old-growth trees, lush ferns, fallen logs, and gentle streams that wind
Tucked deep within California’s Coast Range, Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve is a hidden gem offering a rare and intimate encounter with ancient coast redwoods. Less traveled and quietly majestic, this sanctuary invites you into a primeval landscape of towering old-growth trees, lush ferns, fallen logs, and gentle streams that wind through serene woodland valleys.
Home to some of the tallest redwoods in the world—including a legendary tree once believed to be the tallest on Earth—Montgomery Woods continues to awe with its lofty giants and profound stillness. A scenic two-mile loop trail, moderately challenging with a steeper start, guides you through remarkable groves where solitude, silence, and reverence naturally arise.
Originally established in 1945 through a nine-acre donation by Robert Orr, the reserve has grown to over 2,700 acres through continued conservation efforts, preserving this sacred forest for generations to come. Walking here is more than a hike—it’s an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and feel the quiet wisdom of the ancient trees.
* Optional day trip to Montgomery Woods

Day 1 — Sunday, June 7
Arrival & Opening
Day 2 — Monday, June 8 Settling In
Day 1 — Sunday, June 7
Arrival & Opening
Day 2 — Monday, June 8 Settling In
Day 3 — Tuesday, June 9
Exploration
Day 4 — Wednesday, June 10
Nature & Nurture
(Optional Excursion)
Day 5 — Thursday, June 11
Integration
Day 6 — Friday, June 12
Closing
Schedule is spacious by design and may gently shift to support the group.
Danielle and Theo live in the foothills of NC, bringing together their shared love of personal growth, nature and community. Danielle, originally from San Diego, and Theo, from Northern California, met in Asheville in January 2020 and immediately recognized a deep soulful connection, discovering a shared passion for learning, healing and living full intentional lives. Together, they enjoy communing with nature, ecstatic dancing, hiking the Appalachian mountains, paddling the local lakes and rivers, mountain biking, traveling to foreign destinations, sharing nutritious meals, and exploring the inner landscapes of heart, mind and spirit.
Both committed to a personal growth mindset, they support each other’s personal evolution through twice daily meditation, self-inquiry, yoga and breathwork practices, Qigong, and participation in holistic therapy, spiritual groups and workshops. Their dedication to growth extends to their family life, where they share in the love and guidance of three children: Danielle's 2 sons, ages 22 and 24, and Theo's 20-year-old daughter.
Danielle and Theo love their friends and family and enjoy meeting new people, cultivating community, and sharing the practices and insights that have transformed their own lives. Together, they have co- hosted multiple international retreats and are thrilled to bring this retreat to Northern California, honoring the area where Theo grew up.
Warm, friendly, and compassionate, they create an environment where participants feel seen, supported, nurtured and inspired to explore their own journey of self-discovery.
Theo (tay-oh) Chappell HHP/LMBT ~ River Of Life
Rev. Theo Chappell is a multi-talented Holistic Health Practitioner and Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist. Many call him a gifted healer and spiritual guide, offering transformative services to support your journey toward self-discovery, healing, balance, and integration. He calls his bodywork style “Structural Energetic Bodywork.” Theo is a compassionate, trauma-informed massage therapist and grounded healer from the inside out, with extensive training, talent, and experience to help you feel safe and at ease.
Theo has been a Holistic Health Practitioner since 1990 and is a trained meditation teacher of the Surya Ram Meditation (2001) by Dr. Michael Mamas. He is also a graduate of the SuryaRam Program at SEH (School for Enlightened Healing) in 2003. With long-term devotion to personal growth, holistic healing, and spiritual evolution, Theo has learned and practiced many East/West traditions and styles of sitting meditation, studying with teachers like Walter Chappell (Ramana Maharshi), Willem Nyland of the G.I. Gurdjieff Work Groups, June d’Estelle, Ram Dass, Jack Kornfield (Vipassana), Zen, SRF (P. Yogananda), Baba Hari Dass, Tibetan Lama Dudjom Dorjee, Drunvalo Melchizedek, Mantak Chia’s Healing Tao (through Michael Foss), HeartMath, TM (Dr. Mahapatra), and many other stillness and moving meditations from the 1970s through the 2000s.
He became deeply involved with the profound knowledge and wisdom teachings of Dr. Michael Mamas from 2000 onward, author of The Golden Frog; Consciousness Unfolding; Angels, Einstein and You; Unconditioned Spirit and How to Be Your Own Best Psychotherapist. and the founder of Mount Soma, a Vedic University/Ashram. Moving to Asheville, NC from Northern California in 2003, Theo was involved in the beginnings of Mount Soma in Clyde, NC, and lived in the Ashram program.
Theo offers a wide range of transformative practices to support your journey toward self-discovery, healing, and balance. Through Jyotish (Vedic Astrology), he provides deep insights into your life path, health, career, and relationship compatibility. His Structural Energetic Bodywork combines trauma-informed, intuitive hands-on energy healing and advanced integrative bodywork to address physical and psycho-energetic imbalances, promoting relief, renewal, and wholeness. With Trans-Gradient Counseling, he integrates all levels of being—from the physical body to the transcendent core of Self—to enliven your innate healing intelligence.
As a Surya Ram Meditation teacher, he guides practitioners of all levels to access deep inner peace, bliss, and clarity.
Additionally, as a certified Qigong instructor, Theo brings decades of experience in Tai Chi and Qigong to support vitality, energy flow, and overall well-being.
Danielle is a yoga teacher, retreat creator, and lifelong explorer with a passion for bringing people together in magical places around the world. Her journey is deeply rooted in connection, personal growth, and a love for living life to the fullest.
Her love for travel began at the age of seven, when her father took her and her sister on a cross-country trip from San Diego, CA, to Long Island, NY, and back. The diverse landscapes and meaningful connections she experienced sparked a lifelong passion for exploration. Over the years, Danielle has traveled extensively—from the U.S. and Hawaii to Paris, and later aboard a sailboat along the Mexican coast. As her family grew, her adventures expanded to include cross-country RV trips, as well as journeys to Iceland, Sweden, France, Italy, and beyond.
Yoga has been a guiding light throughout Danielle’s life. She began practicing with her mother as a child and formalized her dedication by completing her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) in 2023 at YAM, Yoga and Massage Studio. Her teaching blends vinyasa, gentle flow, Yin, and restorative practices, with a focus on breath (pranayama), mindfulness, and alignment. Danielle creates joyful, immersive classes designed to welcome practitioners of all levels.
In 2024, Danielle became a certified Reiki practitioner (Reiki I & II) through Reiki Master Teacher Nancee Pond, integrating hands-on energy healing into her yoga practice to support students’ physical, emotional, and spiritual balance.
For the past 20 years, Danielle has also run a successful nanny and babysitting agency, organizing large childcare events and providing exceptional caregivers for families. Following her passion for creating meaningful experiences, she has curated retreats over the past five years in Western North Carolina, Costa Rica, Southwest France, and Tuscany. These retreats blend yoga, community, adventure, and personal growth into transformative, unforgettable journeys.
When she is not teaching yoga or planning retreats, Danielle enjoys paddleboarding, hiking, gardening, and preparing nourishing meals for her family. She is a devoted wife and mother to two young men and is continually inspired by the people she meets and the places she explores.
"I have had the great pleasure of attending two retreats arranged by Danielle and Theo, one in Tuscany and one in Costa Rica. Both properties were exceptional in terms of quality of lodging, food, and customer service. There's a nice mix of offerings, from solo time to guided nature hikes, meditation, qi gong, ecstatic dance, spa experiences, and spending time with new friends. As far as I could tell, both retreats were impeccably planned and logistically went without a hitch. Danielle and Theo are a fabulous team with a truly incredible amount of wellness and spiritual knowledge, and their easy demeanor and engaged, compassionate interactions with everyone on the trip made both little groups feel like family by the end. I can't wait to travel more with them in the future! " Jane F. Hendersonville NC

