Frequently Asked Questions

  • Currently we are offering a six-night retreat package. This includes a one night stay before darkness to orient yourself to the space, four nights in complete darkness, and one night after emerging from darkness to gently integrate your experience. This schedule provides a supportive entry and a grounded return.

  • Yes. Once you enter your private dome for the darkness portion of your retreat, there is no external light. The space has been carefully designed to remain in complete darkness while still offering comfort, safety, and ease of movement.

  • Nourishing, organic meals are delivered through a light-sealed passageway to ensure complete darkness is maintained throughout your retreat. There is a small dining table with a soft cushioned seat for enjoying your meals while in your private dome.

  • We provide check-ins twice a day to ensure your well-being and to stay attuned to your needs. These check-ins are gentle and non-intrusive, designed to support your process without interrupting it. If you prefer not to be checked on, you are welcome to request privacy, and we will fully respect that. Support is always available if needed.

  • Each private dome is equipped with a silent call switch. If you need support at any time between check-ins, simply turn the switch on and a small light will begin blinking in the Communal Dome. One of our team members will be notified and will come to check in with you.

  • There are no specific rules or accomplishments required to begin this journey. Healing and growth do not follow a checklist, and there’s no ideal state you need to reach before entering darkness. If there is a sincere desire in your heart to heal, a curiosity about what lies within, or a felt sense that something is calling you towards it, we welcome you to join.

  • Preparation can begin simply by turning inward. As you approach your time in darkness, it is not uncommon for emotions, memories, or unresolved experiences to surface. This can be seen as part of the process. What is coming up may be what is ready to be witnessed, worked with, or explored at more depth.

    You can begin to build a relationship with presence in your daily life by slowing down, practicing inner listening, and noticing what arises when distractions are removed. Even a few minutes a day of sitting in stillness with your eyes closed can begin to attune you to a quieter self.

    Reading or revisiting certain books can also support this orientation. We recommend:

    • The Presence Process by Michael Brown

    • When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön

    • The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer

    • Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach

    • Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine

    There is no perfect way to prepare for a dark retreat however, beginning to meet yourself with curiosity and compassion is a meaningful place to start.

  • Yes. Bringing an intention can be a powerful catalyst. It signals a readiness, a willingness to meet something within yourself. As Paulo Coelho writes, "When you want something, the entire universe conspires to make it happen." There is truth in this. When you arrive with clear intent, the experience often begins to move in response to this.

    At the same time, it is important to stay open. An intention is not a demand. It is a way of entering with reverence and trusting that what unfolds may look different than what the mind expects. The invitation is to hold your intention, while remaining open to the unfolding of your unique experience.

  • Yes. We offer the option for partners to do a dark retreat together in the same dome. Weaving with the darkness in this way can be a powerful and intimate experience, inviting a deeper listening not only to yourself but also to the relational aspects between you.

    This offering is best suited for couples who already have a foundation of exploring growth within their relationship. Entering the darkness together can amplify things unspoken or places where the relationship could grow. It is a powerful way to meet the places that are ready to be seen, felt, and integrated.

  • For most people, yes. The darkness can bring forward deep emotional, spiritual or physical sensations, which is part of the process. However, this retreat may not be suitable for individuals currently in crisis, struggling with addiction, or with unmanaged mental health conditions. If you are unsure, we are happy to talk more and help you assess your readiness.

  • Yes. You are never locked in. You can choose to exit your retreat at any point however you will not be reimbursed for the time lost.

  • You may wish to bring personal items for comfort, but we recommend keeping it simple. Once you enter darkness, your senses will shift and external items may lose their usual meaning. You will require your own personal toiletries, clothing, slippers or indoor shoes.

  • Yes. We will occasionally offer work exchange opportunities or accept volunteers, depending on the season and the needs of the project. These roles are typically best suited for individuals who feel a genuine connection to the vision of Nocturna Domes. If you feel called to contribute your time and skills, we invite you to reach out and share a bit about yourself.