Body Positive Yoga
Summer Camp
Unforgettable community experiences & summer adventures in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia
✨ Change the way you see yourself at Body Positive Yoga Summer Camp. This 5-day, 4-night retreat is the one that started it all!
Headstand party, swimming holes, waterfall slides, rock jumping, body image and yoga workshops, a dance party, and unmatched vibes. Plus a gorgeous, private mountain house complete with hot tub and stunning views. ☀️ Make new friends and build unshakable confidence this summer!
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😍 This retreat is for you if…
🫀 You’re a woman who wants to make peace with her body. (not a woman but want to attend? See the FAQ)
💖 You want to be in community with other folks like you, who are making counter-cultural moves toward body acceptance.
🔥 You’re a daring scaredy cat (my people ❤️) who wants to try something a little intimidating in a supportive environment.
🧘♀️ You want to practice yoga with a teacher who will give you the tools to make yoga work for your body, whether you’re intimidated to step into a yoga studio or if you’ve practiced a long time
☺️ You want to experience a yoga & adventure retreat designed especially for plus-size folks and other unconventional travelers
🌄 You want to experience the impeccable views, small-town feel, and gorgeous nature of Virginia’s Blue Ridge mountains
💞 You want time away from the distractions and stress of everyday life to rest, relax, and rejuvenate, whether you come solo or with friends
💖 What To Expect
👙 Swimming Hole Adventures
The highlight of this retreat (for me) is taking folks to my favorite swimming holes in the whole world! I’ve been camping and visiting this part of Virginia for more than 20 years and I love sharing it with friends.
We’ll drive to a gorgeous stretch of Virginia’s Maury river, where you’ll be surrounded by picture-perfect natural scenery for a swimming day unlike any other.
Slide down a natural waterslide, walk across a swinging bridge, jump off rocks into the river, or just chill and enjoy the sound of the water rushing by. There’s something for everyone on this special outing.
🧘♀️ Body Positive Yoga
This yoga retreat is one of a kind! All classes will be taught by Amber Karnes, plus-size yoga teacher trainer and creator of Body Positive Yoga.
If you’ve ever struggled with certain poses or transitions (hello, stepping from downward dog to the front of your mat!), you’ll love learning with me. I specialize in helping you personalize your yoga practice so it works for the body you’ve got!
And you won’t want to miss the unforgettable experience and unmatched energy of a Headstand Party 🥳 (IYKYK).
😌 Mountain Summer Vibes
We’re gathering in a private mountainside residence on 34 acres with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a huge hot tub, fire pit, access to a swimming pool, and communal spaces surrounded by nature’s beauty.
We’ll spend time making art and talking about topics like self-acceptance, body image, and building confidence.
Each night, we’ll enjoy the hot tub and gorgeous sunsets. On our final night together, I’ll host one of my famous silent disco dance parties. 💃 I can’t wait!
❤️🔥
What’s different about this retreat?
Hi! I’m Amber Karnes. I have led over a dozen wellness retreats over the years, and I design my retreats specifically with plus-size travelers in mind. While I welcome folks of all shapes and sizes to join us, I center larger bodies in my work. The tiniest details are important to me so you can have an excellent experience.
At my retreats, I create a supportive environment where no one gets left behind, so you can safely push your limits in a group of other fun, positive folks without worrying about keeping up or fitting in.
Expect experiences where you can try something challenging in an environment specifically created to support you through the process of feeling awkward or “bad” at it.
We’re gonna celebrate each other when we feel awkward and when we win. And we’ll have so much fun learning and practicing together. My face always hurts from laughing and smiling so much at these events. 😂
If you have any concerns about whether you’ll be able to do the activities, or have questions about accessibility, mobility limitations, etc., please reach out! I’d love to speak with you.
Profound force in my life
Body Positive Yoga, particularly the retreats (I attended two), was a truly profound force in my life for several years. Amber crafted incredible gatherings, with great logistics of course but she also has an ability to set a tone and create a space that I know was meaningful for all involved.
These events were over 5 years ago and I still communicate with friends I made there.
Courtney W.
☀️ Schedule
Every day will look a little bit different and final schedules will go out a month prior to departure. This is not a retreat where every last second is packed full of activities or curriculum. There is spaciousness for you to explore on your own, have plenty of downtime, take care of your introverted side, and just relax.
