Retreats & Respites

Dear Friends:

Have you ever felt the need to just get away all by yourself for some healing time, some peace and quiet in a place where you feel safe, comfortable and relaxed? We decided to research the Internet and below are some places that we felt looked inviting. We liked their offerings and philosophy. Just click on the link to peruse the site.

Remember that these places are only for those needing solitude, not for those in crisis. These are places where you can go and do your own thing. Some of the sites offer counseling or guidance upon request. Contact names and numbers are provided. If you decide to visit one of these places, or any other retreat, please let us know how you liked it, as we are looking for more retreats to add to this list.

GFW cannot be responsible for your retreat experience. GFW has no affiliation with these retreats, and if you are interested we recommend you perform your own due diligence.

Angelspring Farm Wellness Retreat ~ A Spiritual Retreat

Description:
Since 1995 Angelspring has specialized in personal and professional development of the whole person, with attention to spirituality and wellness. Angelspring is dedicated to providing excellent human potential and wellness-based education and experiences. Guests can take advantage of a total health retreat, offering opportunities that facilitate solitude, rural warmth, and spiritual guidance to renew the body, relax the mind, and rejuvenate the spirit.
Charleen Pavlik says “We at Angelspring are all about a place to rest, a sanctuary, and dealing with life stressors. I provide workshops and seminars regionally and nationally for groups generally around stress management and wellness issues, specifically using the arts, dealing with crisis and trauma, and the role of spirituality in stress management and wellness. People visit us as a bed and breakfast but mostly for retreats, spiritual and other, for counseling and for solitude. Also for massages – hot stone, Swedish neuormuscular, and chair – jacuzzi sessions that are available when visiting. The words people most often use to describe us are “cozy”, and “peaceful.”

Testimonial:

It has been a number of years now and the memories are still so very fresh! My reason for going was treated with respect, dignity and the utmost compassion in discussion and treatments I chose to help me through. The accommodations are modest, homey, comforting and safe! The meals were home cooked with love and definitely knowledge… gained a few pounds!!! Environment was nurturing, private and sharing as I chose.

So… whatever your reason for going I can wholeheartedly recommend Angel Spring as a sanctuary of contemplation and healing guided by your requests and choice of work offered!

Contact:
S. Charleen M. Pavlik, PH.D
Angelspring Farm Wellness Retreat
789 Brownsville Road
Fayette City, PA 15438-1115
Phone 724.938.2301
E-Mail angelspring789@yahoo.com




Rowe Camp and Conference Center

Founded in 1924, Rowe Camp is an unusual and magical place cherished by the thousands of people who have come here for relaxation, education, community, spiritual nurturance, and love. There is a special spirit here of honesty, creativity, and respect that people rarely find in other parts of their lives.

Rowe’s philosophy arises from a deep faith in the fundamental goodness of human beings, the abiding miracle of life on earth, and the soul-sustaining beauty of creation. At Rowe, this beauty is everywhere. Our Center is folded into the slope of gentle mountains at the edge of an old New England village. Our guests walk in the forest, marvel at the waterfall, and sit by quiet reflecting ponds.

Why do people visit your retreat?


Our conference center offer several different ways to retreat. We offer weekend workshops on a variety of topics every weekend from September through mid-June.

Rowe offers 4 different week long adult camps during the summer months. One is women only, one is men only, 2 are co-ed. All provide safe, comfortable environments where honesty, acceptance, compassion, and community are encouraged. All have workshops that allow participants to move further along their paths of self-discovery. All also provide plenty of opportunity for fun singing, dancing, playing, being creative, and more.

Are meals taken alone or is there a cafeteria?

Because our staff live and work here, we consider ourselves a community. We have a lovely dining room and a well stocked kitchen, where we serve mostly vegetarian food. During the week, staff and guest have access to the kitchen for breakfast and lunch, in a sort of fend for yourself from the wonderful left overs or make something from the food available in the fridge. For dinner, one of our staff cooks for everyone, and we eat together and all help to clean up afterwards. Guest are most welcome to join us for dinner, and are expected to help with the cleanup afterwards.

What are the costs involved?

