Guayaki Company Retreat 2023
at Stowel Lake Farm
The Stowel Lake Farm (SLF) community looks forward to hosting you! Here are some details about staying on the farm as well as some helpful information to enhance your experience. Please read over it carefully.
Arrival Day
Check in is from 2-4 pm PST on the retreat start date. We look forward to welcoming you to the farm and showing you where you will be staying for the retreat.
There will be snacks and beverages available at check-in.
Communication & Telephones
There is WiFi throughout the farm but limited cellular service. This means that you will not be able to make calls on your cell phone without a WiFi connection. If you need to receive or take a call while on retreat, be sure to enable Wifi calling on your phone.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you need fresh towels during your stay, please ask someone from the SLF team.
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
Clothes for an outdoor work period (might get dirty)
Slip on shoes are nice for going in and out of buildings
Slippers or indoor shoes - no shoes in indoor spaces
Flashlight (phone light is sufficient)
Water bottle
Light travel towel or Turkish towel for lake or ocean dipping
Ear plugs, if needed.
Toiletries including shampoo & conditioner
Cash for farm stand purchases.
Meals
Cuisine on the farm is a seasonally inspired farm to table experience featuring fresh organic produce right from the farm.
Please observe posted meal times for your retreat.
Between meals there is are snacks available (always a fruit bowl and nuts, sometimes muffins or other baked goods).
There is a tea table in the Barn and available at all times throughout the retreat.
There is a fridge available for any snacks or food/drink you would like to bring to the Farm.
Please ensure your retreat host is informed of any dietary restrictions or allergies.
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 farm, which includes the large perennial garden, farming operations and forests. There are longer walks and hikes that 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 the ocean and other lakes near the Farm.