Day One
Arrive, meet Amber, and check-in. You can go to your room to unwind or explore the property.
Enjoy a group welcome dinner where you’ll meet your new friends, plus a relaxing yoga nidra session to set you up for the best night of sleep ever.
Day Two
Wake up and drink your coffee or tea while you take in the amazing mountain views. After a nourishing breakfast, join Amber for a Body Positive Yoga class, plus a workshop about personalizing your yoga practice to fit your unique body.
After lunch, you’ll have free time in the afternoon to relax in your room, soak in the hot tub, swim in the nearby pool, explore the property, get a massage, or visit nearby attractions like vineyards or historical sites.
Before dinner, join me for the high vibe fun of Headstand Party (if you’ve never gone upside down in yoga, now’s your chance with plenty of support). After dinner, enjoy time on your own or soak in the hot tub under the stars.
Day Three
We’ll depart for our swimming hole trip right after breakfast. Transportation will be provided (it’s about a 90-minute drive through pretty country, but trust me, it’s worth it) and we’ll spend the day at my favorite swimming holes.
Make memories while you swim, float, and lounge in the Maury river, surrounded by gorgeous natural scenery. Slide down a natural waterslide, walk across a swinging bridge, jump off rocks into the river, or just chill and enjoy the sound of the water rushing by.
We’ll come back to the house for dinner and a sharing circle. You can enjoy the hot tub or fire pit before bed.
Day Four
After breakfast, we’ll have another yoga workshop with a discussion on body acceptance. In this workshop we’ll learn how tools from yoga practice can help us make peace with our bodies.
In the afternoon, enjoy downtime on your own or join your friends for easy & low-stakes art and craft-making.
After dinner, I’ll host one of my silent disco dance parties. If you have never tried silent disco, trust me, you’re gonna love it (everyone does, even me… I was skeptical at first). There’s no better way to end the night than dancing in front of the mountains as the sun sets.
Day Five
On our last day together, we’ll have breakfast, a short yoga class, and come together one last time for our closing circle and goodbyes (til next year).
Accommodations at ☁️ The Cloud Ship
The Cloud Ship is a private mountainside residence located in Free Union, Virginia, just outside Charlottesville. It’s within 2.5 hours driving distance from the DC metro area.
This beautiful home with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains has 3 floors with welcoming bedrooms, large indoor and outdoor dining tables, Wi-Fi, hot tub, game room, fire pit, access to a swimming pool, and communal spaces surrounded by nature’s beauty.
The 34-acre mountainside property boasts spectacular views, trails and streams. We have high speed Wi-Fi on site as well as an event manager who can help arrange transportation or special accommodations.
Points of interest within an hour’s drive: Charlottesville’s charming downtown and amazing food scene, the Appalachian Trail, Shenandoah National Park & Skyline Drive, historical sites like Monticello and Ash Lawn, and several local wineries, breweries and distilleries.
I can’t wait for you to see for yourself why we call this place The Cloud Ship.
🛌 Available Rooms
Rooms are first-come, first-served! Reserve early to get the room you want.
King Suite
This suite is the largest, most private room in the house. It has 1 king bed and 1 twin bed with high ceilings and a picture window for lovely mountain views. It is located on the second (main) floor behind the yoga room and library, adjacent to a full bathroom, living room, dining room, and kitchen.
This room can be booked as a private or shared accommodation.
Downstairs Shared (3 beds available)
This shared bedroom has 2 twin beds and 1 double bed. It is located on the bottom floor adjacent to a shared full bathroom, laundry room, and game room. The hot tub and fire pit are steps away outside a sliding door.
This room is a shared accommodation with 1 double bed and 2 twin beds available. You can book with a friend or we’ll find you a roommate!
Upstairs Shared
This shared bedroom has 2 twin beds. It is located on the top floor adjacent to a shared full bathroom and two other bedrooms.
This room is a shared accommodation with 2 twin beds available. You can book with a friend or we’ll find you a roommate!
Downstairs King
This king bedroom is located on the bottom floor adjacent to a shared full bathroom, laundry room, and game room. The hot tub and fire pit are steps away outside a sliding door.
This room can be booked as a private accommodation or you can book with a friend.
Upstairs Queen 1
This queen bedroom is located on the top floor adjacent to a shared full bathroom and two other bedrooms.
