About Us

The story of Adytum Retreats begins in 2016 when Rob and Carlos met working as hiking guides in Laguna Beach, California. After nearly a decade of learning and working in multiple retreats, Rob and Carlos wanted to create a program that teaches tools and daily practices for how to live a balanced and empowered life. They always knew that retreats were a very powerful platform to effect change in people’s lives, and with that in mind, they began discussing what they felt would be an unparalleled retreat experience and the idea of Adytum Retreats was born. The story continued to unfold when in 2019 Rob met Karen and Carlos met Leanna and with their wide breadth of experiences and expertise the two couples expanded the vision of Adytum Retreats.

So, what exactly is it that we do? With mindfulness, self-love, and self-mastery as its key concepts, Adytum Retreats strives to empower individuals and display the benefits of having a place of clarity and calmness from which one can expect to feel renewed, relaxed, confident and healthy. We seek to teach, challenge, comfort, and inspire individuals from all walks of life. Through a balance of movement and rest we offer a myriad of experiences ranging from hiking, meditation, and yoga, to massages, ice baths, breath work, mindful eating practices and more.

Come join us for an extraordinary holiday and begin the journey to your own inner sanctuary.

Brass singing bowl placed on rocks in a flowing stream.
  • Person sitting on a rocky ledge above clouds at sunset, wearing a jacket and beanie

    Meditation

    The purpose of meditation is to remember who we are, to remember what brings excitement to our lives and to remember why we are here. Meditation is a sacred pause that allows us to slow down, come back to stillness, clear the mind and reorganize our energies in order to reset, gain mental clarity and direction in life. 

  • A person relaxing in an outdoor inflatable pool filled with ice water, with a blue sky and two blurry figures in the background.

    Wim Hof Method

    Put in the simplest of terms, the Wim Hof Method is a way to keep your body, mind, and soul in their optimal natural state. Through the 3 pillars of breath work, cold exposure, and mindset we work with stress to strengthen our minds and bodies and create a resilient and emboldened mindset. The Wim Hof Method is great for strengthening the immune system, boosting mood, increasing energy, and reducing anxiety. The method empowers individuals by strengthening the mind/body connection and offering a place to practice that which makes us stronger.

  • Woman practicing yoga outdoors, performing an upward-facing dog pose on a stone ledge surrounded by trees and greenery.

    Yoga

    Yoga practice is the vehicle in which we align movement with breath to bring the body to equilibrium and peace in the present moment. By using both breath and movement in tandem, we are able to clearly recognize that limits are held only within the physical manifestation of being, and that it is breath that gives the body life. Within this awareness, we find both power and stillness existing side by side as we strengthen the body and ease into deeper flexibility and balance. We move with great gratitude by attuning ourselves to the intricate and miraculous movement of the body, while with the breath we can elevate our experience, allowing a transient physical expression to come and go through the body.

  • A group of people sitting in a circle in a forest, surrounded by autumn leaves and trees.

    Nature Therapy

    Nature Therapy also known as forest bathing (or shinrin-yoku in Japan) is a mindfulness, embodiment and nature-connection practice that originated in Japan and has spread around the world. The name refers to bathing yourself in the forest atmosphere through all of your senses, focusing on what you can see, hear, smell, touch and taste. It’s all about slowing down, getting out of your head and into your body. This is a short and slow walk to help you to connect with nature and yourself. After a forest bathing walk you will feel more relaxed, less stressed and more in touch with the natural world within and around you.

  • People lying on yoga mats with blankets during a relaxation session

    Breath Work

    Breath work is the intentional control and awareness of one's breath to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This ancient practice has developed across the globe, with roots in Eastern cultures such as yoga and tai chi in India and China. Breath work has been shown to have numerous benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved sleep quality, and increased oxygenation of the body. It can also enhance mental clarity, boost energy levels, and promote emotional balance. In various cultures, breath work is used for meditation, spiritual growth, and self-healing. By harnessing the power of conscious breathing, individuals can cultivate greater awareness, calmness, and overall wellness in their daily lives.

  • A woman enjoying a meal in a cozy café setting, with her eyes closed and holding a fork with food. There are plants on the table, a loaf of bread, and a yellow coffee cup.

    Mindful Eating

    Mindful eating is the practice of paying attention to the experience of eating, savoring each bite, and developing a healthier relationship with food. This approach has gained popularity worldwide, particularly in Western cultures, as a way to combat unhealthy eating habits and promote overall well-being. By eating mindfully, individuals can develop greater awareness of their hunger and fullness cues, leading to improved digestion, reduced stress, and a more balanced diet. Mindful eating has also been shown to help with weight management, reduce disordered eating patterns, and increase enjoyment of food.

