Accomodations

Cancellations and Refunds:

Refund policy: If you cancel at any time after you register, your $500 initial deposit will not be refunded. 
For May 6-9 Retreat: Any remaining amount paid over the deposit is fully refundable prior to March 1st. If I cancel March 1st-April 4, 50% of the amount paid over $500 will be refunded. If I cancel April 5th or anytime after, 0% of the amount paid is refundable or transferrable to another workshop date.
For Oct 14-17 Retreat: Any remaining amount paid over the depost is fully refundable prior to August 10th.   If I cancel August 10th-September 13th, 50% of the amount paid over $500 will be refunded. If I cancel September 14th or anytime after, 0% of the amount paid is refundable or transferrable to another workshop date.

Payment in full is due by March 1st, 2024 for the May 6-9 Retreat and August 10th, 2024 for the October 14-17 Retreat.
Reservations will be cancelled if full payment is not received, unless an alternative payment plan is arranged and confirmed in advance.
Reservations not paid in full at least 60 days prior to the workshop date will be cancelled and any amount paid will not be refunded or transferred to another workshop date.

If the entire workshop is cancelled or postponed by the BAD Foundation, you will receive a full refund.

Covid Policy:

Our goal is to keep all of us in our Bodysex sisterhood and the Menla community healthy and safe.

We will follow Menla’s Covid policy at the time of the workshop. Vaccination is not required. You may need to submit a negative Covid test (rapid home test is fine) and/or participate in a wellness screening questionnaire (email) prior to arrival. Visit Menla’s Covid-19 Policy page for more information.

If you experience Covid-19 symptoms, test positive, or have a family member or roommate test positive during the two weeks prior to the start of our workshop, please stay home. Your workshop fees will be fully refunded.

If you feel ill at any time during your stay at Menla, please notify the front desk as soon as possible. They will advise you about what to do next and where to get medical care.

Have questions? Here are some answers

About this workshop:

How do I get to Menla?
All of the options with detailed directions can be found here on Menla’s website. 

Menla’s physical address is:
375 Pantherkill Road, Phoenicia, NY 12464

You can drive, take a bus, or fly. You can arrange for a local shuttle from the town of Phoenicia, NY to the Menla property.

From Menla’s website: The fastest and most affordable way from NYC or from whichever airport you fly into (NYC airports, Newark, Albany, or Stewart/Newburg) is to take public transportation to the nearest bus terminal (Albany or NYC’s Port Authority), then take the Adirondack Trailways bus to our small bus stop in the town of Phoenicia. For people coming from NYC, it takes about 3 hours, and costs approximately $30 each way. Reservations not needed.

If you give Menla advanced notice of when your bus will arrive, we can send a shuttle to pick you up at the station and bring you here for $5. Adirodack Trailways can be contacted at 800-776-7548.

All of the options with detailed directions can be found here on Menla’s website. 

When is check-in/check out?
Check in is 3:00 p.m. or later on the day of your arrival. Check out is by 11:00 a.m. on the last day.
Dinner and activities are planned for the evening on the first day so you’ll probably want to arrive by 5:00 p.m. if possible.

Does this workshop include Betty’s Barbell and a Magic Wand for me to keep?
Yes! Both Betty’s Barbell (retail $165 US) and a Magic Wand Rechargeable (retail $129.95 US) are included in the workshop price.

I already have my own Betty’s Barbell and Magic Wand. May I bring them to use for the workshop?
Yes, of course. However, you will still receive a Barbell and Magic Wand that you can keep or give away. Your fee won’t be reduced if you bring your own Wand and Barbell.

Can I share a room with my friend who is also attending the workshop retreat?
Yes. Choose the standard shared room option and make your roommate request when you register. We’ll do our best to place you in the same room or cabin.

Can I share a Deluxe Queen Room with my friend and split the cost?
No. Everyone needs to purchase a bed as meals and the workshop are included with the cost.

Can I bring my partner/spouse to share a room with me at the retreat?
No. The retreat is focused on your individual sexuality. The workshop schedule includes activities all day and after dinner. 

