True Nature Retreat
The Great Smoky Mountains, TN
July 31 - August 3, 2025
ALIGN to THRIVE.
This 3-night, 4-day retreat is set in the serene Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, a place where you can disconnect from the noise of daily life and reconnect with your inner self. Nestled in nature, this retreat offers a restorative experience to help you realign with your True Nature.
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Designed to nourish your body, mind, and spirit, the retreat features a variety of practices and experiences:
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Energizing yoga classes, from finding freedom in Vinyasa to rejuvenation through Dynamic Hatha.
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Breathwork and Meditation to reconnect with your center.
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Transformational workshops to inspire growth on and off the mat.
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Intuitive dance, a cacao ceremony, and hiking through the beauty of nature.
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Savoring healthy vegetarian meals and practicing gratitude for the nourishment they provide.
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Aligning with Ayurveda’s timeless approaches to balanced living.​​
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Ample free time to rest, reflect, or simply soak in the stunning surroundings.
This yoga retreat is a powerful reminder that you MATTER and add VALUE to this world. To give your best to others, you must first nurture yourself. This retreat offers you the space to refill your cup, so you can return to your life feeling renewed, inspired, and aligned. You are worthy of creating a life filled with health, happiness, abundance, and everything your heart desires. Let this True Nature Retreat be the start—or continuation—of your journey toward becoming the fullest expression of yourself.
"Carole’s retreats are AMAZING, I have participated in two. She brings her PASSION, PURPOSE and MESSAGE much wider and deeper. Everybody gets filled and leaves feeling renewed and perhaps knowing themselves a little better. In addition friendships are made. I highly recommend experiencing Carole’s retreats!"
Wade N. / North Carolina
A NOTE FROM CAROLE:
Welcome - I’m beyond excited to invite you to one of the most special places I’ve had the honor to return to year after year. This will be my 7th retreat here, and each time, it feels like coming home. The peaceful, off-the-grid atmosphere creates the perfect space to disconnect, breathe deeply, and reconnect with yourself and an incredible community.
My mission is simple: to help you rediscover your power, align with your deepest desires, and embrace the truest version of yourself. Through yoga, Ayurveda, and intentional community, we’ll explore what it means to step into your most meaningful and fulfilling life.
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This weekend is about you—honoring your worth, reclaiming your inner wisdom, and renewing your spirit. I cannot wait to guide you on this beautiful journey of self-discovery and transformation.
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Much love,
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Carole the Free Spirited Wanderer
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
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3 Night Accommodations
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Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
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Daily Yoga Classes
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Off The Mat Workshops
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1/2 Day Hike
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Cacao Ceremony
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Fire Ceremony
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Ample free time
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FSW Workbook + Swag Bag
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Virtual Meet & Greet + Pre-retreat support
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NOT INCLUDED:
Flights, transportation, massages, additional meals + drinks
CHOOSE YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Each yurt is decorated with traditional textiles and artwork from the countries that our family frequents. The yurts are fully furnished including electricity and outlets. We use 100% organic cotton sheets and towels. Each yurt has fans for the heat and extra blankets for the cool nights. ​ ​ EARLY BIRD PRICING ENDS APRIL 30, 2025: Pay in full by this date to save $200. Any sign ups after June 30 will be required to pay in full upon registration. The follow prices reflect 'What's Included' from above. All pricing is per person.
Single Yurt
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Early bird Pricing: $1295
Regular Pricing: $1495
**EARLY BIRD PRICING ENDS APRIL 30**
Sleeps 1 in a private furnished yurt with a queen bed. This option is great for someone wanting their own private yurt. All yurts have shared bathrooms with hot showers and water saving sinks and toilets. ​
Shared Yurt
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Early bird Pricing: $995/pp
Regular pricing: $1295/pp
​**EARLY BIRD PRICING ENDS APRIL 30**
Sleeps 2-4 in a furnished yurt with one queen bed for couples, or separate twin beds for friend / solo travelers.This option is great for couples, friends, family members, or solo travelers who do not mind sharing with others. All yurts have shared bathrooms with hot showers and water saving sinks and toilets.
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Please note in your registration the name(s) of who you desire to share with, otherwise you will be placed with other solo traveler(s).
THIS RETREAT IS FOR YOU:
This retreat is designed for the wanderers, adventurers, explorers, and yoga enthusiasts who crave space to reset, renew, and restore—allowing you to reconnect with your True Nature.
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You’re someone who seeks to live in alignment with your values, beliefs, and intentions, creating a life where you can truly thrive.
You have a deep love for nature, the outdoors, and discovering new places. You’re passionate about diving deeper into the holistic practice of yoga, connecting with like-minded individuals, and carving out intentional time for self-reflection. This retreat offers the perfect opportunity to explore how to live a more balanced, healthy, and joyful life.
