Seven-Day Retreat at Garrison Institute, 5–12 October 2025

For those who love to dive deeply into the heart of the non-dual understanding, retreats offer an unprecedented opportunity: seven days with Rupert and friends, nestled in a beautiful location in nature, where we steep together in the peace of our true nature. Retreats gather us in the heart of being, where we spend our days in self-abidance, friendship and creativity.

Each day features guided meditation in which we rest in being, as being, as well as dialogue in which we discuss the non-dual understanding. Between gatherings, we enjoy three delicious vegetarian meals, where the love and understanding effortlessly transmits itself through friendship. In the evenings, we might relax with friends, watch a film together or celebrate through poetry and music.

Whether you seek peace, happiness, truth, love or freedom – or if you would simply like to reunite with old friends – retreats provide the priceless opportunity to taste your true nature in an atmosphere of kindness and beauty. The people you meet on retreat will quickly become your non-dual family, so please join us as we gather in the spirit of friendship to celebrate the unity of being.

For those who cannot attend in person, you will be able to join from your own home via livestream. Livestream tickets give access to all sessions during the retreat, plus you can connect with the community around the world in dedicated Q&A sessions. Replays are available for a week after the retreat. This way you can easily watch again or catch up on any missed sessions due to time zone differences.

About Garrison Institute: Formerly a Capuchin monastery, the Institute is located in Garrison, New York, overlooking the Hudson River. It is situated on the beautiful ninety-five-acre Glenclyffe property. Its tranquil, park-like environs replete with gardens, a boxwood labyrinth, a gazebo on a Hudson bluff, and many walking paths, offer a natural setting for contemplation. The property is connected to the Hudson River walking trails and the Appalachian Trail. Accommodations are simple, beautiful and quiet. Learn more about Garrison Institute here. Please do not contact the retreat center directly; email Francesca with any retreat questions you may have at: francesca@rupertspira.com

REVISED COVID-19 protocol: Garrison Institute will no longer require proof of vaccination to attend a retreat at their facility as of September 1, 2023.

Francesca will post lots of helpful retreat information to all attendees on the discussion board as we get closer to our start date.

There are Single, Double and Shared (3-4 people) rooms available. Please note, Garrison does not have a guest elevator and all rooms are accessible by stairs only. Shared (3-4 people) rooms are on the fourth floor We recommend signing up for a double room if the stairs to the fourth floor might be an issue for you. 

There are two communal bathrooms (usually one male, one female) on each residential floor as well as a comfortable lounge with sofas and easy chairs, where tea and (instant) coffee are available 24 hours a day. The lounges also are equipped with a wireless, high-speed internet connection for laptop computer users. 

If your accommodation of choice is sold out, you will be able to use the ‘Add to Waitlist’ button, and you will be notified of any spaces that come available.

There are several local hotels within driving distance from Garrison for those who wish accommodations with a private bath. If you wish to stay off-site, please register as a commuter, which includes three meals per day.

List of Hotels:

The Hudson House Inn 
6 miles from Garrison, 12 minutes by car -  www.hudsonhouseinn.com 

Bear Mountain Inn 
5.5 miles from Garrison, 11 minutes by car - www.visitbearmountain.com 

Overlook Lodge 
8 miles from Garrison, 16 minutes by car - www.vistbearmountain.com/overlook-lodge 

Also please note that there are options available on www.airbnb.com

By train: The retreat center can easily be reached in 1 hour 20 minutes from New York’s Grand Central Station on Metro North’s Hudson line. From the north, take AMTRAK to Poughkeepsie then transfer to Metro North railroad. 

By car: The Garrison Institute is located directly off Route 9D in Garrison, New York, approximately 50 miles north of New York City. Major highways nearby include Interstate 84, Route 9, the Palisades Parkway and the Taconic State Parkway. There is on-site parking for those who will arrive by car.

By plane: The local airport near Garrison is Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, NY. Visit www.stewartintlairport.com for more information. Garrison Institute is also accessible from LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark International Airports.

By taxi: For traveling to and from the Garrison Institute we can suggest the following transportation vendors:

Alley’s Way Car Service - 845.265.8294 

All County Car Service - 914.631.2277

Izabela Taxi - 914.830.6977

By bus: Shortline Bus service is available into the Poughkeepsie, NY, station (approximately 30 minutes to Garrison). For local bus schedules and more information contact: Shortline Bus: 1.800.631.8405 or visit www.shortlinebus.com
From New England: Peter Pan Bus offers service into New York City where you can connect with a MetroNorth train to Garrison. For local bus schedules and more information contact: Peter Pan Bus Lines: 1.800.343.9999 or visit www.peterpanbus.com

Vegetarian meals are prepared three times daily and served in the main dining room. 

The discussion board will be available for attendees to communicate prior, during and post retreat.

The final balance will be due on Monday 7 July 2025
50% of balance refundable if cancelled before Wednesday 6 August 2025
No refund if cancelled after Wednesday 6 August 2025

Payment FAQs
Terms & Conditions

To register, a $300* non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required to reserve a space at the retreat. Please book using the "Add to Basket" buttons below when the tickets open.

Shared rooms are allocated by gender; please choose the appropriate ticket when booking so that we can allocate your room properly. If you wish to share with a friend, please book your tickets and email Francesca with your sharing preference. If you are booking a twin room as a couple, you can book a 'couples' ticket, which automatically adds two tickets to your account and ensures that you will be given a room together.

Costs per person to attend in person at Garrison Institute: 

Single – $2,975

Twin – $2,685

Shared – $2,580

Commuter – $2,260 (3 meals included)

Livestream tickets will be available in September 2025. 

*Should the retreat be cancelled for any reason related to Covid-19, the deposit payments made will be automatically transferred to a replacement Retreat at Home.