Included:
Not Included:
Included:
Not Included:

Accommodation with a queen bed , wood burning fireplace. Paneled in Ponderosa pine with redwood accents. Private Deck.
2 payment options available:
1. Pay in full
2. Pay $600 deposit and pay your remaining balance in 2 installments March 15 , April 15
A $600 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot.
The deposit is non-refundab
Accommodation with a queen bed , wood burning fireplace. Paneled in Ponderosa pine with redwood accents. Private Deck.
2 payment options available:
1. Pay in full
2. Pay $600 deposit and pay your remaining balance in 2 installments March 15 , April 15
A $600 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot.
The deposit is non-refundable under all circumstances unless your spot is filled by a replacement participant.
Deposit
Cancellation & Refunds
Cancellations
on or before March 15,
Cancellations between
March 16- April 14
Replacement Policy

Accommodation with a King or two queen size beds in a room Paneled in Ponderosa pine with redwood accents. Private Deck.
2 payment options available:
1. Pay in full
2. Pay $600 deposit and pay your remaining balance in 2 installments March 15 , April 15
A $600 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot.
The deposit is non-refunda
Accommodation with a King or two queen size beds in a room Paneled in Ponderosa pine with redwood accents. Private Deck.
2 payment options available:
1. Pay in full
2. Pay $600 deposit and pay your remaining balance in 2 installments March 15 , April 15
A $600 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot.
The deposit is non-refundable under all circumstances unless your spot is filled by a replacement participant.
Deposit
Cancellation & Refunds
Cancellations
on or before March 15,
Cancellations between
March 16- April 14
Replacement Policy

Airport Transfers to/from San Francisco International Airport
The drive from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Stanford Inn by the Sea on the Mendocino Coast typically takes about 3 to 3.5 hours by car, depending on traffic and your exact route. The distance is roughly 165–175 miles (265–282 km) along scenic inland and coastal highways

Just a 30–45 minute drive from Stanford Inn, this excursion takes you from the coast into the peaceful Mendocino redwoods.
Just a 30–45 minute drive from Stanford Inn, this excursion takes you from the coast into the peaceful Mendocino redwoods.
A perfect day to hike, soak, and reconnect before returning to the coast for dinner.
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