The Unwind: A 5-Day Immersion with Cory Muscara
Rediscover Who You Are
Beneath The Walls.
Five days to unwind what a lifetime wound up.
Mount Madonna, Watsonville CA
April 21–26, 2026
Starting at $1,495
The Retreat
What is it to alter
the course of your life?
For the first time in 8 years, I’m re-launching my 5-day immersion retreat, now called The Unwind. These five days are where people do some of the most transformative inner work of their lives—having identity-shifting epiphanies and releasing decades of conditioning that has defined their relationships, decision-making, and happiness.
These transformations don’t happen through force or will. They happen by creating the conditions for the deepest parts of you to release the fear, pain, and self-judgment that distort the truth of who you are and cause you to repeat the same self-sabotaging scripts.
In addition to carefully curated inner stillness practices that develop safety, stability, and calm, we facilitate the release of old beliefs & patterns through self-inquiry practice, writing prompts, relational work, and somatic release.
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”
-Carl Jung
What to Expect
Six transformative shifts
Your experience will be uniquely yours. The potency of presence, safety, and love will find you where you need it most, like water filling in the cracks of a riverbed. But here are six shifts that are often universal experiences for participants of this retreat.
Release Past Pain
Uncover and release the grief, regret, and unprocessed baggage from your past that you’ve been carrying, so it stops running your life from the background.
Open Your Heart
Soften the walls you’ve built to protect yourself and learn how to relate to others and make decisions from love and openness rather than fear and control.
Transform Your Inner Critic
This retreat takes you on the journey of becoming your own best friend. Instead of living in the noise of judgment, shame, and force, you will find true peace in your mind.
Build Emotional Resilience
Increase your capacity to feel difficult emotions without shutting down, numbing out, or spiraling. And discover a steadiness you can access in the midst of life’s chaos.
Stop Being Run By Fear
Unblend the fear that impersonates your voice of reason, so you can act from trust, clarity, and alignment.
Trust Yourself Again
Reconnect with your own inner knowing, the quiet voice beneath the noise that has always been guiding you home. Access true inner safety that facilitates your protective patterns falling away.
This is the only opportunity to attend this 5-day retreat with Cory in 2026.
Cory Muscara
The heart of what I offer as a teacher is this—the ability to help you unblend your true self from the personality you developed to keep you safe. Over a lifetime of seeking safety, praise, and connection, we develop patterns that get certain needs met but disconnect us from who we really are. My work is about helping you unwind those patterns, so you can return to the part of you that is already whole, free, and at peace.
This comes from my own relentless inquiry into what is truly “me” versus what is performance, control, and fear. It’s a humbling process that has sharpened my ability to sense these distinctions in others and guide them in sensing it for themselves. My experience is that this is the heart of all of our suffering, confusion, and feelings of being stuck.
Formal Bio: Cory Muscara is a former monk and bestselling author of the book, Stop Missing Your Life. With over 1.5M followers across his social media channels, Cory has gained popularity for his down-to-earth, engaging, and accessible teachings on mindfulness, spirituality, and happiness.
He has taught Mindful Leadership at Columbia University, is an instructor of Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, and for the last 12 years has offered mindfulness keynotes, workshops, and retreats around the world to schools, companies, and the general public, with his meditations being practiced more than 25 million times in over 150 countries.
A graduate of the 2-year Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leader training, Cory has many years of extensive professional training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR); certification with Mindful Schools and the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute (SIYLI); training in Mindfulness-Based Inquiry, Breathworks Chronic Pain with Vidyamala Burch, and trauma-informed mindfulness through the Trauma Institute led by Bessel Van der Kolk.
He is a 200-hour hatha yoga teacher, certified NLP & Eriksonian Hypnosis practitioner, an Integrative Health Coach through Duke Integrative Medicine, and certified teacher of “circling” through Circling Europe. He remains a student, always.
“Cory Muscara is the real deal. His teachings are packed with practical, innovative strategies to find real happiness.”
— Larry King
In Their Words
Here’s what participants have said
It’s not an exaggeration to say this retreat changed my life. I will be forever grateful to Cory for the profound impact his work has had on me and in turn the positive impact on my family, friends, workplace, and general everyday interactions.
James M.
Retreat Participant
Retreat Participant
The Venue
Mount Madonna Center
Mount Madonna, Watsonville CA
Situated on 380 acres of redwoods and grasslands overlooking the Monterey Bay, Mount Madonna offers a serene environment to unplug, drop in, and do the subtle work of unwinding patterns of stress, tension, and conditioning.
