Sewall House

My two adult daughters and I just returned from a wonderful yoga retreat at Sewall House. Our hosts, Donna and Ajeet, were wonderful throughout our trip. The yoga was fantastic and was personalized to our varied ability levels. The food offered at each meal was delicious. They even prepared a homemade birthday cake for my daughter. The activities offered were great and we could also just chill at home too if we wanted. We’ll definitely be back.

I attended the writing and yoga retreat a few years ago and then I did my yoga teacher training here the following year. Accommodations are clean and comfortable. A great place for a good night's sleep. Quiet and welcoming. The food is amazing and has influenced my cooking to this day. They use fresh ingredients from the farmers market. We had a chef during my teacher training who made fresh bread daily, and it was to die for. The yoga classes are high quality, with Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Hatha styles in the morning, then Kundalini in the evening. Donna is a fabulous yoga teacher - a wealth of knowledge. You'll learn a lot in yoga class here. Maria's writing retreat is also fabulous and educational. There's a lot to keep you busy if you follow the retreat schedule, and free time to explore the gorgeous nature in town and nearby. There are plenty of places to hike or walk nearby. There are opportunities to go kayaking as well. You may even see the Amish riding up the road in their buggies or stopping by with fresh ingredients for meals here. Donna and her team are there for you with plenty of resources if you're looking for a specific adventure. I made some wonderful connections here and arrived home feeling like a new person. I highly recommend going here, and can't wait to go back one day.

I just spent five lovely days at the Sewall House for the Yoga and writing workshop with Donna Davidge ,owner and Maria Massei -Rosato author. . The combination of Yoga and Meditation was a wonderful combination bringing a peacefulness and openness to the writing process. Donna is an amazing Yogini strong, patient and fun to learn from and the Sewall House her Ancestral home she runs is lovingly maintained and full of warmth and charm good food and good people.

My yoga retreat at Sewall House was just what I was looking for with a few days off – restful, casual atmosphere and plenty of time to enjoy the surrounding area, with welcoming, thoughtful, and knowledgeable staff members. Our yoga practice was tailored to my level and was at once challenging, lighthearted, educational, and non-judgmental with varied styles offered. The food was delicious and the pets (dog and two cats) were ever-loving. Additionally, the location itself is stunning with Mattawamkeag Lake two miles down the road and easy access by car to Baxter State Park for the avid hiker (less than an hour drive away). I’ve already recommended to a couple friends and hope to return. Thank you Donna, Ajeet, and Meow for sharing this special place of warmth, healing, and joy.

I returned back to the Sewall House for the first time in 22 years to discover that this yoga retreat has evolved into an exceptional experience! This historic home has an elegant charm and each bedroom has its own unique, lovely character. I was very impressed with how clean and sanitary the bedrooms and bathrooms were. This B&B also houses a wonderful library filled with historic books, photos and relics from the past; it's like stepping back in time to the 1890s. A visit to this library makes for a perfect activity on a rainy day or in the evenings. The food was absolutely delicious. Although I'm not a vegetarian, I found the food to be very flavorful. There's something very distinct and special about the cuisine served at the Sewall House… it’s made with love and this makes all the difference. I also wish to share that Donna is truly an extraordinary hostess and I felt very well taken care of. As a longtime yogini, I was very impressed with Donna's depth of knowledge and yogic wisdom – she's the real deal! It’s a privilege to be in her class. As a side note, there's a sauna and jacuzzi on site which makes for a relaxing night time experience. I highly recommend the Sewall House for any down-to-earth person looking for a spiritual retreat surrounded by the beauty of nature. I even returned to the Sewall House once again in September! I loved swimming in the pristine pond and biking along beautiful Belvedere Road at sunset. The Sewall House has been the highlight of 2022 for me and I'm so grateful for the time I spent there.

My husband and I spent a full week at Sewell House in early July. Through the dedication of four experienced teachers well-versed in wide-ranging practices, our yoga exposure was expanded in key ways: essentially, the entire team refueled our commitment to cleaner eating, letting go of negative mind loops and incorporating daily practices we have enthusiastically adopted. The studio time was rounded out with climbs up Mt. Chase, waterfall hikes, biking, Kayak and SUP excursions and ensuing appetites were sated by fresh, carefully prepared and inventive tasty meals. But, aptly, your day begins and end in the studio. The uniqueness of the playful, careful and challenging classes elevated by the passionate and deep knowledge accumulated over long years of study that each teacher brings to the mat is priceless. It elevated this yoga retreat from a fun adventure to a deeply changing shift in our life. How many holidays can deliver that?

The Team at Sewall immediately made us feel welcomed. They were aware of our interests in exploring the area and offered options. We selected a guided hike into Baxter. The canoe, hike, and swim trip was pristine and beautiful. The yoga sessions were enjoyable and expertly taught. The teachers were also knowledgeable in wellness and nutrition and aware of ways to differentiate yoga instruction according to abilities and interests. Everyone's needs were addressed. As a whole, the yoga, nature, food, and positive social community provided space for one to explore joyfully, breathe, be, and grow. Interestingly, the history of the Sewall House documents the respite and renewal Theodore Roosevelt found here. This respite and renewal continues today. We left the Sewall House Yoga Retreat feeling renewed, refreshed, and amazed by the beauty of nature!

It's hard to put my experience into words. Everyone there went above and beyond to make sure this retreat was exactly what I needed. They all cared deeply about making the experience perfect for me. We had a good amount of free time, yoga sessions, planned hikes, kayak trips, etc. It was very cool seeing a different part of the country as well as I'm from the West Coast.

This was a great and calming experience, where I (as someone very new to the practice) learned a lot about Yoga and the different styles/practices. This is particularly great if you’re new to yoga or just experienced in one style – I found that Svaroopa (that I had never heard of previously) was the style I most gravitate toward and enjoy, something I never would’ve found if I hadn’t attended. Everyone was so kind and helpful, and Island Falls/upper Maine is a beautiful area that is extremely conducive for reflection and relaxation. As someone who is not at all flexible or athletic, I was never made to feel like I didn’t belong, and many modifications/suggestions to work with injuries were provided. This has provided me with the opportunity and confidence to continue my yoga journey. I also met some truly amazing people and got to spend time at what might be the world’s most beautiful lake, so I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to spend a week here!

The Sewall House Yoga Retreat exceeded all my expectations. My room was cozy and bright. The bed was very comfortable. The shared bathroom was very clean at all times. The vegetarian food was delicious. It felt like home. Donna is a marvelous yoga instructor. She gently encourages you. Her yoga room promotes a healing energy. I never got sore from the yoga! In addition, I got to hike Mount Chase, kayak, swim, and bicycle around Island Falls. Her staff was friendly and very helpful. Ajeet was a real friend to me and we did a tarot card reading that was inspiring and fun. Yes, I will come back. I will always remember this trip fondly.