THE HEALING HOUSE COUPLES' RETREAT-WINTER DETAILS AND RESEVATIONS
When artist Stephen Huneck built the Healing House Retreat at the base of Dog Mountain, he wanted the Healing House to have an atmosphere of serenity and peace while also being playful and uplifting. Above all else, Stephen wanted this getaway to be a place of healing and joy.
Stephen loved creating what he called, "total environments" and with the Healing House he was able to design every inch of the interior and exterior, from a soothing waterfall in the back yard to a bronze "Dog Faucet" in the bathroom. Always partial to Vermont's natural materials: Tiger Maple, Walnut, Granite and River Rocks, he used them to great effect throughout the house. To continue his theme of the natural world, Stephen decorated the home with Flower Cabinets, Dog Drawer Pulls, Rainbow Trout Chairs and a gorgeous Tiger Maple 4 poster bed. In the backyard, Stephen planted thousands of wildflowers, dug a small pond and built a trail that leads up to Dog Mountain.
A haven for both dogs and people, the Healing House Retreat (HHR) is now open for couples (FYI- The reason I say "couples retreat" is because there is only the one beautiful Tiger Maple Dog Themed Canopy Bed that sleeps two) and their dogs. Two dog beds are provided, more upon request. This is a dog friendly place! The Healing House includes a dog door, two therapeutic dog beds, 2 dog runs, ( there will be a fenced in yard this summer once the ground thaws enough to install) and a path in the back yard that leads to Dog Mountain's 150 acres with miles of hiking trails, spacious lawn, old growth forest and breathtaking views which you and your dog can enjoy off leash. In the spring and summer months, enjoy the dog agility course, the dog swimming pond and the acres of wildflowers on Dog Mountain. In the winter months, snowshoe or hike with your dogs. Snowshoes and poles are provided free of charge to Healing House Retreat guests to use during their stay. Please feel free to bring your own snowshoes and/or cross country skis!
Curl up with a good book from the Healing House's extensive library. We will also be able to offer our guests a library card so you may check out books from St. Johnsbury's Athenaeum. Just leave the books behind at check out and we will gladly return them for you. Listen to a variety of music on our iPod speaker dock or bring along your own iPod and favorite music. We also have a CD player with an eclectic collection of music. Wireless service will be provided if you must bring your laptop and/or cell phone (although I seriously recommend trying to go without). We intentionally won't have a television, a computer or phone. I have found not watching TV, searching the internet and having a constantly ringing phone at home is one of the most healing things I have ever done. (I do use these devices at work, but the Healing House is not work, this is a retreat to get away from work and the constant bombardment of popular culture and worthless reality TV).
If you do bring your laptop, you can still watch movies, but I would seriously suggest against watching a lot of news and surfing the net. This is about healing and relaxing after all! In our survey of potential guests on Facebook, people were overwhelmingly against 100 to 1 to being plugged in. It's called the "Joy of Quiet." (Internet, a computer and a land phone are available at the gallery if the need should arise.) This is a time to bond with nature and deeply connect with your loved ones, both human and canine. Among the many comforts of the Healing House, you can luxuriate in the outdoor hot tub spa on the spacious deck looking out at our soothing water fall and enjoy our indoor Jacuzzi tub and shower. Also included is a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and a dishwasher. There is also a washer and a dryer, quality 600 count bed linens, thick towels and soft terry cloth robes and slippers. Your customized Welcome Basket will include healthy local foods and dog treats. Plus, two therapeutic dog beds are all a part of your relaxing stay at the Stephen Huneck Healing House Couple’s Retreat that includes your dogs at no additional cost.
Introductory Winter & Spring (until May 24th) Rates: Two night stay minimum, $195/night for two people, dogs stay free or $995 for an entire week.
Rate does not include applicable taxes and security deposit (refundable providing there is no damage). To respect your privacy and tranquility, light housekeeping is optional for an additional charge.
May 24th to December 20th: $249/night (two night stay minimum) $1495/week
December 21st to January 2nd: $495/night
The following healing treatments are available and optional for guests of the Healing House Retreat at an additional cost. You can schedule a variety of massage types for yourself and your dog(s), including:
Couples message
Deep tissue massage
Hot stone spa treatment
Reiki massage and
Aroma therapy using message oils in our own peaceful, beautifully appointed and private treatment room.
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced yogini, you can learn, grow and heal with private Yoga sessions provided by Anusara Inspired Yoga Instructor Andrea Thibaudeau and her staff at Heart Space Yoga.
Also available and optional, guests may choose to have a vegetarian or vegan meal prepared for them by one of our private chefs at an additional charge or try out one of the area's many fine restaurants. Discount Coupons will be available for use at many of our favorite restaurants for guests of the Healing House Retreat. St. Johnsbury also has a variety of health food coops, grocery stores and farmer's markets.
We want each stay to be tailored to you and your dog's specific needs, lifestyle, goals and desires.
With love and gratitude,
Gwendolyn Ide Huneck and the staff at Dog Mountain and the Healing House Retreat.
The Stephen Huneck Gallery on Dog Mountain
143 Parks Road
St. Johnsbury, Vermont 05819
800-449-2580
inf This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it