Are you planning a Retreat near New Hope, PA or Lambertville, NJ? Read on for our advice and key success factors!
What is “a retreat”?
According to sources on Google, a retreat is usually a peaceful quiet location where you can go to rest, hear your inner voice, and tap into the wisdom of your collective experiences.
What does it mean “to retreat”?
To retreat means to withdraw or get away. Going “on retreat” requires separation from your day-to-day activities, concerns and responsibilities. By doing so, you make time and space to focus on the important activities or programs during the session.
At Woolverton Inn, we’ve had the privilege of hosting several different retreats, from corporate “off-site” meetings, where our calm, natural setting serves to inspire teamwork and creativity, to artist workshops and wellness gatherings. Our grounds become the setting for exercise, meditation, journaling, and other themed activities during these events.
We love hosting retreats. Each new experience brings opportunity to share what we know and learn something new that we can pass on to future clients. There are certain key elements of retreat planning that are worth noting to ensure a successful event, from the perspectives of the program organizer, site coordinator and participant.
Retreat Location
An ideal retreat location should be easily accessible and not so remote that it creates stress just getting there. The property itself must be conducive to the agenda and the different activities that will be offered, rain or shine. A serene landscape with abundant natural beauty and surrounding vistas can be instantly relaxing.
Retreat Agenda
A relevant selection of workshops and classes is critical, with inspiring content and opportunities for participation. It is designed to fit in well with the landscape and “mood” of the retreat property, inside and out. There should be ample time between events, so attendees can rejuvenate, and hosts can manage necessary transitions. Additional speakers or special program additions enhance the core content and offer diversions for repeat clients.
Retreat Accommodations
When attending a retreat, guests must feel comfortable, relaxed, and safe. They expect to eat and sleep well and should feel that someone is taking care of them during their stay away from home. If there are any special requests such as dietary restrictions, accessibility, food storage needs, etc. the hosts’ staff should respond with immediate and gracious service.
Partnership
The most important factor when creating a successful retreat is coordination between the on-site property coordinator and organizers of the retreat. Working together, for months in advance, every aspect of the event ( before arrival to after departure) is covered in detail. From attendee communications to activities, meals, scheduling, and more, all topics are reviewed and outlined for flawless execution. By developing a mutually respectful partnership, all are equally vested and committed to delivering an exceptional retreat.
Now Booking Retreats for 2024
We are so excited to be booking off-site meetings and retreats again! In July we welcomed back Rise Gatherings for their second visit to Woolverton Inn. The following guest quote says it all:
“This Rise retreat was simply amazing. The Woolverton Inn and their staff were so customer focused from the room set ups to the delicious breakfast they served each morning. The activities and workshop leaders that the Rise Team planned were a terrific blend of relaxation and learning with enough time in between to connect with new friends or just simply relax on the beautiful grounds. Will put this on my calendar for next year. Thank you for creating such a special place for us to gather and refresh.”
At Woolverton Inn we welcome those seeking to design and host retreats and look forward to creative dialog where we can share ideas and explore possibilities for amazing events. Contact us at 609 397 0802 or submit an event proposal form at www.woolvertoninn.com
