Upcoming Silent Meditation Retreats
27-31 August, 2026: 3-Day Silent Meditation & Yoga Retreat | Blue Mountains, NSW.
Past Retreats
START DATE: 4pm Thursday 8 January, 2026
END DATE: 10am Monday 12 January, 2026
LOCATION: Wybalena Organic Farm, Byron Hinterland, NSW.
MORE INFORMATION: www.rosecousens.com/jan-26
INVESTMENT:
Yoga retreats in Australia — especially in the Byron Bay area — are often out of reach for many people. A weekend retreat (just 2 nights) typically costs between AU$950 and AU$3,000 (our retreat is double this length).
For this reason, we offer it on a conscious donation basis— so the retreat is open to all*, regardless of means, with those in abundance helping to support the whole.
Prices range from AU$690 - AU$1,450 depending on your choice of accommodation. This includes:
4 nights’ accommodation;
14 delicious vegetarian meals;
unlimited organic teas and fresh fruit.
The retreat program itself — the preparation, teachings, support and guidance, and facilitation — is offered by donation. After the retreat, you’ll be invited to contribute an amount that feels right for you, balancing both your financial capacity and the value you place on the experience.
*If you or someone you love is in need of this retreat and does not currently have the means, please contact us about scholarship opportunities.
PAYMENT POLICY:
A $100 deposit is required to register, and final payment will be due 6 weeks prior to the retreat.
The $100 deposit is non-refundable (but it is transferable), and cancellations within 6 weeks of the retreat will incur partial or full retreat fees as outlined in the retreat cancellation policy.
We kindly ask you to register with care. As these retreats run on a donation basis, we cannot absorb the cost of late cancellations. We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your retreat fees in case of illness, emergencies, or unforeseen disruptions.
This is an intensive, profound, yet deeply restful silent retreat involving three full days of guided meditation, gentle yoga practices, spiritual teachings, and self-inquiry, all against a backdrop of stillness.
Before booking, please read more about our silent retreats here.
No previous meditation or yoga experience is necessary. No previous experience in anything in particular is necessary.
This retreat is located at a dedicated meditation centre, set amidst the beauty and seclusion of the Australian Bush in the Blue Mountains.
START DATE: 4pm Thursday, 15 May 2025
END DATE: 10am Monday, 19 May 2025
LOCATION: Happy Buddha Retreats, Wentworth Falls, NSW (50 Railway Parade).
To read about these retreats from past participants, visit the Testimonials page.
————
THE EXPERIENCE INVOLVES:
Multiple guided and partly guided meditation sessions.
2 gentle yoga sessions each day.
Yoga nidra (yoga of sleep) sessions.
Daily breathwork sessions.
Walking meditation.
Spiritual discourses/short talks.
3 nourishing vegetarian meals per day, plus dinner on check-in day and breakfast on check-out day (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners).
The full schedule can be found here.
————
PRICES: (for 4 nights accommodation + all meals)
IMPORTANT NOTE: The prices listed below cover the hard costs for running the retreat only, including accommodation for four nights, any additional costs to secure the whole venue for our silent container, 11 (delicious!) meals, and unlimited tea and fresh fruit throughout the weekend.
The retreat program itself is by conscious donation. This means there is no built-in fee to contribute to the administrative and other preparatory aspects in the lead-up to the retreat, nor for our time and energy in facilitating the experience. We do this because we want to ensure the retreat is accessible for as many of you as possible, and we understand that each individual's circumstances and perception of value vary. So, after the retreat, you will get to choose an amount you would like to contribute, that aligns with both your financial capacity and the value you place on the program itself.
WOMEN’S TRIPLE SHARE ROOM: $500 per person + Program fee by donation.
WOMEN’S TWIN SHARE ROOM: $650 per person + Program fee by donation.
MEN’S TWIN SHARE ROOM: $650 per person + Program fee by donation.
PRIVATE ROOM (Double bed): $1,050 per person + Program fee by donation.
DELUXE PRIVATE ROOM (King bed): $1,175 per person + Program fee by donation.
————
PAYMENT & REGISTRATION POLICIES:
To secure your spot, a non-refundable $100 deposit is required. Please familiarise yourself with the Cancellation Policy before making a booking.
Final payments are due one month before the retreat. You will receive an invoice to complete your payment. If payment is not received by the due date and we haven’t heard from you, your spot may be offered to another participant.
Your Conscious Donation for the program will be payable at the end of the retreat, preferably in cash, or via bank transfer. As a guide, the suggested minimum donation for students or lower-income participants is $150.
This retreat is addressed to those in a stable emotional and psychological state. If you have any mental health conditions, please read our Mental Health Disclaimerto help determine if this retreat is right for you, or write to Rose at hello@rosecousens.com if you have an questions or concerns.
————
ABOUT THE FACILITATORS: Rose Cousens & Alistair Johnston
Rose has spent four out of the last seven years studying at the headquarters of Hridaya Yoga, a beautiful school of meditation and yoga (in its holistic sense) in a small fisherman's village on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.
This has been a washing machine of intensive training, extended periods of silence and solitude (including over 250 days of silent meditation retreats), while navigating the challenges of living and working in community.
When COVID-19 brought her home to Australia, she began offering silent meditation retreats in Far North Queensland and guiding yoga classes in Mission Beach. She integrates core principles from classical Yoga and Meditation with insights from Buddhist Psychology to craft a holistic approach to embracing life with authenticity, self-reflection, sincerity, and contentment.
Prior to Mexico, she juggled yoga and daily life as a busy Sydney-sider before (accidentally) dropping it all and deciding to live life in pursuit of service, and answering the impossible question: "Who am I?"
Alistair started his spiritual journey in 2014 at a Buddhist monastery in the North of Thailand. In the years since, he has practised meditation with various teachers, learned several styles of yoga, and sat many retreats. In 2018, he went to Mexico for a yoga course and met Rose as he arrived at the front gate. He has been a support and sounding-board for these retreats since they began in 2019 and started co-facilitating them this year. Alistair is also a writer, and you can find some of his short stories at alistair-johnston.com.