  • Two women sitting together, looking at documents, engaged in conversation.

    Health Coaching

    Health coaching is a collaborative and supportive process that empowers individuals to take ownership of their health and wellness, setting and achieving personalized goals. This approach has gained significant recognition in recent years, as people seek holistic and sustainable solutions to manage chronic diseases, improve mental well-being, and enhance overall quality of life. Health coaching offers numerous benefits, including improved self-awareness, increased motivation, and enhanced self-care habits. By working with a health coach, individuals can develop healthy habits, overcome obstacles, and achieve lasting lifestyle changes.

  • Person in blue pants and a black top dancing on sand dunes under a clear blue sky.

    Dance

    Throughout history, dance has been a raw and wild expression of the human soul. It has been used as a pathway for freedom and celebration. In dance, we are pushed to stare fear down and find authentic expression of joy and celebration. By moving the body in rhythm with music, we act on instinct, encouraging freedom and self expression without time for judgement. Dance physicalizes emotion and acts as an attainable art form for any individual wishing to bridge the gap between head and heart.

Meet the Team

  • Carlos Diaz Vidrio

    Co-Founder

    Meditation Teacher

    It is very clear to me that what the world needs now is for us human beings to slow down, heal, close our wounds from the past, and remember who we are and why we are here. My life is dedicated to this particular mission, and through teaching meditation and running retreats I know that we will accomplish this.

    I’m here to empower you and remind you that if you slow down and organize your mind you will regain your power. My dream is to create sacred experiences for you with transformational classes, powerful instructors and breathtaking locations for you to slow down, learn how to use your mind, have fun, and remember how special you are.

    I started working in the retreat world back in 2016. I have been blessed to learn from some of the best retreats in the nation. I started my career working for The Pearl in Laguna Beach California, then continued my education working for The Ranch Malibu in California, and finally had the amazing opportunity to open a new location for The Ranch in the Hudson Valley New York.

  • Man relaxing in an ice bath outside.

    Rob Nicholas

    Co-Founder

    Wim Hof Method Instructor and Nature Therapy Guide

    I have always believed that our minds and bodies are much stronger than we give them credit for, and that we have much to uncover and discover in our human form. At my core I am interested in giving people tools to empower themselves and initiate growth. I am sincere in my approach to craft a fun and enjoyable experience that affords individuals opportunities for strengthening themselves, unlocking their true potential, and feeling more comfortable and confident in body and mind.

    I started in the health and wellness industry as a massage and cranio-sacral therapist in 2010. I have worked in retreats since 2016 as a hiking guide, fitness instructor, Wim Hof instructor, and nature therapy guide. I love the retreat setting as it offers an opportunity to take guests into a different world apart and away from the distractions of their everyday life, and empower them with tools to assist them in creating a happier and healthier life.

  • Person sitting on a wooden bench wearing a denim outfit, outdoors with lush greenery in the background.

    Leanna Newell

    Yoga Teacher and Dance Instructor

    I have spent over fifteen years facilitating for others the art of movement as a practice for conscious expression. I have taught a wide range of dance styles and yoga to all ages and walks of life, and it has been an honor to observe the impact and power of movement in each student. For me, movement is a meditation that is equal parts internal and external. My mission is to help individuals become trusting toward their body’s ability to speak to and guide them. Linking breath, movement and non-judgement brings the nervous system into balance, helping the student to fully embody their own presence.

    A passion of mine has always been to create immersive experiences. I have done this through many modalities; theatre, hospitality, teaching and of course retreats. My journey with retreats began when I was first brought on board with The Ranch Malibu as a guide. From there, I had the incredible opportunity to join the opening team for The Ranch Hudson Valley, New York. I have witnessed the power of immersing oneself in experience and igniting all the senses to ignite the imagination and therefore the life force within.

  • Person sitting at a table with three ceramic cups on a wooden tray in a garden setting, surrounded by green plants and hanging pots.

    Karen Lindsay PhD RDN

    Dietician and Health & Wellness Coach

    I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Health and Wellness Coach, and Assistant Professor at the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, University of California, Irvine (UCI). I have clinical and research expertise in women’s health across the reproductive lifespan, nutrition-stress interactions, and mindful eating. I provide personalized nutrition and lifestyle counseling through the lens of holistic, mind-body wellbeing. I am also an instructor of culinary medicine at the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute where I teach nutrition in conjunction with hands-on practical culinary skills to medical students and clients planning a pregnancy.

Come with us and discover you inner sanctuary