One Day, One Guest: R&R with Anna Martinez

My husband and I recently treated ourselves to a much-needed R&R retreat at Kripalu. Life had been feeling like one long to-do list, and we both knew we needed a pause—a space to breathe, reset, and just be. Kripalu offered exactly that.  

There’s something beautiful about waking up to quiet—no blaring TV, no email notifications, no rush to be anywhere. Just stillness. That alone felt like a luxury.  

One of the things we appreciated most about Kripalu was the freedom of choice. This wasn’t a rigid retreat with back-to-back schedules and mandatory group activities. The R&R program let us move at our own pace, which felt like such a gift. We could take a workshop if it called to us, or skip it and take a nap instead. We walked by the lake, sat in the Sun Room, and spent hours reading without guilt. Sometimes we sat quietly next to each other and said nothing, and even that felt healing.  

The food was another highlight. Everything was fresh, nourishing, and mindfully prepared. With plenty of plant-based and gluten-free options, we always found something delicious that left us feeling energized, not sluggish. Meals became a moment of mindfulness—a reminder of how good it feels to feed your body well.  

But what we took home surprised us most. Kripalu reminded us that we don’t need to be productive to be worthy. That rest isn’t indulgent—it’s essential. That silence isn’t empty—it’s rich with possibility. And that taking time for ourselves, especially together, is one of the most important ways we can sustain our connection.  

On Campus

Kripalu Signature

Kripalu Retreat & Renewal

Our popular self-guided retreat experience