Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question to see our answer:
This All Sounds Great, Just Tell Me How to Book It!
* I want to stay and I want to do ALL the things!
- Make your lodging reservation.
- If you’re staying over a weekend, you can simply choose from the available sauna + cold plunge (+ optional hot tub) sessions times and make your reservation here.
- Send us a message letting us know what other services you’d like to add, then we’ll coordinate timing with you and send you special links to book the rest.
* I want to stay and just do SOME of the things!
- Make your lodging reservation.
- Send us a message letting us know what other services you’d like to add, then we’ll coordinate timing with you and send you special links to book the rest.
* I am staying somewhere else – can I still book wellness services at Silvae Spiritus?
Yes! We welcome day-trip visitors! If you’d just like a sauna + cold plunge session (+ optional, seasonal hot tub) on the weekend, you can book that here. For all other wellness services (or Monday through Thursday sauna sessions), send us a message letting us know what wellness services you’d like to book and the dates you’d like, and we’ll send you special links to book!
* I’m just doing a day-trip, can I still book wellness services with at Silvae Spiritus?
Yes! We welcome day-trip visitors! If you’d just like a sauna + cold plunge session (+ optional, seasonal hot tub) on the weekend, you can book that here. For all other wellness services (or Monday through Thursday sauna sessions), send us a message letting us know what wellness services you’d like to book and the dates you’d like, and we’ll send you special links to book!.
* Coordinating all the dates and times is overwhelming – can you just suggest something?
Yes! We love crafting the perfect schedule for your wellness getaway – just send us a message, and we’ll take it from there.
* I want to give a wellness gift, but don’t know what the person would like. Also, their birthday is tomorrow. Help!
We’ve got you covered! Grab a digital Gift Certificate that instantly sends a message to your gift recipient!
Forest Bathing
* What is your cancellation policy for Forest Bathing sessions?
As a small business, serving you is important to us. Our cancellation policy helps us support you and our staff when changes need to be made. We can accommodate rescheduling or cancellations 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. Within 48 hours cancellations are non-refundable, UNLESS you add Peek Protect ticket insurance to your order for a nominal fee upon checkout.
* What about severe weather?
In the event of severe weather (lightning / hail / tornado warnings / air or windchill temps below 20°F), Forest Bathing walks will be postponed, rescheduled, or canceled (cancellations receive a full refund).
* Are the trails paved?
All trails at Silvae Spiritus are either compacted gravel or natural dirt with vegetation. Be prepared for uneven surfaces, stones, tree roots, and other tripping hazards.
* How far will we walk?
All walks total less than 1.5 miles round-trip.
* What kind of exertion should I expect?
The terrain at Silvae Spiritus consists of lightly rolling, low-lying hills between wide, flat expanses.
* What should I wear?
We recommend guests wear what makes you most comfortable, dressing in layers warmer than you think you’ll need (we’ll be moving so slowly that we won’t be able to rely upon body heat to keep us warm). Many guests enjoy sitting on the ground and kicking off their shoes. Many guests enjoy exploring off-trail. Consider weather (we walk rain or shine) and bugs (mosquitoes and ticks are particularly heavy in spring and early summer, followed closely by biting flies).
* What should I bring?
Bring whatever will ensure your comfort during the walk – from a raincoat to bug spray to a sun hat to an extra scarf to a tripod stool – you know your body best.
Sauna + Cold Plunge + seasonal Hot Tub
* What is your cancellation policy for Sauna + Cold Plunge sessions?
As a small business, serving you is important to us. Our cancellation policy helps us support you and our staff when changes need to be made. We can accommodate rescheduling or cancellations 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. Within 48 hours cancellations are non-refundable, UNLESS you add Peek Protect ticket insurance to your order for a nominal fee upon checkout.
* What about severe weather?
In the event of severe weather (tornado warnings or air or windchill temps below -30°F), sauna sessions will be postponed, rescheduled, or canceled. In the event of lightning, hot and cold Plunge tubs will be unavailable for guest use. Safe, alternative cold therapies will be provided, and hot tub sessions will be fully refunded.
