Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior experience in yoga? What level is the yoga?
No prior experience is needed. Anyone from a beginner to a more experienced practitioner can attend the retreat. Because the classes are small and personalized we meet you at your level and work from there.

When is Arrival and Check-Out?
You can arrive anytime after noon. Most guests leave after the morning yoga and breakfast, around noon, unless their travel plans require leaving earlier.

Will I learn meditation there?
Morning silent meditation is an option. The afternoon class offers chanting and breathing meditations. As with the yoga, you can go as deep or as preliminary as you wish. Many of the practices at Sewall House are to introduce or further your practice so that you can decide what to include in your lifestyle when you return home.

What kind of food do you serve?
We serve a vegetarian menu in keeping with yoga practice. Our food is ample, tasty, mostly organic and prepared on the premises. Things like our own granola, home-made yogurt, breads and desserts and main dishes with vegetables and various legumes are served. We get much of our fresh produce from a local Amish community and local farms.

Do You Serve Coffee and Tea?
We offer coffee and tea, including caffeine-free yogi tea.

Can I bring my pet?
Though we have accepted pets in the past, we now have two cats on our premises and it works better for everyone if guest pets stay at the local kennel (207-463-2387).

How long should I stay?
We suggest a minimum of 5 days so you can truly unwind, enjoy the retreat and surrounding areas, reap the benefits of the daily schedule.

How do I get there and where are you exactly in Maine?
Maine is a large state. We are in the northern part of the state, the southern part of Aroostook County, known for Baxter State Park, Mount Katahdin and surrounding lakes. We are only 30 miles from the Canada–United States border. The bordering town in United states is Houlton, Maine (Passport Required). In Canada the bordering town is Woodstock, New Brunswick which is 92 km west of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. You can drive easily from New York City and Boston or Canada. You can fly into Bangor (which is closer) or Portland. From the airports you can catch a bus or rent a car. We also provide pickup from Bangor for a fee. We are a 1 1/4 hour drive from Bangor and 3 1/2 hour drive from Portland. Both are easy direct drives straight up 95 North and we are 2/ 10 of a mile off the highway at exit 276. The bus can also be taken from New York City or Boston, with an easy change in Bangor at 6PM to Sherman where we pick you up. See www.cyrbustours.com for details.

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We offer free Airport Pickup from Bangor if the stay is 5 nights or more & from Portland if the stay is 7 nights or more.

What are the accommodations like?
Each room is uniquely furnished with antiques and comfortable mattresses on full sized beds. There is one room with a queen size bed and one room with a full bath. We do not offer dorm style; singles have a private room and couples/friends can share a room with one bed. We also have an isolated camp on the nearby lake, rented by special application. See retreat page for rates and deposit details. During our off season we can arrange special retreats if requested. There is a smaller room with a full sized bed on the third floor which is 10% less than the other rooms for those on a budget. Why do people choose Sewall House? We have discovered since we opened in 1997 that Sewall House especially seems a good choice for people going through some sort of change in their life, whether it be work-related, relationship or health-related. People also choose us because we are in Maine in a uniquely inviting historic home. Our guests have also shared that the smaller number of attendees feels less like a "university" than some of the larger yoga retreats.

Why do you suggest 5 days as a recommended stay?
People have stayed shorter and much longer than that but we find this is the minimum time needed to optimally progress and observe and integrate the positive changes that fresh air, yoga, nature, good food and removal from daily stress and television, news, etc brings the guests. You are free to book the length of time that works best for your schedule.

Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
For a small additional fee we can accommodate gluten-free and vegan requests. We do not serve alcohol or meat. We do serve coffee. Non-prescription drugs are not allowed.

What else is offered?
We offer customized massage that includes; Swedish, Deep Tissue, Therapeutic & Reiki. Sauna and nature outings to Baxter State Park, nearby lakes and hikes. We have books and DVDs on yoga and self growth for your use. We have directions for outings or will accompany guests if they request it. There is an additional charge if we take you on outings.

Do I book by phone or e-mail?
Book by calling us directly at 888-235-2395 or e-mailing us if that is easier and better for you. Please do not send credit card information via e-mail.

Do I share a room with someone?
We have 6 bedrooms, 5 of them have full sized beds (one has a full bath) and there is one room with a queen-sized bed. This means that we never room strangers with each other. The option is to have your own private room or to share a bed, such as couples or friends. We can pull in an additional mattress for double occupancy guests who prefer that but there is only one bed per spacious bedroom.

Is your location totally isolated?
Northern Maine is not highly populated. We are located in a town of 700 people with two nearby lakes and Baxter State Park with its mighty Mt Katahdin. There are gift shops nearby, a #1 rated 18 hole golf course www.vajowa.com, one restaurant and a few diners but no commercial chain stores or coffee houses. Island Falls is pure small-town New England. To be totally isolated we offer our camp on the lake. For more details on how to book that, please contact us directly.

Do you have computer? What is your policy on cell phones?
You can use the computer for free at the local library which is nearby. If you have your own computer we provide wireless internet service for a one time fee. We ask that you use cell phones in the privacy of your own room.

Do you offer work exchange programs?
We have limited openings for our reduced rate program. For $60 per day plus tax you receive a room, meals and yoga in exchange for 3-4 hours of work per day. Contact us for more information. If you do not find your question answered, please contact us and we may add it to the list if it seems pertinent and helpful.

What should I bring?

• Bathing suit
• Water shoes
• Fleece or sweater
• Loose comfortable clothes for yoga
• Rain Jacket
• Hiking boots
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Sun-screen
• Water bottle
• Snowshoes and Cross country skis for Winter Retreats