Yoga Retreats

Sacred Journeys of the Soul

At Karma Yoga Center, our retreats are transformative pilgrimages where seekers become soul family, united in the exploration of ancient wisdom and profound spiritual awakening. Each journey—whether to Spain’s sacred shores, Greece’s mystical islands, Mexico’s Mayan temples, Whidbey Island’s whale-filled waters, or Colorado’s healing hot springs—creates an intimate container for deep connection and authentic community. We intentionally seek out ancient sites and awe-inspiring nature that open the soul: from sacred pyramids and ceremonial hot springs to pristine beaches and mystical mountains. As we gather in circle at these power places, practice yoga at sunrise, share stories under starlit skies, and support each other through ceremonies and satsangs, strangers transform into lifelong companions on the spiritual path. These bonds, forged in the sacred space between earth and spirit, continue to flourish long after we return home, creating a tapestry of connection that enriches our Denver community and beyond.

Your Guides on the Journey

Leading these sacred adventures are Katrina Gustafson and Michael Shankara, the heart and soul of Karma Yoga Center. Known as “The Shaman & The Mermaid,” this dynamic couple brings together decades of spiritual study from temples in India to pyramids in Mexico. Katrina, who seeks both mountain peaks and ocean depths in her practice, infuses every retreat with bhakti while weaving in art, creativity, writing exercises, and profound teachings that open hearts and awaken souls. Michael enriches each gathering with live music—his harmonium melodies and guitar rhythms creating sacred soundscapes for practice—while masterfully blending scientific understanding with ancient spiritual wisdom from his Mayan, yogic, and shamanic lineages. Together, they create a container of love and authenticity that allows each retreat participant to discover their own unique path to awakening.

Immersion, Exploration, Community & Joy

Our retreats offer complete cultural and spiritual immersion, inviting you to step fully into the rhythm and wisdom of each sacred place. From cooking paella with Spanish villagers to soaking in ancient Greek hot springs, from whale watching in ceremonial Pacific waters to drawing sacred geometry in Mexican pyramids—every experience awakens your soul through authentic encounters with local traditions. The community that forms during these journeys is perhaps the greatest gift: soul connections deepen over shared meals, laughter echoes through morning practices, and tears of recognition flow during heart shares. This is soul exploration at its most joyful and profound, where every moment becomes an opportunity for awakening. We balance the depth of spiritual study with pure presence, honoring both the sacred and playful aspects of transformation. These retreats don’t just change your perspective—they awaken you to the magnificent truth of who you really are, surrounded by a community that sees and celebrates your light.

Your Journey Awaits

Whether you’re called to practice yoga as whales breach in the distance, meditate in ancient temples at sunrise, or find your voice through sacred chanting in mountain sanctuaries, there’s a retreat waiting to meet your soul’s longing. Each journey is intentionally kept intimate, allowing for deep personal attention and authentic connection within our small groups. We handle the details with care—from luxury accommodations and nourishing meals to sacred site access and cultural experiences—so you can focus on what matters most: your transformation. When you return home, you don’t just bring memories; you carry a renewed spirit, practical tools for daily life, creative inspiration, and a global community of soul family who continue to support your journey. Join us where ancient wisdom meets modern seekers, where every sunrise holds possibility, and where the next chapter of your spiritual story is waiting to be written.

Sacred Spain ~ 10 Days, 9 Nights, 8 Paths to the Heart

September 2025 

Katrina and Michael led an unforgettable 10-day journey through Sacred Spain, guiding retreaters from the city to the mountains to the Mediterranean sea across three magical destinations: Valencia, Sagra, and Mallorca. The adventure began in Valencia’s vibrant city center with sunrise yoga among Turia Park’s wild parrots and traditional paella cooking at Descubre l’Horta farm, where the entire Borbotó village swept everyone into their joyful festival celebrations. From the ancient city energy, the journey ascended to the mystical mountains of Sagra, where El Botanico’s tropical gardens became a sanctuary for daily practices, mountain hiking, and a delightful day trip to the seaside town of Denia. Here, transformative dharma talks unfolded under starlit skies as the group explored the middle paths of the heart. The magic culminated at the sea on the island of Mallorca—from dancing on catamaran decks in Alcúdia Bay to discovering the legendary Formentor Beach, and closing with heartfelt ceremonies on the shore at sunset.

