Join us for a transformative 6-day adventure in rural Vermont, designed for queer men but warmly open to all. In this exclusive retreat, limited to just a dozen guests, we unshackle our shame, release our inhibitions, and dive into the profound spiritual principle of JOY—our very reason for existence. Nestled in the serene beauty of the Willow Retreat Center, we will expand our potential as spiritual beings, explore the depths of ourselves, and celebrate our humanness while in the embrace of our spiritual siblings. This retreat is a sanctuary where personal discovery, communal connection, ecstatic living, and exploring the natural world converge to create a truly transformative experience.
What is offered
Personalized Growth Pathways:
Dive into 1-on-1 coaching and freedom techniques that nurture your individual journey.
Spiritual Deep Dives:
Engage with mantras, sacred meditations, and workshops exploring diverse spiritual philosophies to enrich your soul.
Embrace Nature's Majesty:
Reconnect with the earth through clothing-optional river swims, guided mindfulness hikes, and forest bathing.
Celebrate Connection
Experience the unity of our community through sacred fire ceremonies, group bonding, and storytelling circles, fostering deep, lasting connections.
Creative and Expressive Outlets:
Discover the healing power of creative expression in spiritual artwork, poetry, journaling sessions, and ecstatic dance movements.
Embodied Practices:
Explore physical yoga and partnered intimacy work, honoring the body as a sacred vessel of experience and growth.
Silent Reflections:
Cherish moments of silence amidst nature for meditation and introspection, allowing the serene environment to speak to your heart.
Your Hosts
Join Kaelan Strouse & Anthony Gutierrez on a journey of discovery and celebration supported by the dedicated team at Willow. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive space for all identities, genders, and orientations. Kaelan is a spiritual guide who has led meditations, coaching sessions, and yogic practices since 2008. Anthony has been a leader in HIV and LGBTQ+ spaces for almost 20 years. Kaelan and Anthony will lovingly support you through this spiritual transformation experience, guiding you toward tranquility and personal growth.
About this Retreat
This retreat is more than an escape; it's a profound journey into the heart of joy, freedom, and community. Space is extremely limited to ensure a personalized and intimate experience, so please CLICK HERE to download and submit your application at your earliest convenience.
“I am in awe of what transpired over the weekend and am forever changed. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done or will ever do.” —NR
”I feel like there was a part of me missing in me that isn’t anymore. I don’t know how anyone can thank anyone for that.” —SS
”Come ready to frolic, grow, expand, laugh, and cry with your fellow unicorns!” —EW”
The Accommodations
Willow is a comforting and nurturing environment — furnished with a harmonious combination of custom contemporary and vintage furniture, rugs, artwork and crafts.
The Colonial Revival main house offers open living space on the first floor: a grand foyer with sitting area and library, a spacious and light-filled living room with fireplace, a sunny veranda, a dining room, and a 14-person yoga studio. On the first floor of the main house is a 500 square foot yoga and art studio painted in soft colors of the willow tree’s wisp, leaves, and bark. The studio is beautifully lit and decorated.
Each bedroom has two beds and a dedicated bathroom. Four rooms have en-suite baths and two have dedicated hallway baths. All rooms come equipped with a smart TV, air conditioning, electric fireplace, comfortable beds and linens and ample storage.
The Meals
All meals are included from Thursday evening until Monday morning. The meals plan includes dinner on arrival day, 3 meals each full day, and brunch on departure day. Willow specializes in Indian and Indian-inspired meals. Our meals are balanced with healthy proteins, healthy fats and carbs.
Registration and Other Information
All rooming will be shared; we can accommodate couples or friends in the same room and on request we can arrange for a triple. To register, please fill out an application stating your intent and why you think this retreat is coming at the perfect time for you.
Limited scholarships are available for those wishing to attend but currently experiencing financial hardship.
Willow is a body-positive space. Some activities will be clothing optional.
Traveling to Willow
By car: Willow is located in the small village of South Newfane VT about 25 minutes north of Brattleboro VT and 30 minutes northeast of Wilmington VT.
From Brattleboro, take Route 30 north about 9 miles. Go left on Depot Road where the West River and Rock River meet; travel 2 miles on Depot Road until you cross a small bridge over the Rock River; go left on Dover Road through the village of Williamsville; after passing through Williamsville you will cross a covered bridge. Willow is exactly 1.2 miles on your left. If you come to a stop sign you have gone 300 feet past our driveway.
From Wilmington, take Route 100 north toward West Dover about 3.5 miles. A half mile past the River Valley Market, take a right on East Dover Road; travel 1 mile. Take a right on Dover Hill Road; travel 8 miles on Dover Hill Road and E Dover Road (they are continuous) until you reach a 3-way stop sign in the village of South Newfane. Willow is 300 feet past the stop sign on your right.
By train: there are daily Amtrak trains from New York and Springfield MA. Taxis are available in Brattleboro or Willow’s owners will pick you up in Brattleboro shortly before check in time.
By plane: Travelers may find Hartford (BDL—64.4 miles, 90 minutes) and Boston (BOS—85.7 miles, 2 hours 20 minutes) to be most convenient. Other nearby airports to check are Rutland VT (RUT, 55 miles, 1 hour 20 minutes), Manchester NH (MHT—85 miles, 2 hours), Albany NY (ALB—73 miles, 1 hour 40 minutes), and Worcester MA (ORH, 81 miles, 1 hour 50 minutes).