Memorial Weekend Meditation Retreat: A Mountain Getaway with Monks

With Venerable Michael Viradhammo and Venerable Nick Santacitto

May 22 - 24, 2026

Date and Time Details: Check-in is 3-4pm on Friday and check-out is at 1pm on Sunday.

Location: Bald Mountain Center

Address: 251 Elohee DriveSautee Nacoochee, Georgia 30571

What to Expect: To help you fully unwind and deepen your retreat experience, Elohee does not provide televisions or internet access (unless you bring your own hotspot). Reliable cell service is available for AT&T, Verizon, and T-mobile. Upon arrival, you’ll leave your car in a secured parking lot and be shuttled to your room. Shuttle service is also available at any time during your stay and for your departure. All facilities at the top of the mountain are within a five-minute walk of each other, along gently sloped gravel paths. Two cottage rooms are ADA-compliant, and all cottage rooms are located on the ground level.

  • Small Private Room/Shared Bath – $512.00
  • Single Occupancy/1 King Bed/Private Bath – $714.00
  • Double Occupancy/2 Twin Beds/Private Bath (Price is per person, must register separately) – $512.00
  • Double Occupancy/1 King Bed/Private Bath (Price is per person, must register separately) – $512.00

Price includes the course fee, room, meals, and grounds fee but does not include taxes. Full price is shown upon selection of room type prior to registering. A 40% deposit is due at the time of registration with full payment due 2 weeks prior to the retreat start date. If you are interested in tent camping, please email us at info@elohee.org for more information. Registration closes 3 days prior to the retreat start date.

Elohee's Registration and Cancellation Policy

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Learn the fundamentals, enjoy guided meditations, & listen to wisdom from the monks via official sessions, free time, guided yoga, and more. This retreat balances structure & freedom, rejuvenates mind & body, & fosters connection with self and others. 

Spearheaded by the Georgia Meditation Center, this retreat will be led by two American Buddhist monks from Thailand and annual GMC guest teachers Venerable Nick and Venerable Michael. With an emphasis on meditation, this retreat will help both beginners and experienced practitioners alike review the basics and get invaluable sitting time with guided meditations led by the monks in the beautiful mandala hall, around the fire, and at the outdoor yoga pavilion. This blend of environments coupled with the wisdom and facetime with the monks will support practitioners of all levels to experience true inner peace. 

This retreat will emphasize comfort, so there is no need to worry about a strict schedule or compelled silence during free time. If you would like to skip the early morning session or any others where you would prefer to get more rest or alone time, then this is permissible. There will also be some time allotted (see schedule below) for team-building activities and free time to connect with others, explore the trails, or find a quiet corner to journal. Optional Yoga at the pavilion after the early morning sessions will be guided by a certified yoga teacher. GMC Peace Leaders will be available to provide extra support as needed. 

After checkout on the final day, there will be an optional group trip to JumpinGoat Coffee Roasters, a beautiful outdoor coffee shop with a fantastic view of the mountains right down the road. It was a big hit for 2025!

 

Schedule (tentative, subject to change)

Friday

  • 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Check-in
  • 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Welcome & Orientation
  • 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Dinner
  • 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Mandala Hall Opening Session (Candlelight)

Saturday

  • 5:30 AM – 7:00 AM: Morning Meditation
  • 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM: (Optional) Guided Yoga
  • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast
  • 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Morning Session (Meditation + Wisdom)
  • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Free Time
  • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch
  • 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Team Building Activity/Hike
  • 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Meditation Session
  • 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Free Time
  • 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Dinner
  • 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM: Fireside Meditation and Chat

Sunday

  • 5:30 AM – 7:00 AM: Morning Meditation
  • 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM: (Optional) Guided Yoga
  • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast
  • 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Closing Ceremony
  • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Packing
  • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch & Check-Out
  • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: (Optional) Scenic Coffee Shop Trip – JumpinGoat

For more information, contact Bee at missbee@gmail.com.

Check out Elohee’s Guest Information FAQs here.

About the Leaders

Venerable Michael Viradhammo

In tandem with deepening his own spiritual practice, Venerable Michael co-writes books, runs candlelight meditation events and retreats, makes online resources, and travels the world with his monk brother, Venerable Nick, to make the wisdom of the monastery practical & accessible for the masses.

Learn more about Venerable Michael Viradhammo

Venerable Nick Santacitto

Previously a practicing psychotherapist, Venerable Nick merges the practicality of the mental health world with the depth of Buddhism. His YouTube videos and other content seek to help others on their journey to develop a spiritual life, heal their suffering, and live by their true nature.

Learn more about Venerable Nick Santacitto

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