3 Day-Dark Retreat

Name: 3 Day-Dark Retreat | January 8
Start: 2027-01-08
End: 2027-01-10
Location: Zoetic River
Rating: 5

5.009 reviews

4100 Fischer Store Rd, Wimberley, TX 78676, USA

Up to 12 in group

Jan 8 - 10, 2027

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Zoetic

Details of this retreat

Three-Day Dark Retreat
A Quiet Retreat in Darkness, Nature and Water
What happens in the dark happens very quickly.

Across cultures, people have used pilgrimage, retreat and withdrawal to pause, gain perspective and reconnect with what matters. This retreat continues that ancient practice in a contemporary, supported way.

Over three days, you will move gradually between darkness and light, inward attention and time outdoors. Wearing comfortable Mindfold masks, you will be guided through meditation, sound, deep rest, body awareness and contemplative practices.

With less visual information, attention may settle, the other senses may sharpen and subtle aspects of experience may become easier to notice.

Between darkness sessions, there will be spacious time to rest beside the river, explore the property, spend time alone in nature or join gentle art and nature-based activities. Optional river experiences may include quiet kayaking and sitting or wading in shallow water.

This is a quiet retreat, not a fully silent retreat. There will be guided instruction, spacious quiet and opportunities for thoughtful conversation. Full silence can also be supported for those who prefer it.

All practices are invitations. Participate fully, modify an experience or step away whenever needed. No previous meditation or retreat experience is required.

Together, we will move between darkness and daylight, stillness and movement, water and earth, solitude and companionship—not to escape the world, but to encounter it and yourself with fewer distractions and a different quality of attention.
Retreat Rhythm
Friday
Arrival and settling in 3-6pm
90-minute guided darkness session

Saturday
Morning darkness session — 90 minutes
Afternoon darkness session — 90 minutes
Evening darkness session — 90 minutes
Time between sessions for rest, nature, river experiences and optional activities

Sunday
A final experience that will remain a surprise

The science is compelling. The real proof is your own direct experience.

Schedule

Friday
Arrival and settling in 3-6pm
6:00pm Dinner
90-minute guided darkness session
7:00pm Opening Ceremony

Saturday
Morning darkness session — 90 minutes
Breakfast 9:00am
Afternoon darkness session — 90 minutes
Lunch 1:00pm
Evening darkness session — 90 minutes
Dinner 7:00pm
Time between sessions for rest, nature, river experiences and optional activities

Sunday
Breakfast 9:00am
Lunch 1:00pm
A final experience that will remain a surprise
1-3pm departure window

Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Zoetic River, 4100 Fischer Store Rd, Wimberley, TX 78676, USA

Directions

We recommend flying into San Antonio International Airport (SAT), approximately one hour away. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is also a convenient option, about 1 hour and 15 minutes away. A rental car is recommended, as public transportation to the retreat center is not available.

Accommodation

Accommodations At the end of each day of practice, you’ll return to a peaceful private room designed for comfort, rest, and quiet reflection. Our accommodations are intentionally simple yet thoughtfully appointed, providing a comfortable sanctuary between guided sessions. Whether you choose one of our spacious river-view suites or a cozy private room, each space is designed to help you unwind and wake refreshed for the next day of practice. Guests may choose from: Private King Suites Our most spacious accommodations feature a king bed, private bathroom, fireplace, mini fridge, kettle, and a private porch overlooking the river. Private Queen Suites Beautifully appointed with a queen bed, private bathroom, fireplace, mini fridge, kettle, and a private porch with views of the surrounding landscape. Private Rooms Our cozy private rooms offer a comfortable bed, quality linens, and a quiet atmosphere for restful sleep. These intentionally simple rooms provide everything you need while encouraging a peaceful, distraction-free retreat experience. Private Dark Room For guests seeking an even deeper inward journey, our Dark Room offers a completely light-controlled environment designed to support profound rest, meditation, and introspection. Throughout your stay, you’ll also enjoy access to the natural beauty of Zoetic River—from towering oak trees and peaceful walking paths to the tranquil river that flows alongside the property. Every space has been thoughtfully created to support your journey inward.

Private King (Blanco)

Spacious inside and out with a private porch overlooking the river. Full private bathroom, half kitchen with mini fridge, coffeemaker and kettle, fireplace, closet, robe, King size bed, high end linens, Nature based theme.

Private King (Llanos)

Private Queen (Comal)

Spacious inside and out with a private porch river and prairie views. Full private bathroom, half kitchen with mini fridge and kettle, fireplace, closet, Queen size bed, high end linens, Nature based theme.

