Solo Retreat

Step away from the pace of everyday life and enter a quiet space devoted to deep meditation practice. A solo retreat at Wonderwell offers time for silence, rest, and inward reflection in a peaceful and supportive environment, creating the conditions for a more intimate relationship with yourself and your practice.

This is a self-led retreat with no formal schedule or instruction. It is designed for people who already have an established meditation practice and some experience attending meditation retreats.

Application Requirements

Requirements vary depending on the length of stay. To apply, send an email with your preferred dates, a minimum two-night stay, and the retreat space you would like to reserve.

For stays of 2–6 nights, please include a description of your meditation style, how long you have been practicing, your retreat history, and how you plan to use your time at Wonderwell.

For stays of 7 nights or longer, please provide the same information, along with a letter of recommendation from your meditation instructor or Dharma teacher.

Before acceptance, you may also be asked to complete a phone interview with one of Wonderwell’s teachers. These steps help ensure the retreat experience is well supported.

Cost and Payment

Full payment is required to complete the reservation. Descriptions and photos of each retreat space are listed below.

To keep solo retreats accessible, Wonderwell offers a three-tier fee structure based on different financial circumstances:

• May All Beings Benefit! – $120/night – Supporting access for all and helping care for and maintain Wonderwell Mountain Refuge
• A Middle Way – $85/night – Covering the base cost
• Held in Sangha Loving-kindness – $50/night – Offering ease when financial resources are limited

Two-night minimum stay.

Health and Safety

While the public health situation in the U.S. has improved, some safety protocols remain in place for the protection of retreatants and staff. Please review these carefully before arriving.

Monitor your health closely before your retreat. Do not come to Wonderwell if you have a cough, sore throat, fever, or any other symptoms or signs of illness.

If symptoms appear during your stay, please inform staff. You may be asked to return home and contact your local health providers. Refunds will be issued for retreats canceled or shortened due to illness.

Important Points

• Check-in begins no earlier than 12:00 noon on the first day, and departure must be no later than noon on the final day.
• The Meditation Hall may be available for solo retreatant use at certain times, depending on other uses of the space during your stay.
• You must bring all of your own food. Each area has a private kitchen for your use, though elaborate cooking is not encouraged; simplicity is best. A grocery store is nearby, about a 10-minute drive away, for longer stays.
• Solo retreatants are asked to maintain Noble Silence throughout their time at Wonderwell, except for arrival and orientation, requests, and emergencies.
• Grounds and maintenance work may occasionally take place on the property, so complete silence cannot be guaranteed at all times.
• Wifi is available if needed.

Retreat Space Descriptions

Vajra Suite

Located on the first floor, this suite offers easy access through a small private deck. Inside, you’ll find a spacious bedroom, a private bath and kitchen, and a comfortable sitting and meditation room. The Vajra Suite overlooks the rear grounds, forest, and mountains beyond, with the view visible from the king-size bed.

The kitchen includes a medium-sized fridge, hotplate, microwave, toaster oven, and electric kettle. Pots and pans, dishes, utensils, knives, and cutting boards are provided. There are very few spices, condiments, or cooking oils, so it is best to bring what you prefer.

Garden Level Suite

Though technically located in the basement of Wonderwell, this suite is bright, comfortable, and fully above ground along the west side of the building. It includes two bedrooms with single beds, both available for your use—perhaps one as a meditation room and one for sleeping—along with a private bathroom and a private kitchen, sitting, and dining area with west-facing windows and views. The private entrance is reached by outdoor stairs and opens directly onto the rear grounds and gardens.

The kitchen features a full-size fridge with freezer, electric stove with oven, microwave, toaster, and electric kettle. Pots and pans, dishes, utensils, knives, and cutting boards are provided. There are very few spices, condiments, or cooking oils, so it is best to bring what you prefer.