Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about bookings, our amenities and policies, or things to do in the area? You’re in the right place. Read on for the answers to our most frequently asked questions, and don’t hesitate to reach out if we can be of any further help.

Are you a retreat leader?

We’ve listed the answers below to the most frequently asked questions about our retreat center.

There’s a lot to know about our space, so we’ve organized it into the following categories: Booking & Payments, Property & Amenities, During Your Stay, and Retreat Policies.

Are you a retreat participant?

As the host venue, we’re not involved in retreat-specific details such as your event’s itinerary, registration, or room assignments. We’re always happy to answer general questions about the space, but to ensure you get the most accurate and timely information about your retreat, please reach out directly to your event’s organizer(s) first with any questions.

Don’t see your question answered here?

We’re always happy to help with any questions you may have. Just send us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Booking & Payments

Simply reach out to us through the booking request form with the relevant details. We will go over any other questions you may have, then send you a booking agreement based on your needs.

In order to book, we ask for a signed booking agreement and 25% deposit in order to reserve your dates. The remaining balance is due 30 days before your retreat.

Additionally, we can offer 2.5% off the final balance if you pay your final balance 60 days before your retreat, or 5% off if you pay your final balance 90 days before your retreat. Just email us if you’re interested in either of those options, and we’ll apply them to the invoice.

If you need to reschedule your retreat, you have the option to transfer it to a new set of available dates within 12 months of the original event. There is a $500 rebooking fee to accommodate the change, due at the time of rescheduling in order to secure the new dates.

Events cancelled less than 30 days before check-in are not transferrable. Promotions applied to the original booking are also not transferrable. Deposits are nonrefundable, and full cancellation of an event for any reason will result in the forfeit of previous payment(s).

No. We know how essential that sense of peace, quiet and privacy is for the retreat experience. Thus, we only rent our space to one group at a time. You will have exclusive access to all the various gathering spaces and lodgings, and it will be totally up to you as the retreat leader as far as how you’d like to allocate rooms and make use of the space.

Caretakers/residents live in a private home on-site and would be available should you need anything during your stay, but will otherwise be out of your way.

Smaller groups are welcome, and in that case the minimum pricing would apply. We may also be able to offer some flexibility on this for longer stays. Please reach out to us for details.

Absolutely, you have the option to add additional guests at the same nightly per-person rate before your retreat (as long as it does not exceed our total capacity of course!). Just let us know and we’ll be glad to add them to your booking.

Off-peak dates between November-April (not including holidays), as well as longer-term stays of 5+ nights, may be eligible for additional discounts. Please contact us for details.

Additionally, we can offer 2.5% off the final balance if you pay your final balance 60 days before your retreat, or 5% off if you pay your final balance 90 days before your retreat. Just email us if you’re interested in either of those options, and we’ll apply them to the invoice.

Property & Amenities

For yoga & meditation, we have yoga mats, blocks, blankets and straps for up to 25 people on-hand.

For presentations, we have a projector/screen (recommended for nighttime use due to glare) as well as a large flat-screen TV. Both can be connected to with a standard HDMI cable.

The Retreat Barn meditation hall and the Hearth Circle both have Bluetooth-equipped sound systems.

Yes, we offer fast and free Starlink wifi in the Retreat Barn. It reaches some of the closer cabins as well.

Most major cell carriers will have service here, although it may only be 1-2 bars, it is usually sufficient to send basic texts and calls. Check your specific coverage map for more info.

Yes! We offer a fully catered retreat option that includes 3 daily nourishing farm-to-table meals throughout your stay. For more details, click here.

We are always happy to accommodate dietary restrictions and mild to moderate food allergies, sensitivities and preferences. The comfort and safety of our guests is always our highest priority. Due to the nature of our kitchen, equipment and prep areas, we are not able to absolutely guarantee that cross-contact with common allergens will not occur. We therefore ask that groups containing severe food allergies facilitate their own meals. We are also happy to provide recommendations for off-site local catering and restaurant options by request.

For uncatered retreats you’ll have full access to our kitchen, which comes equipped with a large fridge/freezer, pantry space, a 6-burner gas range and oven, microwave, 2 sinks, a blender, a food processor, and a plethora of pots, pans, bakeware, and serving dishes and utensils for a crowd. Basic spices are on-hand as well, but you’ll want to BYO preferred cooking oil and coffee creamer.

There are 3 full bathrooms that are shared by the whole property — two are on the main level of the Retreat Barn, and the third is on the lower level of the Retreat Barn. Several cabins and suites also have sawdust composting toilets for convenience.