Private retreats mid week range from $20-50 a night, depending on what type of accommodations people choose to stay in. We also welcome people to make arrangements with us to barter for part or all of their fee’s if they would like to.

Testimonial:

Dear reader:

You sent out an email about retreats a while back and one of them was Rowe Camp and Conference Center. I just got back from their Kindred Spirits retreat and I just have to thank you for being the one who brought me to that miraculous place. It was the most intense loving healing experience of my entire life. I just can’t say enough about how it changed my life. So thank you!

-Sophie

Sophie.Goodenough@comcast.net

“I wish to thank you all for the wonderful personal retreat that I experienced. The magnificent natural world had powerful healing influences on my aching soul, and I also found a ‘family in the wilderness’ in each of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being there and making Rowe such a special place.”
-Philip C.

Contact:

retreat@RoweCenter.org
(413) 339-4954
Kings Highway Road,
PO Box 273
Rowe, MA 01367

Why do people visit your retreat? Is it mainly for vacation? Do you know if trauma survivors find your place specifically restful?

Most people visit our retreat center to enhance their psychological, emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. Many of our retreat visitors are actively involved in their own healing process, so trauma survivors would naturally benefit from a visit to our retreat center as well as find their stay restful.
How structured is your retreat? For instance, does your retreat offer any educational classes and in what areas?

Many of our retreat visitors are here for structured retreats. We offer a variety of workshops that cover a broad range of topics. Below are just a few of these topics:
Enhancing Listening & Communication Skills
Create the Life You Want
Transforming Your Relationship With Food
Are there any counselors or people to offer assistance if someone needed to talk?

Yes, there is a board certified [NBCC]counselor at the retreat center at all times.

Are meals taken alone or is there a cafeteria?

Meals may be taken alone if guests wish privacy; however, most guests enjoy eating with the others who are attending the same retreat.

What are the costs involved?

Since we offer several different types of retreats from Silent Retreats to retreats Workshops with a paid facilitator, and because some individual retreaters may bring their own food and do their own cooking, our costs vary and are determined according to the needs of the individual.

What testimonials from individuals who have stayed with you can you offer for the website? A testimonial from someone who has been through a trauma would be very helpful.

I encourage you to visit our web site to read some of our testimonials:

However, because our Retreat Center is a Log Lodge in a private forest setting with creeks, waterfalls, rolling mountains, and some of the brightest stars you’ve ever seen, most retreaters make the following comment, “…does anyone ever ask if they can just extend their stay indefinitely?”

Contact:Carole Darnell, MS, NCC, LAPC
The Mandorla Center
1640 Powers Ferry Road
Building 17, Suite 250
Marietta, GA 30067
678-290-1337
cdarnell@tds.net
www.mandorlacenter.com

Still Point Retreat Center

Still Point, an interfaith retreat center, integrates Eastern
and Western spiritual traditions, is holistic in its approach,
global in its outlook. Still Point fosters harmony with all life,
embracing God, earth and all creation.

Still Point offers a place of solitude, healing and
restoration, along with a communal experience of spiritual
growth.

Still Point offers a wide range of programs with an emphasis on healing and energy, dreams, earth consciousness, yoga, meditation, Qi Gong and Spirituality.
(Yoga and Qi Gong available periodically.)

Why do people visit your retreat?
(Sr Helen) People come to Still Point looking for silence, solitude and restoration, not for a vacation.

Do you know if trauma survivors find your place specifically restful?
(Sr Helen) I have been told by people who have stayed here that they are renewed and healed in ways that have little to do with those of us who ‘run’ this place. The space is Sacred and is healing.

How structured is your retreat?
(Sr Helen) We are not currently offering structured retreats. If a person wanted to meet with me or to sit with me in meditation, I am available. We try to gear the experience to meet the individual’s needs. Also Reiki and massage are available. Advance notice needed for massage.

Are meals taken alone or is there a cafeteria?
(Sr Helen) Meals are taken in the Welcoming House and depend on whether or not there are other retreatants here. People can eat in their hermitage or in a sitting room if they wish to eat alone.

