Personal Retreats
Now Booking Stays Through May
Dates with General Availability Include:
Now – Sunday, February 12 (3 night minimum)
Friday, February 17 – Sunday, February 26 (3 night minimum)
Thursday, March 2 – Thursday, March 23 (3 night minimum)
Saturday, April 1 – Friday, April 7 (3 night minimum)
Monday, April 10 – Wednesday, April 19 (3 night minimum)
Friday, May 12 – Thursday, May 18 (3 night minimum)
Sunday, May 21 – Wednesday, May 24 (3 night minimum)
Open to Groups of 10+ Only:
Monday, February 13 – Thursday, February 16
Sunday, February 26 – Thursday, March 2
Wednesday, March 29 – Friday March, 31
Current available dates are derived from the planned capacity of our Retreat Center. More personal retreat space often becomes available as our capacity shifts. To request another date or time frame, contact us.
You can also just get help booking if you need it by contacting us.
Time to Refocus 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 with friends, critique groups, writing partners, interest groups, and more).
We’ll provide you with:
- Free pickup from local airport 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 indoor and outdoor seating (weather permitting) and the choice to socialize as you’d like. You can also take meals back to your room if you wish.
- Wifi throughout the campus, and a printer available if you need it.
- Respect for the sanctity of your creative space.
- Additional public 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.
How to Book Your Personal Retreat
About Your Stay
- Personal retreats have a three-night minimum. They start at $575 for three nights.
- The price of your retreat will vary depending on the length of stay and the lodging type you choose.
- Our all-inclusive prices mean we provide private lodging, all meals, unlimited snacks, and wireless Internet access. Shuttle service from nearby airport and bus stations is also available if needed.
- Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
- All personal retreat guests must be 18 or older.
Dates with General Availability Include:
Now – Sunday, February 12 (3 night minimum)
Friday, February 17 – Sunday, February 26 (3 night minimum)
Thursday, March 2 – Thursday, March 23 (3 night minimum)
Saturday, April 1 – Friday, April 7 (3 night minimum)
Monday, April 10 – Wednesday, April 19 (3 night minimum)
Friday, May 12 – Thursday, May 18 (3 night minimum)
Sunday, May 21 – Wednesday, May 24 (3 night minimum)
Open to Groups of 10+ Only:
Monday, February 13 – Thursday, February 16
Sunday, February 26 – Thursday, March 2
- As you book, you will be able to select your preferred lodging options based on availability for your stay dates. See interactive views of our cabins, lodge rooms, and our historic farmhouse to help make your decision here.
- Current available dates are derived from the planned capacity of our Retreat Center. More personal retreat space often becomes available as our capacity shifts. To get ask for another date or time frame, contact us at the Highlights Foundation.
- If you don’t see availability for your preferred lodging type on the dates you are interested in, or if you are having difficulty finding available dates, we welcome you to contact us at the Highlights Foundation. We can help you locate a stay that works for you.
- For notifications about future and last minute availability, sign up for our email list and choose “Personal Retreats” as an interest.
During Your Stay
- 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 by 11am. 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. Thank you for your consideration.
Cancellation Policy
You are welcome to cancel for a full refund up to a week before your arrival. Any cancellations after that time are subject to a $100 cancellation fee. If you would like your cancellation fee refunded due to a family emergency, illness or weather-related events, please contact us at support@highlightsfoundation.zendesk.com.
Current available dates are derived from the planned capacity of our Retreat Center. More personal retreat space often becomes available as our capacity shifts. To request another date or time frame, contact us.
If you’d like details for a group of personal retreaters or a custom retreat for your group, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
Please contact us if you have questions or need help booking.
Learn more about personal retreats at the Barn at Boyds Mills. You can also see our COVID-19 policies here.
“How had I never known that the perfect writer’s retreat existed at Highlights Foundation Campus? I had such a wonderful time finishing my novel at the campus, and felt fully supported by the staff, the faculty that was onsite with me, and the beautiful surroundings. I couldn’t be happier and more grateful for the days that I spent there.” (Venessa Kelley)
“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
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