3 THINGS YOU WILL GET OUT OF THIS RETREAT:
1. Elevate Your Yoga Practice: Immerse yourself in an experience that will deepen your yoga practice, both on and off the mat. Discover how to bring more authenticity, purpose, and fulfillment into your daily life through mindful movement and intentional living.
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2. Reconnect with Your Inner Self: Step away from the distractions of the outside world and into the stillness of the mountains. This retreat provides the space to quiet your mind, access your inner wisdom, and align with the truest version of yourself.
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3. Embrace Ayurvedic Wisdom: Gain a deeper understanding of Ayurveda and how to nurture your unique constitution. Learn practical tools to create a life of balance, vitality, and long-lasting health so you can thrive in every aspect of your life.
ABOUT SEVEN SPRINGS:
Seven Springs is a retreat center featuring seven natural springs on 126 acres of family owned land in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. near Maryville, Tennessee, Nestled deep in a hollow with trees all around it's easy to forget that we're just 20 minutes away from the Knoxville airport. The land Seven Springs rests on is also some of the most ecologically diverse in the country. The high elevations of the Smoky Mountains are a temperate rain forest with over 17,000 species of plants and animals. The incredible biodiversity of the region adds to the abundant richness of Seven Springs.
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Vision: Seven Springs Holistic Retreats is a place of natural abundance and cultural diversity where people learn how to create holistic sustenance for themselves and their communities.
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Mission: To provide an innovative and transformative space for local and global communities to experience high quality holistic education and experiences.
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What's on the land: Eight residential yurts, open air yoga shala, outdoor fully equipped kitchen, fire circle, bathrooms with water-saving toilets, sinks and showers, camping, a 7 course Labyrinth , Natural Springs, Oma's Tea Garden and ample on-site parking.
ABOUT THE FOOD:
FRESH FROM THE FARM. ORGANIC. VEGETARIAN.
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We understand that we are what we eat, literally. We value providing organic, clean and local foods that nourish our bodies, minds and spirits. At Seven Springs you will enjoy three meals a day, lovingly prepared, with plenty of nutrients and proteins. Examples of meals may be a breakfast of organic oatmeal or pancakes with fruit, nuts, seeds, and sweet toppings of your choice; a lunch of build your own burritos with all the fixings, and a dinner of a nourishing soup or coconut cashew curry with rice and salad. We also provide teas made with our homegrown herbs, as well as organic, fair trade coffee.
You are always welcome to bring snacks if you like. We ask that the snacks be kept in a special place in our kitchen and no food eaten in the yurts. If you enjoy animal proteins, we suggest bringing jerky or bone broth. We ask that you do not bring meat that needs to be cooked. The food we provide is well balanced with various protein sources to keep you full and energized throughout your stay!
Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions and we will do our best to accommodate.
Lexi G. | Georgia
"Carole is an absolute angel and amazing host/teacher. I couldn’t have asked for a better first yoga retreat. During her classes she gives options for all yoga levels, assists you in postures & is always willing to help if needed. I can’t wait to return to another one of her retreats!"
Nate T., North Carolina
I am so grateful for the True Nature Retreat at the beautiful Seven Springs in Tennessee. Carole's energy and presence is magic in and of itself and her knowledge of the body, mind and spirit is greatly appreciated. I want to thank Carole for her openness and opportunities to play. I always feel like I can be open and myself in her presence. It is a quality of holding space for others that not everyone has and thankful to know her and have her in my life.
Rachel S., New York
​This retreat, unlike the others, was a challenge to go outside of my comfort zone. I’ve never been one to enjoy or spend a lot of time in nature. This retreat helped me appreciate the beauty of silence, and of being unplugged. The food was delicious, the conversations were intriguing and waking up surrounded by the beauty of East Tennessee will not be forgotten. Thank you, Carole.
True Nature Yoga Retreat 2019
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What is included on an FSW Retreat?Each individual retreat page provides a detailed list of what is included. Every FSW Retreat will include accommodations for the entire retreat, all meals (unless otherwise noted), daily yoga classes and workshops, one excursion, a swag bag + workbook, and a virtual meet & greet + pre-retreat planning support.
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What is NOT included on an FSW Retreat?Flights, travel insurance, passport or visa fees, ground transportation (unless otherwise noted), additional food or drinks, all alcohol, spa treatments, and additional excursions.
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I am brand new to yoga, can I still join?Absolutely! My classes are all levels. I provide a variety of options from modifications to advanced variations. We also offer a variety of practices such as Vinyasa, Hatha, Astanga, Pranayama, Meditation, and more!
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Do I have to participate in everything scheduled?I highly recommend that you do since it's what you signed up for :), however, this is YOUR retreat and I want you to spend it in a way that is the most nourishing for you.