For more information about Rose, including a full list of accreditations and experience, visit the About Rose page.
This is an intensive, yet restful, silent retreat involving three full days of guided meditation, gentle yoga practices, spiritual teachings, and self-inquiry, all against a backdrop of stillness.
Before booking, please read more about our silent retreats here.
No previous meditation or yoga experience is necessary. No previous experience in anything in particular is necessary.
This retreat is located at a dedicated meditation centre, set amidst the beauty and seclusion of the Australian Bush in the Blue Mountains.
START DATE: 4pm Thursday, 19 June 2025
END DATE: 10am Monday, 23 June 2025
LOCATION: Happy Buddha Retreats, Wentworth Falls, NSW (50 Railway Parade).
To read about these retreats from past participants, visit the Testimonials page.
————
THE EXPERIENCE INVOLVES:
Multiple guided and partly guided meditation sessions.
2 gentle yoga sessions each day.
Yoga nidra (yoga of sleep) sessions.
Daily breathwork sessions.
Walking meditation.
Spiritual discourses/short talks.
3 nourishing vegetarian meals per day, plus dinner on check-in day and breakfast on check-out day (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners).
The full schedule can be found here.
————
PRICES: (for 4 nights accommodation + all meals)
IMPORTANT NOTE: The prices listed below cover the hard costs for running the retreat only, including accommodation for four nights, any additional costs to secure the whole venue for our silent container, 11 (delicious!) meals, and unlimited tea and fresh fruit throughout the weekend.
The retreat program itself is by conscious donation. This means there is no built-in fee to contribute to the administrative and other preparatory aspects in the lead-up to the retreat, nor for our time and energy in facilitating the experience. We do this because we want to ensure the retreat is accessible for as many of you as possible, and we understand that each individual's circumstances and perception of value vary. So, after the retreat, you will get to choose an amount you would like to contribute, that aligns with both your financial capacity and the value you place on the program itself.
WOMEN’S TRIPLE SHARE ROOM: $500 per person + Program fee by donation.
WOMEN’S TWIN SHARE ROOM: $650 per person + Program fee by donation.
MEN’S TWIN SHARE ROOM: $650 per person + Program fee by donation.
PRIVATE ROOM (Double bed): $1,050 per person + Program fee by donation.
DELUXE PRIVATE ROOM (King bed): $1,175 per person + Program fee by donation.
————
PAYMENT & REGISTRATION POLICIES:
To secure your spot, a non-refundable $100 deposit is required. Please familiarise yourself with the Cancellation Policy before making a booking.
Final payments are due one month before the retreat. You will receive an invoice to complete your payment. If payment is not received by the due date and we haven’t heard from you, your spot may be offered to another participant.
Your Conscious Donation for the program will be payable at the end of the retreat, preferably in cash, or via bank transfer. As a guide, the suggested minimum donation for students or lower-income participants is $150.
This retreat is addressed to those in a stable emotional and psychological state. If you have any mental health conditions, please read our Mental Health Disclaimer to help determine if this retreat is right for you, or write to Rose at hello@rosecousens.com if you have an questions or concerns.
————
ABOUT THE FACILITATORS: Rose Cousens & Alistair Johnston
Rose has spent four out of the last seven years studying at the headquarters of Hridaya Yoga, a beautiful school of meditation and yoga (in its holistic sense) in a small fisherman's village on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.
This has been a washing machine of intensive training, extended periods of silence and solitude (including over 250 days of silent meditation retreats), while navigating the challenges of living and working in community.
When COVID-19 brought her home to Australia, she began offering silent meditation retreats in Far North Queensland and guiding yoga classes in Mission Beach. She integrates core principles from classical Yoga and Meditation with insights from Buddhist Psychology to craft a holistic approach to embracing life with authenticity, self-reflection, sincerity, and contentment.
Prior to Mexico, she juggled yoga and daily life as a busy Sydney-sider before (accidentally) dropping it all and deciding to live life in pursuit of service, and answering the impossible question: "Who am I?"
Alistair started his spiritual journey in 2014 at a Buddhist monastery in the North of Thailand. In the years since, he has practised meditation with various teachers, learned several styles of yoga, and sat many retreats. In 2018, he went to Mexico for a yoga course and met Rose as he arrived at the front gate. He has been a support and sounding-board for these retreats since they began in 2019 and started co-facilitating them this year. Alistair is also a writer, and you can find some of his short stories at alistair-johnston.com.
For more information about Rose, including a full list of accreditations and experience, visit the About Rose page.
No previous meditation or yoga experience is necessary. We will start with bite sized meditations with breaks, and build up little by little.
An intensive silent retreat involving 3 days of meditation, gentle yoga practices, spiritual teachings, and self-inquiry, all against a backdrop of stillness. Read more
This retreat is located at a set of lodges in the rainforest, right by Lake Eacham. The accommodation is simple and secluded - a nature immersion complete with spectacular wildlife. And we will have it all to ourselves.
START DATE: 6pm Thursday 29 August 2024
END DATE: 10am Monday 2 September 2024
LOCATION: Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges, Lake Eacham, Far North Queensland
To read about the retreat from past participants, visit the Testimonials page.
INCLUSIONS:
3 x nourishing vegan meals per day, plus dinner on check-in day, and breakfast on check-out day (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners)
Multiple guided and partly guided meditation sessions, based on self-inquiry
2 x gentle yoga sessions each day
Yoga nidra (yoga of sleep) sessions
Daily breathwork/pranayama sessions
Walking meditation
Spiritual discourses/short talks (non-dogmatic)
PRICES: (for 4 nights accommodation + all meals)
Note: prices below cover the costs of accommodation and food only. The retreat program itself is by conscious donation. This is to ensure the retreat is accessible for all, and in the spirit of sharing these teachings of the Heart.
