The Expanding Light Retreat
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The Expanding Light Retreat

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About

#1 of 1 special resort in Nevada City
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.3 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
A spiritual meditation and yoga retreat in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Foothills. We are part of Ananda Village, a successful 50-year old spiritual community on 700 acres. Open year-round. We offer meditation retreats, yoga retreats, yoga teacher trainings, personal retreats, international pilgrimages and many other programs. Find a safe and supportive place for peace and healing, and the practical tools necessary to make them a reality in your life. Based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Free breakfast
Airport transportation
Meeting rooms
Massage
Concierge
Gift shop
Wifi
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Non-smoking hotel
Self-serve laundry
Room features
Air conditioning
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Green

Location

14618 Tyler Foote Rd, Nevada City, CA 95959-9316

Reviews
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Detailed Reviews
Malie L wrote a review Dec 2023
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I participated in the Karma Yoga program. In addition to participating in deep meditations, satsangs, and kirtans, I made friends that will last a lifetime! It felt very fulfilling to contribute to the success of the retreat through dishwashing, cleaning, and helping at Ananda Farm and Crystal Hermitage. It was a wonderful experience and I will definitely return in the future!
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Date of stay: November 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Manisha Holm, General Manager at The Expanding Light Retreat
Responded 8 Dec 2023
Thank you for your kind words! It's lovely that your experience in the program was rewarding and inspiring, and lifelong friends are a true gift. We loved having you here and hope to see you again soon.
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Jet783717 wrote a review Apr 2022
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I wanted to do a retreat which I missed for the last 2 years. The timing couldn't have been any better to see the beautiful tulips in the Crystal Hermitage Gardens. I felt so alive, replenished and invigorated by the entire retreat. The staff were so sincerely grounded to what they do, kind, respectful and friendly and the entire process was efficiently ran. We did energizing yoga, meditation, a walk to the tulip gardens, a breakfast at the Hermitage Garden. All meals at the main dining room was all healthy vegetarian meals. Sugar detox for 3 days was so good for the body. I met such wonderful staff who guided our group of 15 ( I regret that I couldn't remember all their names from the registration to the end was excellent. Exceeded my expectation that I long for more and for sure will be back soon.
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Date of stay: April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nayaswami Nityananda, Other at The Expanding Light Retreat
Responded 19 Apr 2022
Dear Friend, Thank you so much for your great 5-star review. We're so happy that you could finally come back to visit. We appreciate your kind words about the staff. We look forward to when you can visit with us again.
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Journey00786132340 wrote a review May 2023
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I make an annual pilgrimage to the EL and it is always an incredibly uplifting experience. This time was no different. I stayed solo in Harmony House, with my own bathroom this time, although I've done every kind of lodging that's offered, including camping out for 5 weeks while completing yoga teacher training 13 years ago! It's all wonderful no matter what lodging you choose. The vegetarian meals are lovingly prepared daily for guests; and two sadhanas (yoga and meditation sessions) are offered as well in the morning before breakfast and in the afternoon before dinner. A 30-min noon meditation is also offered before lunch. I was on a personal retreat this time for 4 days and spent quiet time walking around the grounds and through the village. I also drove up to the Crystal Hermitage to meditate and catch the amazing views above the Yuba River and to see the remains of the tulips in the beautiful gardens. I have been coming up here annually since 2009 with the exception of when they closed during COVID. If you are looking for a place to refresh your heart and soul, the EL is the cure! It is a unique and beautiful community of loving individuals who serve here to ensure that you have a nurturing experience. Many classes are also offered. Check out their calendar. I've taken several and the instructors are all wonderful. Treat yourself and spend some time at the EL. You'll keep going back for more....🙏🏼
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Date of stay: May 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Manisha Holm, General Manager at The Expanding Light Retreat
Responded 5 June 2023
Thank you, Journey! We're delighted that your visit was all you had hoped for and come to expect over your many years of retreating at The Expanding Light. We love it here in this serene corner of the world, and the food really is delicious. It's a joy to share it with others. We look forward to sharing it again with you whenever you're able to return.
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ilsescully wrote a review June 2022
Menlo Park, California
3.0 of 5 bubbles
I attended the Beginner's Retreat for mediation and yoga. This retreat center is part of Ananda Village. I didn't really know much about it, I just wanted an unplugged, weekend retreat where I could do meditation and yoga. Instead, it was almost non-stop proselytizing. They also didn't follow the COVID protocols outlined on their website, beyond testing the day of arrival. No masks, no outdoor classes. The retreat schedule didn't follow what was posted on their website either, so if you have questions, call them.