I’m vegan/vegetarian and/or have sensitivies/allergies to certain foods. Will choices for me be available?
Yes. The food served at Menla is vegetarian, including eggs and dairy. No meat or fish will be prepared by the kitchen staff for religious reasons. Buddhist teachings prohibit taking the life of any person or animal.  Gluten-free and dairy-free options are available at every meal. Menla can accomodate special diets with advanced notice. Let us know your preferences on your registration form so we can let the chef know. 

What do I need to bring?
A list of suggested items to pack will be provided to registered participants a few weeks before the retreat. You’ll need a water bottle plus a large tote or backpack to store your clothes and personal items during the workshop sessions.

Can I be naked any time, anywhere while at Menla?
We can be nude in the conference area, our cabins, and designated outdoor areas. We must be clothed in public areas, the Lhasa Inn, and dining areas.

Can I bring alcohol and/or cannabis?
Pleasure is the high of Bodysex. Alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs can numb the body. We encourage participants to abstain from the use of recreational alcohol, cannabis, and other mood/mind altering substances during the retreat. Menla is a sacred Buddhist space and alcohol/drugs are not permitted in public areas.

Can I take pictures? Will I be photographed?
When we are not in a workshop session, you are welcome to take pictures of the property, yourself, and others with consent. There will be a designated time and place during the workshop for those who consent to group photos. If you do not wish to be photographed at anytime, let us know. We totally understand.

Are there any limits on cell phone use?
Cell phones can be a distraction.  We want participants to be present and fully immersed during our workshop sessions. Please keep your cell phone and any other device connected to the internet (such as a smart watch) stored with clothing outside of the workshop space.

Is WiFi and cell phone service available?
Yes and no.  There is free WiFi available in all buildings, so you can connect to the internet. If your cell phone is able to make calls via WiFi, then you will be able to use your phone. Most cell phone services are unavailable at Menla. Phones are available in the deluxe private rooms and at the front desk for your use.

Can I schedule a spa service while I’m at Menla?
Of course! We recommend that you schedule your service before 5:00 pm on your day of arrival or after breakfast on your day of departure so that you don’t miss out on any of the workshop sessions.. You can also add additional night(s) directly through Menla’s front desk if you’d like to spend more time on the property and enjoy Menla’s offerings.

About Bodysex

Why participate in a Bodysex Workshop?
Many women/vulva-owners have been raised to feel shameful about their genitals and sexual desires. Our physical self-worth and pleasure are controlled by social norms that deny our birthright to feeling good about our bodies, having satisfying orgasms, and owning our sexuality. Bodysex is designed to heal shame, enhance self-esteem, and enrich our orgasms.

Why are workshops done in the nude?
A negative body image is very common among women in our society. We don’t see a range of real body types in television, movies and media. Nudity in the Bodysex circle allows us to see a range of normal bodies. When we are able to spend time in our bodies without clothing, we literally become more comfortable in our own skin. Your registration and attendance at a Bodysex Workshop indicates that you consent to participate in the nude.

Who may attend Bodysex Workshops?
All women/vulva-owners of any age 18 or over, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation are welcome. If you are pregnant, menstruating, or menopausal, please join us. As long as you have a vulva/vagina, Bodysex is for you.

What if I have my period?
No problem. You can use a tampon, menstrual cup, or a piece of natural sea sponge during Genital Show & Tell and Erotic Recess. Some women even choose to free bleed onto a towel. Bleeding is a natural part of being a woman and there is no shame in it.

What if I have a yeast, bladder, or other infection?
No problem. You are welcome to participate. Just use some over-the-counter or other treatment before attending. Every participant has their own supplies and equipment so you will not be sharing.

What if I can’t orgasm?
If you orgasm, great. If you don’t, that’s ok too. Orgasm is NOT the goal. We’re here to heal body shame, overcome sexual guilt and experience true sisterhood. There’s no agenda and no expectations.

Read our Philosophy and Policies