* What should I wear?
We recommend you wear what makes you feel most comfortable when working up a sweat. For some, that’s a swimsuit (make sure it doesn’t have metal parts!), for others that’s merino wool sauna clothes, for others it’s a cotton t-shirt and bike shorts – it’s all welcome here. Additionally, we recommend flip-flops or other easy on/off water shoes to walk from the Wellness Lounge up to the Thermic Oasis and for use on the sauna platform.
* What should I bring?
- swimsuit or other sauna clothing
- flip-flops or other easy on/off water shoes
- towel
- water bottle to stay hydrated
- bag to take your wet items home with you
- salty snack for the ride home
* Are there showers available?
As of this writing, February 2026, not for day trip visitors (on-site AirBnB guests have access to showers in their lodging). Many guests have mentioned that they have found personal deodorant wipes or baby wipes helpful in freshening up post-sauna.
* Is it private?
This depends on the session you booked. Guided Private Sauna Sessions are reserved solely for you and your private party, and no other guests will be joining you. Even so, there are three AirBnBs on-site, and trails throughout our 30 acres; it is possible that other guests might walk past the sauna during your session. Community Sauna Sessions can have up to eight people, all strangers to one another.
* What do you mean by “Guided” Private Sauna session?
We are equally comfortable hosting sauna guests who are newbies to the practice and want all the details and guidance we can offer as well as those who are seasoned pros and want a private, silent experience. Upon arrival to The Wellness Lounge, you will be greeted and oriented to the spaces. From there, we’ll provide as much or as little interaction as you’d like – although, at minimum, we will check-in on the sauna once every 30 minutes to tend the fire(s) and ensure guest safety.
* Is the hot tub included in my sauna session?
The wood-fired hot tub is only available as an add-on to a sauna reservation, and due to the challenges of getting it up to full heat and maintaining that heat during extreme weather, the hot tub is only available to add on to sauna sessions April through December.
* Can I just book the hot tub?
The hot tub is only available as an add-on to a sauna session.
* I’m staying in one of your AirBnBs, is sauna included?
The sauna + cold plunge is only available to AirBnB guests who have made a paid sauna reservation, as it is scheduled for AirBnB guests in addition to off-site visitors. If you’d like to make a sauna reservation during your stay, reach out and we’ll coordinate timing with you and send you a link to book.
* I’m staying on-site, where do I go when it’s time for my session?
Meet us in The Wellness Lounge, we’ll take it from there!
* I’m not staying on-site – where do I go when I arrive?
Follow the signage for “Wellness Guest Parking,” then follow the signage for “Wellness Guest Entrance.” Meet us in The Wellness Lounge, we’ll take it from there!
Meditative Sound Immersion
* What is your cancellation policy for Meditative Sound Immersion sessions?
As a small business, serving you is important to us. Our cancellation policy helps us support you and our staff when changes need to be made. We can accommodate rescheduling or cancellations 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. Within 48 hours cancellations are non-refundable, UNLESS you add Peek Protect ticket insurance to your order for a nominal fee upon checkout.
* I’m staying on-site, where do I go when it’s time for my session?
Meet us in The Wellness Lounge, we’ll take it from there!
* I’m not staying on-site – where do I go when I arrive?
Follow the signage for “Wellness Guest Parking,” then follow the signage for “Wellness Guest Entrance.” Meet us in The Wellness Lounge, we’ll take it from there!
* What should I wear?
Many guests choose to get as comfy as possible, and often arrive wearing PJs. We’re cool with whatever feels most comfortable for your 90-minute session.
* What should I bring?
While we have some eye masks, yoga mats, bolsters, blankets, pillows, and comfy seating, some guests have perfected their sound bathing setup and prefer to bring that to ensure the most immersive experience – you’re welcome to bring whatever will make you the most comfortable without disturbing other participants. We also recommend a water bottle, as well as a journal and writing instrument if that would support your experience.
Reiki Energy Healing
* What is your cancellation policy for Reiki Energy Healing sessions?
