25 Years of Harmony: Austin’s Hidden Gem of a Retreat That You Don’t Have to be a Yogi to Enjoy
Did you know Austin is home to one of the largest Hindu Temples and ashrams in the United States? Nestled in the gently rolling hills of southwest Austin, Radha Madhav Dham graces visitors with its serene beauty, featuring a unique lotus-shaped pool that must be experienced to be fully appreciated. Established in 1990, this vibrant ashram is a cornerstone of the local interfaith community. Welcoming hundreds of visitors daily to its religious services, family festivals, and devotional retreats, Radha Madhav Dham embraces all, regardless of their faith background.
It was here, 25 years ago, that three passionate Austin yogis—Donna Belk, Ellen B. Smith, and Charles MacInerney—founded the Texas Yoga Retreat, inspired by the ashram’s joyful and inclusive spirit. United by their devotion to yoga’s transformative power, they sought to share its physical and mental benefits, fostering a life where body, mind, and spirit unite in harmony—the essence of true yoga. Their vision was simple yet profound: to build a caring, inclusive yoga community open to all.
“A beautiful and powerful experience that exceeded all expectations” ~TYR attendee
Founded with love and dedication, the retreat has become a cornerstone for those seeking renewal and connection. In 2009, Donna Belk stepped away, and Ellen and Charles have since carried the mission forward with unwavering commitment. Held in the serene Texas Hill Country at Radha Madhav Dham, the Texas Yoga Retreat offers a weekend of immersive workshops, meditation, and community-building, guided by expert instructors. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, this retreat invites you to deepen your practice in a supportive, welcoming environment.
“The feeling of acceptance and camaraderie and the wealth of knowledge shared by teachers and attendees” ~TYR attendee
Meet the Organizers
Ellen Smith (M.A., E-RYT), a certified Ananda Meditation Teacher , and Hatha, Vinyasa, and Restorative Flow yoga instructor. Ellen also holds a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Psychology. Her passions include teaching hatha yoga and Intuitive Mentoring, a unique coaching practice she developed. Along with Charles, Ellen co-founded the Free Day of Yoga, Living Yoga Teacher Training Program and the Texas Yoga Retreat, all thriving Austin-based initiatives.
Charles MacInerney (E-RYT-500, C-IAYT-1000) has been a full-time teacher of yoga, meditation, and mind/body skills since 1989. He teaches classes in Austin, leads workshops nationwide, and guides Yoga & Meditation and Yoga & Writing retreats across the U.S., Mexico, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. As the founder of Expanding Paradigms, Charles presents at national and international conferences and has published in magazines like Yoga Journal. With Ellen, he co-founded the Free Day of Yoga, Living Yoga Teacher Training Program, and the Texas Yoga Retreat.
A Milestone Celebration
As we mark the 25th Anniversary of the Texas Yoga Retreat, October 24–26, 2025, we honor local Texas teachers while welcoming teachers from Oklahoma, Virginia, Kansas, California, Mexico and the UK. Many attendee favorites are scheduled to return this year to celebrate this milestone. The three-day retreat offers a rich schedule, with three class options per hour, including gentle flow, meditation, breathwork, chanting, and more challenging sessions that push your boundaries. No class, meal, or activity is mandatory, and pre-registration for individual classes is not required. Attendees can also hike the 200+ acre grounds, enjoy tea with friends, or relax with a nap if staying onsite. A typical day runs from 7 AM to 9 PM, with delicious vegetarian and gluten-free meals available for a reasonable fee.
“I loved the genuine sense of inclusivity” ~ TYR attendee
The retreat’s flexible structure lets you tailor your experience, blending structured classes with opportunities for social connection or quiet reflection, all within the serene grounds of Radha Madhav Dham. Overnight accommodations include private and shared rooms. Due to limited onsite lodging, we recommend early registration. Options are available for locals not requiring overnight stays, and day passes are offered for those unable to attend the full weekend.
Yoga teachers can earn continuing education credits (CEs) for both the Yoga Alliance and the International Association of Yoga Therapists.
Join us for this landmark 25th Anniversary as we Honor our Past, Look Forward to our Future, and close with a heartfelt Until We Meet Again.
Registration opened June 2025 for the October 24–26, 2025 retreat. Sign up at www.texasyoga.com.