liminal rest

The  5th Annual Yoga Kickback

November 15 - 17, 2024 | Afton, VA

An all-inclusive wellness retreat to find comfort and restoration during seasons of change.

about The Yoga Kickback

What started as our inaugural event at a local cafe in 2020, the Yoga Kickback has bloomed into an annual wellness retreat that invites BIPOC* to connect, chill, and celebrate community in the name of collective healing and well-being.

Supported by bipoc wellness practitioners

Fall is a time for slowing down and letting go as we transition from one season to the next. Inspired by the book Pause, Rest, Be by Octavia Raheem, this year’s theme of Liminal Rest creates space for you to find comfort and restoration during seasons of change.

Through holistic practices that invite conscious relaxation, reflection and release, we’ll restore energy and nourish ourselves in the space that exists between endings and new beginnings.

*Black, Indigenous, and people of color

Daily Yoga + Meditation

Lavish Accommodations

Chef-Prepared Meals

Restoration + Connection

what’s included in your stay:

Features of our all-inclusive rest retreat.

This experience intentionally integrates stillness practices, reflection, and unstructured time to aid in shedding seasons past and finding comfort in the space between what was and what will be.

The space in between.

No prior yoga or meditation experience needed, all levels are welcome.

  • Rest-Based Yoga & Meditation Sessions

  • Sound Bath Experience

  • Group Sessions to Inspire Connection, Joy & Creativity

  • Guided Rituals for Release & Renewal

  • Chef-Prepared Meals, Beverages & Snacks

  • Nature Immersion

  • Time for Leisure, Relaxation & Rest

  • Supportive Community of Rest Seekers

  • A Care Package to Take Home

rest in nature at Hilltop cabin

Rustic charm x modern luxury.

Resting on 11.5 acres of tranquil woodlands near the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hilltop Cabin offers rustic charm and modern luxury. Located 2.5 hours from DC and 15 minutes from Shenandoah National Park, the spacious cabin, pristine accommodations and breathtaking mountain views make this the ideal destination for your restful getaway.

Other Features & Amenities:

  • Fresh Linens & Toiletries

  • Expansive Outdoor Deck

  • Hot Tub & Sauna with Forest & Mountain Views

  • Cozy Fire Pit

  • Access to Private Waterfront

the vibe conductors

Meet the practitioners who will support your ability to relax, release, and rest in the space in between.

  • For the past 15 years Shakeelah has been teaching people all over the country how to relate to their bodies as a source of healing and ease.

    Inspired by her family's legacy of trauma, mental illness, and chronic disease, Shakeelah takes a holistic approach to well-being by incorporating yoga and mindfulness as tools to soothe nervous systems stuck in overdrive thanks to our stressful lives.

    Learn more about her work here.

shakeelah sutton

  • Jessica Gray is a holistic wellness expert, meditation guide and reiki practitioner.

    Jessica's most popular offering is her sound bath meditations where she intuitively leads her clients through a relaxing full-body listening experience. She was recently featured on Washington DC radio station WPFW 89.3 FM to share more about sound healing and play a sound bath live on air. Jessica is excited to continue to align herself with opportunities that empower, heal and bring joy to her community.

jess gray

  • Nikki started her wellness journey when she fell in love with yoga while taking a class on a school trip to India in 2011 when she attended Temple University. During this class, she felt a sense of peace in her mind, body, and spirit that she had never experienced before. It was through yoga that she later found and began practicing meditation. Her dedication to both grew so much that she eventually received teaching certifications from Spiritual Essence and Sankofa Yoga & Wellness Centers. As a self-proclaimed "Naptivist," Nikki believes in the importance of rest and restoration.

nikki lawrence

  • Catherine Miller is an integrative wellness professional in the DMV who strives to make wellness accessible and empowering for others. By day, Catherine works in corporate wellness supporting efforts to increase engagement and help employees make small but lasting changes to improve their health and wellbeing.

    Catherine’s real passions, however, are Reiki, Yoga, mindfulness, and trauma-informed practices. She first experienced the benefits of Reiki as a brain tumor survivor and witnessed the benefits in others when she served as a Reiki volunteer at a local hospital. Catherine is a Reiki Master and provides services through Four Directions Wellness, a studio based in Alexandria, VA, providing Reiki services to community members as well as teaching Reiki Level 1 and 2 classes. Catherine is a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher and is also trained in Divine Sleep® Yoga Nidra, focusing on classes that help students relax, unwind, and be more present. Catherine completed her M.S. in Nutrition, is a mindfulness teacher, a Certified Crystal Practitioner, and a Certified Health & Wellness Coach. For her work at Four Directions Wellness, she was named an honoree for the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce’s 40 Under 40 Awards for 2020. Overall, she loves how powerful each of these wellness practices are in building self-awareness and helping in one’s healing journey.

catherine miller

Fresh, seasonal, flexitarian meals will be prepared daily by the talented Well Body Kitchen.

choose your stay

Pricing includes an all-inclusive experience for one person. King suites can accommodate double occupancies. All accommodation options include fresh towels, linens, toiletries, and spectacular views.

Booking implies acceptance of our cancellation and COVID policies.

.

charming shared space

Sleeps four.

$1,297

Per person

  • Perfect for coming solo or with friends, the Charming Shared Space features two comfy bunk beds to lay your head.