What are the costs involved?
(Sr Helen) Costs vary based upon need of the individual. We charge $65 per night with food provided, $55 if retreatant brings food.
There are 5 fully winterized hermitages (cabins) nestled in the woods along with a large facility, The Welcoming House, for groups..

Contact:

Sr Helen
Still Point Interfaith Retreat Center
Route 423 Box 53
Stillwater, NY 12170
518-587-4967
stillpt423@aol.com

Sewall House
Yoga Retreat

Island Falls, ME 04747

amrita@mindspring.com
www.donnadavidgeyoga.com
www.sewallhouse.com

646-316-5151 – Toll Free: 888-235-2395
Simplicity in a complex world

Though we do not have medical staff here we definitely consider it a safe haven for healing in a small environment- often only one or two people sometimes. I have over 30 years experience with healing using yoga, breath, meditation, nature as well as offering yoga nidra – as well as a Masters in Nutrition – Donna Amrita Davidge

YOGA – A variety of forms of yoga are offered based on your needs and level of yoga, taking into account your personal needs and reasons for being on a yoga retreat.

LEGACY – We all have a story to tell. When Donna purchased her great grandparents’ home in 1997, which had stood empty for 18 months with plans to be put on the market and contents auctioned, she was attempting to save the legacy of her family in this historic home, to share that ongoing legacy of friendship and healing with likeminded seekers that started with her ancestors.

HEALING – From the fresh air of northern Maine along with its wildlife, lakes and hikes. To the embrace of the home (yes even porch sitting!) All allow us moments in which we can step back from our daily hustle bustle. The vision of Sewall House is to offer all of the above within a supportive healing atmosphere that educates through experience of healthy tasty eating, nurturing interactions and the wellness that a yoga lifestyle gives us the benefits of: Enriched living a deep sense of fulfillment and contentment.

Coppertoppe Inn & Retreat Center

Hebron, New Hampshire

Our mission is to create a serene, luxurious retreat where guests are pampered and appreciated so they can get centered and go back making better choices. This is part of our contribution to world peace one person at a time.

We have hosted many individuals for solo retreats to deal with grief, recovery, change of life, or spiritual awakenings, as well as Reiki vision quests, religious retreats, writers, artists, musicians, yoga groups and crafters. Although we only have a bed and breakfast license, each room has a fridge and guests may use the kitchen. Off-season, we may exchange garden work for part of lodging. We have LOTS of gardens.

Cost: the price range for solo retreats is flexible. Off-season we can make better deals than in summer. We ask each person about her/his budget and then try to make a win-win deal. Price also varies somewhat by length of stay. The longer one stays, the more we can adjust the price. For example, an individual only staying for two nights might pay $95 to $165 a night depending on the room and season. Go to 3 nights and 5% discount. 5 nights 10% discount.

Off-season (November through May) we offer seminars and workshops for wellness, healing arts or whatever interests for which teachers appear. If a guest gives us advance notice, we can arrange an art class, yoga class, massage, etc. here or at a studio. Sheila teaches Tai Chi, writing, drawing, gardening and cooking. Bill teaches more on the tech side but also is a talented writer/editor with a variety of interests. Both are good listeners.

Sheila and Bill welcome people as they are. Coppertoppe is a non-smoking property. When guests arrive smelling of smoke, we show them an area to use outside. We do not shame them but we sympathize with their addiction. Likewise, we do not sell or serve alcohol but guests may have their own.

Contact:

Sheila Oranch

sheila@coppertoppe.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coppertoppe Inn & Retreat Center

8 Range Road, Hebron, NH 03241

603-744-3636, info@coppertoppe.com

www.coppertoppe.com

Where guests are pampered and appreciated!

South West:

Western Spirit Enrichment Center

Western Spirit is a small personal growth and renewal center (non-denominational and non-religious) located near beautiful Sedona in northern Arizona offering women’s retreats to individuals of all ages consisting of exciting weeklong journeys of self-discovery and adventurous experiences in nature. Guests come to us for safety, to heal, to learn and grow, to manage a transition they may be experiencing, to grieve, and just to relax, rest and have some fun. We offer facilitator-led stimulating and empowering personal growth workshops (individual and group) such as: Developing Your Intuition, Nurturing Yourself Through Forgiveness, Discovering Your Heart’s Desire, Strengthening Your Relationships, Listening With Your Heart, Healing Your Spirit, and more.

