Personal Retreat in Blue Ridge Mountains, VA

5.006 reviews

2610 Adial Road, Faber, VA, USA

Up to 15 in group

Flexible Dates

Retreat Highlights

Drawing on decades of experience and ancient holistic wisdom, The Sanctuary provides balancing, grounding, wellness, and awareness-expanding experiences that inspire our guests.
Located in a lush mountainside forest of 120 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Beautiful, serene walking trails.
Enhance your life and live with more peace and presence.
Experience deep meditation and inner stillness effortlessly.
Explore the beautiful surroundings while walking through the forested countryside for exercise or time to commune quietly with nature.
Learn about and experience the transformative power of The Holistic Lifestyle and High-Tech Meditation®.
With our unique Wellbeing Services, you can soothe away stress and harmonize.

About this Retreat

Details of this retreat

In Nature's Peace

Personal Retreats are offered at select times throughout the year. Check-in is offered on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, with a 2-night minimum.
Available Check-In Dates In 2026:
April 29 - May 1
August 5 - 7
*Registration must be made at least 2 days before a retreat.

To truly retreat requires taking time out from activities and life's demands to capture the essence of Sanctuary.

Design your retreat and choose the length of stay to give you the refresh you desire.

“A cup is just a vessel, but the true magic is when you discover what its emptiness can hold.”

Imagine a comfortable room. Peace permeates this ancient mountain forest of colorful songbirds and wandering deer. Slow down, breathe fresh air, and reflect.

Time apart to commune and reconnect with the quiet of nature. Walking paths meander through the beautiful woodlands. At the gazebo on the pond, journal or read a book. Practice stillness, experience effortless, High-Tech Meditation®, let go, dissolve stress, and reconnect to peace and spirit.

To renew and rejuvenate, we offer Wellbeing Services. Please book before your arrival, as availability is limited.

"The Personal Retreat at Sanctuary Retreat Center is truly one of the most amazing and spiritually fulfilling weekends I’ve had in such a long time. I felt supported and cared for from the moment I showed up. Everyone there was genuinely interested in my meditation journey and how they could help me deepen and strengthen my practice. It’s become my happy place and I can’t wait to return there!" - Jess F.

What’s included in your Personal Retreat:

*Welcoming and comfortable accommodation with high-speed WiFi. Air conditioning in all buildings.

*Delicious and nourishing plant-based cuisine with animal protein options.

*Daily meditations using High-Tech Meditation® in our meditation room with the uplifting energies from forty years of meditations (optional).

Click here for helpful information and frequently asked questions.

Sample Daily Schedule
8:00am - 8:30am: High-Tech Meditation® in the Stillpointe Meditation Room (optional)
8:30am - 9:00am: Breakfast at the Ridge House
9:00am - 12:30pm: Relax and renew. Go for a nature walk, enjoy a Wellbeing Service, read.
12:30pm: Lunch at the Ridge House
1:30pm – 4:30pm: Completely give in to the peaceful surroundings, journal.
4:30pm - 5:00pm: High-Tech Meditation® in the Stillpointe Meditation Room (optional)
5:30pm: Dinner at the Ridge House

Frequently Asked Questions
Click a question below to expand.

What is a Personal Retreat at The Sanctuary?A Personal Retreat is a self-directed stay at The Sanctuary that gives you time and space for rest, reflection, and renewal in a tranquil setting. You choose how you spend your time — whether enjoying silent meditation, nature walks, journaling, optional group meditation sessions, or Wellbeing Services.

How long can I stay?Personal Retreats require a minimum 2-night stay, but you may extend your retreat up to 4 nights.

When can I check in and check out?Check-in is between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm on your arrival date, and check-out is by 11:00 am on your last day. Please inform us of your arrival time ahead of your stay.

What is the optional Introduction to Balanced Living?For our Personal Retreat guests, we offer an optional session called Introduction to Balanced Living. This offering explores how to use and maximize High-Tech Meditation® alongside a Holistic Lifestyle® to increase balance, supporting greater wholeness and well-being in daily life. Sanctuary’s holistic philosophy honors the transformative blend of meditation and balancing practices to empower wholeness in the physical, mental, emotional, and subtle/spiritual aspects of living—embraced as your fulfilled experience and expression.

