Frequently Asked Questions
What are the accommodations like?
Well + Wander retreats take place at Yellow House Inn. Nestled on a quiet side street in the downtown district of Bar Harbor, Yellow House Inn offers guests a peaceful seaside respite just steps away from dining, shopping, galleries and sightseeing along the waterfront. The thoughtfully curated accommodations blend together the charm and intimacy of a traditional bed and breakfast with modern touches and amenities of a boutique hotel. Yellow House Inn is a small property with 7 unique and comfortable rooms. All rooms include a private bathroom and King sized bed.
How many people are attending the retreat?
We are operating in a 7-bedroom inn. You can expect to have anywhere from 7-14 people in attendance.
Do you have rooms with two beds?
All of the available rooms offer a King sized bed. You can have double occupancy in a room, but both attendees would share the King bed in this situation. We do offer a lower rate for double-occupancy retreats.
What will we do at the retreat?
Well + Wander is designed for the traveler who is craving a relaxing, fun and simple time away while also doing guided deeper personal work. Activities will include: options for hiking/biking/kayaking, discussion, conversation, watercolor painting workshops and demonstrations, yoga and movement options, community sauna if available, group walks & hikes, etc. You can read the full agenda here.
What should I pack?
We recommend bringing comfortable clothes, a rain jacket, and plenty of layers for enjoying the outdoors in Maine. After registration, you will receive a detailed suggested packing list.
Who leads the retreat?
Our retreat leaders are writer and author Celeste Orr and mixed media artist Sara Bumgardner. You can learn more about us as individuals, our history and mission on our “Meet the Team” page here and on our personal websites at celesteorr.com and sarabumgardner.com.
Of course, we are more than what can be boiled down to a few paragraphs, so we are happy to also connect with you via e-mail to help you determine if Well + Wander is your ideal fit. Email us here with your questions.
Which airport should I fly into?
Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) is the closest, but also the smallest. You can get some easy and direct small flights from Boston airport to BHB.
Bangor (BGR.) BGR is approximately one hour away from Bar Harbor.
Portland International Jetway* (PWM) is the largest in Maine, but also the furthest away with a 3 hours drive time. PWM has the most flight options and they are sometimes less expensive, but when you factor in a rental car and 3 hour driving time, this airport isn’t always a deal. The PWM option is GREAT for anyone who wants to fly in and/or out a few days before or after the retreat and to drive the coast for additional nights in other Maine towns.
*Don’t confuse this with Portland Oregon! (it happens more than you might think!)
What type of activities should I be prepared for?
The activities we choose will usually involve the beautiful scenery we are surrounded by on Mount Desert Island in and around Acadia National Park. Most physical activities will be mild to moderate, but if you are looking for more challenging options, we can make arrangements or help to guide you. If you have questions, please contact us directly.
What’s the cancellation policy?
We are a small retreat and do not offer refunds at this time. We always recommend that guests purchase Trip Insurance to cover any unforeseen cancellations.
Can I bring someone else for the stay even if they don’t plan to attend the retreat?
We offer retreats for women and devote the property to the people attending the retreat only. We can make recommendations for other places that your travel partner can stay while you are at the retreat, and we are always happy to look for creative solutions with you. Please reach out to us anytime