Vermont Darkness Retreat for Healing & Transformation

Welcome to a deeply intimate and transformational darkness retreat held in a quiet, forested setting near Brattleboro and Dummerston, Vermont. Our space is nestled at the foot of Black Mountain and offers the ideal conditions for profound stillness, nervous system restoration, and contemplative depth.

At Dark Havens, our retreats provide a highly personalized, one-on-one container that supports you in meeting the inner world with presence, compassion, and clarity. You will be guided through each stage of your experience with gentle structure, ceremony, and somatic-informed care. While the retreat itself is deeply solitary, you are never alone in your journey. Every participant becomes part of a wider community of practice, with ongoing opportunities for integration and connection through our monthly gatherings and support circles.

Your retreat begins before you enter the dark. We support a slow, intentional descent to help your nervous system settle and prepare for the inward journey.

Somatic Support Sessions

Pre- and post-retreat somatic sessions with a certified practitioner are optional but highly encouraged. These sessions help:

• regulate your nervous system
• work through any fears or unknowns
• deepen your intention
• open you somatically to what the dark may reveal

Upon confirmation, you will receive a scheduling link to book and pay for these sessions directly with our somatic based practitioner.

Arrival & Orientation

Your facilitator will welcome you, guide you through the space, and offer practical and energetic orientation. You’ll have time to ground, reflect, and settle before entering the dark.

Ceremonial Entrance Into Darkness

Your retreat begins with a guided ceremonial entry which marks a threshold moment to honor your intention and support the shift from light into darkness. This ceremony includes breath, stillness, meditation and sensory attunement before you step fully into your private dark room.

Throughout your retreat, you receive personalized care while maintaining the deep solitude the dark invites.

Morning Check-Ins & Nourishing Brunch

A gentle check-in supports early reflections, integration, and orientation for your day.

Evening Check-Ins & Warm Dinner

Your facilitator will welcome you, guide you through the space, and offer practical and energetic orientation. You’ll have time to ground, reflect, and settle before entering the dark.

Ceremonial Entrance Into Darkness

Your retreat begins with a guided ceremonial entry which marks a threshold moment to honor your intention and support the shift from light into darkness. This ceremony includes breath, stillness, meditation and sensory attunement before you step fully into your private dark room.

Your final day includes a guided, ceremonial re-entry to the light. This is one of the most important parts of the experience.

Ceremonial Exit & Integration Session

You will emerge slowly, intentionally, and with guidance to protect the sensitivity of your system. Afterward, you will share in a structured integration session with your facilitator.

Nature-Based Integration Walk

When weather allows, a slow, contemplative walk helps your body recalibrate and integrate what has arisen.

Post-Retreat Somatic Integration Session (optional)

You may book an optional session to:

• anchor insights somatically
• integrate emotional and spiritual material
• develop next steps for your life, path, and inner work

Ongoing Community Support

You are invited to join our monthly online integration gatherings to stay resourced and connected.

Your retreat includes:

• A private, fully darkened room with ensuite bathroom + bidet
• Daily morning and evening check-ins with your facilitator
• Home-cooked organic meals delivered 2x daily
• Ceremonial entry and exit rituals
• A guided nature integration walk (weather permitting)
• A shared post-dark retreat meal with your facilitator
• Access to monthly online integration gatherings
• Optional somatic support sessions (additional cost applies, booking link provided upon confirmation)

Standard 5-Night / 6-Day Private Darkness Retreat (3 to 4 full days in darkness) — $2,250 is our signature offering and the recommended minimum for an initial deep descent into darkness retreat. 

Other Retreat Durations (3–7 nights) 

We also offer shorter and longer stays (with prior darkness retreat experience).
For details and pricing, please inquire directly.

NOTE: A limited number of reduced-rate and scholarship spaces are available for those with financial need.

✨ Ready to experience the Profound Power of a Darkness Retreat? → Get Started Here

The darkness retreat takes place near Brattleboro, Vermont, easily accessible by car from Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and major regions throughout New England.

Nearest Airport

Bradley International Airport (BDL) – Hartford, CT

Airport transfers may be available for $250 round-trip (subject to scheduling). Please inquire prior to booking flights.

Train Travel 

For those arriving by rail, complimentary pick-up and drop-off is offered at the Brattleboro, VT Amtrak Station.

Arrival Window 

Please plan to arrive between 3:00–5:00 pm.
Full arrival, parking, and check-in instructions will be sent several weeks before your retreat.

We are now accepting bookings for our Vermont Darkness Retreats, transformative spiritual retreats. Spaces are limited, reserve your journey today.​

✨ Experience the Profound Power of a Darkness Retreat → Get Started Here

For questions, see our FAQs.