It’s so easy to get caught up in the digital world that we all live in today, but in their second year in business, Firelight Camps gives vacationers a place to escape to. The glamping camp encourages guests to unplug themselves from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and check in for a weekend of rest and relaxation. Nestled away on the grounds of La Tourelle Resort and Spa in Ithaca, New York, Firelight Camps takes “glamping” to a whole other level! In addition to their hardwood floor elevated tents with king and queen size beds, the glamping resort has also announced this year, a variety of yoga retreats all of which are open to the public this upcoming summer.
Firelight Camps offers a unique option for those who want to unplug themselves from technology, while still having access to basic amenities, such as running water and comfortable beds. Guests will leave feeling rejuvenated and relaxed after spending their nights in luxury tents, and their days doing yoga while enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors.
After a busy day of yoga, the summer workshops allow guests to split up their time with a variety of activities. Guests have the options to travel the trails of Buttermilk Falls State Park, or explore Finger Lakes’ vineyards, waterfalls and restaurants. Or take a quick nap on one of the hammocks on the resort for some rays and relaxation. For those looking to be pampered, the campgrounds has also partnered with August Moon Spa for spa amenities.
Located on the campground is a full service bathhouse, with hot, running water and indoor plumbing, which is just minutes away, to clean up and feel refreshed after a day spent in nature. Each evening, guests can look forward to winding down with the camp’s communal campfire and lounge areas sipping on artisanal drinks, and snacking on Firelight’s famous homemade s’mores by TV-star chef and co-owner of Firelight Camps, Emma Frisch.
The first retreat, Yoga + Wine + Fireflies: The Perfect Weekend, will be July 15th-17th, 2016 and be led by Rachel VerValin. Rachel is Firelight Camp’s in-house yoga instructor, and also a seasoned wine tour leader with Experience! The Finger Lakes, giving this retreat a great little twist! Rachel works with all levels of students and will have you feeling fully restored after the weekend. Learn more about this retreat here.
As all of our instructors do, VerValin seeks to create a calm, relaxing, and welcoming environment for guests to practice yoga in. “I immensely enjoy creating a space where everyone can feel comfortable practicing yoga, with the belief that a balanced body equals a balanced life,” Vervalin said.
Second up this summer is Treehouse Yoga, taking place from July 29th-31st 2016. Karen Shelley from Brooklyn will be leading this retreat, and she sold out last year, so make sure to register as soon as possible! This retreat includes four yoga classes under the tent and in the forest, a Wild Foraging Hike with one of the region’s most iconic waterfalls, locally sourced meals, and time to swim in a gorge or relax on the shore. Complimentary happy hour is included with a free glass of local wine each evening. Learn more about this retreat here.
“Yoga retreats give you the freedom to explore, make lifelong connections, escape from your patterns and habits, and experience your practice in new ways,” explains Shelley. “This is a great way to really combine your love of yoga and nature into one comprehensive weekend”
The last retreat, Glamping Yoga, will be held August 5th-7th, 2016 and taught by Jennifer Hess of Finger Lakes Yogascapes. This peaceful retreat is expected to be such a hit as it was featured in Yoga Journal’s “11 Yoga Retreats You Can Actually Afford.” The retreat includes four yoga classes (three vinyasa and one restorative), complimentary happy hour with a free glass of local wine each evening, a guided wild foraging hike in the Buttermilk Falls State Park, and a guided waterfall hike Sunday morning. Learn more about the retreat here.
Hess enjoys teaching her students how to use yoga to cope with the craziness of life. “I teach adults and youth how to embrace the messiness of life, accepting both the challenges and the joys by letting go, exploring and playing on their mats, and ultimately unleashing their inner power, inner peace, and freedom to live authentically,” explains Hess.
With a variety of luxurious offerings, Firelight Camps is quickly becoming a must-visit tour destination for visitors to Ithaca and the Finger Lakes Region, dubbed “Napa East.” Due to increasing popularity, the camp has added three additional tents for the upcoming year. The camp’s mission is to create comfortable, stylish camping experiences that awaken their staff and guests’ appreciation for nature, inspire adventure and deepen connection with family, friends and community. Through a variety of nature offerings and yoga retreats, a visit to Firelight Camps is the perfect place to disconnect to reconnect this summer.