Private Queen (Frio)

Dark Room

A smaller, womb-like room designed for sensory quiet.The simplicity is intentional, and so is the stepped up level of comfort: luxurious linens, a high-end mattress, and premium pillows make this one of the most deeply restful rooms on the property.Dark, simple, and free of visual interruptions, this room complements and deepens the experience of Silent Retreat

Private Room

Comfortable and private, designed simply with artful touches. Opulent twin XL, Amish made Naturepedic mattresses with high end linens. Special art touches, ceiling fan, lamp, alarm clock, robe, small desk and tray, lantern, space to stretch or meditate in privacy. Nature based theme. All private rooms are in close proximity to the dining hall, tea bar, and snacks. There is a bathroom bank with two showers and two water closets conveniently located. Ask us about our special Dark Room- a super plush, sensory reset room to rest and revitalize your senses. The Dark Room allows you to sleep and meditate in total darkness, a rare gift in this world of constant flashing colored lights. Everything works better when you turn it off for a little while, including your senses.

Venue & Amenities

A/C in Rooms

Free Wifi

Spa

Sauna

Pool

Towels

Free Parking

Kitchen

Tour Assistance

Hot Tub

Coffee/Tea

Cafe

Restaurant

Fitness Center

Yoga Studio

Housekeeping

Bicycles For Rent

Zoetic River: Nestled along the beautiful Blanco River in the Texas Hill Country, Zoetic River is a peaceful retreat sanctuary surrounded by towering trees, open skies, and the calming sounds of nature. Guests enjoy comfortable accommodations, serene gathering spaces, private river access, and plenty of room to rest, reflect, and reconnect.

Meals

Menu Types

Vegan

Vegetarian

Pescetarian

Ayurvedic

Includes Meat

Organic

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Nut Free

Wholesome, chef-prepared vegetarian meals with vegan and gluten-free options, thoughtfully crafted to nourish your body and support your retreat experience.

What's Included

Guided 90-minute darkness sessions using comfortable Mindfold masks
Meditation, sound, deep rest, body awareness and contemplative practices
Spacious time for rest, solitude and quiet reflection beside the Blanco River
Optional kayaking, shallow-water experiences, art and nature-based activities
A gentle rhythm of darkness and daylight, stillness and movement
A quiet, supportive environment with thoughtful conversation and optional full silence
Freedom to participate, modify any practice or step away whenever needed
A final surprise experience on Sunday
No previous meditation or retreat experience required

What's Not Included

* Airfare
* Transportation to and from Zoetic River
* Travel insurance
* Personal expenses
* Personal toiletries
* Laundry services

Customer Reviews

5.00 out of 5.0 average rating

Emily • Sep 14, 2026

5.0

Verified

Beautiful and healing

Wonderful meditation classes; gorgeous river; delicious food; private rooms; all activities are optional; what more could you ask for? I can't wait to go back!

Edward • Sep 12, 2026

5.0

Verified

Unexplainable!

I was completely elevated to another state of consciousness and so much energy flowing through me that it honestly felt like it was about to burst out of the top of my head. There is absolutely nothing in this world that has made me feel like that before. For at least 2 days after I was in another state of calm and peace that nothing could penetrate the positive energy that was in my soul. Dara and the whole team literally make you feel like family. I can't wait to go back for more!

Julie • Sep 10, 2026

5.0

Verified

Beautiful Sound Bath Under the Stars

I love Zoetic- the natural beauty of the property on the peaceful Blanco River, the friendly, helpful staff, the delicious food, and of course, the star sound bath was amazing. Such a positive, restorative experience - thank you!

Alisa • Sep 07, 2026

5.0

Verified

Yin-ish Yoga, Soundbath

Dara's class was more of a restorative approach. She got us deep into our hips where we're known to store emotions, then closed with sound bath. I left empowered, grounded, clear. And the next day a bit sore, confirmation the yoga worked!

Lou • Sep 04, 2026

5.0

Verified

Four day silent retreat at Zoetic River

This was my first meditation retreat ever, and I am so glad I took a chance on Zoetic River. The silent retreat schedule was thoughtfully structured and balanced between mindfulness sessions (all of which were optional, mainly sitting and walking) and free time. The sessions themselves were expertly guided, emphasizing focused attention and open awareness, and with enough variety to keep even a skeptic like me engaged. The facilitators were thoughtful and caring. They clearly each love what they do, are very effective, and go out of their way to ensure that every attendee has the best experience possible.

This location next to the Blanco River (more of a creek when I was there in summer) was perfect for reflection and calm, with plenty of quiet places to find solitude and explore the nature of my mind. Being able to cool off in the river was another bonus, as was having food and drink provided.

If you go, do not skip the sonic experiences. They were exceptional.

3 Day-Dark Retreat

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Zoetic Mindfulness Retreat

Details of this retreat

Schedule

Getting Here

Directions