My yoga teacher told me that her favorite place for yoga retreats is at Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck, New York. After attending a five day workshop with Steve Ross, it's become my favorite place as well. The workshop, Happy Yoga, ran from June 3- June 8.
Here's a list of the books we were required to read before taking the course. They are both wonderful.

• Happy Yoga by Steve Ross
• A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle

I didn't realize that we would be doing vinyasa (flow) yoga so on Monday morning I was in for quite a surprise when Steve had us doing vinyasa for an hour. This was way out of my comfort zone and I had doubts that I would be able to walk the next day or complete the rest of the week.
After an hour of vinyasa he had us doing stretches and holding the pose for a few minutes. It wasn't my idea of a good time but I got through it.
The afternoon wasn't as grueling. We did Tai Chi, chanting and listened to Steve's stories about the years he spent in India.
When I woke up the next morning I expected to be in pain but I felt great! I wasn't tired and my joints didn't ache like the often do. I felt strong and invigorated.
So for the remainder of the week I continued to take Steve's workshop and loved every bit of it, pain and all!
The entire class bonded and we ate our meals together, went on walks, swam, and enjoyed the beautiful grounds of Omega.
I didn't think to bring my digital camera but fortunately a few people had them and emailed pictures to the group.
I'm going to take another workshop with Steve this July in Ojai, California.
Life is good.
Namaste