Join BYC and Kendall Tetsworth this summer for a five day, four night retreat on Whidbey Island. Just two hours south of Bellingham, Aldermarsh Retreat Center is an idyllic, sanctuary nestled on the edge of a beautiful marshland on the south side of Whidbey Island. This retreat is designed to support you in the final digestion of the heat of the summer and the release into the autumnal season.
Each morning, we begin the day with meditation and gentle and invigorating yoga sessions matching the Hatha and gentle styles that BYC offers. During the day, you will have ample time to rest and immerse yourself in the wooded sanctuary of the retreat property. Our evenings will transition into observing Noble Silence practices before gathering for dinner and evening Yin Yoga and Mindfulness practices. We can’t wait to see you on this inspiring journey towards nourishing your mind, body, and spirit as we transition gracefully from summer to fall.
What is Noble Silence or Mouna?
Noble Silence is an invitation away from the obligation of speaking. It is an opportunity to cultivate an inner silence without any requirement or expectation. When this inner stilling is accompanied by confidence, mindfulness, and equanimity then the mind is said to experience the fullness of “mouna”.
Whidbey Island, WA
August 21 - 25, 2024
5-Days / 4-Nights
Starting at $1250
What’s Included
Daily instruction and support on practices of Yoga and Mindfulness, led by Kendall
5 days / 4 nights accommodation at Aldermarsh Retreat Center on Whidbey Island
Nourishing vegetarian meals prepared by Bellingham Chef and Yogi, Adrianna Veloz
Use of wood-fired sauna and Japanese soaking tub
Mindful Self-Compassion Workshop
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Adrianna is a longstanding BYC community member and recent grad of BYC's Yoga Teacher Training, as well as a local Personal Chef specializing in dietary restrictions. We are excited to be serving a variety of foods that are accessible to all with a build-your-own bowl/plate system. Come ready to eat the rainbow and don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or specific dietary requirements!
About the Property
Aldermarsh Retreat Center is located in the Maxwelton Valley on the southend of Whidbey Island, situated on the edge of a beautiful marshland and surrounded by five acres of temperate Pacific Northwest forest. The facility is a human-created space integrated within its natural setting where community, collaboration and sustainability thrive.
The grounds include a cordwood sauna, an outdoor heated Japanese soaking tub, beautiful gardens, an outdoor fire pit, and maintained pathways through acres of natural wetlands. Lodging facilities include three main buildings and two small cabins, with communal dining taking place in the Main House and group gatherings convening in the uniquely beautiful Marsh House.
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7:00 a.m. - Mindfulness and Hatha practice
9:30 a.m. - Breakfast
12:00 p.m. - Lunch
4:30 p.m. - Meditation and Noble Silence practice
6:00 p.m. - Dinner
7:30 p.m. - Evening Yin Yoga and meditation
Investment
All lodging houses and studios feature small communal kitchenettes and shared living area. Rooms are cozy and private with ample natural lighting and wonderful views overlooking the wooded marsh, retreat center gardens or bamboo groves.
Shared Triple Room
$1250
These triple-occupancy suites are for those that are coming solo and wish to be paired with a roommate. The rooms have three beds (a mix of doubles and twins) and are connected to a full bathroom that is shared with another room in the house. Scholarships available.*
Queen’s Room | (3) Twin Beds - located in Main House SOLD OUT
Moon Room | (3) Twin Beds - located in Main House SOLD OUT
Upper Studio | (1) Double Bed + (2) Twins - upper level of the “Studio” House (this room can also be booked by a couple upon request)
The Loft | (2) Twin Beds - upper level of “Studio” House, accessible by ladder only* (reserved for scholarship participants) SOLD OUT
The Apartment | (1) Double Bed + (1) Twin Bed - separate building adjacent to main house SOLD OUT
Shared Double Room / Private Room
$1395 / $1495
This is either you by yourself, or you and a partner/friend in a double-occupancy room. These rooms feature a cozy, private space with either two twin beds or one double bed, and include a private bathroom. Single occupancy in any of these rooms is $1495, and double-occupancy is $1395/person.
Alder Room | (2) Twin Beds - located in Main House SOLD OUT
Garden Room | (2) Twin Beds - lower level of “Studio” House SOLD OUT
Owl House | (2) Twin Beds - cute private cabin, short walk from main house w/ no running water, bathroom short walk SOLD OUT
Spirit House | (1) Double - cute private cabin, short walk from main house w/ no running water, bathroom short walk SOLD OUT
Before making a deposit, please read through our payment terms and cancellation policy here.
*If cost is a barrier, please email claire@bellinghamyogacollective.com about qualifying for one of (2) scholarship opportunities offered for spaces in a shared triple room.
Retreat Details
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Drive time from Bellingham is about 2 hours past Oak Harbor (no ferry needed) or drive down to Everett and Book a ferry reservation on the Mukilteo/Clinton Ferry to Whidbey Island.
As we get closer to the start of the retreat, we can help arrange a rideshare system, for those that are interested in carpooling.
Arrival:
Check-in is available starting from 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21. (First group gathering begins at 4:00 p.m.)Departure:
Check-out is no later than 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 25. (Last group gathering ends around 10:30 a.m.) -
The following expenses are not included in the total retreat cost:
Ferry Ticket and/or transportation to the retreat center
Gratuities ( 10% gratuities will be collected as a lump sum for our group and distributed to retreat staff)
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Prices are per person + add 3% processing/admin fee for credit cards
Payment methods: cash, check, or credit card (make checks payable to Bellingham Yoga Collective)
Payment plans available!
Secure your spot with a $400 deposit; to be paid in person or online HERE
Final balance due 90 days before start of retreat.
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Please be sure you will be able to attend before you submit your deposit. All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Payment is due in full 90 days prior to the start of the retreat. If you cancel 90 days or more prior to the retreat start date, you will be issued a refund, less your $400 non-refundable deposit.
Due to retreat centers’ refund policies, we cannot offer any refunds, transfers or credits for cancellations for any reason within 90 days of the retreat start date. Thank you for your consideration with this policy as so much time and heart go into planning retreats for you!
Due to retreat centers’ refund policies, we cannot offer any refunds, transfers or credits for cancellations for any reason within 90 days of the retreat start date. If you cancel 90 days or more prior to the retreat start date, you will be issued a refund, less your $400 non-refundable deposit. Thank you for your consideration with this policy as so much time, liability, studio resources and heart go into planning retreats for you!
About Kendall
Kendall Tetsworth (RYT-500) is a compassion-focused human being with a deep dedication to the practice and study of Yoga and Zen meditation. Their life trajectory has taken them on a path of profound introspection that has led them through many paradigm shifts. Yoga has encouraged them to be a perpetual student of life - with mindfulness at the helm. Kendall teaches from a strong center of compassion, connection and returning home to ourselves through the balance of movement and stillness.
Questions?
Please email Claire@bellinghamyogacollective.com for more information about payment plans, scholarship opportunities, and with all other general retreat inquiries.