Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm in California

1. I think this sounds great! I have never been, but I used to live there 30 years ago, but that was before it was here! Well maybe someday I will get to go :)
2. I took my 200 and 500 hr teacher trainings here in 2008 and 10, respectively. well worth it. very traditional, but no pressure or 'cult' forcing... strict. if you agree with the teachings, good, if you don't, that's fine. Come and see for yourself.
3. I went for a weekend. The people there were sweet and helpful, the location was lovely, and I learned a few things. Got physically tired from "roughing it" in a tent, but certainly there was no pressure to join anything or believe anything. Sunday, I skipped the morning satsang to do walking meditation on the labyrinth -- nobody said a word about it. A retreat of any kind is going to be what you make it. I'll probably go back when I have the opportunity.