As a small business, serving you is important to us. Our cancellation policy helps us support you and our staff when changes need to be made. We can accommodate rescheduling or cancellations 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. Within 48 hours cancellations are non-refundable, UNLESS you add Peek Protect ticket insurance to your order for a nominal fee upon checkout.
* I’m staying on-site, where do I go when it’s time for my session?
Meet us in The Wellness Lounge, we’ll take it from there!
* I’m not staying on-site – where do I go when I arrive?
Follow the signage for “Wellness Guest Parking,” then follow the signage for “Wellness Guest Entrance.” Meet us in The Wellness Lounge, we’ll take it from there!
* What should I wear?
Many guests choose to get as comfy as possible, and often arrive wearing PJs. We’re cool with whatever feels most comfortable for your scheduled session. Indoor sessions include a heated mattress pad on the treatment table for extra warmth.
* What should I bring?
Your open mind, your open heart, and any questions or concerns that you’re sitting with that you’d like addressed.
Interbeing Retreats
* What is your cancellation policy for Interbeing retreats?
For the safety and comfort of all guests, as well as to hold the container for a deeply connective experience, and to honor the significant work that goes into crafting each bespoke retreat we do not offer refunds for Interbeing Retreat registrations. We strongly encourage guests to consider opting in to Peek Protect ticket insurance for an additional fee during checkout to ensure a full refund if you need to cancel. Finally, we DO permit guests to transfer their ticket to another individual of their choosing (guests must fully manage any payments or reimbursements themselves without involving Silvae Spiritus) – just send along the contact information for the guest you’ve transferred your ticket to, and we’ll ensure they have all the information they need for the retreat.
* What about severe weather?
In the event of severe weather (lightning / hail / tornado warnings / air or windchill temps below 20°F), we will offer immediate shelter in a safe location, and outdoor activities will be postponed or rescheduled.
* Do I have to camp?
Not if you don’t want to! We have three on-site lodging options available for participants, and there are plenty of off-site lodging options within a 20-minute drive.
* Are there showers available?
As of this writing, in February 2026, no. We are, however, working to install an outdoor shower in time for Interbeing 11: DAWN.
* What meals do you provide at Interbeing Retreats?
Brunches and Dinners. We craft each meal to be vegetable-forward, and rounded out with proteins and fats suitable for omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans, as well as those keeping gluten-free and dairy-free – served buffet-style so that each person can choose what best suits their needs. Whenever possible, we opt for local, organic produce that is in-season.
Lodging
* What is your cancellation policy for lodging?
Due to our remote location, guests often book reservations to stay between 45-60 days in advance. Any cancellations after that window make it challenging for us to re-book the dates that had been previously held for a reservation. Therefore, our AirBnB cancellation policy is “Strict,” which guests must agree to before making their reservation. This means that after a booking is made, guests have 24 hours to cancel for a full refund. After 24 hours of booking and up to seven days prior to check-in, guests can cancel for a 50% refund. If guests cancel less than seven days before check-in, they forfeit any refund.
We strongly encourage guests to opt-in to AirBnB’s trip insurance, to ensure a full refund if a cancellation needs to be made for any covered reason. More about AirBnB’s trip insurance can be found here.
* Can I skip AirBnB and book directly through you?
At this time, we only accept lodging reservations through AirBnB for insurance / liability purposes.
* Is the sauna included?
To keep lodging affordable for all guests, the sauna + cold plunge are not included in the base rate of a stay, and are only available as an add-on amenity. Reservations required.
* Will I have the entire place to myself?
You will have the lodging that you booked via AirBnB entirely to yourself, but be aware that we have three lodging options on-site (The Gather Guesthouse, The Treetop Tiny House, and The Meadow Micro House), in addition to residing on-site in our own home which is attached, duplex-style, to the Gather Guesthouse. Additionally, we provide wellness services to scheduled day trip visitors. Therefore, during your stay you might pass us or our other guests on our 30 acres of land with trails throughout.
Cancellation Policy
* What is your cancellation policy?