For 50 years, thousands have come here seeking to enjoy the beauty of Northern California and experience greater wellbeing through reflection, seclusion, nature, and delicious, lovingly prepared vegetarian food.
380
Acres of redwoods
50+
380
380
Mount Madonna is a 55-minute drive from San Jose Airport and 90 minutes from SFO. Travel time varies with traffic. It is recommended you have your own car—ride share (Lyft/Uber) is unreliable in this rural area. From SF, Oakland, or San Jose, route through Gilroy rather than Santa Cruz or Watsonville.
Participant Ride Share: Mount Madonna is a 55-minute drive from San Jose Airport and 90 minutes from SFO. Travel time varies with traffic. It is recommended you have your own car—ride share (Lyft/Uber) is unreliable in this rural area. From SF, Oakland, or San Jose, route through Gilroy rather than Santa Cruz or Watsonville.
Retreat Schedule
Tuesday, April 21 — Arrival
3:30–6:30 PM
Check-In
Optional Dinner
7:00–9:30 PM
Opening Workshop
Wednesday–Friday, April 22–24
7:30–8:15 AM
Optional Movement Practice
8:30–9:30 AM
Breakfast
10:00 AM–12:30 PM
Workshop
12:30–2:30 PM
Lunch & Break
2:30–5:15 PM
Workshop
5:15–7:00 PM
Dinner & Break
7:00–9:00 PM
Workshop
Saturday, April 25
6:45–7:30 AM
Optional Movement Practice
8:00–10:00 AM
Workshop
10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Brunch & Break
12:00–2:00 PM
Workshop
2:00–3:00 PM
Snack
3:00–5:00 PM
Workshop
5:15–7:00 PM
Dinner & Break
7:00–9:00 PM
Workshop
Sunday, April 26 — Closing
6:45–7:30 AM
Optional Movement Practice
7:45–8:15 AM
Meditation
8:30–10:00 AM
Breakfast & Break
10:00 AM–12:30 PM
Closing Workshop
12:30 PM
Optional Lunch & Goodbyes
Each session includes new topics, meditation practices, discussion, and Q&A. Chairs, mats, and cushions provided. Please note that the daily schedule may shift slightly as the retreat unfolds — we like to stay responsive to the group’s needs and energy.
“Peace and happiness are not extraordinary states that need to be achieved. They are the very nature of our being. They are simply veiled by the activity of thinking and feeling. When these activities are seen clearly and allowed to subside, our essential nature stands revealed as the peace we have always longed for.”
Rupert Sipra
Choose your accommodation
Registering with someone? Book shared rooms separately and indicate you’d like to room together in the checkout questionnaire. Please register at the same time since rooms fill up fast.
4 Spots Available
Commuter
$1,495
While we strongly encourage participants to stay on-site to deepen their retreat experience, we offer a number of commuter spots for those who live locally or strongly prefer a hotel/Airbnb.
Keep in mind most hotel and Airbnb accommodations are a 20–30 minute commute to Mt. Madonna, and will involve driving on a winding road in the dark after evening sessions. All meals and sessions included.
Nearby Airbnb & Hotel Options:
– Local Airbnb Options (20-30 minutes)
– Best Western Gilroy (21 mins)
– Hampton Inn & Suites Gilroy (24 mins)
– Hilton Garden Inn Gilroy (24 mins)
– Comfort Inn Watsonville (24 mins)
– Best Western Rose Garden Inn (25 mins)
– Holiday Inn Express (26 mins)
4 Spots Available
Camping (Your Own Vehicle or Tent)
$1,695
Park your own camping vehicle or use a tent on one of Mt. Madonna’s scenic camp sites.
Note: Mount Madonna does not rent out tents, so you will need to bring your own.
3 Spots Available
Dormitory (Male)
$1,995
A great budget-friendly option with 8 full-sized beds (no bunks) in the conference center.
There is a shared (private while in-use) indoor shower and bathroom. Fun fact: I (Cory) stayed in an all-male dormitory on my retreat at Mt. Madonna in 2012. I loved it and became great friends with my dormmates.
Sold Out!
Dormitory (Female)
$1,995
A great budget-friendly option located in the Orchard House with full-sized beds (no bunks).
There is a shared (private while in-use) indoor shower and bathroom. Bay views from the porch. Fun fact: I (Cory) stayed in an all-male dormitory on my retreat at Mt. Madonna in 2012. I loved it and became great friends with my dormmates.
5 spots available
Cabin (Shared)
$2,395
Cozy cabins in a grove of oak trees, each sleeping 2 people with electricity and heat.
