and the natural clarity and openness of your mind
Many retreats today are designed as full experiences, with lots of talks, workshops, activities, and a program that fills much of the day. At La Casa de Loto, we return to something simpler.
Following a more traditional meaning of retreat and the simplicity of shukubō (Japanese temple stays), we create a space to step away from everyday distractions and spend time with your own mind.
“My week at La Casa de Loto exceeded any expectations I had! … I was able to recharge, learn so much about myself, and just sit with myself… I’ve honestly never felt so well rested in my life.”
— Alexis S.
At La Casa de Loto, each day follows a simple contemplative rhythm. Mornings begin in silence with guided open awareness meditation, followed by ninety minutes of Hatha yoga and pranayama. At midday, you are invited to sit quietly with your own mind for 20 to 60 minutes. After lunch, noble silence gives way to a more open afternoon and evening.
Outside the shared practice periods, there is time for treatments, walks, reading, contemplation, or simply resting. At 4 p.m., you're welcome to join us for afternoon tea, followed by guided meditation at 5 p.m. Evenings unfold over dinner and conversation around the fire, with tea, or hot chocolate, as well as an optional sauna. At 9 p.m., noble silence begins again, carrying the retreat gently into the night.
The meditation practice at La Casa de Loto is rooted in the Dzogchen tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, particularly the open awareness teachings of Dudjom Rinpoche.
Rather than trying to control the mind or create a special state, we learn to recognize thoughts, emotions, and sensations as passing experiences within awareness. The practice gently points us back toward the naturally clear and open quality of awareness itself.
The meditation is given in a simple and accessible way. Beginners receive enough guidance to feel supported, while experienced meditators are given space to deepen their own practice. No previous experience is required, all are welcome.
Each morning includes ninety minutes of traditional Hatha yoga and pranayama, bringing together physical postures, breath, and awareness to cultivate greater balance and steadiness in body and mind.
Pranayama—the yogic practice of working consciously with the breath—helps release tension, cultivate energy, and quiet the mind in preparation for meditation.
The emphasis is not on performance or advanced postures, but on practicing with attention and sensitivity. Classes are accessible to all levels of experience.
Noble silence is observed each day from 9 p.m. until 2 p.m. the following afternoon. During this time, we step away from conversation, phones, reading, and unnecessary communication. It is not intended to feel strict. It simply offers a genuine rest from the need to speak, explain, or respond, creating space to notice your experience more clearly.
After 2 p.m., conversation is welcome but never required. You may connect with others or continue your day quietly. This balance allows for both inwardness and a warm sense of community.
“The thing I will remember from this retreat is how much I grew from it… the insight that I gained from these 5 days has continued to propel my personal development.”
— Christopher T. C.
Between meditation and yoga sessions, there is generous time to simply be: walk through the mountains, sit beside the creek, read, write, enjoy a massage or sauna, take a cold plunge in the fresh spring water, or lie in a hammock and listen to the birds.
You do not need to use this time productively. Rest is part of the retreat. Sometimes the most meaningful moments arise when there is nothing left to do and nowhere else to be.
With a maximum of eight guests, La Casa de Loto remains quiet, intimate, and personal.
Meals are wholesome and vegetarian, prepared with local and seasonal ingredients whenever possible. Breakfast and lunch are shared in noble silence, while dinner offers an optional moment for conversation and connection.
The atmosphere is simple and informal. This is not a monastery, resort, or luxury retreat. It is a small contemplative home in the Colombian mountains where Buddhist meditation, Hatha yoga, nature, and everyday life come together.
The minimum stay is three nights, giving you enough time to experience the daily rhythm and begin to settle.
There is no perfect length of stay. Choose the amount of time that feels realistic and supportive for you.
A gentle introduction to meditation, yoga, silence, and retreat life.
More time to settle into the contemplative rhythm and deepen your practice.
Greater continuity for sustained practice and deeper rest.
La Casa de Loto may be a good fit if you are looking for:
You do not need to be Buddhist, flexible, experienced, or especially good at being silent. You only need a willingness to slow down and meet your experience as it is.
You may arrive feeling clear or confused, peaceful or overwhelmed, inspired or simply tired. The retreat does not ask you to leave any part of yourself behind.
It offers a quiet place in the mountains to slow down, turn inward, and gently rediscover the natural clarity and openness of awareness itself.
Arrive any day · Minimum stay 3 nights · Max 8 guests ← Back to La Casa de Loto