Safety, preparation and what to expect

Time spent in complete darkness, in your own cabin, with meals brought to you and a facilitator checking in. Ours is four nights on site, with 72 hours in the dark. The Experience page walks through the whole four nights.

That is largely up to you. Most people rest and sleep a great deal; some sit, move gently, or simply notice what arises. There is no schedule to keep and nothing you are required to do.

A dark retreat is not for everyone, and we don’t treat it lightly. Before your place is confirmed we have a screening call. On arrival you are shown around your cabin with the lights on. During the retreat your facilitator checks in with you twice a day, when your meals arrive, and more support is there if you ask for it. The door is never locked, and you can turn on a light or step outside at any time. If you are unsure whether a dark retreat is right for you, the screening call is the place to talk it through.

Choose your dates and reserve them with a 50% deposit. We then have a screening call. If we agree this is the right time for you, your place is confirmed and the remaining balance is due 45 days before arrival. If not, your deposit is refunded in full. About two weeks before the retreat you have a one-hour preparation call with your facilitator.

Four nights on site, 72 hours of them in complete darkness. We don’t offer other lengths. If you have done a dark retreat before and are considering back-to-back retreats, that is a conversation we are open to; send us an inquiry.

No. You should feel comfortable spending time alone and reflecting on your own experience.

You’ll have your own private cabin and time in solitude. Your facilitator checks in twice a day, when your meals arrive, and you can ask for more support at any check-in.

You can, at any time. The door is always unlocked, and we encourage you to move in and out of the dark when that helps rather than pushing through. If you decide to end your retreat early, tell your facilitator at a check-in.

Check-ins happen morning and evening, when your meals are brought. That is the time to ask for anything you need, including extra support or a longer conversation.

The cabin is small and simple, and the bathroom is easy to reach in the dark. You are shown around with the lights on when you arrive.

Your facilitator comes into the kitchen at the front of the cabin, which is separate from the darkened bedroom. Meals are left at the door between the kitchen and the bedroom, or passed through a slot in the wall, so no light reaches you.

Yes. Tell us about any dietary needs before the retreat and meals are planned around them.

Anything that helps you feel at home: a journal, an instrument, comfort items, your own snacks. A Mindfold sleep mask is recommended for extra light protection. Practical details come on the preparation call.

No. Psychedelics and plant medicines are not part of the retreat, and nothing is taken or offered. If you take prescribed medication, keep taking it as prescribed and talk with your prescriber about any questions.

About two weeks before, you have a one-hour call with your facilitator, and we send practical details then. Two things help: cut back on caffeine ahead of time, or bring it with you, so you aren’t withdrawing from caffeine or nicotine while in the dark; and eat more simply, with less sugar, in the days before, which helps settle the mind.

No. Darkness retreats are not medical or psychological treatment and do not replace therapy or healthcare. They are experiential retreats for rest, self-exploration and inner inquiry. If you have concerns, consult your healthcare provider.

On the fifth morning we hold a closing ceremony and circle with the other retreatants, share breakfast, and talk about integration practices before you leave at 11:00 am. Integration begins there; we don’t currently offer a formal program after you leave.