The Retreat Barn is centrally heated for year-round use. Although the cabins & cottages are seasonal only (June-September), many have woodstoves that can be used on chillier nights. We also have electric space-heaters on hand for those who prefer them.

There is no air conditioning on the property. This part of Vermont stays generally mild in summer, and our spaces make use of cross-breezes and fans to keep things comfortable.

There is parking available for up to 20-25 cars on-site, depending on size and how people park. During the winter, depending on the amount of snow, capacity is closer to 15-20 cars. Carpooling is always welcome and encouraged, especially for larger groups!

No, we as an organization do not have any specific religious or philosophical orientation, other than a simple belief that all human beings can benefit from time spent peacefully in nature. No matter your faith or philosophy, you are welcome to visit and enjoy the natural beauty and serenity of our beloved corner of the Northeast Kingdom.

During Your Stay

For retreat leaders, the caretaker team will provide you with direct contact information at check-in.

For retreat participants, please reach out to your retreat leader first, as they will already have the answers to most common questions, and can also contact the caretakers as needed.

For catered retreats, Chef Justine is always happy to answer any food-related questions, but for any other needs please reach out directly to your retreat leader & the caretakers first.

Children are more than welcome at Sky Meadow, but please be mindful that this is a working homestead full of all the usual hazards — bee stings, splinters, farm tools, open water, exposure to the elements, and the like. You are responsible for supervising your children appropriately and keeping them out of non-guest areas.

To protect the safety of our free-range animals on-site and the overall serenity of the retreat atmosphere, we ask that you please leave your beloved pets at home. Our full Pet Policy is below. Thank you!

All guest linens and towels are provided, but you might like to bring a pair of slippers to wear inside, and maybe even a robe for extra coziness! Layer-able clothing and sturdy, waterproof shoes are always a good idea — especially if visiting in the winter and spring. Last but not least, be sure to bring sun and bug protection as needed, and any personal toiletries.

Absolutely! When you first arrive you may be greeted by Shadow, our resident barn cat. She is extremely friendly and loves people, so feel free to give her as much attention as you’d like. You will likely see the animals free-ranging, but please do not enter the animal paddock or pens without checking in with a caretaker first.

The sheep and chickens are friendly, if a little skittish. Be gentle, quiet and slow, and they may let you get close and even pet them. It goes without saying, but please never chase or tease the animals. If visiting with children, please stay with them to help them to practice their calm demeanor and animal safety skills. This knowledge will serve them for life!

There are a number of ponds around the property which you are welcome to swim in! There is no lifeguard on duty, so swim at your own risk. We encourage you to swim in groups so that you can use a buddy system for safety.

As a United Plant Savers Botanical Sanctuary, we take the protection of our native plant stands very seriously. For your safety as well as their conservation, we ask that you please do not forage anything without checking in with the caretakers first about exactly what you plan to forage and how much.

That being said, certain abundant species and cultivated plants, as well as non-native species like mugwort, may be foraged mindfully according to the rules of honorable harvest. This includes exercising restraint, harvesting in a way that produces the least possible damage, and making sure you use all of what you take. Forage at your own risk. Never consume any foraged plants unless you are personally certain of proper identification and have ruled out any toxic lookalikes.

While there is tons to do and see right here on-site at Sky Meadow, there’s plenty more to enjoy in our area.

Food & Drink – for dinners we love the Cork & Fork in Hardwick, and the Blackbird Bistro in Craftsbury. The Village Restaurant diner in Hardwick has great breakfast and Caja Madera in Hardwick is also great for lunch on weekdays. Great pizza at Positive Pie, as well as Parker Pie Co. in Glover. Hill Farmstead in nearby Greensboro is considered one of the world’s best breweries. Red Barn Brewery in Danville and Lost Nation in Morrisville are also great! For cocktails, we love the St. J Distillery, Blackbird Bistro and The Buttery.

Arts & Culture – we’re close to the Bread & Puppet Theater, the Museum of Everyday Life, and the Highland Arts Center — each a slice of quintessential Vermont cultural life.

Hiking & Skiing – we’re within an hour of down-hill skiing at Smuggler’s Notch, Jay Peak and Burke Mountain. Or go for the cross-country options at Craftsbury Outdoor Center and Kingdom Trails. For hikes, we love Mount Elmore State Park, Moss Glen Falls in Stowe, and Lake Willoughby.

Feel free to ask the caretakers if you’re looking for specific recommendations — we’re always happy to help.