Testimonial:

“Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and your lives with me. I’ve had a wonderfully healing and relaxing time here.” Moira, MD

Interestingly Gary told me when I asked if individuals felt comfortable at their retreat that “most guests are women on a solo journey.” His wife, Marian facilitates the workshops and Gary concentrates on the outdoor activities with guests.

Contact:

Marian & Gary
info@westernspiritranch.com

Western Spirit Enrichment Center, Inc.
1-866-ONESPIRIT (663-7747)
P.O. Box 386
Sedona, AZ 86339-0386

Lama Foundation is a spiritual community, educational facility, and retreat center adjacent to the Carson National Forest about 30 miles south of Colorado near the town of Taos, New Mexico. Designed as a community that embraces all spiritual traditions, it has strong ties to Taos Pueblo, the Hanuman Temple in Taos, NM, Sufi Ruhaniat International, Dervish Healing Order, The Church of Conscious Harmony, St. Benedict’s Monastery in Snowmass, CO, and dozens of other communities, spiritual teachers, and thousands of pilgrims from nearly all religious heritages who call Lama their home

We do not have any sort of professionally staff on hand and do not have equipped counselors, doctors, nurses. What we do have to offer is a very relaxing environment in nature. We’re extremely rustic and rural, and often people come here for healing of all sorts. We have hermitages for individual retreats, and then every summer we offer an array of retreats for people. We also welcome people in the capacity of stewards, or summer volunteer help. The only constant at Lama Foundation though is change, therefore we can’t offer you a guaranteed list of our retreat offerings.

Facilities:

Lama’s facilities are rustic and a major part of the Lama experience is being close to the earth. Our accommodations include prepared tenting areas and limited dorm space in yurts (separate for men and women). Dorm space must be reserved in advance (first come first served) and costs $15 per night, on a sliding scale. For dorm stays, please bring your own sleeping bag (mattress, bottom sheet, pillow and case are provided). If tenting, please bring a waterproof tent with a good rain fly and two ground covers along with your bedding (rated 40° F or lower). There is limited space at no charge for pick-up campers and vans (by prior arrangement). There are no hook-ups and the winding mountain road prevents access by larger RV’s. There are outhouses (no indoor toilets); indoor and outdoor showers; and no laundry facilities (although there is a Laundromat in nearby Questa). Our Lamassary store carries basic sundries only and there are no stores nearby. A flashlight is essential at night. Absolutely no pets allowed!

Meals:

Our meals are vegetarian. We can accommodate special dietary needs and food allergies with advance notice. (Please contact the registrar in the Contact Center with specific food needs. If you require special diet or medical items, please bring along what you need. Very important: because they attract bears, you may NOT leave any food or food wrappers in your car or sleeping area. There is no refrigerated space for personal foods, but limited larder space MAY be available upon request, when space is available. No meat, alcohol or drugs, please.

Lama Foundation
P.O. Box 240
San Cristobal, NM, 87564
575-586-1269
http://www.lamafoundation.org/
info@lamafoundation.org

Midwest:

Willard, Wisconsin


For the past 35 years, people have come from all over the country (and beyond) and find something special here. Regardless of the season, there is a quiet beauty in our woodland sanctuary. You can find renewal through solitude. Or you can participate as much as you wish in our supportive and caring community through meals and daily meditations. We offer lots of wellness retreat programs, both in East and West traditions.

We invite you to the Stillness.

With Blessings,

Cecilia Corcoran, FSPA, PhD

Seeking something more? Longing to go deeper?
We live in a time of awakenings. We have the gift of freedom to attend to our true self and to discover deeper meanings in life.

For 35 years the Christine Center has offered thousands of seekers different pathways to healing, ways to unfold the soul and to put inner wisdom gained into inspired practice and service to life.

Come explore the gifts of meditation, holistic wellness, and mystical spirituality, from both Christian and Eastern traditions. Come learn how to help transform the world through transforming yourself. Whether a beginner or long-time seeker, you?ll find a supportive and caring community to help you along the way.

