Yesterday, I visited the location of our upcoming Downshift retreat: Menla Mountain House in Phoenicia, New York, nestled deep in a valley within the Catskill Mountains. Surrounded by lush forest and a gentle stream, it’s a place that feels intimately connected to the earth—quiet, natural, and grounding.
For our spring cohort, we held the retreat at Piaule, a stunning, upscale resort and spa nearby in the Catskills. It was luxurious, beautiful, and the experience was undeniably elevated. But as we reflected on that retreat and began planning for this one, we found ourselves asking an important question: What’s most important for Downshift? Is it about offering luxury and high-end experiences, or is there something deeper we’re trying to communicate?
Ultimately, we realized that what we’re striving for with Downshift goes beyond material comfort. It’s not about offering our participants the “best” things in life, at least not in the conventional sense. It’s not about luxury suites, gourmet meals, or spa treatments. Those things can be nice, but they often create a sense of separation from what’s truly important. What we’re aiming to provide is something more meaningful—a chance to strip away the excess and focus on what’s real.
Instead, it’s about creating a space where people can truly disconnect from the distractions of everyday life and reconnect with what matters—things like meaningful conversations, quiet reflection, and time spent immersed in nature. It’s a chance to pause, slow down, and rediscover the simplicity and depth that we often overlook in the rush of daily life. By stepping away from the noise, we hope our participants can reconnect with themselves and what truly fulfills them.
Menla reflects that vision. The amenities are comfortable but not opulent, simple yet deeply satisfying. The real luxury here is the space, the stillness, the community, and the feeling of being enveloped by nature. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect with the world around you in a way that’s both grounding, restorative, and nourishing.
We believe that this setting will help our Downshifters slow down, take inventory of their lives, and tune into what really matters. It’s a step away from the noise, the distractions, and the constant race for more. In this place, we can truly get to know ourselves—away from the busyness of life, we find the clarity to reconnect with who we are at our core.
We’re incredibly excited to kick off our fall cohort in a few weeks and to offer this experience to our Downshifters. I can't wait to get started.