PRIVATE LODGE: $705 per person + Program fee by donation (can be paid after the retreat) [FULLY BOOKED - WAITLIST AVAILABLE]
TWIN SHARE LODGE: $505 per person + Program fee by donation (can be paid after the retreat).
TRIPLE SHARE LODGE: $465 per person + Program fee by donation (can be paid after the retreat).
If you would like to share a twin share lodge with some one you know, please either book together (selecting 2 x twin share lodge) or book separately, but send me an email to let me know you would like to be together :)
PAYMENT GUIDELINES:
To reserve your place, a $100 deposit is required.
Final payments will be due one month before the retreat. I will send you an invoice prior to this. If final payment is not received at this point, and I haven’t heard from you, your place may be offered to somebody else.
Please familiarise yourself with the cancellation policy below before booking.
ABOUT THE FACILITATOR:
Having grown up amidst the hustle and bustle of big-city life in Sydney, Rose discovered yoga in her early twenties as a means to alleviate anxiety. Unbeknownst to her at the time, this marked the beginning of a transformative journey.After nearly a decade of city living, punctuated by overseas experiences in India, Cambodia, and Thailand for yoga retreats and exploration, Rose decided to break free and relocate to Mexico. There, she devoted herself to full-time studies at Hridaya Yoga, a prestigious school of meditation and traditional yoga situated in a quaint fisherman's village on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Her three-year stay involved rigorous training, extended periods of silence and solitude, and the navigation of challenges and joys of living in a communal setting.
During her time at Hridaya Yoga, Rose participated in ten 10-Day Silent Meditation Retreats and a 49-Day Pratyabhijna Solitary Meditation Retreat. Serving on the Hridaya management team and as a teacher, she facilitated multiple 3-Day and 10-Day Silent Retreats.
Rose completed her 600(+) hour Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga & Meditation Teacher Training Course at Hridaya Yoga, along with additional courses and workshops in hatha yoga, pranayama, non-violent communication, classica tantra, and her great love—meditation. Subsequent training included Ayurveda (50-hour immersion course with Vichara Yoga), Women's Tantra (30-hour immersion course, also with Vichara Yoga), and an ongoing six-month intensive exploration of the Mahavidyas (Ten Wisdom Goddesses). Recently, Rose concluded a 100-hour Heart-Womb Awakening Intensive through Hridaya Yoga and a 50-hour Yoga Alliance Accredited Yin TTC at Orion Healing in Thailand. The profound teachings of Hridaya and subsequent personal studies deeply impacted her.
Returning to Mexico in early 2023, Rose immersed herself once again in yoga and stillness. She spent 67 days in silent retreats as a participant, guided by experienced teachers with over 30 years in yoga and meditation. Rose also joined the teaching team in four month-long intensive yoga courses at Hridaya Yoga.
Delighted to share her learned—or unlearned—wisdom back in Australia, Rose now guides yoga and meditation at Sundance Studio, Mission Beach. She facilitates Silent Meditation Retreats in the Tablelands (QLD), the Cassowary Coast (QLD), and soon in the Blue Mountains (NSW). Additionally, Rose facilitates cacao ceremonies and has established her own business, Soma Cacao, to source cacao intentionally and directly, dissatisfied with the integrity of the available options in the Australian market.
Rose is 34-years old and has a deep appreciation for sacred poetry, cacao, frangipanis, high planks, excel spreadsheets, French music, and the tenderness of the heart. She loves the full moon, Rachmaninoff, and the emotional impact of movies. Finding herself increasingly hilariously funny, Rose enjoys cooling off in the ocean after a sweaty beach run. Her favourite evenings involve immersing herself in a good book with cups of tea, and snuggles with her partner Alistair and cat, Snowbell.
For more about Rose including a full list of accreditations and experience, visit the About Rose page.
No previous meditation or yoga experience is necessary. No previous experience in anything in particular is necessary. We will start with bite sized meditations with breaks, and build up little by little.
This is an intensive, yet deeply restful silent retreat involving 3 days of guided meditation, gentle yoga practices, spiritual teachings, and self-inquiry, all against a backdrop of stillness. Read more
This retreat is located at a dedicated meditation centre, set amidst the beauty and seclusion of the Australian Bush in the Blue Mountains.
START DATE: 5.30pm Thursday 26 September 2024
END DATE: 10am Monday 30 September 2024
LOCATION: Happy Buddha Retreats, Wentworth Falls, NSW. (50 Railway Parade).
To read about these retreats from past participants, visit the Testimonials page.
THE EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:
3 x nourishing vegan meals per day, plus dinner on check-in day, and breakfast on check-out day (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners)
Multiple guided and partly guided meditation sessions, based on self-inquiry
2 x gentle yoga sessions each day
Yoga nidra (yoga of sleep) sessions
Daily breathwork/pranayama sessions
Walking meditation
Spiritual discourses/short talks
FULL SCHEDULE: Can be found here.
***********************************************************************
PRICES: (for 4 nights accommodation + all meals)
IMPORTANT NOTE: The prices listed below cover the hard costs for running the retreat only, including accommodation for four nights, any additional costs to secure the whole venue for our silent container, 11 (delicious!) meals, and unlimited tea and fresh fruit throughout the weekend.
The retreat program itself is by conscious donation. This means there is no built-in fee to contribute to the administrative and other preparatory aspects in the lead up to the retreat, nor for our time and energy in facilitating the experience. We do this because we want to ensure the retreat is accessible for as many of you as possible, and we understand that each individual's circumstances and perception of value vary. So, after the retreat, you will get to choose an amount you would like to contribute, that aligns with both your financial capacity and the value you place on the program itself.
