Whidbey Institute is located on Whidbey Island in the Pacific Northwest — one of the most beautiful bioregions in North America. The institute is conveniently situated just one hour north of Seattle and within easy driving distance from British Columbia, Eastern Washington and Oregon. Transportation from Seattle-Tacoma and Vancouver International Airports is easily accessible.
The quiet, natural beauty of Whidbey Institute provides an ideal setting for seminars. The 70 acres of evergreen forest and meadow lands laced with a network of walking trails encourage creative interaction, exploration and deep reflection, fostering renewed leadership and action.
Whidbey Institute was chosen specifically for its inspirational setting and forms an integral part of the seminar experience. Lodging at Whidbey Institute includes the newly restored Farmhouse, a small cottage called Granny’s, and four personal retreat cabins in the forest. Additional lodging on neighboring acreage is located at Aldermarsh — a mere 10-minute walk from Whidbey Institute through beautiful old-growth forest. Tent camping is also available on-site.
For people choosing to live onsite (at Whidbey Institute and Aldermarsh) during the seminar, accommodations are simple and beautiful (more information below). Rooms are assigned on a first come, first served basis. When you register you will be asked to choose from one of the following 4 options (Places are limited in each of these categories):
If you prefer to book a room off-site, Whidbey Island has a wide variety of lovely accommodations that are just a 5-10 minute drive from the Institute. (Note: A day-use facility fee applies for seminar participants who book off-site accommodations: 5 days @ $15/day = $75.00)
For over 30 years, Whidbey Institute has been actively bringing people together to create dialogue, depth, greater clarity of vision and emergent ways of thinking and being in the world. The facilities are designed for professional and personal renewal and inspiration. Both land and facilities reflect and radiate an ambiance of integrity, comfort and well-being.
The Farmhouse has seven bedrooms and shared baths (one three-quarter and one full bath) on the second floor. On the first floor is a full kitchen, phone access, living room with wood-burning stove, dining area, and a half bath.
Granny’s, a five-minute walk from the Institute, offers a homey charm. It has two bedrooms and one full bath on the second floor, and three bedrooms and one ¾ bath on the first floor. On the second floor there is also a full kitchen, dining area and living room with a wood-burning stove.
The Cabins are located in the forest close to the Farmhouse. Small and comfortably rustic, they all have electricity and heat. Showers, restrooms and an outdoor kitchen are provided in a separate building a short walk away.
For those wishing to camp during the seminar, a large meadow will accommodate you with both sunny and shady locations. Showers, restrooms and an outdoor kitchen are provided in a building in the same meadow.
Aldermarsh is made up of the Main House, the “Studio”, and the North House. The Main House has space for eight guests in three rooms with two full baths; it is a lovely custom home aesthetically designed for comfort and beauty.
Right next door is the “Studio” with two rooms, two baths and a kitchen, and a little walk through the forest leads you to the North House, with five rooms and two full baths.
Guests staying at Aldermarsh will also have use of a Ceremonial Cordwood Sauna, which holds up to 16 people.
We hope that you will find both land and facilities conducive to deep reflection, community building, rejuvenation, and aesthetic enjoyment.
All meals will be catered on-site. You will be served three meals a day — a supreme continental breakfast, gourmet lunch, and dinner with dessert — plus mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks (cost: $50/day). Dining at Whidbey Institute is a community experience that celebrates the culinary pleasures of food in an atmosphere sure to facilitate wonderful conversation. The delicious, healthy meals form a memorable part of the Whidbey Institute experience. The freshest food from local, organic sources will be served when available. All meals are served buffet style in the dining room. Unique needs and dietary preferences can be accommodated.
