Experience Life-Changing Meditation by Mount Madonna

Join us for a week-long retreat from Sunday, January 25th to Sunday, February 1st, 2026 at Mount Madonna in Watsonville, California.

Set on 380 acres of redwoods, rolling meadows, and scenic vistas overlooking Monterey Bay, Mount Madonna offers a serene environment for the transformative practice of jhana meditation surrounded by the raw beauty of nature.

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Everything You Need to Know

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Important notes

Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years old to attend.
Prices are listed per person and include accommodation, access to Mount Madonna Center, all meals, and a full retreat program.
Mount Madonna is a meat-free facility so all meals offered / available will be vegetarian (with vegan and gluten-free options available). Mount Madonna also does not allow any outside food. Any special dietary needs will be discussed further as part of the registration process.
Plan to arrive at the venue by 3:00pm on Sunday, January 25th. Check-in will be from 3:00pm-4:00pm with programming beginning at 4:00pm.
Programming ends at 10:30am on Sunday, February 1st. Please plan to no earlier than this.
This is a full-week retreat. Please only sign up if you can attend the entire program. If it is not possible to clear all your commitments this week, please consider joining us on a different retreat.
See [Jhourney In-Person Retreats 101: What to Expect & How to Prepare](https://www.jhourney.io/blog/jhourney-in-person-retreats-101-what-to-expect-and-how-to-prepare?) for more details </aside>

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Location and travel

We’ll share a self-organized, participant-led carpool spreadsheet closer to the retreat so you can coordinate rides with others if you’d like.
For travel guidance, please see this page: ‣
Mount Madonna Center is located on Watsonville, California - approximately 89.4 miles from San Francisco.
The drive from San Francisco takes ~1.5-2 hours

Closest airports and drive times are:

San Jose International Airport (SJC) – 42 miles (~1 hour drive)

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- Easiest and most direct option
- Rental cars and rideshare services available
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) – 40 miles (~1 hour drive)

montereyairport.com
- Small regional airport; limited flights but closest coastal access
- Ideal if coming from Southern California
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 70 miles (~1.5–2 hours drive)

flysfo.com
- Major international hub with the most flight options
- Expect Bay Area traffic delays during peak hours

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Mount Madonna Center https://share.google/kgpFtNpNikhyLNMcC https://maps.app.goo.gl/cVrUqdVtfniqw6nv7

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Venue and accommodation

Mount Madonna Center is a serene retreat and learning community nestled among 380 acres of redwood forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains, overlooking Monterey Bay. For over 45 years, it has been dedicated to personal transformation, service, and the pursuit of peace through yoga, study, and self-reflection.
The property features walking trails, temples, meditation halls, and breathtaking forest and ocean views, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and renewal.
Accommodations range from comfortable private rooms and shared rooms to rustic cabins and camping options. All lodging areas are simple, clean, and designed to support mindfulness and rest — free from televisions and distractions.
Meals are freshly prepared vegetarian cuisine, served buffet-style in the community dining hall, with many ingredients sourced from Mount Madonna’s onsite organic garden. Mount Madonna is a meat-free facility and asks that no outside food be brought in. </aside>

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Weather

Late January to early February at Mount Madonna Center brings a cool, peaceful winter atmosphere in the redwood-covered Santa Cruz Mountains. Expect mild daytime temperatures around 58–62 °F (14–17 °C) and chilly nights dropping to 42–46 °F (5–8 °C).
The area often experiences morning fog, light rain showers, or coastal mist, especially from nearby Monterey Bay, creating a serene and refreshing environment for reflection and practice.
All guest rooms and common spaces are heated, and the mountain air remains crisp — ideal for walks through the redwoods or quiet meditation overlooking the bay.
Pack layered clothing, a warm jacket, and comfortable walking shoes. Rain gear (light waterproof jacket or umbrella) is also recommended, as winter showers are common during this season. </aside>

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🧭 Logistics

Check-In: Sunday, January 25th

Please arrive at 3:00pm. Check-in will be from 3:00pm - 4:00pm and our opening session begins at 4:00pm. Please do not arrive any earlier than 3:00pm as the venue will not be prepared to receive you.

Check-Out: Sunday, February 1st

Programming ends at 10:30am with venue check out by 11:00 AM. Please plan to leave no earlier than 10:30am.

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Ready to transform your life? Reserve your room!

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Room types & Booking

Click into each tile to view more images or to reserve the room

❗Please make sure you’ve read all of the above before booking ❗

Prices are listed per person and include accommodation, access to Mount Madonna’s stunning grounds, all meals, and a full retreat program.

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Mount Madonna rooms

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