<p><a class="button article" href="images/stories/retreat_brochure.pdf" target="_blank">Retreat Brochure</a></p>
<p>Since the founding of the Hermitage in 1958, we have offered hospitality to those who wished to retreat here. It is one of the hallmarks of the Hermitage and an essential practice reflecting the ancient monastic tradition of welcoming guests, and especially from the point of view of our founder Saint Benedict, to welcome them as Christ. At the Hermitage, most of our retreat accommodations are for one person, meals are taken in one's room and an atmosphere of gentle but profound silence pervades the Hermitage grounds. A key element of any retreat experience is spaciousness – whether it is the large retreat house rooms and private hermitages, or the welcoming space of the chapel which is open 24 hours a day, or the spectacular vista of the Pacific Ocean from our property which is accessed via the 2-mile winding road – we offer people of all faiths the experience of engaging in something larger than oneself and in Someone who loves each of us infinitely.<br /><br />In the interest of maintaining a silent and contemplative atmosphere, retreatants are asked to refrain from using radios, typewriters, or musical instruments. Pets are not permitted. Meals, which are included in the rates, are mostly vegetarian and are taken privately in one’s own room or garden.</p>
<p>Please consider making a retreat part of your regular spiritual practice and if you can, consider coming here. We would love to share our Hermitage with you.</p>