Guest Guidelines

Seva Retreat at The Elkins Estate seeks to be a place of refuge, reflection, and peace. Each group at Seva Retreat will have its own discipline, which will include varying levels of silence. Whatever the practice of your group, guests should be respectful of the atmosphere of Seva Retreat and any other groups that may be present.
 

• Electronic Devices

Guests should use portable radios, CD players, MP3s or ipods with earphones.  Cell phones should not be used in any of the common spaces and should remain on silent, even when left behind in guest rooms,

• Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any building at Seva Retreat.  There are designated smoking areas outside each building for those who require it.  We ask that you dispose of all butts in designated receptacles.

• Dress

Dress at Seva Retreat is relaxed and informal. Guests should bring clothes and shoes that are comfortable, modest, and appropriate for the activities planned.

• Children

Seva Retreat is a facility geared toward adults. We have no provisions for small children or child care. If your group allows parents to bring children, the following conditions must be met:

• Parents/guardians must take full responsibility for their children while here and must sign a special waiver of liability form.
• Children 15 and over are considered adults by us and are only allowed as full participants in your retreat/event.
• Children under 15 must be supervised at all times both inside and outside the building.
• Children 12 and over pay full price for room and board.
• Children under 12 pay full price if they use a bed. If they share a bed with a parent/guardian, an additional fee will apply.

• Pets

  At Seva Retreat at The Elkins Estate, we love animals but cannot accommodate pets. We will permit certified companion dogs for seeing-impaired guests.

• Scented Items

In consideration of our guests who may have allergies or other sensitivities, we ask that you bring only unscented items, such as soaps, lotions, or body washes, to Seva Retreat.  We ask that you do not use perfume or cologne during your stay, and we thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Check List for Guests

We encourage guests to bring:

• Comfortable shoes and clothing –for sitting, walking, hiking, etc.
• Bathrobe and slippers – for use in our communal bathrooms/hallways
• Extra towels – we provide one hand towel and one bath towel per guest
• Shawl or blanket – for use during meditation or evening walks
• An alarm clock – we cannot provide a “wake-up call”
• Lightweight luggage – all bedrooms are accessible via stairs to upper floors

We must ask guests not to bring:

• Candles or incense to burn
• Pets – unless certified companion dogs for seeing-impaired guests