More Retreat Information (Private Retreats)

 

IRC Information Accommodations Food What to Bring Directions Airport & Shuttles

Location and Directions

Insight Retreat Center:  1906 Glen Canyon Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95060  (in Scotts Valley) –  Google Map  –   E-Mail  –  831-430-9198

• Driving Directions
• Airport and Shuttle Directions
• Carpooling is strongly encouraged.  We have limited parking.  Log in or Register to use the Carpool Board.

IRC Information

• Emergency Contact # during retreats: 831-430-9198. Though no one may pick up, the retreat managers check phone messages regularly.
• When you arrive: Drive through the iron gate. Drop off your luggage at the front entrance, then park. Enter through the front; check-in will take place in the dining room.
• Cancellation: If you need to cancel, please notify the registrar by email or phone as soon as you know you are unable to attend.
• Staying an extra night before or after the retreat: Sometimes it’s possible, please check with the registrar.
• Arriving early on the day the retreat begins: Plan to arrive during the check-in period unless special arrangements have been made.
• Having a package sent: To receive a package while on retreat, please inform the Retreat Manager. Send to: Insight Retreat Center – 1906 Glen Canyon Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
• There is no camping available.
• Donations: IRC retreats are offered freely at no cost to anyone who participates. In turn, at the end of the retreat, retreatants have the opportunity to offer a donation to the teachers and to the IRC Retreat Fund. These generous donations (dana) are what enables IRC to continue to operate and offer retreats in this way.
  • The teachers serve without compensation from IRC.
  • The IRC Retreat Fund is used for IRC’s operating costs, including retreat food and supplies, as well as the general operation costs of running the center.

Accommodations

• Rooms: All rooms are private rooms with either communal or shared bathrooms.  Half the rooms are carpeted.
• Wheelchair Accessible: IRC is wheelchair accessible and is equipped with an elevator.  More information can be found HERE. There is a copy of this document in the drawer next to the bed.
• Sheets & Towels:  Bring your own clean sheets, pillowcase, and towels. Blankets and pillows are provided. We have some sheets & towels to lend out to those who are not able to bring their own.
• Smoking:  There is no smoking anywhere in the facility or grounds of IRC.
• CPAP:  Each bedroom has a place to plug in.

Food

• What are meals like? Simple nutritious, balanced vegetarian meals primarily using organic ingredients. When dairy or wheat products are served, alternatives are provided. Since we cannot accommodate all food preferences, please plan to eat the meals that are offered. Simple standard foods (salad bar, eggs, beans, cheese, nut butters etc.) are always available for those who cannot eat our standard meals. If you need to supplement the food offered, you may bring a small amount of your own food. You will have use of a microwave and limited refrigerator & cupboard space. No food in bedrooms.
• Tea and hot water are available throughout the day.
• Coffee is available at breakfast. Single cup filters and ground coffee are available for other times. If you bring your own coffee, bring it pre-ground.
• I must eat meat for my health. What should I do?  You can bring pre-cooked canned meat or fish or deli style meats. There are cupboards and a refrigerator in the dining room with limited storage.  Cooking of meat/fish is not permitted. If possible, please eat at the outdoor tables so the smell of the meat/fish doesn’t linger in the building.

What to Bring

• Water bottle:  IRC is on a shared well system and needs to conserve water.  Bring your own water bottle to help prevent having to wash glasses.
• No Scented Products:  Being mindful of some people’s allergies or sensitivities, please do not bring or wear scented cosmetics, soaps, or other products, including “natural” scents. Do not use fabric softeners or scented detergent in clothing worn on retreats.
• Clothing for all weather:  Indoor temperature is controlled by heating and cooling.  There can be large temperature swings between day and night so bring appropriate layers.
• Bring an umbrella and rain gear in the fall and winter months
• Footwear: Bring shoes that are easy to slip on and off.  The upper floor is shoes off. It can be helpful to bring indoor shoes or slippers.
• Poison oak:  Poison oak is common in the area though mostly controlled within the retreat center property.  Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and Technu Soap can help protect you if you are allergic or sensitive.
• Ticks: There are ticks in the area.  Please see this page for information on prevention and what to do if you get one.
• Meditation Cushions, Mats (Zafus & Zabutons), benches and cushioned chairs are available. The meditation hall floor is uncarpeted.
  
• Self-reliance: Bring whatever you need.  We are not able to shop for items you may have forgotten. Please bring:
  
  • Unscented toiletries: toothbrush/paste, shaving items, sunscreen, etc… (note: Shampoo, conditioner & soap are provided.)
  • Bedding:  twin sheets and pillow case
  • Towels: Bath and hand towels and washcloth
  • Medical and personal supplies:  Tylenol/aspirin, cough drops, eye drops and lip balm…
  • Sunglasses and sunhat for walking outdoors.
  • Shawl or wrap for the mediation hall
  • Indoor “slipper” shoes or extra warm socks. (No shoes in meditation hall.)
  • Flip flops for shower room
  • Flashlight or headlamp (and batteries)
  • Water bottle
• Will I be able to do laundry? The center’s laundry facilities are not available to retreatants. To help conserve water, bring enough clothes to not have to do hand laundry if possible.

Location and Directions

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Insight Retreat Center:  1906 Glen Canyon Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95060   –  Google Map  – 831-430-9198

• Carpooling is strongly encouraged to conserve both precious resources and limited parking space.  About three weeks before your retreat, you will receive a reminder from the Registrar with instructions, or go to the Carpooling link on our website. Registration is required to use the carpool board.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS  (local travel routes map) to IRC: 1906 Glen Canyon Rd., Santa Cruz
Note: Travel time from Redwood City is one hour, but cannot account for heavy commute periods.

From North Bay & Peninsula: Two Options:

• 101: take 101 South to 85 South, go 13.3 mi. to 17 South for 18.7 mi. See Directions from 17 South below.
• 280: take 280 South to 85 South, go 7.8 mi. to 17 South for 18.7 mi.  See Directions from 17 South below.

From San Jose & East Bay:  take 880 South which turns into 17 South.  See Directions from 17 South below.

• Directions from 17 South to IRC:
  • Exit on Mt. Hermon Rd in Scotts Valley. Turn RT onto Mt. Hermon Rd. .3 mi
  • Turn Rt at stop light onto Glen Canyon Rd. .5 mile; turn RT to STAY on Glen Canyon Rd. 1.2 mi.
  • Turn RT onto Sunny Acres Dr. and immediately turn into first driveway on Right.  Go through the black iron gate.
• From Santa Cruz: 2 travel options: highway or streets)
  
  • Highway:  Take 17 North, Exit on Mt. Hermon Rd.
    • Turn Rt at stop light onto Glen Canyon Rd. .5 mile; turn RT to STAY on Glen Canyon Rd. 1.2 mi.
    • Turn RT onto Sunny Acres Dr. and immediately turn into first driveway on Right.  Go through the black iron gate.
  • Streets:  From Ocean St. in downtown Santa Cruz, head East on Water Street; turn left onto Market Street. Drive 0.8 miles to the 4-way stop sign where Market Street turns into Branciforte Drive.
    • Continue on Branciforte for 0.6 miles
    • Turn left onto Glen Canyon Road.  1.8 miles
    • Turn left onto Sunny Acres Drive and immediately turn into first driveway on Right.  Go through the black iron gate.

 AIRPORT Information & SHUTTLE Options