Arrival and Getting to Your Hermitage
When you arrive, we will meet you in the parking area to welcome you and take you to your hermitage. From the parking area to the hermitages we have hills, concrete walks, gravel paths and steps. Keep in mind that everything you bring needs to be hand-carried to your hermitage. Pack light. Leave large roller bags, coolers, and unnecessary items at home or in your vehicle. Hermitage space is limited. Things you bring can be distractions for you during your retreat.
Hermitages Furnished for Comfort and Solitude
“My hermitage had everything I needed, and nothing I didn’t.” — Previous guest
Each hermitage has a simple layout with comfortable furnishings offering privacy and solitude. A single bed, desk and chair, rocking chair, and a bench outline the space. A private shower, toilet and vanity are curtained off.
A small kitchenette with a microwave oven, small refrigerator, toaster, coffee maker, cutting board, and utensils offers a place to prepare one’s meals. Ground (caffeinated) coffee, sugar, creamer, filters, salt and pepper, and wax paper are in a small drawer.
Bed and bath linens are provided (pillow, blanket, comforter, fleece throw, towels). Liquid hand soap is on the vanity sink. Under the sink or in a closet is a large bag with clean linens for you to reset your hermitage before your departure.
Each hermitage also has a Catholic Bible, Book of Psalms, Rosary, door key, umbrella, flashlight, alarm clock, and unscented candles.
Cleaning supplies are under the sink: dish detergent, spray shower cleaner, window cleaning spray, toilet bowl cleaner, and paper towels.
A heating/cooling unit, ceiling fan and two small dehumidifiers keep the inside comfortable year-round.
Bring Food, Clothing, Personal Items
“I took too much. I used less than half of everything I brought.” — First time guest
Guests bring their own food for overnight visits. Most guests eat less when on retreat than at home. Plan for two light meals day. Bring breakfast items, soup and sandwiches for a later meal along with snacks (fruit, cheese, nuts.) Please do not bring foods with strong odors. Sav-A-Lot is a mile away if you need more. You need not bring bottled water. Our well water was tested pure and tastes good.
Bring comfortable clothing. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended as our drive and paths are gravel. Bring personal items and meds that you require. Out of respect for all of our guests we ask no animals be brought on the property.
Gift Certificates
Gift certificates for individual spiritual retreats make lasting gifts. To request a gift certificate, send an email to: reservations@vophermitages.org. Indicate the dollar amount being given (one night retreat is $50), the recipient’s name, and name(s) of the person(s) making the gift. We can mail or email a PDF of the certificate that you can print. Provide a mailing address where to send it or an email address to send the PDF. You may mail us a check or pay through our website PayPal link. Call us with any questions.