About

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide a retreat environment for self-discovery, healing, and awakening rooted in the transformative power of nature.

 

The Elohee Center was envisioned by Eve Cook who, during her battle with Refractory Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, found comfort in the serenity of the Blue Ridge Mountains of north Georgia. With the help of her family, an idea for a retreat center was hatched and lovingly brought to life as a refuge for spiritual and physical healing.

It’s more than just a retreat center; it’s a heartfelt dream woven into reality, a sanctuary where every soul can find solace, healing, and a sense of belonging. With every stone laid and every path carved, the family infused Elohee with a profound intention: to offer a peaceful haven that mirrors the unconditional love and wisdom of nature itself.

On this 30-acre canvas of natural beauty, every element — from the cozy Mandala Hall and its tranquil Reflection Pond to the welcoming Thanksgiving House, the seven quaint cottages, and the winding miles of trails — is a gentle invitation to pause, breathe, and reconnect with your inner self. Elohee is a testament to living in harmony with our environment, a place where the whispers of the earth inspire us to awaken to our true potential.

Here, amidst the majestic mountains, we’re reminded of the beauty of simply being. Elohee isn’t just a location; it’s a community, a family extended to every retreat organizer, trainer, teacher, and guest. It’s an embodiment of love and dedication to growth, connection, and the nurturing of mind and body through practices like meditation, yoga, and art. We invite you to join us at Elohee, to step into a space where transformation is nurtured, and every visit is a step closer to finding your own path to inner peace and joy.

Commitment to Inclusivity

At Elohee, actions speak louder than words. From our founding, we have intentionally created space for healing, transformation, and deep belonging, for everyone. We believe inclusivity is not a trend, but a practice rooted in listening, openness, and reverence for the whole self.

Here at Elohee Retreat Center, we have a strong commitment to inclusivity, offering a range of retreats that cater to diverse communities, including people of color (POC) and LGBTQ+ individuals.

A History of Holding Space

We’re honored to have welcomed and supported retreats created by and for people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and especially those at the intersections, long before today’s conversations about equity became mainstream.

A Place of Restoration

Nestled in 220 acres of wild, undeveloped forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Elohee is land that is coming back to itself; free of chemicals, nurtured by natural ecosystems, and blessed by a 100-foot waterfall. This is more than a backdrop; it’s a co-creator in the healing process.

Every element of Elohee, from the land to the lodging to the programming, is designed to be nurturing, restorative, and welcoming. We believe that self-discovery requires safety. That healing deepens in the community. And that every body, every story, every soul belongs here.

God sleeps in the rock, dreams in the flowers, stirs in the animal, and awakens in man.

Ibn al-‘Arabi, 12th-century Sufi