The nearest grocery stores are in Hardwick, around 15 minutes away. Tops Market has the typical grocery offerings, plus a liquor store; there is also Buffalo Mountain Co-op which has a great selection of local and organic products, an amazing bulk section and grab-and-go options.

For basic foodstuffs, toiletries, etc., there is a convenience store in nearby Greensboro Bend called Smith’s Grocery, less than 10 minutes away. They also have some local products, beer, wine, gifts and a deli that serves great sandwiches, pizza and the like!

Please make sure to double-check before you leave that you have all your belongings with you. Sky Meadow does not assume responsbility for items left behind. If you have misplaced something, please contact us and we’ll do our best to locate the item and help arrange pick-up or shipping.

Property Policies

Because of the many free-range animals on the property, bringing dogs is strongly discouraged. Most domestic dogs (even the super nice ones!) are not used to free-range animals, and unfortunately, unleashed dogs in the past have resulted in injuries and even deaths of our animals, so as you can imagine we are extremely cautious about having them on the property. If you would like to bring any dogs with you, please let us know prior to booking about how many and what type, and we will confirm if we can make an exception. If approved, there will be a $500 pet fee added to your stay. Registered service dogs are welcome, of course, and small animals that remain indoors such as household birds are also not a problem.

All dogs, including service dogs, must be leashed at all times while outside (including on balconies/patios), in order to protect their safety and the safety of the other animals who call Sky Meadow home. By reserving our property, you agree to abide by this on-leash policy and ensure that all members of your group abide by it as well. We reserve the right to refuse access to dogs that were not approved at booking or whose behavior on-site poses a clear danger to our animals.

During your stay you’ll have access to the entire property, other than the caretakers’ private cottage, train car and animal pasture. You are welcome to visit with the animals during your stay, but please don’t enter the pasture area without checking in with one of the caretakers first.

You’re welcome to use the woodstoves and firepits around the property. Fires should never be left unattended, so please leave time to let them burn down before you leave an area. For woodstoves, don’t burn more than 2 logs at a time; if the woodstove is too hot from too much fuel, it creates the risk of a chimney fire. Use the burn indicator on the stove to make sure it stays at a moderate temp. Electric heaters are also available in the cabins for those who prefer not to use a woodstove.

Candles and non-synthetic incense may be burned in gathering spaces only, away from anything flammable, and attended at all times. Candles and incense may not be used inside any of the cabins or bedrooms.

Smoking is strictly prohibited in any indoor space. If you must smoke, please do so outside, at least 15 feet away from any structure, and be sure to leave no trace behind.

You are welcome and encouraged to explore the woods around Sky Meadow, just be mindful of the direction you came from to make sure you can find your way back. It’s a good idea to go with a friend and/or bring a compass or phone with you just in case.

Our land is posted, but be sure to wear bright colors (hunting orange is best) during the VT hunting season (April-May, September-December) for added safety. We also recommend wearing insect repellant and checking yourself and your clothing for any ticks when you return.

If you need to reschedule your retreat, you have the option to transfer it to a new set of available dates within 12 months of the original event. There is a $500 rebooking fee to accommodate the change, due at the time of rescheduling in order to secure the new dates.

Events cancelled less than 30 days before check-in are not transferrable. Promotions applied to the original booking are also not transferrable. Deposits are nonrefundable, and full cancellation of an event for any reason will result in the forfeit of previous payment(s).

All guests are asked to sign our participation agreement prior to arriving on-site. If traveling with minors, parents/guardians may sign on their behalf. Once an individual has submitted a signed participation agreement once, they do not need to do so again for future stays here.

Use of woodstoves is solely at your discretion and you/your guests are responsible for starting and maintaining woodstove fires if desired, and following our fire safety rules. Care is provided to ensure firewood and kindling are available — should you need more, just ask and we’ll let you know where to find it!

Fires should never be left unattended, so please leave time to let them burn down before you leave an area. Don’t burn more than 2 logs at a time; if the woodstove is too hot from too much fuel, it creates the risk of a chimney fire. Use the burn indicator on the stove to make sure it stays at a moderate temp.

If you are not comfortable using woodstoves, we have electric spaceheaters available by request.

There are a number of sawdust composting toilets in the upper barn suites and many of the outbuildings. Use of these composting toilets is optional and available simply as an additional courtesy for our guests. Guests may choose to use the flushable toilets during the entirety of their stay. However, should guests elect to use any of the composting toilets, it is our company policy that guests empty said toilet(s) as part of the check-out process.

Instructions for how to do so are posted near these toilets and you can see one of the caretakers anytime if you have questions.