Can I choose my own schedule while on retreat?Yes! Personal Retreats are self-guided. You can structure your days around meditation, journaling, nature, relaxation, or whatever else you'd enjoy. Optional daily High-Tech Meditation® sessions are offered in the meditation room. Meals are provided at specific times.

What are Wellbeing Services, and are they included?We offer several Wellbeing Services at The Sanctuary that you may enjoy during your Personal Retreat. These include various types of bodywork as well as mental and emotional balancing technologies and techniques. While Wellbeing Services are not included in the retreat fee, many guests find that they meaningfully enhance their overall experience. We recommend booking in advance, as availability is limited. Please note that most services may not be available for booking until about 2 weeks before your retreat. Learn more on our Wellbeing Services page.

Can I come on retreat with a friend or family member?Yes. Personal Retreats may be enjoyed on your own, with a friend, or with a loved one such as a partner, sibling, or adult child (18+). Each guest has their own personal retreat experience while sharing the peaceful environment of The Sanctuary. Accommodations and availability will vary, so we recommend registering together if you plan to attend as a pair or small group.

What meals are included?Your retreat includes delicious and healthy plant-based meals with animal protein options, beginning with dinner on your arrival day through breakfast on your departure day. Let us know if you have any dietary restrictions when you register, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Do I need to register ahead of time?Yes, registration must be completed at least 2 days before your personal retreat start date. Available dates are listed above and on the registration page.

Why aren’t Personal Retreats offered more often?Personal Retreat availability depends on our overall retreat schedule. When other retreats are taking place, our focus is on fully supporting those programs. Personal Retreats are offered during select windows when The Sanctuary is quieter, allowing time for thoughtful preparation and transitions between retreats—so we can offer the best possible experience for everyone.

Is transportation included?Sanctuary does not provide airport shuttles. We suggest arranging your transportation in advance. Check our Guest Information page for helpful travel resources.

What should I bring?Bring comfortable clothing suitable for relaxation and nature walks, personal toiletries, and any items that support your retreat experience. For more information, visit our Guest Information page.

I still have questions — how do I get in touch with you?If you have additional questions or would like more guidance, please email us at info@sanctuaryrc.org or visit our Guest Information page for more helpful information.

Schedule

SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE
8:00am – 8:30am: High-Tech Meditation® in the Stillpointe Meditation Room (optional)
8:30am – 9:00am: Breakfast at the Ridge House
9:00am – 12:30pm: Relax and renew. Go for a nature walk, enjoy a Wellbeing Service, read.
12:30pm – 1:30pm: Lunch at the Ridge House
1:30pm – 4:30pm: Completely give in to the peaceful surroundings, journal.
4:30pm – 5:00pm: High-Tech Meditation® in the Stillpointe Meditation Room (optional)
5:30pm: Dinner at the Ridge House

Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Sanctuary Retreat Center, 2610 Adial Road, Faber, VA, USA

Directions

AIRPORTSThe closest airport is Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) (50 minutes by car); other possibilities include:-Lynchburg Regional Airport (LYH) – 50 minutes by car-Richmond International Airport (RIC) – 1 hour and 45 minutes by car -Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – 2.5 hours by carBecause of our rural location, we recommend using your own or a rental car. If you need a ride from Charlottesville airport, train or bus station, there are several services available to choose from. We suggest you pre-book your ride, as the Sanctuary Retreat Center does not offer shuttle service. Visit https://sanctuaryretreatcenter.org/guest-information/ or contact us for information on transportation services.DIRECTIONS TO THE SANCTUARYThe Sanctuary Retreat Center2610 Adial Rd, Faber, VA 22938From Charlottesville:Take 29 South from Charlottesville. After approx. 22 miles – look for the sign “Nelson County Wayside”. Shortly after this, exit right at Rte. 6 West. Turn right at the stop sign onto Rte. 6 (River Road). Follow Rte. 6 for about 2 miles. Turn left at Rte. 634 (Adial Road). Continue about 2.5 miles; pass the Acorn Inn on your right and enter the Sanctuary Retreat Center at the sign with the paved entrance (second entrance on your right). Use the parking areas that are both to the right and the left of the entrance road.From Richmond:Take Rte. 64 West towards Charlottesville. Passing Charlottesville take Exit #107 (Rte. 250 Crozet). Turn left at the exit ramp stop sign. Follow Rte. 250 for approximately 4 miles. Turn left at the stop light onto Rte. 151. Follow 151 for approximately 11 miles into Nellysford. Just past Wells Fargo Bank on the right – turn left onto Rte. 634 (Adial Road). Drive approximately 2.5 miles. Once you see Lakeland Lane on your right, the Sanctuary Retreat Center is on your left just a few hundred feet further up the road. Turn left at the Sanctuary Retreat Center sign and use the parking areas that are both to the right and the left of the entrance road.From Lynchburg:Take Rte. 29 North towards Charlottesville. 6 miles north of Lovingston, turn left on Rte. 6 West. Follow Rte. 6 for about 2 miles. Turn left at Rte. 634 (Adial Rd). Continue about 2.5 miles; pass the Acorn Inn on your right and enter the Sanctuary Retreat Center at the sign with the paved entrance (second entrance on your right). Use the parking areas that are both to the right and the left of the entrance road.From Nellysford, VA (Route 151):From Nellysford, take Rte. 634 (Adial Road). Drive approximately 2.5 miles. Once you see Lakeland Lane on your right, the Sanctuary is on your left just a few hundred feet further up the road. Turn left at the Sanctuary Retreat Center sign and use the parking areas that are both to the right and the left of the entrance road.