We have cancellation policies specific to each wellness service, retreat, special event, or lodging you’ve booked. Please see the appropriate section above for the specific cancellation policy you’re curious about. In all cases, we strongly encourage guests to opt-in to the ticket insurance offered by Peek (our booking software for all wellness services, retreats, and special events) or trip insurance offered by AirBnB (our booking software for all lodging).
* How do I add Peek Protect to my wellness service or retreat reservation?
During checkout, look for the option to add Peek Protect to your reservation, then choose “yes, protect my booking.” Your new cart total will be visible before making your payment. For more information, visit the Peek Protect info page here.
* How do I add insurance to my AirBnB reservation?
During checkout, guests are asked by AirBnB if they’d like to add insurance to their stay – we recommend choosing yes for the small additional fee. If you opt out, but then change your mind later (but before your stay), you can still add it to your reservation. Here’s more information about what AirBnB insurance covers.
Accessibility
* How far is the walk to the Sauna / Thermic Oasis from The Wellness Lounge?
270 feet, up a long, mild slope of compacted gravel.
* Is The Wellness Lounge accessible to those using mobility devices?
Yes. The doorways are large enough for a wheelchair or walker, and the entry from the parking area into The Wellness Lounge is flat. Please note: the restroom in The Wellness Lounge does not have grab-bars.
* Is your lodging accessible to those using mobility devices?
No – we’re sorry to say that our three AirBnBs are not accessible to those requiring the use of mobility devices – each requires the use of stairs to gain access to the space. The Gather Guesthouse’s sleeping rooms and bathroom are on the second floor, up a spindle staircase.
Facility Rental
* Do you offer single-day or half-day wellness retreats for non-profits, small businesses, and corporations?
Yes! We regularly host half-day and full-day wellness retreats for teams and organizations, deftly meeting the needs of non-profits, small businesses, and corporations alike. We are happy to work with you to craft the perfect, restorative, and inspiring team-building experience without ever uttering the words “team-building.”
* I want to hold my own private retreat at Silvae Spiritus – do you allow rentals?
Well, yes and no. To ensure that all guests of Silvae Spiritus honor the intention of the land, the private lodging, and the shared spaces, we typically do not permit facility rentals outright. That said, we are open to working in partnership with aligned individuals and/or organizations wishing to hold a retreat of their own, on the condition that at least one of our wellness services is included in your retreat program. This way, we work together in a spirit of relationship and reciprocity; Silvae Spiritus isn’t just a venue, the land and the spaces are co-creators for a healing journey.
* What is your overnight lodging capacity and configuration?
We have three separate lodging options:
- The Gather Guesthouse: 2,500 square feet, two bedrooms with a queen bed in each room, plus a queen+ sofa, and a deluxe, self-inflating air mattress. Sleeps up to six.
- The Treetop Tiny House: a luxury tiny house with lofted sleeping areas – two queen beds. Sleeps up to four.
- The Meadow Micro House: a luxury postage-stamp sized micro house with one queen bed. Sleeps up to two.
* What do you have for indoor meeting spaces?
We have two options for indoor meeting spaces:
- The Wellness Lounge: large, open room. Perfect for yoga, sound immersions, breathwork, etc. Can easily seat 20-25 people in a large circle.
- The Gather Guesthouse: main floor (living room, kitchen, dining area) has an open floor plan, and includes modular seating that can be moved aside. Perfect for yoga, sound immersions, breathwork, etc., as well as small group meals.
* Do you offer catering?
We do not offer catering, but every lodging space has a fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette suitable for making meals. The large, fully equipped kitchen in The Gather Guesthouse is perfect for group meals.
* What are your rates?
Our rates are multi-factorial, therefore a conversation via e-mail or phone is required to gather the details about you and your wishes so that we can best provide a figure that meets your needs. We welcome you to reach out!
* Do you allow weddings?
While we have hosted weddings for friends, we are not a wedding venue. There are a handful of lovely wedding venues in the near vicinity that have both the expertise and enchanting facilities to make your special day perfect – we recommend taking a look at Juliane James Place, Knife River Place, Creekside Farm Weddings & Events, and MJ’s Barn.