[1 SPOT LEFT] WOMEN’S TRIPE SHARE ROOM $500 per person + Program fee by donation
WOMEN’S TWIN SHARE ROOM $650 per person + Program fee by donation (FULLY BOOKED)
MEN’S TWIN SHARE ROOM $650 per person + Program few by donation (FULLY BOOKED)
PRIVATE ROOM (Double bed): $1,050 per person + Program fee by donation (FULLY BOOKED)
DELUXE PRIVATE ROOM (King bed): $1,175 per person + Program fee by donation (FULLY BOOKED)
***********************************************************************
PAYMENT POLICIES:
To secure your spot, a $100 deposit is required.
Please take some time to carefully consider your availability for the retreat before committing to attend. Our retreats fill up quickly, but we do get quite a few last minute cancellations, which don’t always leave enough time for others to join - who may have needed more time to prepare, to secure carers and/or time off work. Thank you for your cooperation with this. (The deposit is transferable to another retreat if a cancellation or exchange happens more than 30 days prior to the retreat).
Final payments will be due one month before the retreat.
You will be sent an invoice prior to this reminding you of the total amount due. If final payment is not received at this point, and we haven’t heard from you, your place will be offered to somebody else.
Your donation for the program will be payable at the end of retreat.
Cash is preferred, but bank transfer is also very welcome. An invoice for this can be provided upon request. You can read more about Conscious Donations in the drop-down menu below.
Please familiarise yourself with the Cancellation Policy in the drop-down menu below before making a booking.
***********************************************************************
ABOUT THE FACILITATORS: Rose Cousens & Alistair Johnston
Rose has spent four out of the last seven years studying at the headquarters of Hridaya Yoga, a beautiful school of meditation and yoga (in its holistic sense) in a small fisherman's village on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.
This has been a washing machine of intensive training, extended periods of silence and solitude (including over 250 days of silent meditation retreats), while navigating the challenges of living and working in community. When COVID-19 brought her home to Australia, she began offering silent meditation retreats in Far North Queensland, and guiding yoga classes in Mission Beach. She integrates core principles from classical Yoga and Meditation with insights from Buddhist Psychology to craft a holistic approach to embracing life with authenticity, self-reflection, sincerity, and contentment.Prior to Mexico she juggled yoga and daily life as a busy Sydney-sider before (accidentally) dropping it all and deciding to live life in pursuit of service, and answering the impossible question: "Who am I?”
Alistair started his spiritual journey in 2014 at a Buddhist monastery in the North of Thailand. In the years since he has practised meditation with various teachers, learned several styles of yoga, and sat many retreats. In 2018 he went to Mexico for a yoga course, and met Rose as he arrived at the front gate. He has been a support and sounding-board for these retreats since they began in 2019, and started co-facilitating them this year. Alistair is also a writer, and you can find some of his short stories at alistair-johnston.com.
For more information about Rose including a full list of accreditations and experience, visit the About Rose page.
No previous meditation or yoga experience is necessary. No previous experience in anything in particular is necessary. We will start with bite sized meditations with breaks, and build up little by little.
This is an intensive, yet deeply restful silent retreat involving 3 days of meditation, gentle yoga practices, spiritual teachings, and self-inquiry, all against a backdrop of stillness. Read more
This retreat is located at a dedicated meditation centre, set amidst the beauty and seclusion of the Australian Bush in the Blue Mountains.
START DATE: 5.30pm Thursday 27 June 2024
(Note, check-in anytime after 3.30 pm).
END DATE: 10am Monday 1 July 2024
LOCATION: Happy Buddha Retreats, Wentworth Falls, NSW. (50 Railway Parade).
To read about these retreats from past participants, visit the Testimonials page.
INCLUSIONS:
3 x nourishing vegetarian meals per day, plus dinner on check-in day, and breakfast on check-out day (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners)
Multiple guided and partly guided meditation sessions, based on self-inquiry
2 x gentle yoga sessions each day
Yoga nidra (yoga of sleep) sessions
Daily breathwork/pranayama sessions
Walking meditation
Spiritual discourses/short talks
PRICES: (for 4 nights accommodation + all meals)
Please note these prices cover the hard costs for running the retreat, including accommodation for four nights, and 11 (delicious!) vegetarian meals. T
The retreat program itself is by conscious donation (this includes my time). I do this because I want to ensure the retreat is accessible for as many of you as possible, and I understand that each individual's circumstances and perception of value vary. So you will get to choose an amount that aligns with both your financial capacity and the value you place on the program itself.
TWIN SHARE ROOM $650 per person + Program fee by donation
TRIPE SHARE ROOM $500 per person Program fee by donation
PRIVATE ROOM (Single bed): $970 per person + Program fee by donation
DELUXE PRIVATE ROOM (King bed): $1,175 per person + Program fee by donation
PRIVATE ROOM (Double bed): $1,050 per person + Program fee by donation
PAYMENT GUIDELINES:
To reserve your place, a $100 deposit is required.
Final payments will be due one month before the retreat. I will send you an invoice prior to this reminding you of the total amount due. If final payment is not received at this point, and I haven’t heard from you, your place will be offered to somebody else.
Conscious Donations will be collected at the end of retreat. Cash is preferred, but bank transfer is also welcome. An invoice for this can be provided on request. You can read more about Conscious Donations below.
Please familiarise yourself with the Cancellation Policy below before booking.
ABOUT THE FACILITATOR:Having grown up amidst the hustle and bustle of big-city life in Sydney, Rose discovered yoga in her early twenties as a means to alleviate anxiety. Unbeknownst to her at the time, this marked the beginning of a transformative journey.
After nearly a decade of city living, interspersed with various overseas trips to India, Cambodia, and Thailand sparked by an insatiable longing for depth, Rose decided to break free and relocate to Mexico. There, she devoted herself to full-time studies at Hridaya Yoga, an authentic school of meditation and traditional hatha yoga situated in a small fisherman's village on the Pacific Coast of Oaxaca. Her three-year stay involved rigorous training, extended periods of silence and solitude, while navigating challenges and joys of living in a communal setting.
During her initial stay at Hridaya Yoga, Rose participated in ten 10-Day Silent Meditation Retreats and a 49-Day Pratyabhijna Solitary Meditation Retreat. Serving on the Hridaya management team and as a teacher, she supported the facilitation of multiple 3-Day and 10-Day Silent Retreats.