Accommodation

We offer several accommodation styles, from cozy modular cabin rooms to comfortable Lodge rooms, the treehouse-like Forest Cottage, or the two-bedroom Maplewood Cottage. Lay back, relax and allow yourself to restore in the tranquil countryside. High-Speed WiFi is available everywhere. Air Conditioning, everywhere. Plenty of clean towels provided.

Sanctuary Lodge Double Twin Bed

Bright and comfortably appointed rooms each with two single beds. All have ample storage. Each room has access to a shared bathroom. Most rooms are accessible inside the main building; some have deck access. All rooms have beautiful views of the surrounding forest and countryside. Complimentary high-speed WiFi. The Sanctuary Lodge is located on the property, a short walk through the woods or drive from main program buildings with a large, convenient parking area. Price includes all meals.

Modular Cabin Single Twin Bed

Modular cabins are centrally located within walking distance of the main program facilities. These on-site rooms are single occupancy. Each room is tastefully decorated with a twin bed, plenty of storage, and a comfortable chair and side table for reading or working. Bathrooms are shared with just one other room and offer complete privacy when in use. Complimentary high-speed WiFi is available. Price: Includes all meals.

Sanctuary Lodge Single Queen Bed

Beautifully appointed room with a comfortable queen bed. This room may be booked for single or double occupancy. Limited availability — only three Queen rooms are available in the Lodge. Each room offers plenty of closet space and dresser storage. Bright and tastefully decorated, all rooms feature views of the surrounding forest and countryside. Each room adjoins through a hallway to a large shared bathroom. Bathrooms are shared with just one other room and offer complete privacy when in use. Complimentary high-speed WiFi is available throughout the Lodge. The Sanctuary Lodge is located on the property, just a short walk through the woods or a quick drive from the main program buildings. A large, convenient parking area is located on-site. Price: Includes all meals.

Maplewood Cottage with 2 Queen Beds

For warmth and convenience, stay at our beautiful cottage. A large, fully-equipped kitchen is perfect for making coffee, tea, and snacks. A dining table for six provides an excellent gathering space. Note: the kitchen is not for preparing meals; all meals are included and served in The Ridge House. The Cottage features two charming bedrooms with queen beds and ample storage, a living room, office, full bath and deck access. There is a Smart TV in the living room where you can access various streaming services with your account log-in. Complimentary high-speed WiFi. The Cottage is located on the property, a short walk through the woods or drive from main program buildings with a large, convenient parking area. Price includes all meals.

Forest Cottage - Luxury Apartment with King Size Bed

Enjoy the ultimate secluded forest retreat in this fully appointed, private second-floor apartment with an open-plan great room equipped with a stereo system and TV (Internet-based services only using your accounts). A kitchen for making tea, coffee, and snacks opens onto a screened-in deck, allowing you to immerse yourself in the surrounding forest. Note: the kitchen is not for preparing meals; all meals are included and served in The Ridge House. Features a large bedroom with a king-size bed, ample closet space, and a comfortable chair. Large private bathroom with a double vanity area and private laundry room. Complimentary high-speed WiFi. Situated on-site within easy walking or driving to main program facilities. Includes parking space. Price includes all meals.

