
Awaken to Joy: Discovering Calm and Connection Within
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.

Are you the strong one… the capable one… the one everyone depends on ... yet inside you feel stretched, tired, or quietly disconnected , this retreat is your turning point.
This is where you stop performing and start experiencing truth.
But this retreat isn’t only for the weary leader.
It’s for you if you’re craving something magical.
If you long for meaningful connection with like-minded people.
If you need to step away from a busy, demanding life and finally exhale.
It’s for you if you’re ready to nourish yourself — with yoga, meditation, Qigong, nature, hot springs, bike rides, and deep conversation.
It’s for you if you’re retired and ready for a joyful adventure exploring our beautiful country.
If you’ve been wanting to travel the Northern California coast, wander beneath the Redwoods, breathe ocean air, and remember what it feels like to FEEL FULLY ALIVE!
Whether you are seeking rest, healing, connection, adventure — or simply space to be — this experience was created with YOU in mind.
Through gentle yoga practices, guided breathwork, Surya Ram meditation, Qigong, restorative practices, and shared experiences in nature, you will calm your overactive mind and release anxiety that has been living beneath the surface.
The striving softens. The pressure dissolves.
The guilt loosens its grip.
In the safety of supportive community, you will reconnect with like-minded souls who see you, not for what you do, but for who you are.
Self-confidence rises naturally. Clarity returns.
Your true essence emerges without force.
You won’t leave as a different person.
You will leave feeling like your True Self again!
Joyful
Grounded
Fulfilled
Supported
Authentic
Ready to lead in love and live from inner authority instead of expectation.
This is not an escape.
It is a reclamation of your true essence!
As we awaken to new possibilities, saying YES to this retreat, practicing mindful living and trying new things you will learn to live more authentically and live guilt-free, so you can prioritize YOUR well-being.

The Stanford Inn by the Sea will become your home for six days of deep rest and reconnection, where redwood-covered mountains meet the vast Pacific Ocean. Wrapped in nature and quiet beauty, this 6-day/5-night cozy and luxury retreat offers a rare and spacious pause from the pace of everyday life.
The Stanford Inn, Historic Farm & Eco-Resort offers a holistic and enriching experience that combines luxury, sustainability, wellness, and natural beauty, creating a magical and memorable stay for its guests.
Situated on a hillside overlooking Mendocino Bay, the inn offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding forests. The picturesque setting is ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Here, you are invited to step out of the noise, soften your nervous system, and let your mind gently settle. At the edge of the North American continent, nestled in forest and overlooking the sea, we gather in a grounded, compassionate container, one that allows you to rest deeply, to be seen, and to be held just as you are.
You’ll experience BEING in a new way, through movement and stillness, breath and awareness, lived and embodied. What you take home is more than memories: a felt sense of ease, clarity, and belonging, and a quiet remembrance of who you are ...not only as an individual, but as part of a unified consciousness expressed through your own unique being.

Imagine this… you wake to soft morning light and the quiet rhythm of nature. From your private deck, you take in sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Big River, the organic gardens, or the charming village of Mendocino. The air smells of salt, pine, and possibility.
Inside, your room feels warm and inviting with Ponderosa pine paneling, redwood accents, and a cozy wood-burning fireplace. You brew a cup of organic, fair-trade Big River coffee, slow your breath, and ease into the day. Here, mornings are gentle, spacious, and unhurried.
Rooms are the ultimate in comfort, first-class amenities, views extraordinaire.
Options for private accommodations with a queen bed, or shared room with a king or two queen size beds and a wood burning fireplace.
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.

At Raven’s Restaurant, your body can finally relax and receive. There’s a quiet sense of care in the air ...unhurried, intentional, nourishing. As you sit down, surrounded by forest light and hints of ocean beyond, you feel grounded, present, and gently welcomed.
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.
_______________
Breakfast alone is worth the trip!
Made-to-order, organic & plant-based breakfasts each morning at 830am!
Included with your stay
_______
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
_______
Happy Hour – featuring specially priced wines and cocktails*
*Not included
_______
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.

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.

Step into the Stanford Inn’s Aquatic Center and feel the warmth wrap around you like a gentle embrace. Sunlight filters through the greenhouse glass, illuminating a saltwater pool heated to a perfect 82°F, while tropical plants sway softly around you. Steam rises from the hot tub and dry sauna, mingling with the soothing scent of greener
Step into the Stanford Inn’s Aquatic Center and feel the warmth wrap around you like a gentle embrace. Sunlight filters through the greenhouse glass, illuminating a saltwater pool heated to a perfect 82°F, while tropical plants sway softly around you. Steam rises from the hot tub and dry sauna, mingling with the soothing scent of greenery. Whether you’re floating in the warm water, sinking into the sauna, or lounging with a book as rain patters outside, the space invites pure relaxation ...an oasis where time slows and every season feels like a gentle, restorative retreat.
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!

