Retreat Without "Roughing It"
St. Dorothy’s Rest is a wonderful facility for church, school, and non-profit retreats and conferences. Though easily accessible from the Bay Area, entering this peaceful place is like returning to a simpler, more gentle time. Perched amidst redwood, fir, and madrone trees on a hillside overlooking a valley, we are close to both the Russian River and the Pacific Ocean. During the day, explore the endless hiking trails that surround St. Dorothy's, enjoy a hot cup of tea and your favorite book by the fire, or visit the quaint town of Occidental, with its shops, restaurants, and historic buildings just a mile or so away. At night, be dazzled by the sky and its stars, unencumbered by light pollution, as century-old redwoods gently sway and soothe around you.
Several charming buildings can house groups ranging from 8 to 65 people in semi-private rooms. There are also dormitory rooms available at a reduced cost. A group of 50 people may reserve the entire facility. Bathrooms are “down the hall”, and each retreat building has a meeting room with a fireplace or wood stove. There are also secluded outdoor meeting areas, and a lovely old redwood chapel.
2023 Rates: $96/person, per night; $20/person, per meal
Mid-week (Monday-Thursday) retreats by non-profit, church, and school groups of 20+ people, may be eligible for discounted lodging rates. Please email the Office Manger, with details to find out more.
To request a booking, click here or contact our office at office@stdorothysrest.org for availability.
Facilities & Accommodations
Main House ("St. Dorothy's House")
Sleeps 28
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The main dining facilities are located in this building, which is also known as "St. Dorothy’s House".
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There are three dining porches that can be open or divided for privacy. The meeting room here, our largest, measures 40′X25′, is carpeted and has a stone fireplace at one end.
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Seven bedrooms accommodate 14 guests; and an enclosed sleeping porch holds 14 more.
Every time you book a retreat at St. Dorothy's Rest, you are directly supporting our endeavor to send more children experiencing economic and medical hardships to summer camp. Revenue generated throughout the retreat season goes into our Campership fund which is distributed among Hospital Camp participants and economically disadvantaged youth requesting assistance.
40th annual Artists & writers' retreat
September 1-4, 2023
(Friday dinner-Monday lunch)
You're invited to join a welcoming group of Artists & Writers of all mediums, for three peaceful days devoted to your creative work, and joyful evenings spent in community.
Bring your materials and join other creative hearts, minds, eyes, and hands for this weekend in the redwoods. You’ll find good workspace in historic buildings, in the chapel, and outdoors for the daylight hours to work on whatever you’d like – writing a song, poem, or chapter in a novel, painting a picture, or cartooning. Begin or continue the project you’ve had in mind for a while, or try your hand at something new.
Evenings this community of old friends and new will gather to share fresh, unfinished work with the retreat’s long standing listening and feedback practice that inspires many to share new, even unfinished work in progress for discerning, encouraging, and inspiring response.
Each years’ mix of old timers and newcomers includes both seasoned artists and people who’ve come to risk trying something new. Together we’ll make three peaceful, powerful days devoted to your creative work, and three joyful evenings seeing, hearing, and sharing our work.
Lodging & Meals included (Friday dinner-Monday lunch):
Regular rates
Single occupancy $425
Double occupancy $400
A pay-what-you-can option is also available on the registration form.
Please email Retreat Coordinator, Addie, at office@stdorothysrest.org for more information or questions.
Click the "Sign Up" button below to register for the retreat.