A separate bathhouse with private toilets and shower rooms is nearby. Cabins are located a 10-minute walk up a hill from the meeting space and dining area (it’s not steep, but there is an incline; the walk is beautiful overlooking Monterey Bay). You can also drive to and from your cabin if you have a car.
1 spot available
Cabin (Private)
$4,790
Same cozy cabin — all to yourself. Electricity, heat, and a beautiful secluded setting.
A separate bathhouse with private toilets and shower rooms is nearby. Located a 10-minute walk up a scenic hill from the meeting space (not steep, beautiful overlook of Monterey Bay). You can also drive up and down.
SOLD OUT!
Yurt (Shared)
$2,695
A clean, fun housing option that overlooks the Monterey Bay. Includes two queen beds, linens, towels, and warm comforters.
Each yurt has heat and electricity. A separate bathhouse with private toilets and shower rooms is nearby. Similar to the cabins, yurts are a 10-minute walk up a hill from the meeting space and dining area (not steep, but there is an incline; you can see a portion of the trail in the pictures). You can also drive.
1 Spot Available
Yurt (Private)
$5,390
A yurt all to yourself with sweeping bay views, a queen bed, full linens, and warm comforters.
Heat and electricity included. The most unique and scenic private option. A separate bathhouse is nearby. Located a 10-minute walk up a scenic hill from sessions, or you can drive.
4 Spots Available
Orchard House (Shared)
$2,795
A lovely building nestled in pine trees with a long outdoor porch overlooking the bay.
Only a few-minute walk from the meeting space and dining hall. Each room has two or three full-sized beds. Kitchen area with fridge and microwave available.
SOLD OUT!
Orchard House (Private)
$5,590
Private room with a queen-sized bed in the Orchard House. No roommate assigned.
Nestled in pine trees with a long outdoor porch overlooking the bay. Only a few-minute walk from the meeting space and dining hall. Kitchen area available.
10 Spots Available
Conference Center Room (Shared)
$2,895
The closest rooms to our meeting space — just a 1-minute walk. Modern feel with 2–3 full-sized beds.
Shared bathrooms down the hall (private while in use). If you’re looking for accommodations closest to our meeting space, the conference center lodging is your best bet.
2 Spots Available
Conference Center Room (Private)
$5,790
Your own modern room with two full-sized beds — no roommate. 1-minute walk to sessions.
Shared bathrooms down the hall (private while in use). The most convenient option if proximity to the meeting space is a priority.
6 Spots Available
Ram Cottage (Shared)
$3,095
Cozy cottages with a back deck and tea bar, about 8 minutes from the meeting space.
They offer easy access to the Wellness Center and many hiking trails, plus private parking for your vehicle. Each cottage has 2–3 rooms, each with two full-sized beds. You’ll share the room with one other person.
1 Spot Available
Ram Cottage (Private)
$6,190
A Ram Cottage room all to yourself. Back deck, tea bar, and private parking.
Located about 8 minutes from the meeting space with easy access to the Wellness Center and hiking trails. Each room has two full-sized beds — you will have the room to yourself. More privacy with the warmth of cottage living.
4 Spots Available
Conference Ensuite (Shared)
$3,495
The only option at Mount Madonna with a full private bathroom in your room.
Each room has a modern feel with two full-sized beds (you will share the room with one other person). Rooms are a one-minute walk from our meeting space.
2 Spots Available
Conference Ensuite (Private)
$6,990
The premium option: private room with a full private bathroom, modern feel, 1 minute from sessions.
A room all to yourself. If you’re looking for extra privacy, an accommodation close to our meeting space, and a private full bathroom, this is for you. The most convenient and private option available.
All prices are per person and include housing, meals, and teachings for the duration of the retreat.
Partial Scholarships Available
There are a limited number of partial scholarships available. We ask you to genuinely reflect on whether price is a true barrier to your attendance, as it most certainly will be for some individuals, and we want to make sure funds are allocated to those in need. If that is the case for you, please fill out the application form here to inquire about partial scholarships.
Cancellation Policy
Full refund (minus 3% processing fee) until April 1, 2026. After this, you may transfer 50% of your tuition to a future retreat. If you cancel within 72 hours of the event, we will not be able to issue a refund. This policy is based on non-refundable deposits we have with the retreat center and the fact that we cannot fill spots to cover our fees so close to the retreat dates. Thank you for understanding.
Your Invitation
Take the time. Step away. Transform.
If you feel like something in your life needs to shift—but you don’t know where to begin—this is your invitation. I’d love the chance to work with you.