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

Sanctuary is a place of peace, joy, and inspiration where you can connect with your inner self. You will feel the palpable energetic vortex of warmth that draws in people from all over. Enjoy the good company of like-minded people on a similar path of naturally expanding consciousness and increasing holistic awareness as you share life experiences.

Meals

Menu Types

Vegan

Vegetarian

Pescetarian

Ayurvedic

Includes Meat

Organic

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Nut Free

Delight in our healthy, nourishing plant-based cuisine with animal protein options. We will do our best to accommodate dietary needs.

What's Included

Welcoming and comfortable accommodation.
All meals, which are delicious, heathy, mostly vegetarian meals (with occasional chicken on the side).
Plenty of time to relax and enjoy our forested walking paths and commune quietly with nature.
Daily meditations using High-Tech Meditation® in our meditation room with the uplifting energies from forty years of meditations (optional).
An optional Introduction to Balanced Living session with a Sanctuary staff member where you can learn about High-Tech Meditation and how to increase balance in your life.
Any scheduled retreat activities that are on our calendar, such as yoga and Nia.

What's Not Included

Airport transfers. Helpful travel details and directions can be found on our Guest Information page: https://sanctuaryretreatcenter.org/guest-information/.
Wellbeing Services. Visit our Wellbeing Services page to learn more about our many offerings designed to enhance your retreat experience: https://sanctuaryretreatcenter.org/wellbeing-services/.
Items from our Peace of Mind store such as music, books, gifts, and varied accessories that support balance, wellbeing, and peace of mind.

Customer Reviews

5.00 out of 5.0 average rating

Anonymous • Aug 25, 2024

5.0

Verified

So relaxing

I was able to shut my phone off and be in the sanctuary space for a few days and it was so relaxing. Jim made delicious food for every meal. His flourless chocolate torte was heaven. Ben and Julie were very gracious and always checked in when they saw me to see if I needed anything. During the personal retreat there is plenty of alone time. I found a large field and journaled, napped, and read. It was exactly what I needed. Thank you so much

Anonymous • Aug 20, 2023

5.0

Verified

Restorative and Insightful

Friendly staff. A place where one doesn't have to always understand what's happening in order to have an experience that is beyond words (including these words).

Mary • Aug 16, 2023

5.0

Verified

Silent Treat Exceptional

I particularly love silent retreats. The first retreat I ever came to at the Synchronicity Sanctuary was a week-long silent retreat. I was drawn to it because it was silent. And it gave much more than I ever expected. Even though the recent silent retreat was a short one of three days, it packed a powerful punch. I was very aware of feeling even more connected to my fellow participants, to myself, and to Source...in the Silence. I felt connected to everything at a deeper level, at the level of essence. I am most grateful.

Anonymous • Jul 27, 2023

5.0

Verified

Excellent personal retreat experience

I really enjoyed my 3 nights at the Sanctuary. I scheduled my stay between organized retreats, and enjoyed the more private atmosphere that resulted. It was nice to have access to group meditation sessions before breakfast and dinner, as well as to use the many lovely spots available for solo meditation, both inside and outside.
The staff was lovely and I was impressed by all the little details of my stay that they got right, including my own personalized schedule waiting on the counter of my cottage. They give you full control over how you spend your time - a completely silent retreat, one filled with group sessions and wellness treatments, or something in between.
The food was excellent, and they even made accommodations for my diet (though I told them beforehand it wasn't necessary). Even the weather didn't seem too bad - despite a hot July, the temperature was rather pleasant under all the trees.

I felt my time at the Sanctuary was very well spent, and it's difficult not to fantasize about going back for another visit soon.

Anonymous • May 31, 2023

5.0

Verified

Nourishing, blissful, and inspiring

The Sanctuary Retreat Center is a special magical place and I’m deeply grateful for being able to experience it. My Personal Retreat was divine, filled with wonderful surprises and blessings. The entire staff was warm and welcoming as well as fully present and wise. The food was plentiful and delicious. The meditations and wellbeing services were uplifting and healing. The lodging and grounds were beautiful and peaceful. I honestly can’t say enough about it all. My stay felt like being embraced by a big warm loving hug. I left feeling nourished, blissful, and inspired. I’m looking forward to when I can visit this very special place again. - Paula