An Invitation to Open Retreats

Photo by Tim Philips

An invitation to the land, beginning September 16.  To view all published retreat dates, learn more about this offering, and register, visit our Events page.

A Note from Thomas: Hello friends of the Whidbey Institute! We miss you!

In early March, we hosted our last program before the Big Pause of Extreme Uncertainty. We are navigating this disruption with care, consideration, and a willingness to make some difficult choices in these transformative times. And we have been listening to your requests. It’s clear that many of you need space and time away from the stress of your day to day life to rest, recover, reflect, and enjoy the calm beauty that our campus and woodland trails can provide.  

Staff working hours have been cut nearly 50%. We are tending our land, facilities, and community relations with as much grace and focus as we can manage. As our team monitors state and health department guidelines for what is safe and possible in this time, we are laying the groundwork to offer a safe and nourishing place where you may slow down and recall a deeper connection to yourself, others, and the wonders of nature.

Here’s the plan: beginning Wednesday, September 16, you are invited to a personal contemplative retreat spanning five days and four nights with a stay in Cabin Village or the Farmhouse. You will arrive on Wednesday in time for dinner, and leave sometime after breakfast on Sunday. Chef Christyn will be serving her fabulous meals and following all health department guidelines.

Your time here is open for walking the trails, visiting the gardens, and finding a rhythm that brings a deeper breath of vitality into your day. As the Whidbey Institute finds our footing with this new season of gathering, we will begin to offer some activities and learning journeys on the land that you can choose to join as you are called.

In order for this to work with our reduced staffing, we have created a simple structure for a single person or a closely related couple in a shared room. Family pricing is available for groups of four or more reserving the Farmhouse. The cost is fully inclusive of meals and four nights lodging. We’re limiting registration to ensure plenty of space for physical distancing and expect that the cabins will fill up quickly.

We hope to see you on the land, and plan to announce additional Open Retreat dates soon.

Cost and Registration 

Open Retreat cost is $595 plus tax for a single room, including meals. Cost for a shared room is $495 per person plus tax, including meals. View all published Open Retreats on our events calendar.

Are you interested in giving someone an Open Retreat experience?
Contact [email protected] to learn about gift certificate options.