St. Mary's Sewanee
Quiet space for spiritual renewal
Quiet and spiritual hospitality are at the heart of a stay at St. Mary’s Sewanee. The retreat center welcomes people from varied religious and spiritual backgrounds for retreats, renewal, and learning, with yoga, meditation, and spirituality among its practice themes. Its Sewanee setting is described in terms of natural beauty, simplicity, and calm, making this a place to step back from everyday demands without needing to share a single tradition. Food is treated as part of the retreat experience: the kitchen accommodates a broad range of dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free meals. Free Wi-Fi, parking, towels, and coffee and tea add practical comforts. Retreat formats and daily rhythms vary, so it is worth checking the details of the particular program you have in mind. Rates start at USD 277, and the center is reached by road from the Nashville or Chattanooga area.
Highlights
- A kitchen that accommodates vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free diets
- Retreat themes spanning yoga, meditation, and spirituality
- Free parking, Wi-Fi, towels, and coffee and tea
- A guest-registration route marked from St. Mary’s Lane
Good for
Setting
The center describes its atmosphere through natural beauty, simplicity, silence, and tranquility. It welcomes guests from diverse spiritual backgrounds, with a focus on rest and retreat rather than a single shared tradition.
The practice
The program spans yoga, meditation, and spirituality rather than being presented as one defined lineage. Retreat formats can therefore differ: some may center on contemplative practice, others on yoga or broader spiritual learning. Ask about the specific retreat’s sessions and experience level before booking.
A typical day
Daily rhythm varies by retreat, so there is no single schedule to count on. The center hosts retreats, renewal, and learning, with yoga, meditation, and spiritual themes appearing across its program. Confirm the timetable, meal times, and any periods of silence for your chosen dates.
Accommodation
Lodging details are not described here. Ask St. Mary’s Sewanee about room types, accessibility, and what is included with your retreat.
What to bring
Pack comfortable clothes for meditation or yoga, along with layers for changing conditions. The annual average temperature is 14°C, with warmer summers and cooler winters; rainfall is highest in spring, so a light rain jacket is useful.
How to get there
From Nashville or Chattanooga, take I-24 to Exit 134 toward Sewanee/Monteagle. Turn onto Highway 41A toward Sewanee, continue for 5.5 miles, then take Highway 56/Sherwood Road and St. Mary’s Lane. Follow signs for Guest Registration.
Nearest airport: Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (Lovell Field) (CHA) (68 km)
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (Lovell Field) is approximately 68 km from the center. Ask the center about transfer options; no shuttle service is listed.
Nearest city: Chattanooga
Contact St. Mary’s Sewanee directly to confirm dates and reserve a place.
Retreat rates start at USD 277. Confirm the price and what is included for your chosen dates.
Climate
Climate Zone: Temperate
Best Months: Dec, Nov, Jan
Avoid: May, Apr, Feb
Sewanee has an annual average temperature of 14°C, with the warmest months in June through August and the coolest in December through February. April and May are among the wettest months, while November through January are relatively dry.
Location
Frequently asked questions
What does a typical day at St. Mary’s Sewanee include?
The daily schedule varies by retreat. Check with the center about the timetable for your chosen program.
Can beginners attend a retreat here?
The center welcomes people from diverse spiritual backgrounds, and its themes include yoga and meditation. Ask about experience expectations for the specific retreat.
Can the kitchen accommodate dietary needs?
Dietary options include vegan, vegetarian, pescetarian, Ayurvedic, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free meals. Confirm your needs with the center before booking.
How do I get to St. Mary’s Sewanee from Chattanooga?
From Chattanooga, take I-24 to Exit 134 toward Sewanee and Monteagle, then follow Highway 41A, Highway 56/Sherwood Road, and St. Mary’s Lane. Follow the signs for Guest Registration.
How can I reserve a place?
Contact St. Mary’s Sewanee directly to confirm retreat dates and reservation details.
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