Through the 8 Paths to the Heart—from Belonging to Devotion—Michael’s soulful harmonium melodies and Katrina’s profound teachings created a container for deep transformation. Each morning’s centering practices opened doorways to authentic connection, creative expression, and spiritual awakening. Laughter echoed through medieval streets, joy opened during sunrise beach meditations, and lifelong friendships blossomed over shared meals and sacred circles. This retreat wasn’t just a vacation; it was a pilgrimage to the heart. Watch our journey unfold and discover if Sacred Spain is calling you.

Whales & Tales  ~ Whidbey Island Retreat

May 2025 

Katrina and Michael guided an intimate group of seekers to the enchanting shores of Whidbey Island, where ancient stories merged with whale songs in a transformative five-day journey. From the luxurious Inn at Langley with its stunning views of the Saratoga Passage, each morning began with beach meditations as eagles soared overhead, followed by gourmet breakfasts that nourished body and soul. The Pacific Northwest revealed its magic through daily yoga practices overlooking the water, soul-stirring satsangs exploring ancient wisdom from the Upanishads, and an unforgettable whale watching adventure where gray whales, humpbacks, and orcas graced the group with their presence throughout Puget Sound.

The retreat wove together moments of profound connection—from meditative walks through moss-draped forests to afternoon story-sharing circles where participants crafted and shared their own tales of transformation. Eagles became daily companions, appearing at perfect moments as if blessing the journey. The experience culminated in an extraordinary chef-prepared four-course dinner where each participant shared their personally crafted stories and poetry, creating an evening so magical that no one wanted it to end. Between the whale songs, forest wisdom, and heartfelt connections formed, this retreat became more than a getaway—it was a homecoming to the soul. Watch our journey unfold and discover if the Pacific Northwest is calling your spirit

Greece Retreat~ The Sacred & Subtle

October 2024 

On the magical island of Lesvos in the Mediterranean, we gathered in community this October 2024, drawn by the call of ancient hot springs and Aegean mysteries. This enchanted island, where Sappho once composed verses and Aristotle walked in contemplation, transformed our group of seekers into a soul family beneath Byzantine castle walls and starlit tavernas. Katrina and Michael, who return to this beloved sanctuary year after year, guided us through an extraordinary journey exploring sacred geometry and subtle energy in the charming coastal village of Molivos, where time moves to the rhythm of fishing boats and church bells.

Each golden October day unfolded in perfect harmony: sunrise yoga overlooking waters where Turkey’s mountains meet Greek shores, farm-to-table breakfasts celebrating the island’s volcanic bounty, and transformative teachings that bridged ancient wisdom with modern understanding. Michael revealed the universe’s hidden patterns through sacred geometry workshops, teaching us to draw chakras while discovering divine proportions in nature’s design. Katrina illuminated our subtle bodies—the astral and causal layers that shape our experience—offering practical wisdom for nurturing these often-overlooked aspects of ourselves. Our sacred journeys took us to the healing hot springs of Eftalou, where volcanic waters meeting the sea promise karmic cleansing, and to Therma Gera Spa overlooking the mystical gulf where pink flamingos dance. A boat tour through the legendary waters of the Trojan War connected us to millennia of seekers who’ve found wisdom along these ancient shores. Between afternoon swims in crystal waters, wanderings through olive groves, and evening feasts of fresh-caught fish under Mediterranean stars, we discovered that the true magic wasn’t just in the places we visited—it was in the community we became. Watch our journey unfold and feel Lesvos calling your soul home.

The Breath of Life: 300Hr Teacher Training Mexico Immersion  

September 2024

Our transformative 300Hr Teacher Training journey began in the enchanting beach town of Puerto Morelos, Mexico, where ancient Mayan wisdom merged with timeless yogic teachings to create an unforgettable immersion experience. As the turquoise Caribbean waters kissed the shore during our sunrise sadhana practices, our dedicated group of seekers dove deep into the sacred arts—from drawing sacred geometry mandalas to exploring Ayurvedic herbs, from studying the profound wisdom of the Upanishads to discovering the cosmic connections between yogic and Mayan philosophies. Each morning began with Qi Gong on the beach, moving stagnant energy as pelicans soared overhead, followed by intensive workshops that wove together yoga asana, pranayama, meditation, philosophy, and even tarot as a tool for self-reflection.

