Guayaki Retreat at Stowel Lake Farm

The Stowel Lake Farm (SLF) community looks forward to hosting you! Here is some helpful information to enhance your experience. Please read over it carefully.

Packing

Please come prepared for an outdoor environment and for the weather, as appropriate. Some suggestions are provided below:

  • Comfortable clothing, warm layers, rain jacket, sun protection

  • Slip on shoes are nice for going in and out of buildings

  • Rubber boots (for spring & fall retreats)

  • Slippers or indoor shoes - no shoes in indoor spaces

  • Flashlight

  • Water bottle

  • Outdoor towel (we provide indoor-only towels)

  • Bath towel only if you’re camping

  • Ear plugs, if needed.

  • Toiletries including shampoo & conditioner

  • Cash for farm stand purchases and gratuities.

Communication & Telephones

There is WiFi throughout the farm but no cellular service. This means that you will not be able to make calls on your cell phone without a WiFi connection. To preserve the sanctity of the retreat, please minimize cell phone use during your stay.

Smoking

While most of the Farm is a non-smoking/vaping environment, and not permitted in any of our buildings, there is space set aside for this purpose on site.

Rooms and Housekeeping

To support guests in having a true respite there are no telephones or televisions in any of the guest rooms.

  • All of the rooms have down bedding and towels. If you are allergic to down please inform your retreat leader so that hypoallergenic bedding can be prepared.

  • For retreats longer than 5 days fresh towels will be provided and garbage cans will be emptied half way through your stay.

Valuables

While having things go missing is rare, the Farm is not liable for any lost or stolen items. If you have concerns about any items, please leave them at home.

Candles & Incense

Open flames are not permitted in any of the accommodations. Please do not burn candles or incense in your room during your stay.

Scents

To prevent the discomfort of others, please ensure you do not wear strong scents during your stay with us.

Meals

  • Details on your meal plan while at the Farm are provided by your retreat leader. The dining room is located in the Barn.

  • Please observe posted meal times for your retreat.

  • Between meals there is a fruit bowl, toast, crackers and nut butter available.

  • There is a tea table in the Barn and available at all times throughout the retreat.

  • Coffee is served at breakfast only.

  • There is a fridge available for any snacks or food/drink you would like to bring to the Farm.

Hazards

Please be careful around the Farm and come prepared for an outdoor environment. As could be expected, there are areas that are uneven or slippery.

Darkness

Some areas of the Farm may not be as well lit as others and there are occasional power outages. Please ensure you bring your own flashlight. The light on your phone is fine.

Noise

Please be mindful of noise and the potential impact on others. If you are sensitive to noise while sleeping, please bring your own earplugs.

Emergencies

In the event of an emergency, please advise any SLF employee and/or your retreat leader. There is also the house phone available in the Barn 24 hours a day. First aid kits are available if needed and fire extinguishers are in all buildings.

If you need to be contacted in case of an emergency at home, please use our office number 250-653-4308

Nature & Hiking

During your stay, you can walk the public part of the farm, which includes the large perennial garden and farming operations. Longer walks and hikes are off-site and some require the use of a vehicle to get to the trailhead. Hiking maps of Salt Spring Island are available, including walks to swimming lakes near the Farm.

More about the Farm

Thank you for choosing to retreat on the Farm. If you are interested in learning the story of how the SLF community came to be, our book ‘Seven Seasons on Stowel Lake Farm’ is available for perusal or purchase. You can learn more about Our Book here.