Frequently Asked
Questions

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.

We offer a beautiful, rustic retreat experience run by a residential community of staff and volunteers dedicated to service and personal development. We are not a luxury facility.

Three meals daily are included in costs for all programs and retreats. Day and overnight visits are available by reservation, and will include up to three meals per day.

Please note that meals are not included in temple reservations.

The cafe is open on select days (see schedule here) and serves a selection of drinks and light snacks. It is only open to registered guests.

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 (postures) classes.

See the Directions & Maps page for more information about getting to the Center.

San Jose (SJC) and Monterey (MRY) are the closest airports. San Jose is an approximately one-hour drive from the center (43 miles), with light traffic. Monterey is an approximately one-hour drive from the center (40 miles), with light traffic. San Francisco (SFO) and Oakland (OAK) are each approximately 1.5 hours away (74 miles).

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.

We require 48 hours advance notice for overnight stays, therefore, you would need to register by 4pm two days before you plan to arrive.

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.

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 an ADA room, so we can place you accordingly. We have accommodations with and without a bathroom, and ADA public restrooms.

Yes, we are pleased to welcome children of all ages.

No.

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.

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 designated areas. 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.

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.

We provide lacto-vegetarian meals (no eggs), with dairy- and gluten-free alternatives at each meal. We strive to meet other special dietary needs to the best of our ability. Please contact the Guest Services Office at (408) 846-4090 to discuss dietary needs for your group or your personal retreat.

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.

Reservations must be paid in full before your arrival.

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.

It is possible, if you let us know upon registering, and we have enough advance notice for scheduling to happen.

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.

Cancellations made at least thirty (30) days before the start date of your reservation are fully refundable. Cancellations made less than thirty (30) days but more than seven (7) days prior to the start date of your reservation incur a cancellation fee equal to fifty percent (50%) of the total reservation amount. No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than seven (7) days in advance of the start date of your reservation.

For Personal Retreats and Mountain Experience day visits, the cancellation policy varies; please see those specific program pages.