Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to General Questions for Everyone

  • Are you following any Covid-19 safety protocols?
    Yes. We will continue to monitor federal, state and local guidelines and data. We anticipate these protocols to evolve. Please continue to check the Covid-19 Guidelines for updates.
  • Are you a luxury resort and retreat center?
    We offer a beautiful, rustic retreat experience run by a residential community of volunteers dedicated to service and spiritual/personal development. We are not a luxury facility.
  • Can I reserve a meal at Mount Madonna Center?
    Three meals daily are included in costs for all programs and retreats. Day and overnight visits are available by reservation. Visit: Pathways to Visit
  • Does your cafe serve food?
    The cafe is open on select days only (see schedule here) and serves a selection of drinks and light snacks. It is open to registered day visit or overnight guests only.
  • Are yoga classes available?
    In person yoga classes are currently available on specific days of the week. View the schedule here. We are also offering weekly online meditation, philosophy, & asana classes.
  • How do I get to the Center?
    See our Transportation and Directions page for more information on getting to the Center. Unfortunately, we cannot provide shuttles or car service of any kind. You are encouraged to contact other participants in your program to arrange a carpool!
  • What is the closest Airport?
    San Jose (SJC) is the closest airport and it is an approximately one-hour drive from the center (43 miles), with light traffic. San Francisco (SFO) and Oakland (OAK) are each approximately 1.5 hours away (74 miles).
  • What is your property like and does it include hiking trails?
    The property is 380 acres, with our main campus area artfully developed. There are many hiking trails varying from easy to quite challenging, and it is simple to get away from the developed area to beautiful redwood groves, meadows, wonderful views, and quiet. Trails are open to registered guests only.

Answers to Questions for Overnight Guests

  • Can I come today?
    We require 48 hours advance notice for overnight stays, therefore, you would need to register by 4pm two days before you plan to arrive. Learn more: Pathways to Visit
  • Is there wifi and cell-phone reception?
    There is wifi in most guest rooms (not cabins), meeting spaces, and in our community building and cafe. Cell phone reception can be spotty, though texting works well. Verizon works best, AT&T is decent, and Sprint and T-Mobile are limited.
  • Are your facilities handicapped accessible?
    Yes, all major facilities are handicapped accessible, and nearly all outlying ones as well. Please be sure to let us know if you will need a handicapped accessible room, so we can place you accordingly. We have rooms with and without bath, and accessible public restrooms.
  • Do you accommodate children?
    Yes, we are pleased to welcome children of all ages.
  • Can we bring pets?
    No.
  • Are service animals allowed?
    Mount Madonna Center permits service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go. Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered.
  • Are there any rules or guidelines that I need to be aware of?
    Quiet hours are 9:00pm to 8:00am. We do not allow alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs, or pets. We do not allow smoking, except in the designated area. Please do not bring food of any kind to the Center. Please do not wear or use scented products or essential oils as many people are allergic and/or sensitive. Please also read the COVID-19 Updates.
  • Can we bring or cook our own food?
    We do not allow any outside food at the center. Our chefs prepare three delicious vegetarian meals daily, and tea and fruit are available 24 hours per day.
  • Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
    We provide lacto-vegetarian meals (no eggs), with non-dairy and non-gluten alternatives at each meal. We strive to meet other special dietary needs to the best of our ability. Please contact the Programs Office at (408) 846-4090 to discuss dietary needs for your group or your personal retreat.
  • What is the meal schedule?
    We serve three meals a day, at 8:30-9:30am, 12:30-1:30pm, and 5:15-6:15pm. Please plan to arrive at the dining room at least 15 minutes before the end of a meal.
  • What is your cancellation policy?
    For Personal Retreat or Program reservation cancellations received at least two weeks before your reservation date, you will receive a full refund to your credit card. For cancellations received from two weeks to 48 hours prior to the reservation date, you will be charged a processing fee of $50 and the remainder of your payment will be held as a credit for you to reserve a future Personal Retreat or Program within one year. Credits are not transferable to another person. If you cancel within 48 hours of your reservation date, if you do not show up, or if you leave early you will not receive a refund.
  • How much do I pay upon registration and upon arrival?
    Reservations must be paid in full before your arrival.
Food
Yoga Redwoodrm
View
Ram Cottages
Cabin Interior
  • What is the difference between a cabin and a room?
    Cabins are located in a lovely oak grove and have electricity and heat, but no indoor plumbing. A separate bathhouse with flush toilets and private shower rooms is nearby. The cabins are a 10-minute walk from most meeting spaces and community buildings. If this sounds too rustic for you, please consider asking for a room. Rooms are in hotel style buildings (no phones or TVs in rooms, however) and feature one or more single beds. Some rooms include a private bathroom with shower while others share bathrooms just down the hallway.
  • Do you provide laundry facilities?
    We do not provide on-site laundry facilities, due to scarce water resources. There is a commercial laundry service with pick-up on Thursdays with delivery of clean clothes on Saturdays.
  • May I volunteer to reduce my cost?
    It is possible, if you let us know upon registering, and we have enough advance notice for scheduling to happen.
  • Whom do I contact if I need more information?
    Please contact Guest Services at 408-846-4090 or email programs@mountmadonna.org.
What should I bring?
  • Flashlight
  • Alarm clock
  • Travel mug for tea or coffee
  • Your own yoga mat and/or meditation cushion (though we provide these for guests and in all yoga classes)
  • Bathing suit for pond
  • Journal
  • A good book
  • Hiking shoes
  • Sun hat
  • Camera
  • Layered clothing (the weather varies quite a bit here on the mountain!)
  • Hairdryer (please be mindful of quiet times and neighbors if bringing)
What should I leave behind?
  • Shampoo, conditioner, and body gel (all unscented) are provided.
  • We do not allow food of any kind. For a small day use fee, there is a picnic area available at Mount Madonna County Park.
  • Please refrain from wearing fragrances and scented products so that all may enjoy their stay.
  • Please do not bring pets of any kind, including pets in your vehicle.
  • Alcohol and illegal drugs.
  • Candles, incense, or any fire hazards/flames. Smoking is in designated areas only.