Feel the freedom as you hop on a bike, the cool coastal air brushing your skin while redwoods surround you. The path stretches ahead, sometimes sun-dappled, sometimes wrapped in mist, inviting you to slow down and simply enjoy the ride.
You follow the gentle curve of Big River as it moves toward Mendocino Bay, the water calm and reflecti
Feel the freedom as you hop on a bike, the cool coastal air brushing your skin while redwoods surround you. The path stretches ahead, sometimes sun-dappled, sometimes wrapped in mist, inviting you to slow down and simply enjoy the ride.
You follow the gentle curve of Big River as it moves toward Mendocino Bay, the water calm and reflective, birds calling softly from the estuary. Time feels expansive here. Effortless. You might wander into the historic village of Mendocino, stopping for a coffee, a view, or a quiet moment of discovery. Or you ride the beloved Big River Trail, where every turn feels like a small, joyful adventure.
There’s a sense of play and ease in these moments, movement without pressure, exploration without agenda. You return feeling refreshed, lightly energized, and more connected to the land, your body, and the simple pleasure of being outside
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!)

Imagine gliding along the serene waters of Big River, surrounded by towering redwoods and the gentle sounds of wildlife. Over its lower eight tidal miles, the river carries you effortlessly, its calm depth perfect for paddling year-round. Nestled within California’s newest state park, every bend reveals a world of protected estuary, rich
Imagine gliding along the serene waters of Big River, surrounded by towering redwoods and the gentle sounds of wildlife. Over its lower eight tidal miles, the river carries you effortlessly, its calm depth perfect for paddling year-round. Nestled within California’s newest state park, every bend reveals a world of protected estuary, rich with birds, otters, and the quiet rhythm of nature. Our trio of Big River tours invites you to connect deeply with this living landscape, an experience that feels both extraordinary and unforgettable.
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.
Everything is optional
"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

We live in the foothills of North Carolina, where we bring together our shared love of personal growth, nature, and community. Danielle is originally from San Diego, and Theo is from Northern California. We met in Asheville in January 2020 and immediately recognized a deep, soulful connection. From the very beginning, we discovered a shared passion for learning, healing, and living full, intentional lives.
Together, we love communing with nature, ecstatic dancing, hiking the Appalachian Mountains, paddling local lakes and rivers, mountain biking, traveling to foreign destinations, sharing nutritious meals, and exploring the inner landscapes of heart, mind, and spirit.
We are both deeply committed to a growth-oriented life and 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. Our dedication to growth extends into our family life, where we share in the love and guidance of our three children — Danielle’s two sons, ages 22 and 24, and Theo’s 20-year-old daughter.
We cherish our friends and family and love meeting new people, cultivating meaningful community, and sharing the practices and insights that have transformed our lives. Together, we have co-hosted multiple international retreats and are deeply honored to bring this retreat to Northern California — the place where Theo grew up.
Warm, friendly, and compassionate, we create an environment where you feel seen, supported, nurtured, and inspired to explore your own journey of self-discovery..

Hi, I’m Theo (tay-oh).
My life has been a journey of inner exploration ... learning how to listen beneath the surface and live from a deeper place of presence. Since the early 1990s, I’ve been devoted to meditation, healing, and understanding the subtle connection between body, mind, and spirit.
I was born and raised in Northern California, and my path eventually led me to Asheville in 2003, where I immersed myself in spiritual community and ashram life. Those years of daily meditation, self-inquiry, and shared practice shaped the foundation of who I am today. Stillness became less of something I practiced and more of a way I live.
Whether I’m offering bodywork, teaching meditation, guiding Qigong, or simply sitting with someone in conversation, my intention is the same: to create a space where you feel safe enough to relax, grounded enough to open, and supported enough to reconnect with your own inner wisdom.
At heart, I’m a student of consciousness, a lover of nature, and someone who believes that healing happens when we slow down enough to truly listen.

Hi, I’m Danielle.
Connection has always been the thread running through my life ...connection to people, to nature, to movement, and to the quiet inner voice that guides us home.
My love of travel began when I was seven years old on a cross-country road trip with my dad and sister. Watching the landscapes change mile by mile sparked something in me, a deep curiosity about the world and the people in it. That curiosity has carried me across oceans, along coastlines, through mountains, and eventually into creating retreats where others can experience that same sense of wonder and expansion.
Yoga has been part of my life since childhood, practicing beside my mom. Over time it became more than movement, it became a refuge, a teacher, and a way of remembering who I am beneath the noise of daily life. Holding space for others now feels like a natural extension of that journey.
Whether I’m guiding a class, co-hosting a retreat, paddleboarding at sunrise, or cooking for my family, my heart is the same: to live fully, love deeply, and create spaces where people feel safe enough to soften and brave enough to grow.

Included:
Not Included:
Included:
Not Included:

"I attended a yoga retreat that Danielle of Dragonfly Moon created in France. What an amazing experience! We stayed in a beautiful historic chateau in southwestern France. The chateau was elegant and comfortable at the same time, the grounds and surrounding countryside were magical. The retreat itself was so well planned out, down to the smallest detail. The itinerary included plenty of soul-filling yoga, delicious food made to order for many different dietary needs, interesting events and excursions to local attractions and nearby towns, while also allowing for time to relax and truly immerse yourself in the experience. The beauty of going on a retreat with Dragonfly Moon is being able to completely let go, knowing that everything has been thoroughly planned for you. Treat yourself to a heart nurturing retreat with Danielle - you won’t regret it!" L.M. San Diego, Ca
Accommodation with a queen bed with a 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-ref
Accommodation with a queen bed with a 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 with a 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 you
Accommodation with a King or two queen size beds in a room with a 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

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.
For the 2nd half of the day, pick from 3 options
A perfect day to hike, soak, sip and reconnect before returning to the coast for dinner.
Copyright © 2026 Dragonfly Moon Retreats - All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.