StoneWood Sanctuary Women’s Retreat

 
 

StoneWood Sanctuary

Women’s Retreat

JOIN THIS NOURISHING RETREAT AMONG SISTERS

IN THE SOUTHERN BERKSHIRES

BEING HELD BY THE LAND

& GUIDED BY THE HOSTS

WHERE SACRED PLAY AND

PLANT MEDICINE ALLOW

A COMING BACK TO SELF & TO COMMUNITY


The Setting

Welcome to StoneWood

A place where many have come to gently transform disconnection & fear of natural surroundings to wonder, healing, and a newfound sense of belonging in a setting where non-humans are the majority. The space is magical, peaceful & minimally developed, with just enough amenities to allow guests to throughly unwind and enjoy the river breezes through the swaying forest and the sunny field of medicinal flowers.

The Field of Dreams - full of native wildflowers and medicinal plants, is the first impression as you arrive onsite, between the River Forest basecamp and the Western Forest bordering the road. The field provides a spacious sunny area for frolicking, sunbathing, yoga, workshops, & ceremony. The field meadow, shielded by the forests on each side, invites us to just be under the sky & sun without outside eyes watching. Cartwheels, laughter, journaling, foraging, daytime gatherings, and nighttime stargazing are all welcome here.

From your arrival in the Field of Dreams you’ll enter the threshold of the River Forest - nestled alongside a private bend of the pristine & beloved Green River - and our campsite & retreat base. River and forest keep the area cool from summer heat and buffers the frenzy of our times. Adjacent camping spaces and cozy tents are arranged beneath a canopy of Pine and Maple keeping a sense of held community.

*Tent rental packages are available.

Camping with community, being held by the Trees, Water & Fire

The outhouse and shower are sited discreetly, built with attention to comfort, simplicity, and cleanliness. The shower offers a refreshing, nature-connected rinse beneath dappled sunlight; the outhouse is clean, private, and respectfully maintained.

Outhouse, Shower & Sauna

Compost Toilet & Shower

Wood-Fired Sauna

Enjoy the peace of White Pines, Striped Maple & Ironwood on a rope hammock.

Turquoise Waters

Green River’s water is clear and cool, perfect for contemplative exploring, invigorating dips in the swimming hole, and mindful moments seated on the river stone banks.

The River Forest creates a protective, cool envelope around the site. Mature trees soften wind and sound, imparting privacy and a sense of containment. Shade keeps temperatures comfortable; dew-laden ferns and forget-me-nots underfoot lend a quiet, restorative atmosphere. Trails weave through the woods for short reflective walks and a path to the swimming hole. The land at StoneWood holds a container where both solitude and connection are honored. The overall setting balances beauty and functionality: a peaceful, secure place designed to support rest, community, and regenerative practice.

Retreat Offerings

  • Five Nourishing Meals - Chef-prepared breakfasts, lunches, and dinners featuring seasonal, whole-food ingredients with vegetarian-forward options and protein-rich alternatives. Meals focus on grounding flavors, balanced macronutrients, and accommodations for common dietary needs (gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-aware).

  • Snacks & Herbal Teas - A selection of wholesome snacks available between meals; fresh fruit, nuts, seeded crackers, and light bites to sustain energy. An herbal tea station offers restorative blends chosen by the land steward for the region, season and vibe of the group.

  • Intentional Sisterhood - Group circles designed to cultivate trust, compassionate listening, and shared reflection. Guided prompts and confidentiality agreements create a supportive container where participants can express insights, hopes, and fears. Emphasis is placed on mutual respect, empathetic witness, and honoring individual boundaries. This retreat is centered around melanated women, yet all women are welcome.

  • Integration Guidance - Structured support to help you bring retreat learnings into your life. Options written resources with journaling prompts, and practical tools for creating sustainable daily practices (breathwork, sleep hygiene, micro-rituals).

  • Group Reiki provided by certified practitioners to promote energetic balance and deep relaxation.

  • Daily yoga movement appropriate for all levels.

Plant Medicine Workshop

Facilitator, Angela Highsmith will discuss currently abundant native plant medicines, explore how different preparations serve us in different ways, demonstrate how to make the workshop herbal remedy. We’ll discuss the herb, remedy, and our general plant medicine experience; while we make a full sized plant remedy to take home. The class will enjoy an herbal tea tailored by Angela for this workshop with the abundance of the season.

Nature Crafted Art

Facilitated creative sessions using natural materials gathered respectfully from the land. Activities may include mandala-building, painting riverside, nature ornaments. These offerings encourage all senses to engage with our plant kin while allowing space for casual & pleasurable creative expression.

Reflection & Exploration

Dedicated time and prompts for contemplative journaling, guided nature walks, solo reflection, and play. Evening integration circles and optional creative sharing sessions give space to process emotions, notice patterns, and celebrate insights.