This room can be booked as a private accommodation or you can book with a friend.
Upstairs Queen 2
This queen bedroom is located on the top floor adjacent to a shared full bathroom and two other bedrooms.
This room can be booked as a private accommodation or you can book with a friend.
🔥 Join the Hotlist
Leave your email and you’ll be the first to know when new dates are announced.
Absolutely changed my life
I have attended two retreats that Amber organized and hosted and have also subscribed to her online yoga content. Amber has a gift for creating community, providing high quality and impactful content, and making individuals feel seen, heard and supported.
The first retreat I attended with her absolutely changed my life. There is a very special magic when you find “your people” and are guided and supported by an insightful person like Amber in experiences that lift you up and teach you measurable ways to improve through self-acceptance.
As an introvert, I had a lot of fears about attending a retreat with strangers. But I could not have had a better experience with Amber in the way she created and cultivated connection between the attendees, set up meaningful activities, and shared herself so much with us.
Alexandra F.
✅ What’s Included
🧘♀️ Body Positive Yoga workshops: yoga nidra, yoga classes, personalize your practice workshop, headstand party
🐳 Swimming hole trip: transportation and day trip to Amber’s favorite mountain swimming hole spots
💃 Silent disco dance party (if you’ve never tried silent disco, you are gonna LOVE it)
💖 Body image, self-acceptance, and art-making workshops
🥰 Daily sharing circles to celebrate your wins and cheer on your new besties
🏨 Your chosen accommodation at our beautiful mountain home
🍳 Delicious meals, beverages, and snacks that suit your dietary preferences
👚 Limited edition t-shirt to commemorate the event
What’s Not Included
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Airfare or transportation expenses to and from the retreat house
- Additional excursions
What They’re Saying
I attended every single retreat she offered one year
Amber Karnes is someone I’ve had the pleasure of learning yoga from, attending retreats and collaborating with as a wellness practitioner. One of the things that’s been a pleasure throughout all of my experiences is the thoughtfulness and impact of her work.
She is always there in her students minds or in the retreat participants hearts, creating an unforgettable and transformative experience that is centered around personal and collective empowerment. And working with her is FUN. She’s driven, creative and is a powerhouse of taking a project from idea to completion.
There’s a reason why I attended every single retreat she offered one year, trust.
Deb Malkin
Mindbody Coach, The Curiosity Cure
I didn’t think my second retreat could be better than my first. I have grown so much using my experience from my first retreat to the this second one. I maintained friendships, made new ones, deepened my connection with myself, others, and with my practice. It has taught me how to use what I feel on my mat and share it with the world. Most of all it has given me a place to calm my mind, feel confident, and be more authentic with myself. Loved every minute!
I’d recommend this retreat to a friend because it was such a nourishing experience – I felt my body and soul get stronger, I felt my intentions take a more meaningful shape, I felt refueled. Plus, all the lovely people there are so supportive and made me feel like I had found a new community.
Amber is very good at pulling people out of their shell. I learned so much, but I also felt so comfortable in her environment and she made modifications for my back problem. She’s very good at reaching people where they are and a joy to learn from.
I attended a Body Positive Yoga retreat with Amber and it was life-changing, life-affirming, actually!
Amber’s care, compassion, commitment, and drive is what still has me doing yoga and still working on me and my overall health (body, mind, and spirit). She gave me the tools I needed to move forward on my health and self love journey.
Being in a community of intelligent, authentic and like minded, yet diverse women is exceptionally empowering.
To know there are others out there that you can identify with, learn from, and share community with is so impactful and can be carried with you in everyday life wherever you go.
I was pretty skeptical about what to expect, despite having signed up on a last minute whim. I deal with social anxiety and struggle to step out of my comfort zone when it comes to meeting new people. This was a great opportunity to challenge my own insecurities and do so in a supportive environment with other women who face the same internal conflicts.
How powerful community can be. It was so wonderful being around women who were committed (even at different levels) to achieving body peace.
I love looking at our bodies together and witnessing the power that we hold to heal ourselves and each other.
I think what Amber does is so important in holding space for us to find one another and lead us through example, wisdom, kindness, and humor.
Community building is a special skill that, with Amber, comes from her heart and a passion for the ways we can see and be seen in the world with compassion.