The profound teachings of Hridaya and subsequent personal studies shook her to the core.
Returning to Mexico in early 2023, Rose immersed herself once again in yoga and stillness. She spent 67 days in silent retreats as a participant, guided by experienced teachers with over 30 years in yoga and meditation. Rose also re-joined the teaching team in four month-long intensive yoga courses at Hridaya Yoga.
Deeply inspired to share what she has learned, or perhaps, un-learned, back in Australia, Rose now guides yoga and meditation at Sundance Studio, Mission Beach, facilitates Silent Meditation Retreats in the Tablelands (QLD), the Cassowary Coast (QLD), and the Blue Mountains (NSW). Additionally, Rose facilitates cacao ceremonies and has established her own business, Soma Cacao, to source cacao intentionally and directly.Rose has a deep appreciation for sacred poetry, cacao, frangipanis, high planks, excel spreadsheets, French music, and the tenderness of the heart. She loves the full moon, Rachmaninoff, and being moved to tears by a film. She finds herself increasingly hilariously funny. She loves cooling off in the ocean after a sweaty beach run. Her favourite evenings involve immersing herself in a good book with cups of tea, and snuggles with her partner Alistair and cat, Snowbell.
For more about Rose including a full list of accreditations and experience, visit the About Rose page.
No previous meditation or yoga experience is necessary. We will start with bite sized meditations with breaks, and build up little by little.
An intensive silent retreat involving 5 full days of meditation, gentle yoga practices, spiritual teachings, and self-inquiry, all against a backdrop of stillness. Read more
This retreat is located at a set of lodges in the rainforest, right by Lake Eacham. The accommodation is simple and secluded - a nature immersion complete with spectacular wildlife. And we will have it all to ourselves.
START DATE: 6pm Wednesday 29 May 2024
END DATE: 10am Tuesday 4 June 2024
LOCATION: Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges, Lake Eacham, Far North Queensland
To read about the retreat from past participants, visit the Testimonials page.
INCLUSIONS:
3 x nourishing vegan meals per day, plus dinner on check-in day, and breakfast on check-out day (6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners)
Multiple guided and partly guided meditation sessions, based on self-inquiry
2 x gentle yoga sessions each day
Yoga nidra (yoga of sleep) sessions
Daily breathwork/pranayama sessions
Walking meditation
Spiritual discourses/short talks (non-dogmatic)
Cacao Ceremony
PRICES: (for 6 nights accommodation + all meals)
Note: prices below cover the costs of accommodation and food only. The retreat program itself is by conscious donation. This is to ensure the retreat is accessible for all, and in the spirit of sharing these teachings of the Heart.
PRIVATE LODGE: $975 per person + Program fee by donation (can be paid after the retreat)
TWIN SHARE LODGE: $730 per person + Program fee by donation (can be paid after the retreat).
TRIPLE SHARE LODGE: $615 per person + Program fee by donation (can be paid after the retreat).
If you would like to share a twin share lodge with some one you know, please either book together (selecting 2 x twin share lodge) or book separately but send me an email to let me know you would like to be together :)
PAYMENT POLICY:
To reserve your place, a $100 deposit is required.
Final payments will be due one month before the retreat. I will send you an invoice prior to this. If final payment is not received at this point, and I don’t hear from you, your place may be offered to somebody else.
Please familiarise yourself with the cancellation policy below before booking.
ABOUT THE FACILITATOR:
Having grown up amidst the hustle and bustle of big-city life in Sydney, Rose discovered yoga in her early twenties as a means to alleviate anxiety. Unbeknownst to her at the time, this marked the beginning of a transformative journey.
After nearly a decade of city living, punctuated by overseas experiences in India, Cambodia, and Thailand for yoga retreats and exploration, Rose decided to break free and relocate to Mexico. There, she devoted herself to full-time studies at Hridaya Yoga, a prestigious school of meditation and traditional yoga situated in a quaint fisherman's village on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Her three-year stay involved rigorous training, extended periods of silence and solitude, and the navigation of challenges and joys of living in a communal setting.
During her time at Hridaya Yoga, Rose participated in ten 10-Day Silent Meditation Retreats and a 49-Day Pratyabhijna Solitary Meditation Retreat. Serving on the Hridaya management team and as a teacher, she facilitated multiple 3-Day and 10-Day Silent Retreats.
Rose completed her 600(+) hour Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga & Meditation Teacher Training Course at Hridaya Yoga, along with additional courses and workshops in hatha yoga, pranayama, non-violent communication, classica tantra, and her great love—meditation. Subsequent training included Ayurveda (50-hour immersion course with Vichara Yoga), Women's Tantra (30-hour immersion course, also with Vichara Yoga), and an ongoing six-month intensive exploration of the Mahavidyas (Ten Wisdom Goddesses). Recently, Rose concluded a 100-hour Heart-Womb Awakening Intensive through Hridaya Yoga and a 50-hour Yoga Alliance Accredited Yin TTC at Orion Healing in Thailand. The profound teachings of Hridaya and subsequent personal studies deeply impacted her.
Returning to Mexico in early 2023, Rose immersed herself once again in yoga and stillness. She spent 67 days in silent retreats as a participant, guided by experienced teachers with over 30 years in yoga and meditation. Rose also joined the teaching team in four month-long intensive yoga courses at Hridaya Yoga.
Delighted to share her learned—or unlearned—wisdom back in Australia, Rose now guides yoga and meditation at Sundance Studio, Mission Beach. She facilitates Silent Meditation Retreats in the Tablelands (QLD), the Cassowary Coast (QLD), and soon in the Blue Mountains (NSW). Additionally, Rose facilitates cacao ceremonies and has established her own business, Soma Cacao, to source cacao intentionally and directly, dissatisfied with the integrity of the available options in the Australian market.
