Writing in the New Year: a mindfulness & writing retreat 12/30-1/1
Our first stayover retreat! Join us for 3 days of conscious writing, mindfulness meditation, forest bathing, evening music and heart-opening experiences in cozy cabins in the Olympic Rainforest.
What better way to spend New Year’s Eve weekend than a cozy cabin in the middle of the Olympic rainforest — journal in one hand, a steaming mug of tea in the other — laughing, writing and forest-bathing with fellow mindful writers and nature lovers?
“Could there truly be such a place?” you ask, eyes aglow with thoughts of steaming tea, mindfulness meditations and contemplative journaling in a cozy cabin.
Yes, dear reader, there truly is. And it even has a communal hot tub — next to a river. (There’s a firepit too…just in case there’s a clear night to use it!)
This peaceful idyll is Zen River Retreat, a small retreat center nestled amidst old growth cedars in Quilcene, Washington, at eastern edge of the Olympic mountains. Here, a small group of us (no more than 12) will be sharing mindfulness meditations, forest bathing walks, introspective writing exercises, meals and evening music.
Lodging, fares and what’s included with pricing is listed below, as well as images of each of the cabins. As it’s a small retreat space, space is limited (there are 6 beds and up to 6 commuter passes available) so please consider booking soon.
Writing in the New Year Details & Options
December 30th (11am) to January 1st (4pm)
Mindfully usher in the new year with (Mindfulness Teacher & Somatic Life Coach) and
(Writer & Nature Communicator) in this three-day retreat at the Zen River Retreat in Quilcene! Set in a beautiful rainforest next to a river, the retreat center features comfortable, well-appointed cabins with queen beds, full baths and individual kitchens, with a shared hot tub and fire circle. With mindfulness practices, forest bathing and writing exercises led by Carrie and Ellen, you’ll deepen your connection to your creative self, let go of what’s holding you back, and set powerful intentions for 2024. Each evening, we will feature local sound artists leading the group in heart-opening experiences. Writing in the New Year promises to uplift and inspire, setting the stage for a creatively fulfilling 2024!Attendance Rates
Commuter Option:
$375 for all three days
Includes Saturday and Sunday dinner and Monday lunch, as well as access to evening programs. BOOK NOW
Sleepover Options: SOLD OUT
All prices include simple vegan (with gluten-free option) dinner Saturday and Sunday, as well as lunch on Monday.
Buddha Cabin — SOLD OUT
One loft bedroom, one pull-out futon in living room, full kitchen, full bath, woodstove in living room, central heating, deck off living room.
Upstairs Loft Queen in Buddha Cabin: $650 This comfortable queen bed is located in the Buddha Cabin, a classic A-frame with floor-to-ceiling rear windows and a deck overlooking a majestic cedar-lined lawn and river. Forested and cozy with a wood-burning stove, full kitchen and bath, the queen loft affords more privacy than the loft options in the Zen Cabin. Please note you will be sharing this cabin with 1 other guest who will be sleeping on the futon-couch on the ground floor. SOLD OUT
Downstairs Futon in Buddha Cabin: $525 This comfortable futon couch bed is located on the main level of the Buddha Cabin, a classic A-frame with floor-to-ceiling rear windows and a deck overlooking a majestic cedar-lined lawn and river. Forested and cozy with a wood-burning stove, full kitchen and bath, what it's lacking in privacy (it is the main couch in the living room) is made up for with beautiful forest views, making you feel like you're sleeping in a tree house. Please note you will be sharing this cabin with 1 other guest who will be sleeping in the upstairs loft. BOOK NOW
Zen Cabin (Women Only) SOLD OUT
3 bedrooms, full kitchen, full bathroom, woodstove in living room, central heating, deck off master bedroom. Please note you will be sharing this cabin with 2 other guests, each with their own bed, sleeping area and privacy curtain.
2nd Floor - Master Queen in Zen Cabin: $650 This comfortable queen bed is located in the master loft bedroom in the beautifully designed modern Zen Cabin. Open, spacious and airy, it still affords privacy and access to a deck overlooking the river below. This light, spacious cabin is equipped with a fireplace, full kitchen, full bath and hot tub access. SOLD OUT
2nd Floor - Nook Queen in Zen Cabin: $635 This comfortable queen bed is located in the cozy bedroom nook on the second floor of the beautifully designed modern Zen Cabin. This light, spacious cabin is equipped with a fireplace, full kitchen, full bath and hot tub access. SOLD OUT
Library Nook Queen in Zen Cabin: $625 This comfortable queen bed is in the library nook adjacent to the living room of the beautifully designed modern Zen Cabin. This light, spacious cabin is equipped with a fireplace, full kitchen, full bath and hot tub access. SOLD OUT
Cedar House Retreat Lodge - SOLD OUT
Communal space with 2 sleeping pads, communal bathroom and communal kitchen.
Work/Trade Option: $175 Accepting applications for 1-2 work-trade retreat participants! If you're willing to prepare communal meals, clean and provide general assistance to retreat leaders, this is a wonderful way to participate and stay over at a lower cost. Please note that work-trade participants will be sleeping in the communal setting of the Cedar House, where we will be meeting for indoor retreat activities as a group. As such, work-trade participants will need to conform to the group use of the space, with evening activities going until 10pm and morning meditation starting at 7am. SOLD OUT
Bathhouse Cabin $475 SOLD OUT
Wow what a gorgeous magical beautiful place!!! I’m putting these pics on my mental vision board...😍🥰❤️
Aw, thank you Charlotte! You thinking about coming? We’ve got four rooms left! 🥰