My Body Positive Yoga class with Amber was the real but very needed compassionate check-in toward living in a body that’s different. She gifted me her focused attention, thoughtful words, and movement to love myself wholly.
About Your Host
Hey, I’m Amber Karnes. I’m a community builder, yoga teacher, educator, and artist.
I am a curious, multi-passionate person and a connector. Over the past 25 years I have built communities and thrown events around yoga, art, craft, graphic design, food justice, the hardcore punk music scene, bikelife, entrepreneurship, and more. I went to school for graphic design and for 10 years, I worked in design and marketing roles in corporate, nonprofits, and as a freelancer.
The past 14 years I’ve been building community (and a business) around yoga. I am the creator of Body Positive Yoga, which is both a teaching method and a community about body liberation and accessibility.
Yoga has been an integral part of my decades-long journey toward self-acceptance and body positivity: making peace with my body and helping others to do the same.
During this retreat, I will lead you through low-pressure, judgment-free, beginner-friendly yoga classes. My yoga style is a gentle, slow flow with plenty of strength-building opportunities as well as time for self-study. And as a community, we’ll create a safe container to explore our feelings around body image and self-acceptance.
Among other learning experiences, I have sold out over a dozen wellness retreats over the past 10 years. Retreats are absolutely my favorite way to work and I’m thrilled to be hosting them again after a few years off.
The pandemic changed a lot about the yoga industry, my work. and my life. I’m in the process of figuring out what my new business looks like, now that “traveling yoga teacher” isn’t really a job anymore. I am rolling out some new work which includes marketing clinics for micro business owners, adventure retreats like this one, the Pivot Retreat, a marketing game show, and more.
It is clear that Amber brings authenticity, integrity, curiosity, and compassion wherever she goes. She lives her yoga. For non-yogis, this means that her yoga goes beyond making shapes with her body on a rubber rectangle (which is fun but not all there is).
She speaks hard truths with kindness and demonstrates HOW to make yoga accessible for all. She finds creative ways to support and inspire through both written word AND via open hearted conversations. Her openness to learn while teaching is what makes her such a solid teacher of teachers.
I am a better teacher and student thanks to her. The world is a better place because Amber Karnes is in it.
Tamara (Tami) J. Musumeci-Szabó
Social Health Psychologist, Ph.D., E-RYT-500, YACEP
🤩 Frequently Asked Questions
Retreat Logistics
How do I register?
Visit this link and fill out the registration form to select your accommodations. A $400 non-refundable deposit secures your spot.
Can I make payments?
Yes! When you register, you can pay in full or make payments. I don’t charge extra for payment plans.
After you register, I’ll set up a recurring payment plan dividing the balance equally by the number of months left before the trip. The balance must be fully paid by June 1, 2025. If you register in March, payments will be due April 1, May 1, and June 1.
Remember that the $400 deposit is non-refundable so I strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment.
What if I need to cancel?
- Until May 28, 2025: You may cancel or transfer your registration to another person and get a full refund of all monies paid (except non-refundable $400 deposit)
- May 28 – June 25, 2025: No refunds, but you may transfer your registration to another person.
- After June 25, 2025: no refunds or transfers.
What's included in the price?
🧘♀️ Body Positive Yoga workshops: yoga nidra, yoga classes, personalize your practice workshop, headstand party
🐳 Swimming hole trip: transportation and day trip to Amber’s favorite mountain swimming hole spots
💃 Silent disco dance party (if you’ve never tried silent disco, you are gonna LOVE it)
💖 Body image, self-acceptance, and art-making workshops
🥰 Daily sharing circles to celebrate your wins and cheer on your new besties
🏨 Your chosen accommodation at our beautiful mountain home
🍳 Delicious meals, beverages, and snacks that suit your dietary preferences
👚 Limited edition t-shirt to commemorate the event
What's NOT included in the price?
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Airfare or transportation costs to and from the retreat house
- Additional excursions
- Alcohol
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. I strongly advise everyone to purchase travel insurance in connection with all bookings. While the coverage provided by travel insurance varies based on the policy you purchase, as a general rule, this type of insurance may provide coverage for a variety of losses which you may incur relating to a booking, including losses relating to trip cancellation, illness, injury, theft, lost or damaged property, etc.