Rose is 34-years old and has a deep appreciation for sacred poetry, cacao, frangipanis, high planks, excel spreadsheets, French music, and the tenderness of the heart. She loves the full moon, Rachmaninoff, and the emotional impact of movies. Finding herself increasingly hilariously funny, Rose enjoys cooling off in the ocean after a sweaty beach run. Her favourite evenings involve immersing herself in a good book with cups of tea, and snuggles with her partner Alistair and cat, Snowbell.
For more about Rose including a full list of accreditations and experience, visit the About Rose page.
No previous meditation or yoga experience is necessary. We will start with bite sized meditations with breaks, and build up little by little.
An intensive silent retreat involving 3 days of meditation, gentle yoga practices, spiritual teachings, and self-inquiry, all against a backdrop of stillness. Read more
This retreat is located at a set of lodges in the rainforest, right by Lake Eacham. The accommodation is simple and secluded - a nature immersion complete with spectacular wildlife. And we will have it all to ourselves.
START DATE: 6pm Thursday 25 April 2024
END DATE: 10am Monday 29 April 2024
LOCATION: Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges, Lake Eacham, Far North Queensland
INCLUSIONS:
3 x nourishing vegan meals per day, plus dinner on check-in day, and breakfast on check-out day (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners)
Multiple guided and partly guided meditation sessions, based on self-inquiry
2 x gentle yoga sessions each day
Yoga nidra (yoga of sleep) sessions
Daily breathwork/pranayama sessions
Walking meditation
Spiritual discourses/short talks (non-dogmatic)
PRICES: (for 4 nights accommodation + all meals)
Note: prices below cover the costs of accommodation and food only. The retreat program itself is by conscious donation. This is to ensure the retreat is accessible for all, and in the spirit of sharing these teachings of the Heart.
PRIVATE LODGE: $705 per person + Program fee by donation (can be paid after the retreat) [Fully Booked. Please email me if you would like to be added to a waitlist for a private lodge].
TWIN SHARE LODGE: $505 per person + Program fee by donation (can be paid after the retreat). [Three spots left].
TRIPLE SHARE LODGE: $465 per person + Program fee by donation (can be paid after the retreat). [Two spots left].
If you would like to share a twin share lodge with some one you know, please either book together (selecting 2 x twin share lodge) or book separately, but send me an email to let me know you would like to be together :)
PAYMENT GUIDELINES:
To reserve your place, a $100 deposit is required.
Final payments will be due one month before the retreat, on the 25th March 2024. I will send you an invoice prior to this. If final payment is not received at this point, and I haven’t heard from you, your place may be offered to somebody else.
Please familiarise yourself with the cancellation policy below before booking.
No previous meditation or yoga experience is necessary. We will start with bite sized meditations with breaks, and build up little by little.
An intensive silent retreat involving 7 full days of meditation, gentle yoga practices, spiritual teachings, and self-inquiry, all against a backdrop of stillness. Read more
This retreat is located at a set of lodges in the rainforest, right by Lake Eacham. The accommodation is simple and secluded - a nature immersion complete with spectacular wildlife. And we will have it all to ourselves.
START DATE: 6pm Thursday 28 March 2024
END DATE: 10am Friday 5 April 2024
LOCATION: Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges, Lake Eacham, Far North Queensland
INCLUSIONS:
3 x nourishing vegan meals per day, plus dinner on check-in day, and breakfast on check-out day (8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners)
Multiple guided and partly guided meditation sessions, based on self-inquiry
2 x gentle yoga sessions each day
Yoga nidra (yoga of sleep) sessions
Daily breathwork/pranayama sessions
Walking meditation
Spiritual discourses/short talks (non-dogmatic)
PRICES: (for 8 nights accommodation + all meals)
Note: prices below cover the costs of accommodation and food only. The retreat program itself is by conscious donation. This is to ensure the retreat is accessible for all, and in the spirit of sharing these teachings of the Heart.
PRIVATE LODGE: $1375 per person + Program fee by donation (can be paid after the retreat) [FULLY BOOKED. Please email me at hello@rosecousens.com if you would like to be added to the waitlist]
TWIN SHARE LODGE: $1010 per person + Program fee by donation (can be paid after the retreat). [FULLY BOOKED. Please email me at hello@rosecousens.com if you would like to be added to the waitlist]
TRIPLE SHARE LODGE: $865 per person + Program fee by donation (can be paid after the retreat). [One spot left].
If you would like to share a twin share lodge with some one you know, please either book together (selecting 2 x twin share lodge) or book separately but send me an email to let me know you would like to be together :)
PAYMENT POLICY:
To reserve your place, a $100 deposit is required.
Final payments will be due one month before the retreat, on the 28th February 2024. I will send you an invoice prior to this. If final payment is not received at this point, and I don’t hear from you, your place may be offered to somebody else.
Please familiarise yourself with the cancellation policy below before booking.
No previous meditation or yoga experience is necessary. We will start with bite sized meditations with breaks, and build up little by little.
An intensive silent retreat involving 10 full days of meditation, gentle yoga practices, spiritual teachings, and self-inquiry, all against a backdrop of stillness. Read more
This retreat is located at a set of lodges in the rainforest, right by Lake Eacham. The accommodation is simple and secluded - a nature immersion complete with spectacular wildlife. And we will have it all to ourselves.
Please note, the content of the first 3 days will be very similar to the 3-Day Silent Meditation Retreat.
START DATE: 6pm Thursday 5 January
END DATE: 10am Monday 16 January
LOCATION: Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges, Lake Eacham, Far North Queensland
This retreat includes:
3 x nourishing vegan meals per day, plus dinner on check-in day, and breakfast on check-out day (11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 11 dinners)
Multiple guided and partly guided meditation sessions based on self-inquiry
2 x gentle yoga sessions each day
Yoga nidra (yoga of sleep) each evening
Daily breathwork/pranayama sessions
Daily walking meditation
A daily spiritual discourse (non-dogmatic)
PRICING:
Note: prices below cover the costs of accommodation and food only. The retreat program itself is by conscious donation, post retreat. This is to ensure the retreat is accessible for all, and in the spirit of sharing these teachings of the heart.
