I had an unforgettable retreat experience at Cielo Sanctuary. The location is phenomenal, you feel you are one with the mountains. Carmelo and Sharon were an amazing hosts, full of wisdom, love and care. They were extremely thoughtful about everything, the food ( all healthy and vegan), the different activities; yoga, meditation, breath work, hicking,journal writing among others. Their house is gorgeous cozy and extremely clean. They make you feel at home. This was a lifetime experience without any hesitation.

Valeria R, Henderson, North Carolina

I feel profoundly grateful for the retreat time at Cielo Sanctuary. Carmelo and Sharon were absolutely wonderful, so warm and helpful. The cabin is a place of peace and healing inside and out. It is impossible not completing this time in this delightful place without a grateful and renewed self. The conversations about Shamanic medicine, the reflection time after hiking, our yoga sessions, the breathing execises and much more helped into making my experience unique and a game changes one for the purpose of living a life focused on wellness. I wholeheartedly recommend their retreats and your stay a place that will make you feel like heaven.

Liliana S, Henderson, North Carolina

Thank you so much for such a restorative retreat. When I arrived, I did not know what to expect and found each activity was purposeful and valuable. Each instructor and guest found comfort in the confidential space that was created surprisingly quick. I would recommend anyone in need of a retreat, for personal or professional reasons, to consider attending the Cielo Sanctuary Retreat, First class presenter/instructors, wonderful accommodations and meals.

Robin S, Greensboro, North Carolina

You had me at BREATHE!!!! I felt so deeply, when we left yesterday, it was not goodbye, and I would engage with you both again. I can't express in adequate words to describe how much I feel connected to you both. The gift I received from my experience this weekend cannot be measured in anyway. In my view, there is no amount of therapy, money, accolades, recognition, pats on the back or mind numbing drugs that could even come close to the gift I feel I have received. I am so glad I took today off from work. This allowed me to continue to relish the inner piece and energy I am now holding. Namaste,

Carol C, North Carolina

Carmelo and Sharon were warm and inviting upon our arrival. The interior was so beautiful, lovely, it kind of took my breath away. The wood work,  present throughout the building, in the floors, the walls, stairways, gave me feelings of comfort, tranquility, and a gentle kind of luxury. Gathering at the fire pit was a great setting for being with others. I found it very easy to strike up a conversation. I loved eating dinner around the fire, and offering reverence and gratitude to the four directions was meaningful. Thanks for that. Waking up in the morning to activities in the kitchen and enthusiastic morning music, like George Harrison’s “Here Comes the Sun”, put a smile on my face. Very interesting to hear a simple approach to Ayurvedic principles of eating. I need to review the different body types and do a self-evaluation. I actually really enjoyed the mindful practice of eating that we had during our hiking trip. I thought I wouldn’t like  it so much, but my experience was good. I had an insight that came to me during that mindfulness.

The hyperventilation breath work was fantastic. I loved that!!  The morning talk of what is holding you back from connecting with your ‘Inner Joy’ 'was really helpful, intimate, vulnerable. I just wanted to express again how much we appreciated the retreat. We learned a lot, and it was so good to get to know the two of you. Everything—the wellness teachings, yoga, meals, hike, conversations…really wonderful. I wasn’t sure I’d like the “breathing" meditations, but turned out to be so beneficial and enjoyable to slow down long enough to breathe! And tweaking some things on my part following the sacred listening practice, though a work in progress, is an unanticipated gift I came away with. I’ve got my rock on the bathroom counter to keep me reminded of my intention! And…thank you for the beautiful mug, mustard oil and knitted pot holder.

Gail C, Colorado

I wanted to thank you again for the wonderful weekend that was ours to spend with you in your home. It was such a relaxing and peaceful place. The food was delicious and I learned much from you both. Thanks again for putting it all together. My rock is sitting on my desk with the positive side turned up and the beautiful cup that you gave Gail and me is close by the rock.

Michael R, Colorado

“I want to thank you for an inspiring weekend retreat at lovely Cielo Sanctuary.  The weekend was filled with mindful and healthy eating, breathwork and meditation, and yoga.  In addition, we learned the value of practicing sacred listening, setting intentions, and journaling.  Even though our time together was full, I never felt rushed or overwhelmed.  The activities, such as, early morning yoga, hiking and picnicking in the woods, walking the labyrinth, and evening marshmallow roasting were valuable and meaningful; and some, like the evening viewing of Jupiter and one of her moons and Saturn with her iconic rings, were even magical.  Because of things I learned at the retreat, I have already improved several of my daily activities.  For one, I no longer eat every meal in front of a computer or a TV;  for another, I am becoming a better listener by creating a sacred and safe space for listening; and I am meditating regularly (twice a day) focusing on my breath.  The last thing I see before lights out are the words on my painted rock—Thankful—Hopeful—Brave—Good.  Thank you for that rock.  Thank you for my personal @Cielo cup.  And thank you again for the amazing retreat..”

Chuck G, Durham, North Carolina

“Our weekend in the mountains was a cherished getaway! Nestled in the beautiful Appalachian mountains, the Cielo Sanctuary is a short drive from Raleigh. Our weekend experience was relaxing and educational. Exactly the retreat we needed. Carmelo and Sharon are incredible hosts. Highly recommend the experience!”

Christina S, Florence, South Carolina

I really enjoyed this retreat. It was a relaxing, healing, and awakening experience. I cannot say enough good things about the heavenly views, fantastic food, and my cozy bed. :) We hiked, did breathwork and yoga, and learned ways to live more consciously and peacefully. I came home feeling rejuvenated and restored. I loved getting to know the other participants in the retreat, and to top it off, Sharon and Carmelo are so warm, inviting, and fun, that I felt completely looked after throughout the entire weekend. I highly recommend the Cielo Sanctuary Retreat!

Holly M, Denver, Colorado

My overall impressions of the whole weekend: You two are wonderful, generous people who care so much about helping others and helping the world. It was delightful to get to know you more intimately. The retreat location is idyllic. The food was absolutely delicious and healthy. Our room and bed were very comfortable. I was glad we got outside for our nature walk with part of the time for silent meditation. The presentations were heartfelt, and led to several nice “aha! moments” for me. I found Sharon’s presentation on the last day very meaningful. I still see my painted rock, but it was the things she had me thinking about that was so helpful.

The big breathwork session was a little scary at first, but I was reassured that Carmelo is a doctor, and would not put us at risk. The experience I had was an amazing vision of unity with others in the room, paddling across the ocean with our breath, and extending to all beings. The music was a powerful part of the journey. I hope you can share that playlist so that I can listen again, and see if it refreshes my memory for the beauty I saw.

I liked all the presenters, and found something useful from each. I also enjoyed meeting all the participants. You gathered an interesting group together. Even though we had never tried that ayahuasca experience or gone on that retreat with you and some of the others, I felt like a welcome member of the weekend community. Thank You again for an amazing experience!

Susan B, Durham North Carolina