“Like stone, people seek strength and stability—but like a breaking wave, we remain agile and flexible, allowing for deeper growth and openness to change.” That’s the philosophy behind Stone Wave Yoga, a retreat 85 miles north of New York City. The beautiful facility offers two yoga studios, an art studio, and plentiful mountain air. Its mountain-base location is the perfect setting for such a philosophy; it’s less than 4 miles from the world-famous Mohonk Preserve, with its rocky mountain faces, waterfalls and swimming holes.
It was about ten years ago when the seed for Stone Wave was planted. Creator Liz Glover Wilson, artist and yoga instructor, found a property in Gardiner, NY that was perfect for a wellness retreat. However, her New York City life wouldn’t let her go quite yet; as the case with many New Yorkers, work was too busy, she had a heavy social schedule, and was already keeping up with two properties. It was after the tragic loss of her only sister, Esther, that Liz made her way up the Hudson. “I realized it was time to dive deep and find my path. Life is too short,” she explained. She made a weekend house in the small town of Gardiner, NY her home. “With access to the Mohonk Preserve, Minnewaska State Park, and endless options to be with nature, I felt deeply compelled to find my life path.” And so she traded her city life for a new one.
In 2015, Liz began the Sunflower Art Festival as a way to honor her sister Esther, who loved Gardiner and always admired the sunflowers in the area. Subsequently, Liz opened Sunflower Art Studios, a non-profit that provides scholarships and art opportunities to the community. As she explains, the experience was the first step toward entering her life path. “It was like all of me came together through the expression of the festival: art, community, and yoga. The festival helped me connect with all the richness of this area and deepens my commitment to support the arts. Nature has deepened my love for yoga and healing.”
Two years later, Stone Wave Yoga was born, in the summer of 2017. Liz and her partner Keith Buesing opened the studio and space after several months of working on the space together. Keith’s handiwork can be seen through all the clever landscaping—he’s a well-known topiary artist and landscape designer. Liz’s love for the arts and yoga obviously shines through. Both parties bring many years of experience in running their own businesses: Liz as a business/non-profit consultant, Keith owning a landscape design business since his 20’s. Together, they’ve created a beautiful space for yogis, first-timers, locals, and weekenders alike. Stone Wave’s motto is “come as you are,” so it’s only fitting that classes and events are offered for all levels. Families, children, and private groups are also welcome.
In addition to classes, Stone Wave’s facilities are also available for retreats, private sessions and special events. “We love the space so much and want to share the vibe. So in addition to our special customized weekend retreats, we also offer space rental to groups that may want to create their own retreats.” All together, there are three larger “studio” spaces, as well as a full kitchen; lodging nearby is plentiful.
Currently, Stone Wave Yoga is open seven days a week, with multiple classes per day. Offerings include but aren’t limited to: prenatal, warm vinyasa, fundamentals, power, core building, sound healing, drop-ins and privates. The full schedule can be viewed here.