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How do I secure my desired accommodation?A $825 non-refundable deposit is due to secure your spot, with the exception of our Smoky Mtns Retreat, which is a $350 non-refundable deposit. After registration, you will be sent an invoice to your registered email with your final balance amount and due date.
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Do most people sign up with a friend or come solo?It is always a combination of both! If you are nervous to come solo, know that there will be others and it's a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and make new friends!
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If I come solo, do I need to book a private / single accommodation?If you would like privacy and time to yourself I recommend booking a private / single accommodation. If you prefer to share with other solo travelers, I do my best to pair participants up in the available shared rooms.
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I am registering with another person. Do we both need to register and pay separately?A $825 non-refundable deposit is required per person, however, one person can register both of you. If you choose to register separately you can write the name of who you wish to room with in your registration form.
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What is your cancellation policy?FSW RETREAT CANCELLATION POLICY & TERMS: All deposits and payments made are non-refundable. ​ Any cancellations done 91 days or more prior to retreat start date: Participants are allowed a single transfer of their deposit to another FSW Retreat within the same calendar year. ​ Any cancellations done 61-90 days prior to retreat start date: The deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. The balance (total cost minus the deposit) is not refundable, however, participants are allowed a single transferable to a future Free Spirited Wanderer Retreat within one year. Any cancellations done 0-60 days prior to retreat start date: All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. ​ Unforeseen Circumstances: Free Spirited Wanderer is not responsible for any of the following, and there will be no refunds nor discounts for arriving late, leaving early, flight cancellations, travel delays, injury, or illness. For additional protection due to any unforeseen circumstances, it is highly recommended that all participants purchase travel insurance at the time of booking the retreat. ​ Retreat Final Balance Late Payments: If your invoice is Early Bird Pricing and your payment is not received within 48 hours of your original due date, your invoice will move to Regular Pricing and be updated with your new due date plus the dollar difference between the pricing. If your invoice is Regular Pricing, and your payment is not received within 48 hours of your original due date, a $200 late fee will be added. **Any final balance payments not received within 120 hours of your original due date may result in a forfeiture of your booking.
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Do I need travel insurance?Travel Insurance is an optional purchase that covers your investment with FSW Retreats for any unforeseen problems that may arise in life. If you opt to pass on the added insurance, your investment is bound by the terms and conditions of FSW Retreats as outlined below. View our favorite travel insurance companies HERE.
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Are your retreats for women only?Nope! If our retreats are only women it will say "Women's Retreat" within the title. Otherwise all of our retreats are co-ed.**If you are looking for a women's retreat, we recommend our annual Authentic Feminine Women's Retreat in Tulum, Mexico.
EXPLORE ALL FSW RETREAT:
Tulum, MX // February 14-19, 2025
Authentic Feminine Women Retreat
Sacred Valley, Peru // April 26 - May 3, 2025
Sacred Valley Wellness & Wonder Retreat
Olhão, Portugal // June 25-30, 2025
Free Your Sol Women's Retreat
Smoky Mtns, TN // July 31 - Aug. 3, 2025
True Nature Retreat
Stowe, VT // Sept. 4-7, 2025
h{OM}e Yoga & Wellness Retreat
Le Marche, Italy // Oct. 11-18, 2025
Dolce Vita Yoga Retreat
Kathmandu & Pokhara, Nepal // April 19 - 29, 2026
Bhakti Yoga Retreat
Montezuma, Costa Rica // Nov. 7-14, 2026
Pura Vida Yoga Retreat
FSW RETREAT
CANCELLATION POLICY & TERMS
View our cancellation policy here: All deposits and payments made are non-refundable. Any cancellations done 91 days or more prior to retreat start date:Â Participants are allowed a single transfer of their deposit to another FSW Retreat within the same calendar year. Any cancellations done 61-90 days prior to retreat start date:Â The deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. The balance (total cost minus the deposit) is not refundable, however, participants are allowed a single transferable to a future Free Spirited Wanderer Retreat within one year. Any cancellations done 0-60 days prior to retreat start date:Â All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. Unforeseen Circumstances:Â Free Spirited Wanderer is not responsible for any of the following, and there will be no refunds nor discounts for arriving late, leaving early, flight cancellations, travel delays, injury, or illness. For additional protection due to any unforeseen circumstances, it is highly recommended that all participants purchase travel insurance at the time of booking the retreat. Retreat Final Balance Late Payments: If your invoice is Early Bird Pricing and your payment is not received within 48 hours of your original due date, your invoice will move to Regular Pricing and be updated with your new due date plus the dollar difference between the pricing. If your invoice is Regular Pricing, and your payment is not received within 48 hours of your original due date, a $200 late fee will be added. **Any final balance payments not received within 120 hours of your original due date may result in a forfeiture of your booking.