Be aware that, except for the limited refund rights in the cancellation policy, you are 100% responsible for any losses, penalties, fees, or other financial consequences arising out of any booking or trip, or the cancellation or interruption of any booking or trip (including, by way of example, costs related to airline tickets and fees, passport fees, visa fees, medical expenses, etc.).
For all of these reasons, I urge you to purchase travel insurance promptly following booking.
What airport should I fly into?
If you want to be picked up, please fly into Charlottesville (CHO) airport. You may also take the Amtrak train to the downtown Charlottesville station. If you will need a ride from the airport or train station, please let us know when you register.
What time should I arrive and depart?
Please try to arrive between 3-6pm on July 9 and leave before noon on July 14. If you need to arrive or depart outside these hours, please let me know when you register.
Is this retreat for women only?
This retreat is for women and gender minorities. It is not a space for cisgender men.
Let me try my best to be clear. Women (and people of other gender identities who grew up socialized as women) share certain lived experiences in our patriarchal culture. We receive implicit and explicit messages about “our place in things” that men don’t. We’ll be untangling the ways that cultural conditioning about womanhood overlaps with our sense of self, especially with regards to body image.
This retreat is a space for women as well as anyone who was raised or socialized as a woman. Trans women are welcome, as well as transmasc and non-binary folks who were socialized as women (regardless of how they identify). It is not a space for cisgender men.
If you have questions about whether you should attend, please contact me and we can discuss!
Tell me about the food!
Erin, the owner of The Cloud Ship retreat house, will be joining us for the retreat and preparing our meals! Erin has a career background in hospitality and she loves entertaining groups and catering.
Expect family-style, nourishing, healthy meals made from scratch. Each day we will have breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and beverages available.
A detailed menu will be sent out before our time together, and you’ll be able to note any dietary preferences or allergies when you register.
If I want a shared room, can you help me find a roommate?
Yes! If you book into a shared room and are coming alone, we will pair you with another retreat participant who’s requesting the same room type.
You’re also welcome to book shared accommodations with a friend. Let me know you’re booking together when you register.
What do I need to bring?
I’ll send you a complete packing list before the retreat, but you don’t need any complicated or fancy items.
I’ll be bringing comfortable, casual clothing, a bathing suits, water shoes for the river, comfortable walking shoes, and stuff like sunscreen and bug repellant.
Yoga mats and props are provided.
I have a question you didn't answer here.
Reach out to me and let’s talk!
About the Experience
Do most retreat participants come alone?
Yes, many of my guests do come alone. But by the end of their stay they usually have made some great new friends. I’ve heard from folks who retreated with me a decade ago that are still friends with each other today!
How big is the group?
I am planning for us to be a group of 8-12, depending how people book into the rooms.
Tell me about the food!
All meals, snacks, and beverages are included in the retreat price.
Erin (the owner of The Cloud Ship retreat house) will be joining us for the retreat and cooking all our meals! Erin has a career background in hospitality and loves hosting and catering for groups.
I’ll send out a menu closer to our time together, but expect healthy, nutritious, delicious family-style meals. Please note your dietary restrictions or preferences when you register!
Will I be able to keep up in the yoga classes?
Yes! I specialize in adaptive, inclusive yoga practice for all bodies and ability levels. This is low-pressure, judgment-free yoga led by a “non-typical”, plus size yoga teacher.
The yoga that I practice is not designed to be a strenuous workout. These are easy movements and big deep breaths that meet your body where you are today. Lots of options and modifications will be offered for any practice I lead.
We will workshop and troubleshoot poses or transitions that don’t work for our bodies, and you’ll leave with new tools to personalize your practice.
Is this retreat for women only?
This retreat is for women and gender minorities. It is not a space for cisgender men.
Let me try my best to be clear. Women (and people of other gender identities who grew up socialized as women) share certain lived experiences in our patriarchal culture. We receive implicit and explicit messages about “our place in things” that men don’t. We’ll be untangling the ways that cultural conditioning about womanhood overlaps with our sense of self, especially with regards to body image.
This retreat is a space for women as well as anyone who was raised or socialized as a woman. Trans women are welcome, as well as transmasc and non-binary folks who were socialized as women (regardless of how they identify). It is not a space for cisgender men.
If you have questions about whether you should attend, please contact me and we can discuss!
I have a question you didn't answer here.
Reach out to me and let’s talk!