ACCOMODATION

THE RETREAT HOUSE

Welcome to your personal retreat nestled in the tranquil woods atop Blue Mountain, where we've been hosting transformative retreats for over a decade. Owner Deb Cundy and her partner Jen Bina, have built a sanctuary that wraps its arms around you as soon as you come through the entrance. This stunning property offers accommodations full of warmth, luxurious crisp white linens, bedrooms that feel like cozy nests and inviting seating areas perfect for savoring your morning coffee or getting lost in a good book. With a yoga/art studio and warm, glowing fireplaces, you'll discover the perfect setting to rejuvenate and recharge. Just a short drive from the Scandinave Spa Nordic experience, this location is ideal for relaxation and wellness. Embrace the peace of nature, letting go of the daily hustle as you connect with the world around you surrounded by the privacy of tall trees and gardens. Our promise is a nurturing space, inner reflection and creative exploration, complemented by nourishing meals made from fresh, local ingredients and scenic hiking trails right at your doorstep.

WHAT TO EXPECT

TRIP FAQS

What Does The Cost Cover?

>All accommodations

>Airport transportation to and from the accommodation.

>Daily Art Workshops with Stephanie and Michelle 

>Gourmet cooking class and dinner with local chef

>Delicious fresh, local meals prepared by staff. This includes all breakfasts, 3 lunches, welcome and farewell dinners

> City Walking Tours

>Entrance fees to museums, gardens, musical event.​

What Is Not Covered In The Cost?

 >Airfare 

>Any meals not included (see above) or alcoholic beverages. Expect to pay $20 USD on average for lunch and $30 USD (depending on the restaurant) per dinner.

>Anything you buy in the markets or on various trips, as well as any extra tours or excursions that you choose during your free time will not be covered. 

 ​Do I Need Travelers Insurance?

We highly recommend it.

 How Much Money Should I Bring For Spending?

That is totally personal and depends on how much shopping you plan to do. ATM's are available throughout the cities  and credit cards are taken at most major retailers and most restaurants.  You will use mainly local currency for cash transactions. 

​Do I Have to Share a Room?

The accommodations offer the feel of an intimate vacation home. Some pricing options do involve sharing rooms, however in our experience the sharing of rooms has led to closer bonds, and contributed to a sense of community that adds value to the experience. 

​​How Do I Get To And From The Airport and Riad?

We will book your transportation to and from the airport.

​What Airport Do I Fly Into?

When booking your flight please fly into Florence or Pisa International Airport. We recommend booking your flights at least 90 days before the beginning of the retreat. 

What Will the Weather be Like

Average temperature 23 degrees/11 degrees C or 80 degrees/52 degrees F. Very little rain, however be prepared to check the weather at your retreat destination prior to your departure. 

​How Should I Dress?

When planning what to wear, think casual with light layers for the changing  weather.  The city is best explored on foot, so opt for comfortable shoes, sneakers or sandals. Plan outfits that will work for exploring but will also be nice enough for a relaxed dinner/lunch in town.

​Do I Need to Bring Anything Special?

We recommend that you bring an extra bag (a collapsible duffel) to bring home your goodies you have collected on our shopping trips. Small backpack for day trips and art supplies.

Sounds Fun but I Am Not An Artist, Is the Retreat Still For Me?

 “I’m not an artist, that’s not for me,” because there is one thing I know with absolute certainty: we all come into this world with the instinct to create and we are all artists by nature. An art retreat is for everyone because it’s not about creating beautiful art (though you’ll do that, too!) but about exploring our creativity and breaking down the disconnect between our desire to create and taking action. For the most part, the things that hold us back from creating are things like fear of failure, imposter syndrome, guilt, shame, trauma, and simply not trusting our creative vision. Learning to conquer self-doubt will help you with art but, more importantly, it will ripple through every aspect of your life so that you feel happier, confident, self-assured, and inspired to accomplish whatever it is your heart is set on! 

I have dietary restrictions, will there be anything for me to eat?

Yes, the accommodations and local restaurants can accommodate any restrictions. Prior communication of these needs can be helpful.

​Do You Offer Refunds? What is your cancellation policy?

​In case of natural disasters or world events beyond our control,  we as the facilitators need to cancel and reschedule the retreat. Your monies will be held and your retreat will be scheduled for a future date. 

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. Because our retreats require significant advance commitments to accommodations, local partners, instructors, and experiences, the following cancellation policy applies to all international retreats.

Initial Deposit

• A $1,500 USD deposit is required to reserve your space.

• The deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable under all circumstances.

Second Payment

The second payment is due approximately 8 months prior to the retreat departure date.

• Cancellation more than 180 days before departure: Any payments made beyond the non-refundable deposit will be refunded in full.

• Cancellation 90–179 days before departure: 50% of the second payment will be refunded. The initial deposit remains non-refundable.

• Cancellation fewer than 90 days before departure: The initial deposit and second payment are non-refundable.

Final Payment

The final balance is due approximately 75–90 days before departure.

Once the final payment has been made, all payments are non-refundable, as accommodations, services, meals, transportation, and retreat experiences have been fully confirmed and committed on your behalf.

If We Are Able to Fill Your Space

If your cancelled space is filled by another participant, we will refund any recoverable amounts, less the non-refundable deposit and any unrecoverable costs or administrative expenses already incurred.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation, interruption, medical, and emergency coverage. Travel insurance is designed to protect you in the event of illness, family emergencies, travel disruptions, or other unforeseen circumstances that prevent you from attending your retreat.

By submitting your deposit, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to this Cancellation & Refund Policy.

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 *No one books a retreat with the intention of cancelling it, but unexpected events do occur, so please consider purchasing travel insurance and that is  your responsibility to read and understand our cancellation policies. Exceptions cannot be made for any reason, including weather, injury, illness, or personal emergencies. No refunds or credits for failure to attend or failure to complete the retreat, or for arriving late of leaving early. We recommend that you purchase your own travel insurance. We encourage you to purchase trip cancellation insurance in order that your trip fees will be covered should you or your family have a medical problem prior to your trip or while on the trip. Trip insurance should also be purchased to cover medical expenses in the event you have an accident while on retreat. Most travel insurance must be purchased within 14 days of making your reservation. We cannot be held responsible for any personal expenses, such at airline tickets due to changes in itineraries or retreat cancellations.