Eco Dharma Centre | Radical Ecology Radical Dharma

solitary retreat

Serra de Carreu is exceptionally suited to solitary retreats. Few places in Europe offer a comparable sense of wild remoteness and yet intimate beauty. Whether it is just a quiet week for reflection or a 6 month intensive meditation retreat you are looking for, the quiet, remote and beautiful landscape offers the ideal location. Low impact dwelling provide simplicity and comfort, while ideal surroundings and a sympathetic support community covering all the basic logistics, will ensure that you can give all your attention to your period of retreat.

Given the nature of the landscape it is easy to choose total seclusion here. At the same time, having a sympathetic support community based in the same valley can offer a sense of security and support to those who find that helpful and reassuring.

Experienced meditators in the community are sometimes available for interviews and advice during your stay.

Yurts and cabins

The yurts are constructed to traditional Mongolian specifications. They are very spacious (6.5meters in diameter), fitted with wood burning stoves for the winter and well insulated with thick felt covers beneath a strong fully waterproofed outer cover. They are built on low platforms with wooden floors. Some of us in the community here have been living in similar yurts for more than 5 years in all seasons – and find them extremely comfortable. They offer excellent protection from the weather, while enabling you to live close to the elements, drawing on the natural rejuvenation and vitality the land can offer.

We have one cabin specially built for solitary retreats. It has been constructed using ecologically sustainable methods: A round-wood frame, a stone base supporting strawbale and lime render walls, and a turfed roof. It’s porch opens onto a beautiful wooded glade, beyond which fantastic views stretch down to the valley far below. The south facing glazed wall allows lots of light, while the broad porch roof provides plenty of shade in the summer months. This cabin is much loved by all who stay there.

All solitary facilities have a supply of water from natural springs for drinking and washing. Each has an individual toilet facility (drop pits outside). An adequate wood supply is included in the costs between the end of November and the middle of March. More wood can be requested, and a log saw and small axe make the collection of smaller wood and kindling possible. Each facility has its own small solar energy system providing lighting for the evenings. For writers we can provide sockets to support the us of a laptop computer using a auto/air 12v adaptors.

Food and cooking facilities are included in the cost. Each facility is stocked with basic food stuffs and fresh vegetables and other perishable foods are left each week in a container a good distance from the solitary facility, where the retreatant can collect them. A note can be left in the container for the support community who will provide whatever supplies are running low.

Costs

€21(euros) per day for up to a month. A reduction can be negotiated for those wishing to do longer retreats. We will currently accept bookings for retreats up to a year in length.