Prices for 11 nights accommodation + all meals:
PRIVATE LODGE: $1850 + Program fee by donation (post retreat)
TWIN SHARE LODGE: $1350 + Program fee by donation (post retreat)
To reserve your place, a $100 deposit is required. This is non-refundable unless we can find a replacement for you.
Final payments will be due two months prior to the retreat, on the 5th November 2022, via direct deposit. Please familiarise yourself with the cancellation policy below prior to booking. If final payment is not received your place may be offered to somebody else.
No previous meditation or yoga experience is necessary. We will start with bite sized meditations with breaks, and build up little by little over the course of the 3 days.
An all-inclusive silent retreat involving 3 full days of meditation, gentle yoga practices, spiritual teachings, and self-inquiry, all against a backdrop of stillness. Read more
START DATE: 6pm Thu 24 Nov 2022
END DATE: 10am Mon 28 Nov 2022
LOCATION: Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges, Lake Eacham, Far North Queensland
PRICING:
Note: prices below cover the costs of accommodation and food only. The retreat program itself is by conscious donation, post retreat. This is to ensure the retreat is accessible for all, and in the spirit of sharing these teachings of the heart.
Prices for 4 nights accommodation + all meals:
PRIVATE CABIN: $685 + Program fee by donation (post retreat)
TWIN SHARE CABIN: $495 + Program fee by donation (post retreat)
To reserve your place, a $100 deposit is required. Final payments will be due two weeks prior to the retreat, via direct deposit.
No previous meditation or yoga experience is necessary. No experience in anything is necessary at all. We will start with shorter meditations with breaks, and build up little by little over the course of the 3 days.
A guided self-inquiry based silent retreat involving 3 full days of meditation, gentle yoga practices, breathwork and rest, all against a backdrop of stillness, located at the spectacular Sanctuary Retreat in Mission Beach. Read more
“The 3 day retreat was so much more than I could have imagined, I left feeling much more energetic, understanding and happy. Rose ran every session with grace, intelligence and kindness. I couldnt have asked for a better introduction to meditation and silent retreat."
- Tristine Lear (Retreat Participant, Dec 2021)
START DATE: 4.30pm Sat 20 August (check-in from 2pm)
END DATE: 10am Wed 24 August
LOCATION: Sanctuary Retreat, Mission Beach, Far North Queensland
"Participating in the 3 day retreat with Rose was an absolute blessing for my soul. I had no idea when I signed up how the feeling of absolute stillness would have on me. It was as if I my soul was saying "I am home." Rose is a great facilitator with her loving, warm energy… I highly recommend attending a retreat if you are looking for something deeper in your life and in your soul.
- Sally Snow (Retreat Participant, Jan 2022)
PRICING
(for 4 nights accommodation + all meals)
Note: prices below cover the costs of accommodation and food only. The retreat program itself is by conscious donation, post retreat. This is to ensure the retreat is accessible for all.
To reserve your place, a $100 deposit is required. Final payments will be due two weeks prior to the retreat, via direct deposit.
RAINFOREST HUT (PRIVATE ROOM WITH ENSUITE): $680pp + Program fee by donation
DELUXE CANOPY CABIN (PRIVATE ROOM WITH ENSUITE): $850pp + Program fee by donation
Final payments for accommodation and food will be due 3 weeks prior to the retreat via bank transfer or Paypal. If full payments are not made at this time your deposit will be refunded and your place offered to somebody else.
Donations will be gratefully accepted after the retreat, in cash, via bank transfer, or Paypal.
Please familiarise yourself with the cancellation policy below.
"Rose, you gave me the most amazing experience of my life. Something that I will cherish forever. It has encouraged me to continue these practices in life and take time to myself. The whole experience of the retreat was moving and your knowledge and calming nature is such an inspiration."
- Melissa Middleton (Retreat Participant, March 2022)
No previous meditation or yoga experience is necessary. We will start with bite sized meditations with breaks, and build up little by little over the course of the 5 days.
An intensive silent retreat involving 5 full days of meditation, gentle yoga practices, spiritual teachings, and self-inquiry, all against a backdrop of stillness. Read more
Please note, the content of the first 3 days will be very similar to the 3-Day Silent Meditation Retreat.
START DATE: 6pm Fri 17 June
END DATE: 10am Thu 23 June
LOCATION: Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges, Lake Eacham, Far North Queensland
This retreat includes:
3 x nourishing vegan meals per day, plus dinner on check-in day, and breakfast on check-out day (6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners)
Multiple guided and partly guided meditation sessions based on self-inquiry
2 x gentle yoga sessions each day
Yoga nidra (yoga of sleep) each evening
Daily breathwork/pranayama sessions
Daily walking meditation
A daily spiritual discourse (non-dogmatic)
PRICING:
Note: prices below cover the costs of accommodation and food only. The retreat program itself is by conscious donation, post retreat. This is to ensure the retreat is accessible for all, and in the spirit of sharing these teachings of the heart.
Prices for 4 nights accommodation + all meals:
PRIVATE CABIN: $1075 + Program fee by donation (post retreat)
TWIN SHARE CABIN: $805+ Program fee by donation (post retreat)
To reserve your place, a $100 deposit is required. Final payments will be due two weeks prior to the retreat, via direct deposit. Please familiarise yourself with the cancellation policy below.
START DATE: Friday 9 September, 4:30pm (check in from 2pm)
END DATE: Monday 12 September, 10:00am
LOCATION: Sanctuary Retreat, Mission Beach.
A $100 deposit is required to secure your place. Pricing and a more detailed schedule can be found below.
A weekend dedicated to cultivating stillness, and cracking open our hearts.