    • One queen bunk

    • Three twin XL bunks

    • Forest view

    • Clothing storage

    • Room darkening curtains

    • Ceiling fan

    • Shared hall bathroom

    Additional photos

    • Reservations are made with a $300 non-refundable deposit.

    • We offer two automatic billing options for the remaining balance:

    1. paid in full (within 72 hours of booking).

    2. by 4 installments due by October 31st (time between payments is determined by registration date).

    • Please note: If reserving after October 15th, the remaining balance is automatically charged within 72 hours of booking.

    • Booking implies acceptance of our cancellation and COVID policies.

    Questions? Email us.

cozy king suite

Sleeps one or two.

Single Occupancy: $1,597

Double Occupancy: $1,397 per person

  • Enjoy a restful night’s sleep on a luxurious king bed in an experience that goes beyond the ordinary. This room features:

    • King bed

    • Forest view

    • Private bathroom with standing shower

    • Seating areas

    • TV

    • Clothing storage

    • Room darkening curtains

    • Ceiling fan

    Additional photos

  • Booking implies acceptance of our cancellation and COVID policies.

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY:

    • Reservations are made with a $300 non-refundable deposit.

    • We offer two automatic billing options for the remaining balance:

    1. paid in full (within 72 hours of booking).

    2. by 4 installments due by October 31st (time between payments is determined by registration date).

    • Please note: If reserving after October 15th, the remaining balance is automatically charged within 72 hours of booking.

    DOUBLE OCCUPANCY:

    • Only one of the occupants will make a non-refundable deposit using the button below. The second occupant's name and email address must be provided at checkout.

    • The second occupant will be emailed a payment link for their $300 deposit. If it's not received within 3 days of the initial booking, the reservation is cancelled.

    • Both occupants will pay their remaining balances separately, either in full or in 4 installments due by October 31st (time between payments is determined by registration date).

    • Please note: If reserving after October 15th, the remaining balance is automatically charged within 72 hours of booking.

    Questions? Email us.

deluxe king suite

Sleeps one or two.

Single Occupancy: $1,677

Double Occupancy: $1,447 per person

  • Connect with the stunning beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains where you can soak up the wondrous views after a day of relaxation. Drift off to sleep in complete comfort and awaken to the sun shining through your room’s generous windows.

    • King bed

    • Mountain and forest views

    • Private bathroom with soaking tub and standing shower

    • Indoor fireplace

    • Access to deck

    • Seating areas

    • TV

    • Clothing storage

    • Room darkening curtains

    • Ceiling fan

    Additional photos

  • Booking implies acceptance of our cancellation and COVID policies.

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY:

    • Reservations are made with a $300 non-refundable deposit.

    • We offer two automatic billing options for the remaining balance:

    1. paid in full (within 72 hours of booking).

    2. by 4 installments due by October 31st (time between payments is determined by registration date).

    Please note: If reserving after October 15th, the remaining balance is automatically charged within 72 hours of booking.

    DOUBLE OCCUPANCY:

    • Only one of the occupants will make a non-refundable deposit using the button below. The second occupant's name and email address must be provided at checkout.

    • The second occupant will be emailed a payment link for their $300 deposit. If it's not received within 3 days of the initial booking, the reservation is cancelled.

    • Both occupants will pay their remaining balances separately, either in full or in 4 installments due by October 31st (time between payments is determined by registration date).

    • Please note: If reserving after October 15th, the remaining balance is automatically charged within 72 hours of booking.

    Questions? Email us.

frequently asked questions

Including our COVID and cancellation policies.

  • To minimize risk, all guests will be required to have a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination within 48 hours of arrival. If you fail to meet these guidelines, your reservation will be cancelled and no refund will be given.

    Masks are optional during your stay.

  • Because the Yoga Kickback is limited to a small number of attendees, our cancellation policy is in place to respect the time and energy required to create such a personable, intimate experience while minimizing expenses that may arise from unexpected cancellations.

    • All deposits are non-refundable.

    • All cancellation requests must be made by October 1st in order to receive a 50% refund.

    • No refunds will be given after October 1st. Payments are non-transferable. Exceptions cannot be made for any reason, including weather, injury, illness, or personal emergencies.

  • Our signature yoga styles (restorative, yin, slow flow, and yoga nidra) are designed to help you slow down, tune in, and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, creating a deep relaxation response in body and mind.

    The calming styles of yoga we offer are a nice complement to more active yoga styles and exercise regimens (as well as our busy lives). Learn more about each style.

  • Absolutely! Our seasoned practitioners can offer a variety of pose options and modifications. We'll ask about injuries and accessibility needs prior to the retreat.

  • A list of suggested items will be emailed prior to the retreat.

  • You'll have the opportunity to share those with us prior to the retreat. We got you!

  • Because this retreat and planned activities are inspired by many of the themes in the book, we highly recommend reading it beforehand but it's not required.

Still have questions? Send us an email.

It’s time to put down much of what we’ve been carrying, clinging, and holding on to. To listen for a new way within the quiet of our hearts.

-Octavia Raheem

the 5th annual yoga kickback | #liminalrest

The calm/cool collective is a wellness community that creates inclusive spaces for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) to explore ways to acknowledge and heal from the conditions of our shared lived experiences. 

Because our communities experience overwhelmingly high rates of chronic stress (and related conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, anxiety, and depression), our mission is to provide access to holistic wellness practices and mindfulness tools so that we can strengthen self-awareness, resiliency, and the ability to feel at ease in any given moment. Learn more.