Rooted in Wonder

September 24-27, 2026

Kona Kona Resort

Kabekona Lake in Laporte, MN

Kona Kona Resort on Kabekona Lake

A classic, nostalgic Northern Minnesota resort sitting on over 700 feet of shoreline & an amazing sandbar. Rumored to be the 2nd clearest of Minnesota’s 10,000+ lakes - Kabekona boasts clear teal waters on warm sunny days.

In the fall, hundreds of loons have been known to gather on Kabekona Lake. Will we get to see their traditional gathering in front of Kona Kona before migration?  

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Retreat at Kona Kona Resort

Bask in the quiet of an intentional, small-group retreat in a stunning lakeside setting.

This picturesque resort, right on the water, is something to behold and experience. Join us for a weekend of yoga, meditation, specialty workshops, delicious catered meals, relaxing outdoor recreation, outdoor wood-fired hot tub, lakeside wood-fired sauna, and an idyllic lake cabin stay.

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What’s Included

lodging (full facility cabins) | private bedrooms with bedding included | daily brunch + dinner | indoor & outdoor yoga classes | meditation sessions | specialty workshops | book club | journaling | campfire | lakeside wood-fired sauna + lake plunge | lakeside wood-fired hot tub | small water crafts (canoe, kayak, paddle boards) & lifejackets

The Food!

Village Square of Walker, MN will be catering our weekend. Theresa and Gary Bilben bring a wealth of knowledge and experience for a delicious complement to our activities. Theresa Bilben is a yoga teacher and will be teaching at the retreat as well!

Expect High Quality

Yoga and meditation sessions. We will incorporate gentle morning sessions, as well as restorative evening sessions.

In the afternoons we will offer lake paddle sessions, area hikes, a day trip to Itasca State Park, and specialty activities.

We love to give you choice! Choose between slower soothing classes and the option for a little more heat building. Choose between more movement and activity, and slow relaxation by the lake.

Itasca State Park Day Trip

We offer a field trip excursion to Itasca State Park for a visit to the Headwaters + hiking! Opt to only visit the headwaters, or continue on with us for an outdoor meditation at the Preacher’s Grover forest stand, and for the 3.9 mile hiking club route.

Did you know?

  • Itasca State Park is Minnesota’s very first state park, established in 1891.

  • It is the second-oldest state park in the US, after Niagara Falls State Park.

  • The park is 32,690 acres!

  • The park contains more than 100 lakes, including Lake Itasca, the source of the Mississippi River.

  • It protects extensive stands of old-growth red and white pine, some trees more than 200 years old.

Rooted in Wonder

Growing deeper through curiosity, play, and joyful exploration.

Instead of asking, "What am I good at?", we will invite you to explore:

  • What am I curious about?

  • What have I always wanted to try?

  • Where do I still experience awe?

  • What if I gave myself permission to be a beginner?

Optional Book Club Read

Opt to purchase and read Karen Walrond’s book In Defense of Dabbling: the brilliance of being a total amateur

More Information

Option to Add

We have incredible optional add-ons at this retreat!

Massage therapy appointments with Candace Henry of Exhale Massage and Wellness in Park Rapids.

Sourdough workshop with Theresa Bilben of Village Square. A fun and interactive small-group workshop. From sourdough starters to beautifully baked bread.

Fresh juice & mocktail bar with Jami Nelson of Just Juice in Nisswa. Details below!

Mocktail Social + Fresh Juice Add-on

Unwind with Just Juice!

A fun & relaxing Mocktail Bar experience with Jami Nelson of Juice Juice, while at Kona Kona Resort upon arrival. Revel in the joy of crafting and sipping on refreshing mocktails, specially curated for a healthy and delightful experience.

Just Juice Pre-Order Packages

All registered retreaters will receive instructions on the option to add juice to their weekend! Pre-order seasonally fresh juice, wellness shots made by Jami Nelson of Just Juice.

Meet the Team

  • A woman in a blue winter outfit, sunglasses, and a black hat dancing or posing outdoors in a snowy area with other people around.

    Bryana Cook

    Retreat Leader, Yoga Teacher

    LICSW, E-RYT 500, YACEP

    Bryana is passionate about pursuing outdoor adventure, and loves to celebrate the benefits of yoga, meditation, breathwork, and nature immersion.

    She enjoys teaching gentle and fluid vinyasa classes. Yoga philosophy and the subtle benefits of consistent practice are elements that she can never learn enough about.

    In addition to co-owning Boreal Bliss, Bryana also owns Northern Yoga and Wellness. She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISCW).

    Bryana’s husband Dan Ryan is a fishing guide. They live outside of small-town Longville, MN with their two boys (6 & 4 years old), black lab Sunny, cat Lucy, and chickens. Small business life in the Northwoods suits them!

  • Theresa Bilben

    Yoga Teacher, Caterer, Workshop Leader

    RYT 200, Restaurant Owner, Realtor

    Theresa and her husband Gary own/operate Village Square in Walker, MN. In addition, she is a full-time Realtor, and yoga instructor at Village Yoga.

    Theresa teaches gentle and soothing yoga sessions. Theresa seamlessly incorporates breathwork and a focus on functional movement.

    She loves being a grandma, and recreating outdoors. Her favorite Minnesota season is winter!

    Theresa will also be teaching a sourdough workshop while at this retreat!

  • Candace Henry

    Yoga Teacher, Massage Therapist

    RYT 200, Certified Massage Therapist

    Candace Henry is the owner of Exhale Massage and Wellness in Park Rapids, MN, where she offers massage therapy, yoga, and somatic bodywork shaped by more than 15 years of listening to bodies. She completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training with Boreal Bliss’s very first cohort in 2020. Returning to this retreat space feels a bit like coming home.

    Her work is rooted in relationship. She doesn’t see bodies as problems to solve, but as living, breathing stories. Each session is a collaborative unfolding, guided by consent, nervous system awareness, and deep respect for the wisdom already present. She believes healing isn’t something we force; it’s something we gently make space for.

    Candace is also a mother to three daughters (her barefoot forest fairies).

    Whether through touch, movement, or quiet presence, she hopes people leave feeling a little more at home in themselves.