The spectacular Sanctuary Retreat provides fertile ground for serenity, sacredness, and stillness. When you couple that with the powerful and ancient practices of yoga and meditation; add the transcendent sounds of gongs and singing bowls; sprinkle with an afternoon of creative expression; and top it all off with an intentional cacao ceremony; heart-opening becomes inevitable.
When all of this occurs during the full moon, magic happens.
(Also worth mentioning - the food is next level good!!!)
This weekend will be lovingly hosted by Rose & Kellie, both passionate about sharing tools to help you access stillness and open your heart. Rose shares from the school of Hridaya Yoga, a deeply heart-based approach which draws on teachings from traditional Yoga as well as Sufism and Zen Buddhism. Kellie shares from the lineage of Kundalini Yoga, a powerful energy based system that uses breathwork, movement & sound to crack you open from the inside out.
Whilst both systems are powerful in their ability to uncover deep peace within, they are shared in a kind and gentle way, allowing you to meet the practice where you are at.
Rose & Kellie are both committed to ensuring their classes are accessible to everyone, and also know that a subtle, gentle practice can be equally as powerful as a dynamic, intense practice. The opportunity will exist in each session to take the approach that feels most nourishing to you in that moment.
This retreat is open to everyone, no prior experience in meditation or yoga is necessary. In fact, this will be a beautiful opportunity to explore several different approaches to yoga if you are new to practicing.
There is no need to be fit or flexible as all classes will be catered to everyone. However, the grounds of The Sanctuary are steep in parts so it may not be appropriate if you have injuries or physical limitations to walking on steep uneven ground. Please reach out to discuss if you have any questions or concerns about this. Please also let us know if you are pregnant, have epilepsy, mental health challenges or heart conditions so we can make sure that all practices (especially the breathwork practices) are safe for you.
INCLUSIONS
3 Delicious Vegan/Vegetarian Meals Per Day
3 Nights Accommodation at the spectacular Sanctuary Retreat
2x Hatha Yoga Flow classes
3x Kundalini Yoga classes
2x Meditation sessions exploring various styles
1x Full Moon chanting meditation
3x Sound Healings
1 x Breathwork session
2x Walking Meditations exploring different methods
1x Cacao ceremony with award-winning, locally grown Soma Cacao
1x Meditation & guided creation session, using gemstones to create a sacred piece.
While you are invited to attend all sessions, nothing is compulsory. This is your retreat - so please feel empowered to gift yourself the experience you need the most :)
PRICING
(All prices are per person, for 3 nights accommodation + all meals + 16 guided sessions)
Note: To reserve your place, a $100 deposit is required. Final payments will be due two weeks prior to the retreat, via direct deposit.
PRIVATE RAINFOREST HUT (PRIVATE ROOM WITH AL FRESCO ENSUITE): $900pp [1 hut left]
SHARED RAINFOREST HUT (TWIN SHARE WITH AL FRESCO ENSUITE) $770pp [fully booked]
PRIVATE DELUXE CANOPY CABIN (PRIVATE ROOM WITH ENSUITE): $1,095pp [1 cabin left]
SHARED DELUXE CANOPY CABIN (TWIN SHARE WITH ENSUITE): $890pp [fully booked]
***This retreat is now fully booked. However please get in touch if you'd like to be added to the waitlist, or notified about future retreat dates first. ***
When: 5pm Thu 27 Jan -10am Mon 31 January
Where: Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges, Lake Eacham, Far North Queensland
No previous meditation or yoga experience is necessary. We will start with bite sized meditations with breaks, and build up little by little over the course of the 3 days.
An all-inclusive silent retreat involving 3 full days of meditation, gentle yoga practices, spiritual teachings, and self-inquiry, all against a backdrop of stillness. Read more
PRICING:
Note: prices below cover the costs of accommodation and food only. The retreat program itself is by conscious donation. This is to ensure the retreat is accessible for all, and in the spirit of sharing these teachings of the heart.
Prices for 4 nights accommodation + all meals:
PRIVATE CABIN: $685 + Program fee by donation (post retreat)
TWIN SHARE CABIN: $495 + Program fee by donation (post retreat)
No previous meditation or yoga experience is necessary. We will start with bite sized meditations with breaks, and build up little by little over the course of the 3 days.
An all-inclusive silent retreat involving 3 full days of meditation, gentle yoga practices, spiritual teachings, and self-inquiry, all against a backdrop of stillness. Read more
START DATE: 6pm Thu 24 March
END DATE: 10am Mon 28 March
LOCATION: Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges, Lake Eacham, Far North Queensland
PRICING:
Note: prices below cover the costs of accommodation and food only. The retreat program itself is by conscious donation, post retreat. This is to ensure the retreat is accessible for all, and in the spirit of sharing these teachings of the heart.
Prices for 4 nights accommodation + all meals:
PRIVATE CABIN: $685 + Program fee by donation (post retreat)
TWIN SHARE CABIN: $495 + Program fee by donation (post retreat)
To reserve your place, a $100 deposit is required. Final payments will be due two weeks prior to the retreat, via direct deposit.
“Meditation is absolute permission to be vulnerable, to feel broken, to fail, to feel incomplete, to not know how to meditate, but to stay anyway, to stay close to the preciousness of experience as it unfolds moment by moment. It is the love we were always seeking. It is the best friend we always longed for. It is the divine in the ordinary. It is the end of all striving for a different self. It is home, even when we feel homeless. It is finding ourselves, even when we feel lost. Taking ourselves by the hand. Beginning again. No shame in beginning again. No shame in ‘getting it wrong’, because we cannot get it wrong...”
No previous meditation or yoga experience is necessary. No previous experience in anything in particular is necessary.
This is an intensive, profound, yet deeply restful silent retreat involving five full days of guided meditation, gentle yoga practices, spiritual teachings, and self-inquiry, all against a backdrop of stillness.
START DATE: 4pm Wednesday 27 August, 2025
END DATE: 10am Tuesday 2 September, 2025
LOCATION: Happy Buddha Retreats, Wentworth Falls, NSW (50 Railway Parade).