Kripalu at a Glance
Established in 1974, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health is the largest and most established yoga and holistic retreat and educational center in North America, and is the premier destination for individuals and organizations seeking a joyful, inclusive, and compassionate environment for wellness, learning, and retreat. Located on a breathtaking 150-acre campus in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, Kripalu offers a curriculum of more than 700 programs a year that deliver life-changing, immersive experiences to nearly 40,000 guests.
Mission
Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to empowering people and communities to realize their full potential through the transformative wisdom and practice of yoga.
Retreat Center, Schools, a Research Institute
In addition to retreats, programs, and workshops for all visiting guests, Kripalu is also home to the Kripalu School of Yoga, the Kripalu School of Ayurveda, and the Kripalu School of Integrative Yoga Therapy. In addition, the Kripalu Institute for Extraordinary Living conducts research in adolescent, creative and military populations, studying the affects of yoga on issues of self-regulation.
Faculty
Kripalu School of Yoga Each yoga teacher training has two primary teachers. During the training, however, other experienced teachers lead portions of the curriculum, so students benefit from a wide variety of expert skills, approaches, and techniques. Find out more about our School of Yoga faculty.
Kripalu School of Ayurveda All faculty have either a bachelor of Ayurvedic medicine and surgery (BAMS) degree or five years of study with a qualified Ayurvedic scholar, and have been teaching or practicing Ayurveda for at least four years. The designation of RYT indicates that the individual is a Yoga Alliance-registered yoga teacher as well. Find out more about our School of Ayurveda faculty.
Kripalu School of Integrative Yoga Therapy Find out more about our School of Integrative Yoga Therapy faculty.
Continuing Education Kripalu currently offers Continuing Education for coaches (ICF), marriage and family therapists (BBS), massage therapists (NCBTMB), nurses (RN), psychologists (PSY), registered dieticians (RD), social workers (SW), physicians (MD/DO), and yoga teachers (Yoga Alliance).
Our Presenters
Programs at Kripalu are led by many of the world’s most accomplished teachers in yoga, self-discovery, and holistic health and are designed to provide people with tools they can apply in their daily lives. Topics include yoga, wellness, Ayurveda, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, relationships, meditation, spiritual practice, professional training, and much more. Yoga programs are offered for people at all levels, feature all yoga traditions and styles, and include therapeutic yoga, yogic anatomy, and trainings for teachers.
Dining and Accommodations
In the tradition of retreat-style housing, accommodations are simple, without the distractions of televisions or telephones. Both dorm-style and private rooms are available.
The Kripalu Kitchen provides an array of natural, organic, and local foods, including vegetables, proteins, and nutritious grains, along with freshly baked breads and fresh fruits. Meals are served buffet-style and are primarily vegetarian; fish and poultry options are often available at lunch and dinner. Kripalu accommodates visitors with special dietary needs through a discussion with the Executive Chef prior to arrival.
Retreat Costs, Tuition, and Financial Aid
The cost for a basic R&R Retreat at Kripalu starts at about $167 per night per person for a shared dormitory room including a hall bath, meals, yoga classes, R&R workshops, and evening events.
Program tuitions range in price—for an overview of program subjects, browse our calendar; the accommodations fee (includes room, meals, and yoga classes) is additional and starts at $87 for a shared dormitory room with a hall bath.
Kripalu awards more than $500,000 in scholarships for programs and the Kripalu Schools. Find out more about Kripalu's scholarship opportunities.
Kripalu in the News
“12 Psychological Tricks to Get You Through a Workout or Race” USNews.com, October 2015
“Rejuvenate with a 4-Day Ayurvedic Fall Cleanse” yogajournal.com, October 2015
“10 Best Yoga Retreats” USAToday.com, April 2014
“How To Live an Extraordinary Life. ~ Kripalu’s Stephen Cope,” ElephantJournal.com, January 2012
“The Purpose of Yoga,” NYTimes.com, January 2012
“Chasing Down Rest, Relaxation, Renewal,” Boston Globe, November 2011
“Yoga: the Zooming Business of Zen,” CNN Money.com, October 2011
“The Evolution of Integrative Medicine,” Energy Times, September 2011
“5 Simple Ways to Come Alive in Silence,” HuffingtonPost.com, August 2011
“Inquiry of Yoga,” Exhale, July 2011
“Awakening the Artist,” Yoga International, July 2011
“Best of Green | Nature & Travel | Best Yoga Retreat,” Treehugger.com, April 2011
Resources
In an effort to provide visitors with ongoing means of discovery, inspiration, and information, Kripalu offers articles, recipes, publications, and videos on matters related to yoga, health and wellness, nutrition, relationships, creativity, spirituality, and more.
We also have an extensive library of professional quality photos and videos. If you would like to use any for publication or presentation, please contact Media Relations at pr@kripalu.org or 413.448.3237 to secure permission.