The Eightfold Path Retreat | SAMĀDHI FAQs

March 8-15, 2026 | Menla - Phoenicia, NY

This page is a living resource that will continue to be updated with new and pertinent information. Initially, we are providing details for planning and booking travel.

Once we are closer to the retreat, we will share a packing list, more information about Menla, the spa, and the daily schedule.

Arrival Day | Sunday, March 8, 2026

  • Check-in opens at 3 pm at Menla Retreat Center in Phoenicia, New York

  • Optional decompression and arrival practice at 4:30 pm, led by Kevin

  • Dinner will be served from 6 - 7 pm

Departure Day | Sunday, March 15, 2026

  • Breakfast will be served at 8 am

  • There are no practices currently planned for this morning. You may pack up your room and check out by 11 am.

Preparing for the SAMĀDHI Retreat

  • In general, most people fly into New York City. From there, Menla is a 2-hour drive from any of the NYC airports.

    Menla is also conveniently 2 hours from Albany International and 90 minutes from Stewart Airport in Newburgh, NY.

  • Menla is conveniently located:

    • 2 hours north of the GW Bridge in New York City by car

    • 3 hours by bus from New York City on Adirondack Trailways to Phoenicia, NY

    • 3.5 hours from Boston by car

    • 2 hours from Albany International Airport by car

    • 90 minutes from Stewart Airport in Newburgh, NY, by car

    You will need to arrange your own ground transportation to and from Menla. New York City flights tend to be less expensive and involve fewer connections

    By bus from NYC, Albany:

    Transportation is readily available from New York City at Port Authority, 625 8th Avenue, where you would board Trailways Bus to Phoenicia.

    The approximate cost of the Trailways bus is $40 and takes 3 hours. Before boarding the bus, you must book this travel with Trailways; (you can do that here).

    Trailways bus will drop you off in the small quaint town of Phoenicia. A shuttle from town to the retreat center can be arranged with the Menla Front Desk (Please email Nico at nico@thisisinsight to book a shuttle from town to the retreat center.)

    You can also take the Trailways Bus from Albany to Phoenicia, then arrange a shuttle from town to the retreat center with Nico for $5 cash to be paid directly to Menla 

    (Note:  this option is approximately 2 hours longer than NYC, with a layover and bus change on Trailways. Menla recommends traveling through NYC airports.)

    By car from Stewart Airport

    Ground transportation from Stewart Airport is accessible through either private car service or a rental car (there are no public transportation options available).

  • Arrival Day is Sunday, March 8, 2026.

    • Check-in opens at 3 pm at Menla Retreat Center in Phoenicia, New York

    • Optional decompression and arrival practice at 4:30 pm, led by Kevin Courtney

    • Dinner will be served from 6 - 7 pm

    Departure Day is Sunday, March 15, 2026.

    • Breakfast at 8:30 am

    • Check-out by 11 am

    • Guests must vacate rooms and property by 11 am

  • We will share this with you when we are closer to the retreat!

Our Approach

Each element of practice is offered to help you experience SAMĀDHI in a way that feels authentic and empowering.

Simply show up as you are. The experience is designed to serve you, and every component is yours to make your own.

As the retreat approaches, we’ll share additional guidance on preparing your body and mind for the experience. For now, please take a moment to absorb these sentiments and allow any insights or questions to arise.

We are here to support you.

Sacred Space

  • SAMĀDHI  is a completely technology-free retreat - no cellphones, laptops, tablets, etc.

  • Please be aware that once arriving in the town of Phoenicia, there is no cell phone service in the surrounding areas or at Menla

  • A designated space will be provided to accommodate necessary phone calls (i.e., parents connecting with children and other needs)

  • Closer to the retreat, we’ll share a phone number at Menla where you may be reached in case of emergency

Questions

Please send any questions or requests about the retreat to Nico Grae: nico@kevinjcourtney.com

We can’t wait to welcome you to this incredible last chapter of the Eightfold Path!