Does Fernwood provide facilitation or programming for retreat days?

No — Fernwood provides the space. You provide the program, facilitation, and any guest experience. This is a venue booking. Fernwood does not supply facilitators, yoga teachers, coaches, or any programming of its own.

Which space is right for a yoga or movement retreat?

The Studio Loft. It's 700 sq ft of open, unobstructed floor with natural north light from skylights. No columns, no low ceiling, no carpet. It accommodates up to 12 for yoga and movement practices. The Farmhouse living room is a secondary option for very small groups (4–6) or yin practices.

Can I have 25 or 30 people at a retreat day?

No. The spaces are designed for groups of up to 20 total. Studio Loft maximum for movement is 12; for seated workshop it's 16. Farmhouse maximum is 8. If your group is larger than 20, Fernwood is not the right venue.

Is Fernwood available for recurring weekly retreat days?

Yes — through the /weekly program, practitioners can book recurring sessions (weekly or bi-weekly) at a 10% discount. This is popular with coaches, yoga teachers, and therapists who run an ongoing program or practice.

What does catering look like for a retreat day?

BYO is always an option — bring food and drinks for your group, use the Farmhouse kitchen. For a fully handled food experience, add Manna: morning coffee/tea/pastries, seasonal family-style lunch, afternoon snacks. Manna pricing is discussed when you book; minimum headcount applies.

Are overnight accommodations available for a multi-day retreat?

Yes — Fernwood has 4 spaces for overnight stays. For a 2-day retreat, your group can stay on-property in Adler (2 guests), Bracken (2 guests), and/or the Farmhouse (up to 4). Note that Fernwood is not exclusive-use — other guests may be on the property simultaneously.

How do I book a retreat day?

Inquire via the retreat page or contact form. Fernwood replies the same day. Day-use sessions can be booked as little as 1–2 weeks ahead; Manna add-ons and multi-day stays require more lead time.

← Guides

Retreat Day · Coaches, facilitators, yoga teachers · 5 min read

How to Plan a Retreat Day at Fernwood Hills

How to set up a full retreat day at Fernwood Hills — from arrival through program to closing circle. Written for coaches, yoga teachers, and facilitators running their own programs. Fernwood provides the space; you run the day.

Group size: 2 – 20 participants
Duration: Full day (9 am – 5 pm)
Price from: $495 / half-day per space
Main spaces: Studio Loft · Farmhouse · both
Catering: BYO or add Manna
Recurring bookings: 10% off via /weekly

Choose the right space

Studio Loft is the default for movement, yoga, and open workshop formats — 700 sq ft of unobstructed floor, north-facing skylights, nothing in the way. It fits 12 for yoga or 16 seated. The Farmhouse works for group coaching, intensives, and intimate programs — up to 8 people, kitchen, fireplace, and a covered deck. If your day has both a movement component and a conversation component, book both spaces and rotate.

Set your participant limit early

Studio Loft ceiling: 12 for movement practices, 16 for seated. Farmhouse: 8. Both together: 20 max with rotation. Fernwood is not a conference centre — it's a working property with a fixed number of functional spaces. Overloading the rooms undermines the experience you're creating for participants, and Fernwood won't approve bookings that exceed space limits.

Plan food and breaks

The simplest approach: BYO. Bring food for your group; the Farmhouse kitchen has a full-size fridge, stove, oven, and prep space. For a handled day, add Manna: morning coffee/tea/pastries, a seasonal family-style lunch, and afternoon snacks. Manna takes care of sourcing, setup, and cleanup. Minimum headcount applies; confirm the menu 3 weeks ahead.

Design the day arc

Two or three focused blocks work better than a packed schedule. Build in 30–45 minutes of outdoor time between each block — a walk on the forest loop, practice on the meadow, or just sitting by the ponds. The outdoor transitions are often what participants mention first in feedback. A sample arc: 9 am arrival, 9:30–11:30 morning block, outdoor break, 12–1 lunch, 1–3 afternoon block, 3:15 break, 3:30–4:30 closing circle, 5 pm close.

Communicate logistics to your group

Send participants a note before the retreat: cell service is limited (1–2 bars Rogers/Bell, often less), download materials in advance. Parking is on property for 15 cars. The address is 9533 Oxbow Drive, Komoka — 10 minutes from London's west end. Fernwood is not remote, but it does feel removed, which is usually why you're coming here.

What Fernwood is — and isn't

Fernwood provides a private forest setting, well-designed spaces, and optional food service. It does not provide facilitation, curriculum, or participant experience. The outdoor environment — trails, meadow, ponds, fire pit — is accessible to you and your group throughout the day. That access is often what makes the day feel different. But the program is yours.

Common questions

Does Fernwood provide facilitation or programming?: No — Fernwood provides the space. You run the program. Fernwood doesn't supply facilitators, teachers, or any programming.
Which space is right for yoga or movement?: Studio Loft: 700 sq ft open floor, skylights, up to 12 for movement. Farmhouse living room works for very small groups or yin practices.
Can I have 25–30 people?: No. Maximum is 20 across both spaces. Studio Loft: 12 for movement, 16 seated. Farmhouse: 8.
Is there a recurring booking option?: Yes — the /weekly program offers 10% off for recurring weekly or bi-weekly sessions. Popular with coaches, yoga teachers, and therapists.
What does catering look like?: BYO using the Farmhouse kitchen, or add Manna for a fully handled morning/lunch/afternoon package. Minimum headcount applies; confirm 3 weeks ahead.
Can participants stay overnight?: Yes — Adler (2), Bracken (2), Farmhouse (up to 4). Not exclusive-use; other guests may be on property.
How do I book?: Inquire via the retreat page or contact form. Fernwood replies the same day.

Book your retreat day

Fernwood replies the same day. Bring your program — we'll have the space ready.

See All Retreat Options Recurring Sessions