Come to the Stillness for a Personal Retreat

No matter how you define your desire to get away for a while, a personal retreat offers deep and lasting benefits. Learn more. . .

Or Join a Retreat Program

Come and participate in retreat programs with the capacity to awe, transform, and heal. Learn new skills and discover ways to grow spiritually. Learn more. . .

Contact:

The Christine Center
W8303 Mann Road
Willard, WI 54493
866.333.7507
christinecenter@tds.net

Visit: www.christinecenter.org for more information

International:

Aziza Healing Adventures and Holistic Retreat Vacations

Aziza Healing Adventures is based in Toronto, Canada, and was created with the intention of providing a unique method to expand and deepen self-knowledge through a holistic and practical approach to personal growth. Laila Ghattas, is the founder and leader of the retreats and workshops. Laila is an artist, Gestalt therapist, group facilitator, Reiki practitioner, and has worldwide outdoor adventure experience.

Why do people visit your retreat?

(Laila) personal growth, time out, relaxation, being taken care of, getting some answers…

Is it mainly for vacation?
(Laila) Sometimes. I call what I offer a meaningful vacation because exercises promote emotional explorations and support in order to heighten awareness. Awareness is the only way to make new, more appropriate choices.
Circle is the symbol for wholeness, completion.
Water is the archetypal realm of emotions and feelings.
Spiral is an ancient symbol for spiritual journey toward self transformation.
Do you know if trauma survivors find your place specifically restful?

(Laila) I hold retreats all over. And my choice of locations is for the inherent healing atmosphere to be found. So, yes, feedback is very positive on the locations!

How structured is your retreat? For instance, does your retreat offer any educational classes and in what areas?

(Laila) The sessions are a combination of creativity and psychotherapy. I’m a Gestalt therapist and I use Expressive Art as a means to experience non verbal self-expression in a fun way. The creations reflect back messages the client sends herself in her art. No artistic skill is necessary to get lots out of the sessions. On a given weekend getaway at Thirteen Moons, for example, we get together on Friday over a lovely meal and start on Saturday morning with a session. Time off in the afternoon allows for integration of the insights emerging during the session, and relaxation on the grounds. Another session on Sunday ties up loose ends and we leave after lunch. Lots of time to journal and just be. It’s an easy, relaxing and rich time together. I call my itineraries organic because the retreats are inherently responsive to the needs of the group.

Sometimes specific themes are offered like Body Image, Flying Solo, Relationship to money, and Authentic living. However the longer retreats don’t have a specific focus. We follow what the clients want from the week.

Are there any counselors or people to offer assistance if someone needed to talk?

(Laila) I am a Gestalt therapist and can be booked for a private session during the free time for $75 per hour. However there is time to talk during the discussion of the work, during breaks and meals and those are covered in the retreat fees.

Are meals taken alone or is there a cafeteria?

(Laila)We take meals together at the dining table in whatever retreat location we’re at.

What are the costs involved

(Laila) Weekends in Ontario, Canada start at $495 Canadian including 2 nights accommodations, linens, 6 meals and therapeutic sessions. 7 days in Tulum, Mexico including yoga is $1,650 US. Vacations can be found on www.aziza.ca/retreats Transportation is not included- we meet at the retreat site.

Testimonials:

“It was amazing to be encouraged in love and freedom to express myself in ways that were illuminating to me. Laila’s artistic vision and intuition of her clients needs’ resounds in all of the creative activities.”

“You think you know yourself until you get your hands on a piece of clay and your world is opened to you.”

(Laila) You can view many testimonials on the site. There is also a link called Accolades http://www.aziza.ca/peoplesay.html

Contact:

Laila Ghattas,
Toronto Canada
(416)696-0086
e-mail: info@aziza.ca

Thirteen Moons Retreat for Women

Thirteen Moons specializes in meaningful getaways, healing vacations, wellness workshops, organic and vegetarian cooking classes, nutritional counseling and holistic escapes-exclusively for women! You might want to plan your visit to coincide with one of our full moon drumming circles!

