Stillness and Silence

We spend massive quantities of energy and life force speaking and listening to others in our daily lives. We lose huge amounts of energy through our devices. Silence helps us to recenter ourselves and reclaim and regenerate our personal life energy. Silence also provides an unparalleled opportunity to develop concentration, mindfulness, and equanimity. It makes it much easier to experience insight and let go of the deeply entrenched struggles in the heart-mind. This letting go is at the heart of spiritual practice.

Although we have plenty of time for group reflection, we do let go of all regular conversations for a period of time. During that period we eat in silence and maintain silence during transitions and free time. We move into silence to support you—and all participants—to finally have the chance to truly let go of all doing, all responsibilities, and fully receive the nourishment of your own attention and the gentle practices. There is a kind of relief in putting it all down and knowing everyone else in the container is doing that too. In other words, we want you—and everyone—to fully receive the gift of retreat! You deserve it.

The invitation also relates to mindfulness practice, which helps us see the truth of our minds and and hearts, which is so often obscured by our busy, communicative lives. From the mindfulness perspective, we need occasional retreat—periods of true quiet and letting go of the external world so that we can finally begin to see our inner world clearly—and see the possibility of peace. We also let go of all physical contact during that time. We refrain from using devices or reading. A little journaling is encouraged. Once we break the silence, there is plenty of time to reconnect through conversation (for those who wish). Getting quiet in this way can be such a refuge for our hearts.

Yes, this retreat is open to new and experienced practitioners of meditation and mindfulness.

These retreats emphasize the practices of mindfulness, Vipassana, and the heart practices (loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity). We will cultivate a strong and radiant balance in the heart-mind over the course of a few days.

Yes, we will be practicing in a meditation hall and outside for walking meditation. There will be plenty of guidance, instructions, and also periods for group reflection.

Our retreats emphasize a gentle approach. And generally any challenges that surface on retreat are signs that the practice is working. When we learn to work with our challenges with care and skill, we gain powerful insights and a strong sense of inner knowing and liberation. Retreat is almost never challenging the whole time. It is often quite a wonderful relief to be quiet, immersed in kindness and a unique and beautiful form of community.

Our retreats are not as demanding as other Vipassana or mindfulness retreats you may have heard about. Anyone may lie down with a blanket/yoga mat in the meditation hall at any time. Chairs will be available if you do not want to use a cushion. Gentle movement will be offered. There is time to rest and reflect.

1. Complete this registration form

2. You will receive an email to confirm availability (this will include next steps for payment)

3. Submit payment to secure slot

Wellness Practitioner Rate: $750 (A special “thank you” to encourage health professionals to deepen their personal journey while enriching their service to their students/clients/community. This is open to health practitioners, educators, social workers, counselors) Payment Option 1: $750 paid in full at time of confirmation Payment Plan Option 2: $400 Deposit due on confirmation $400 Final payment due November 1, 2025 (Total amount paid: $800) General Public Rate: $1350 Payment Option 1: $1350 paid in full at time of confirmation

Payment Plan Option 2: $700 Deposit due on confirmation $700 Final payment due November 1, 2025 (Total amount paid: $1400)

We accept payments by Venmo, Zelle and Paypal. Cancellation is possible, however all payments made are non-refundable.

All slots are for a shared room and bathrooms.

We have 4 rooms of double occupancies, and 2 rooms of up to 4 people.

Room allocations will be assigned with the same genders and shared with all guests upon arrival.

If you are registering with a friend or family member, let us know so we can accommodate your stay together. Or if you have special requests or needs around sleeping arrangements, you are welcome to make requests.

See our bedroom configuration page for info.

For those who are local to the area or have other off-site sleeping arrangements, there are opportunities to enroll with an additional $200 discount. Please inquire for details.

At Gaia Villa, we’re more than a retreat space—we’re your partner in creating transformative experiences. Hosts receive personalized planning guidance, the support of a dedicated local manager, access to trusted service providers (chefs, massage therapists, tour guides etc.), promotional features across our platforms, and curated local insights to help craft a seamless and memorable retreat.