It turns out their form of yoga (in preparation for meditation) is not much of a workout at all. For example, their idea of the half-moon pose is not tipping forward on one leg while pivoting to your side, but just lightly leaning to the side to stretch. To each their own, but I came wanting to reconnect with my practice and move my body, and I didn't find that here.

The grounds are lovely: lots of bird songs and a lake filled with lotuses. I got a private room (bed, bathroom) and realized later that for the same price I could have stayed for a month in their shared housing.

Their vegetarian food was fine. Breakfast (observed in silence) was oatmeal with toppings. Lunch was maybe a frittata and salad, dinner also salad or pasta salad. Bread, butter fruit, etc.

The retreat included 6:30 am meditation and yoga, and then mid-morning meditation class, then another yoga/meditation session before dinner. In between, there was a 2.5+ hour tour of their village, including a tour of their deceased guru's home (nice gardens but otherwise just a bunch of houses). They did chanting and singing and sharing of religious experience after dinner, and Sunday morning was all about their religion again and the opportunity for us to attend their church service.

Everyone was very friendly, but this wasn't what I was looking for.
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Date of stay: June 2022
3.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ana Kirsch , General Manager at The Expanding Light Retreat
Responded 29 June 2022
Thank you for staying with us and for leaving your honest review. We are glad that you enjoyed our grounds and food, but ultimately sorry this wasn't the experience that you were hoping for. We hope that you will indeed find the experience you sought in the near future, as we all certainly need opportunities for unplugging and respite. We are very clear on our website that we draw from the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, and that our retreat is connected to an intentional spiritual community. Proselytizing is a very strong word. As the definition of proselytizing is "to attempt to convert", I firmly feel that we did not in any way do that. Nevertheless. it's unfortunate that our open sharing did not sit well with you or gave you the impression that we were attempting to convert you in any way. Perhaps after having explored our website a bit more, you may have decided that this is not the most ideal place for you to visit. I double-checked the program page in comparison to the program schedule, and feel that they are consistent. Making our Sunday Service available to our guests is always an optional offering. We're sorry if what you read on the program page gave you a different impression, however. Thank you also for your feedback on our published COVID protocols. We have been softening our protocols in the past month, and while our website does reflect that masks are optional, I do see a few places where some of our previously stricter guidelines were still present on our website. We apologize for that and will address it swiftly. Wishing you well!
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Sid S wrote a review Nov 2022
5.0 of 5 bubbles
From time to time, one may get caught up in the head and deviate from the truth and joy. This place helps in clearing up the cobwebs so you may truly experience your highest Self.

Oh and the food is as good as a Michelin Star restaurant!

Best wishes,
Siddhant
Cork, Ireland
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Date of stay: September 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Manisha Holm, General Manager at The Expanding Light Retreat
Responded 30 Nov 2022
Thank you, Siddhant. We're happy to clear mental cobwebs whenever they start clouding your highest Self. We agree about the food; it is always delicious, thanks to our gifted chefs.
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Bagwat K wrote a review Dec 2023
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Ananda Village is a great place for a retreat. The guest houses are clean, friendly staff and my personal favorite was the silence and seclusion with serene views being tucked in the mountains.
The place is filled with divine energy that will make your retreat an uplifting experience.
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Date of stay: December 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Manisha Holm, General Manager at The Expanding Light Retreat
Responded 8 Dec 2023
Thank you! You've listed many of my favorite aspects of The Expanding Light Retreat. I'm glad that your experience inspired you and gave you just what you were looking for. I hope you return for another visit.
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Kent B wrote a review Nov 2024
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My wife and I came to The Expanding Light Retreat Center for a weekend retreat focusing on building inner strength and harmony both within ourselves and the group. Each day started with gentle a gentility yoga practice infused with affirmations like “Energy and Joy fill my body cells, Joy descends to me!” Followed by guided meditation and plenty of time to relax and feel the energy that was found within and all around us!
There are meditations available before lunch and dinner:)
The meals were all vegetarian with gluten free options. If you had certain food allergies and told the cooks, they would make an alternative dish for you if possible, and always with a smile.
Our accommodations were warm and cozy.
I couldn’t think of a better place to spend my time. We loved it and plan on coming back!
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Date of stay: November 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: Make sure you know the weather and road conditions. The Sierra Foothills are beautiful and can...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ana Kirsch , General Manager at The Expanding Light Retreat
Responded 12 Dec 2024
We are pleased to hear about your positive experience with us. We're glad you found the retreat beneficial for building inner strength and harmony, and we appreciate you highlighting our wonderful food options as we definitely try to make our food accessible to varying dietary needs. We look forward to welcoming you back for another rejuvenating stay in the future!
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NancyCbiker wrote a review Jan 2022
Silver Spring, Maryland
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We spent a wonderful 6 days at Expanding Light, combining a personal visit with a weekend retreat. It was all we hoped for - a deeply spiritual place with lovely people. There was snow on the ground, which added to the winter ambiance. The food was delicious and nourishing, with great care taken for each participant's needs. The accomodations were clean and welcoming in every way. I will go back many times. The week was satisfying on so many different levels.
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Date of stay: December 2021
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nayaswami Nityananda, Other at The Expanding Light Retreat
Responded 7 Feb 2022
Hi Nancy, We are delighted that your stay was so good. Thank you so much for that great review across the board. We look forward to your return. Blessings.
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ileihivi wrote a review July 2023
Austin, Texas
5.0 of 5 bubbles
It is an amazing location surrounded by mountains, all the staff is friendly, courteous, happiness and peaceful is everywhere.
The food is really good , great quality, flavor, good quantity and is made with a lots of love.
The facilities are well maintained, and they are beautiful.
There are. Altos of areas for meditation, the practices that they offer are guided for very good teachers.
It is a divine place that n e you are there you do not want to leve.
Highly recommended for personal retreat, couple or groups. For everyone!
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Date of stay: June 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Manisha Holm, General Manager at The Expanding Light Retreat
Responded 16 July 2023
Thank you for writing about your experience at The Expanding Light Retreat at Ananda Village. You've touched on all of the aspects that we strive to offer to every one of our guests. It's lovely to hear how much you enjoyed your stay. I hope you can return soon.
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A.Z. wrote a review Jan 2025
Palo Alto, California
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I signed up for Expanding Light's 5-day year-end retreat with two simple goals: checking out meditation and hopefully finding some peace after my crazy chaotic year. I picked this program because it seemed more structured and practical, plus it was just a drive away from where I live in the Bay Area.