The pinnacle of our journey took us to the sacred University of Chichen Itza, where we walked in the footsteps of ancient astronomers and mystics, feeling the powerful energy of the great pyramid and swimming in the crystalline waters of Ik Kil Cenote—a natural portal between worlds. Throughout the immersion, traditional Mexican and Mayan cuisine nourished our bodies with high-vibration meals prepared with love and intention. This Mexico module marks just the beginning of a comprehensive training that continues with weekend intensives at Karma Yoga Center in Denver, where students will explore anatomy, cosmology, mantras, alchemy, and ultimately present their own workshops as certified teachers. More than just a teacher training, this program is a spiritual odyssey designed to unlock the doors of self-realization, self-healing, and conscious awakening. Watch our magical journey unfold and discover if your soul is ready for this transformative path.

Glenwood Hot Springs Retreat ~ Soak at Imbolc ~ 

February 2024

Aboard the scenic California Zephyr in February 2024, our community journeyed through snow-covered mountain passes and mystical Glenwood Canyon to celebrate Imbolc at the legendary Yampah Hot Springs. This sacred midpoint between winter and spring called us to gather in the healing waters that the Ute people have long revered as “Big Medicine,” where mineral-rich pools cradled our intentions for renewal and rebirth. Katrina and Michael guided us through a transformative weekend that wove together the ancient wisdom of Imbolc with profound astrological insights, as we explored how the cosmos was supporting our personal and collective awakening during this powerful threshold time.

Each day began with sunrise meditations overlooking snow-dusted peaks, followed by gentle yoga that prepared our bodies to receive the medicine of the sacred waters. Between soul-stirring talks on the astrological significance of Imbolc and the birthing of spring’s first stirrings, we soaked for hours in the world’s largest hot springs pool, letting 15 healing minerals work their magic while snowflakes kissed our faces. The highlight was our Imbolc ceremony under February’s full moon, where we planted seeds of intention for the year ahead while honoring what needed to be released. Our community bonds deepened with each shared soak, each meal together, and each moment of laughter echoing across the steaming pools. The charming town of Glenwood Springs offered perfect interludes for exploration, while the journey itself—watching Colorado’s winter wonderland unfold from the train’s observation car—became its own moving meditation. This wasn’t just a retreat; it was a sacred pause at winter’s heart, where healing waters and star wisdom combined to prepare us for spring’s inevitable awakening. Watch our magical journey unfold and discover why Imbolc at the hot springs might be calling you

2025

• Sacred Spain: 8 Paths to the Heart ~ Valencia, Mountain Villages & Mallorca (September 2025)
• Pacific Northwest ~ Stories of The Soul ~ Whidbey Island Retreat (May 2025)
• Astrology, Art & Yoga Retreat ~ A Star Is Born! ~ Manitou Springs (March 2025)

2024

• Glenwood Hot Springs & Train Journey (February 2024)
• Whales & Tales Retreat ~ Whidbey Island (May 2024)
• Greece: The Subtle & The Sacred (September 2024)
• Taos Retreat: Connection, Community, Ceremony (November 2024)

2023

• Glenwood Hot Springs & Train Journey (February 2023)
• Greece Island Retreat: Sacred Odyssey (July 2023)

2022

• Taos Medicine: Connection, Community, Ceremony (November 2022)
• The Spirit of Life ~ Greek Islands Retreat (July 2022)

2019

• Living With Spirit ~ Costa Rica Sacred Journey (June 2019)
• Earth Medicine, Yoga & Astrology ~ Manitou Springs (November 2019)

2018

• Living With Spirit ~ Manitou Springs Winter Solstice (December 2018)
• The Spirit of Life ~ Sacred Mexico (June 2018)

2017

• Sol-to-Soul ~ Tulum Mexico, Sacred Journey (September 2017)
• Mountain Sanctuary ~ Mount Princeton Hot Springs (July 2017)
• Full Moon Medicine ~ Pagosa Springs (May 2017)

2016

• Sacred Waters ~ Belize
• Maya Mysteries ~ Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
• Desert Spirit ~ Taos, New Mexico
• Mountain Medicine ~ Mount Princeton

2015

• Sacred Maya ~ Tulum, Mexico