Each fall, the mountain town of Carbondale is transformed into a yoga and wellness destination, to the sound of different spiritual musicians.
In September, True Nature Healing Arts holds its annual Sacred Fest, a community gathering with Kirtans (call and response songs) and other live music; a wellness villa with massages, acupuncture, face painting and more; and healthy, organic food made on site. The sober family event is open to anyone looking for an excuse to enjoy health and community.
Kirtans focus on wellness, says Eaden Shantay, co-founder of True Nature.
“There is a science in singing,” says Shantay. «It affects the palate of the mouth and the meridians of the body, as well as the hypothalamus and the limbic system. The science of chants impacts the entire body through rhythmic breathing and movement of the mouth, as well as the intention behind the chants. They are all meant to bring people to a state of “bliss.”
True Nature, open year round seven days a week, not far from the popular ski town of Aspen, is known for coordinating holistic and healthy activities. In fact, the facility regularly organizes wellness excursions for travelers.
True Nature is a large-scale wellness destination.
“We have people who come from all over the country and beyond. Fortunately, the valley and Aspen attract people from all over the world, ”says Shantay.
The property designs personal retreats of varying lengths (from half a day to several days), complete with yoga, spa treatments, and healthy food packages to deeply rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit.
A vacation with a purpose
True Nature opened in 2007 and offers yoga, workshops, a spa with massages and some 25 different treatments, a reflexology pathway, and a garden of peace. The boutique sells art, books, organic and sustainable clothing, and inspirational tools, such as crystals.
“It is a space to support people who want to deepen the meaning and purpose of their lives,” says Shantay.
From the moment you walk through the doors, visitors are often amazed at the level of careful detail that is put into every aspect of the setting. A feng shui expert helped organize the flow, and much of the furniture is imported antiques from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Kashmir, and Morocco. This vintage flavor blends wonderfully with the clean, contemporary aesthetic.
On the ground, visitors can sip cold-pressed vegetable juice or tea from about 25 different organic loose leaf teas, with a spread of raw chocolate. True Nature’s production kitchen, located a few blocks away, makes a full line of vegan and raw food.
Although it does not offer accommodation on site, it recommends several nearby options that guests can cater to their preferences, be it a B&B or a private vacation rental property. Many guests choose to stay at Avalanche Hot Springs, about 15 minutes away, or at the new luxury property, Marble Distilling Co. and The Distillery Inn.
Five to 10 minutes in either direction, Carbondale offers extensive hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing.
The key to planning the best wellness trip is communication, says Shatay.
Talk to us about what the guest really wants to learn or support. Some may have injuries, others may want to make life changes, ”says Shantay.
Yoga teaches balance and alignment, not just physically, but on all levels, says Shantay.
“People can be misaligned in their relationships or in the social or work environment or with the way they spend their time,” says Shantay. “We support people to make the changes they need so that they can feel better and have more satisfaction because they are more aligned with their deepest desires and passions.”