These days, more than ever, women live busy, demanding and often stressful lives. Given our roles in the family, workplace and community, women need to regularly retreat and find ways to care for themselves. Those of you in a transitional phase of life may just need to get away for quiet self-reflection. Or, perhaps it’s time to gather some good friends to celebrate life.

Why do people visit your retreat? Is it mainly for vacation? Do you know if trauma survivors find your place specifically restful?

I like to think that women come here for some meaningful time with themselves. It is a vacation in that they are away from their day to day lives but is by no means a frivolous getaway. The sense of safety and tranquility that guests experience here from the moment they arrive makes it a most appropriate place for trauma survivors. Many of my clients have experienced some form of trauma in their lives.

How structured is your retreat? For instance, does your retreat offer any educational classes and in what areas?

Thirteen Moons offers both personal retreats that are customized to the individual guests as well as programmed retreats lead by skilled facilitators. Personal retreats can be as basic as just accommodation, meals and use of the facilities or can include a range of treatments.

Are there any counselors or people to offer assistance if someone needed to talk?

Yes, I have access to a number of well qualified and compassionate counselors.

Are meals taken alone or is there a cafeteria?

Meals are served in a dining room though guests may also eat in the private guest area. The food served here is mostly organic vegetarian fare lovingly and creatively prepared by a holistic nutritionist.

What are the costs involved?

Overnight retreats cost from $85 CDN per night, depending on type of accommodation and timing and duration of retreat.

Testimonials:

“I hope you know how much the retreat and your part in it has changed my life. I will not let all of our effort be in vain – I’m on the right path and plan on staying on it!”

“Thank you so much for everything. Your cooking is incredible! I am so very thankful that you have chosen to do what you are doing. Your place has changed my life (and I’m sure the lives of many other women) and it is just going to keep changing! What a wonderful gift you have given to women! Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Louise Racine the owner of Thirteen Moons is a Registered Nutritional Consulting Practitioner and she would be happy to speak with anyone about arranging a personalized retreat, custom tailored to your needs and wants.

Email:
louise@thirteenmoons.ca
Ontario, Canada
Phone 705- 652-9329

AV Resources:

Books:

8 Weeks to Optimum Health by Andrew Weil M.D.
Callings : Finding and Following an Authentic Life by Gregg Michael Levoy
A Guide to Monastic Guest Houses: Fourth Edition by Robert J. Regalbuto
Heart Politics by Fran Peavey, Myra Levy
Healing Centers & Retreats: Healthy Getaways for Every Body and Budget by Jenifer Miller
The Nature of Healing: Writings from the World’s Spiritual Traditions by M.D., Larry Dossey (Foreword), et al (Paperback)
A Place for God : A Guide to Spiritual Retreats and Retreat Centers by Timothy Jones
Sanctuaries: The Complete United States–A Guide to Lodgings in Monasteries, Abbeys, and Retreats by Jack Kelly
Sanctuaries: The West Coast And South by Marcia M. Kelly
Spontaneous Healing : How to Discover and Embrace Your Body’s Natural Ability to Maintain and Heal Itself by Andrew Weil M.D.
Wilderness Time : A Guide for Spiritual Retreat by Emilie Griffin

Music:

Dolphin Dreams ~ by Jonathan Goldman
Healing Massage CD – Sugo Music
The Most Soothing Lullabies In The Universe ~ by Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms (Audio CD)
Mozart for Meditation ~ by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Jeffrey Tate, Neville Marriner (Audio CD)
A Shelter of Wings: Music for Healing, Meditation, Prayer and Relaxation. $18.00. Contact: Charlene Pavlik. Email: angelspring789@yahoo.com
Sleep Soundly ~ by Steven Halpern
Sound Medicine: Music for Healing ~ Steven Halpern (Audio CD)
The Soul of Healing Meditations ~ Deepak Chopra (Audio CD)

Additional Web Resources:

Monastic Guest Rooms – A list of Monasteries.

Find The Divine: Your information source for retreat centers, spiritual workshops, conference centers, and retreats & spiritual direction.

Articles from the Friends of FindtheDivine

Omega Institute for Holistic Studies

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