Weekend Retreat Resources

Congratulations, you’re in!
Here’s all the details (e.g., agenda, location).
As a reminder, no fragrance is allowed on the property.

This small group retreat offers some of the most powerful teachings over the course of a weekend. Intentionally relaxed and spacious, retreat allows for whatever emerges spontaneously among the group. Our aim is to directly experience the concepts introduced in the prerequisite course. Teaching periods are interspersed amongst meals (provided by our personal chef) and plenty of free time. This spacious agenda allows time for rest, nourishment, and reconnection.

  • Our agenda accommodates soft arrivals (due to traffic or flight delays) and departures (for eastbound flights). Presumably, everyone will be able to attend our Welcome session on Thursday (4-6p, followed by dinner) and our Farewell session on Sunday (10a-12:30p, followed by lunch). However, you needn’t worry if you miss them due to complications with travel. Our formal teaching sessions therefore take place on Friday and Saturday.

  • If you’re taking an eastbound flight, and want to catch it in the afternoon, then feel free to leave Sunday as early as 10a. Please say goodbye to each participant before departing n Sunday.

  • In addition to teaching sessions, there will be plenty of free time for napping, sunbathing, reading, meditating, journaling, hiking, etcetera.

  • Nighttime activities are optional (e.g., bonfire). Quiet hours are 10p – 8a.

Agreements

  • Kelly is severely allergic to synthetic fragrance and, if exposed, will immediately experience anaphylaxis. Prior to packing, check the ingredients in your hair, body, and laundry products (detergent, dryer sheets); If the word “fragrance” or “parfum” is listed in their ingredients, then it will be a problem. When you registered for this retreat, you agreed to forego fragrance entirely and not bring residue on your person or belongings. (If you arrive with fragrance, then you will be asked to leave without receiving a refund.)

  • Cell phone reception and wifi are available throughout the property. Please plan on refraining from phone calls, email, or online activity during the retreat unless objectively necessary. This supports the integrity of the holding space and retreat experience.

  • We do not allow marijuana or illegal drugs. Due to high fire hazards, there is no smoking, incense, candles, or open flame of any sort to be used on the property.

  • Because space is limited to nine retreat participants, the cost of registration is nonrefundable, regardless of attendance. Registration will not be pro-rated based on choice to exit early.

  • Weekend Retreats are reserved for those who have completed the prerequisite Annual Course (whether live or asynchronous). This ensures a common language and foundation-level knowledge among participants in group gatherings. It also elevates the teachings in those gatherings.

Packing

  • Roller bags do not “roll” on our property. Instead, plan to carry any bags to your room.

  • Sunhat. Comfortable, layered clothing. Average temperatures in June are 80° (daytime) and 53° (nighttime). Closed-toe shoes (wood chips cover the property).

    Water bottle, travel mug for tea/coffee. Notebook, favorite pen. Flashlight. Alarm clock. Eyeshades and earplugs if they help you sleep. Anything that will support you in your free time (e.g., yoga mat, art supplies, book). If you intend to hike, then bring long pants and hiking boots (foxtail weeds, snakes).

    Please note: A bath towel, hand towel, and two washcloths will be provided for you during your stay; If you want more towels than that, feel free to bring them.

  • We do not allow marijuana or illegal drugs. (If you smoke, please let us know so that we can direct you to the designated area.) Due to high fire hazards, there is no incense, candles, or open flame of any sort to be used on the property.

  • Please see description above (Agreements section).

  • Please note that we do not provide laundry facilities.

  • Bark mulch is used throughout the property to build soil, improve water-holding capacity, and protect against wildfire. Closed-toe shoes are recommended.

  • While there are no roosters, we have some downright celebratory hens. They rejoice at the break of dawn and announce each egg laid. The property is bursting with bird sounds throughout the day — including red-tailed hawks, doves, jays, robins, and hummingbirds. By night, the resident barn owls screech infrequently (though loudly). If you’re a sensitive sleeper, please bring earplugs.

Location & Travel

Address: 211 Kilkare Road, Sunol CA 94586
Navigation systems accurately guide you.

  • Arrive: Thursday between 2-4 p.m.

    • Appetizers at 4 p.m.

    • Welcome session from 4:30-6 p.m.

    • Dinner at 6 p.m.

    Depart: Sunday 12:30-2 p.m.

    • Farewell session 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

    • Lunch at 12:30

    Note. If you are catching an eastbound flight, then feel free to leave at/after 10:00 a.m. (after saying goodbye to everyone). You’ll miss the Farewell Session and lunch, however, can avoid a red-eye flight.

  • Please note that all teaching sessions are required on Friday and Saturday. Please plan to attend our Welcome session on Friday from 4:30-6 p.m., and our Farewell session on Sunday from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.. If you are catching an eastbound flight on Sunday, then feel free to leave at/after 10 a.m. on Sunday (only after having said goodbye to everyone).

  • The closest airport is Oakland (OAK, 27 miles, appx 35 minutes) followed by San Jose (SJC, 28 miles, appx 35 minutes) and San Francisco (SFO, 40 miles, appx 1 hour). Travel times are based on light traffic and can double during commute hours. When purchasing tickets, please check average travel times from/to that airport for the time of day you’re arriving/departing.

    Oakland Airport offers the easiest access to public transportation (BART to Pleasanton followed by taxi or rideshare to Sunol).

  • Inside the Gates. As you pull into the driveway, there are six parking spots immediately to your left. (See photo below). Our caterers pull their vehicles to the end of the driveway (close to the main house). Please do not block their route.

    On the Street. If you prefer to park outside the gates, you’ll find two spots on the street (near the footpath to the front door) and two parking spots on either side of the vehicle gate (be careful not to block the driveway).