Looking back, those five days changed me in ways I never expected. I came out feeling not just physically refreshed, but somehow emotionally stronger than I'd been in a long time, and I learned how to better manage my energy . The beautiful setting at Ananda Village, the well-planned daily schedule, and the healthy vegan food all helped. But what really made the difference were the teachers. These weren't your typical retreat guides - these were people who've dedicated their whole lives to spiritual practice, and they got guided by world class spiritual gurus. The teachers genuinely wanted to help each person on their journey. I learned that while spiritual growth is personal, having someone this genuine and experienced to guide you along the way is incredibly valuable.

I'll be honest - as someone who knew nothing about Ananda before this, I was skeptical about whether this place was legit. But after experiencing it myself, I can say this: if you're feeling burned out and looking for something that could genuinely change your life and help you grow spiritually, this is worth checking out.
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ana Kirsch , General Manager at The Expanding Light Retreat
Responded 6 Jan 2025
We are ecstatic to hear about your life-changing experience at The Expanding Light Retreat. Your journey to finding peace and managing your energy is truly inspiring, and we're honored to be part of it. Thank you for sharing your experience to help others consider visiting us, and we hope to see you again sometime soon.
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Елена П wrote a tip Jan 2025
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"It is definitely worth visiting this place if you are looking for a path of spiritual development, interested not only in physical but also."
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Kent B wrote a tip Nov 2024
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Make sure you know the weather and road conditions. The Sierra Foothills are beautiful and can have snow. Come prepared in the winter season"
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Francine wrote a tip Oct 2024
Guadalajara, Mexico9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"The karma yoga program is a gret program to leanr more about Yognanada, intesify your meditation practices while you seve ewith joy."
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Amir a wrote a tip July 2024
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Just sign up and enjoy your stay. "
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Chumkee A wrote a tip Feb 2024
Houston, Texas12 contributions5 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"The food at the center is terrific - vegan, vegetarian and GF options available. "
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Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Nevada City area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
the expanding light hotel nevada city, expanding light nevada city
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaNevada City
NUMBER OF ROOMS
38
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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THE EXPANDING LIGHT RETREAT - 2025 Reviews (Nevada City, CA) - Photos of Specialty Resort - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about The Expanding Light Retreat
Which popular attractions are close to The Expanding Light Retreat?
Nearby attractions include Crystal Hermitage Gardens (0.5 km), Independence Trail (7.8 km), and Red Moon Ranch (3.8 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Expanding Light Retreat?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at The Expanding Light Retreat?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and an on-site restaurant during their stay.
Is parking available at The Expanding Light Retreat?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Expanding Light Retreat?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Ridge Cafe, Master’s Market and Deli, and Peterson's Corner.
Does The Expanding Light Retreat have airport transportation?
Yes, The Expanding Light Retreat offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is The Expanding Light Retreat accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and reduced mobility rooms. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
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