Personal Retreats

Personal Retreats at the Highlights Foundation:
Time to Focus and Recharge

The Highlights Foundation offers personal retreat opportunities for our community at our campus in northeastern Pennsylvania, The Barn at Boyds Mills.

On your personal retreat, time is yours to focus on your work, be in nature, and spend as you please. No structure. No schedule (unless you make one).  You can come as an individual, or in groups (friends, critique groups, writing partners, interest groups, and more).

We’ll provide you with:

• Shuttle service from local airport, train, and bus stations if you need it, or free parking on site if you drive.
• A cozy, private place to stay, with a writing table and other amenities, including hot beverage center and round the clock snacks.
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with the choice to socialize as you wish with indoor and outdoor seating, or take meals back to your room if you wish.
• Computers and printers available for your use, plus wifi throughout the campus.
• Respect for the sanctity of your creative space.
• Additional work spaces throughout the campus, both indoors and outside.

Many choose to focus their time on work during a personal retreat, but there is also plenty to do nearby, including 2.5 miles of hiking trails adjacent to the property and many local adventures and points of interest.

Choose Your Dates and Check Availability

3+ day personal retreats are available starting at $500 all inclusive.

• Please note your desired arrival/departure days in the comments when registering (or contact us to check availability). We will do our best to accommodate, and get back to you right away.
• Minimum stay is 3 nights at $500; each additional night is $150.
• A 7-night stay is available for $1,000 (a savings of $100).
• Check In: You may check into your lodging anytime after 3pm on the day of your arrival.  If you arrive prior to 3pm, you may enjoy the grounds and various work and gathering places around the facility as your room is being prepared.
• Check Out: Lunch on the final day of your stay is included, but we ask that you check out of your lodging before noon. You are welcome to leave your packed bags by the door of your room/cabin while you enjoy lunch and say your goodbyes. Housekeeping may enter your room during this period to begin cleaning and prepping for our next guests. Especially in peak seasons, we may ask you to check out by 11am to prepare your room for incoming guests.  If this happens, we’ll communicate with you in advance to work out a plan.  Thank you for your consideration.

If’ you’d like details for a group of personal retreaters, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Our all-inclusive price means we provide private lodging, all meals, unlimited snacks, and wireless Internet access. Shuttle service from nearby airport, train, and bus stations available. Please contact us for more information.

Learn more about personal retreats at the Barn at Boyds Mills. You can also see our COVID-19 policies here.

From Our Community

“Just what I needed…How terrific to be in such a beautiful place, given delicious food, and everything else I needed so that I could devote all of my attention to my manuscript…It was this writer’s idea of heaven!” —Deborah Heiligman

“I felt so well cared for, seen, and known on this visit. Everyone who works in the Barn is so generous of spirit and kind. On top of LOVING the Jim Giblin cabin and the perfect food, the people made this trip truly warm and welcoming. Thank you for everything!”