If you’re looking for a little bit of heaven here on earth, look no further than the bevy of nearby retreat centers located north of Boston.

Surrounded by woodlands and tucked beside marshes, options for the spiritually inclined abound. Each facility caters to a slightly different clientele. So whether it’s rest, silence, or the balm of nature you seek, go local. The assortment may surprise you. 

The Big Three

Adelynrood Retreat and Conference Center
Newbury, Mass.

Boasting a weathered wood shake exterior, Adelynrood is an Arts and Crafts-style gem. Think screened porches, rocking chairs and soot-stained fireplaces. Staying at Adelynrood is like stepping back in time.

The recent addition of a new conference wing has turned this summer haven into a year-round operation. But the biggest improvement may be in the kitchen. The new chef is a graduate of the famed Culinary Institute of America. His flavorful menu features delightful concoctions, including an expanded slate of desserts. You needn’t be a retreat participant to enjoy the upgraded cuisine. Reservations are available to all.

The other captivating aspect of Adelynrood is its history. The property is operated by the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross, a group of women volunteers. Aligned with the Episcopal Church, SCHC members have vowed to live a life marked by prayer and simplicity. Their commitment to caring for the environment is evident everywhere you look, with wildflower gardens, flower beds, pine trees and walking trails scattered about the landscape. If guests tire of the 14-acre campus, Plum Island and the Great Salt Marsh are just minutes away. For those interested in pairing their retreat with ocean beaches and spa dining, Adelynrood hits the mark.

Eastern Point Retreat House
Gloucester, Mass.

Guests at Eastern Point, which is located at the end of a windswept peninsula, enjoy expansive ocean views. The main building is formidable, a stone fortress topped with multiple turrets and chimneys. The interior is upscale, featuring polished wood floors, Oriental rugs, and single en suite rooms. Outside, the manicured lawn stretches toward the sea. If creature comforts are a priority, Eastern Point is worth a look.

The programs offered here are rooted in the Catholic tradition. Retreats range in duration from a single day to a monthlong experience based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order. Guests also have the option of participating in private, self-directed retreats. 

The priority of this ecumenical ministry is maintaining the silence needed for contemplation. Wi-Fi is available to guests, but the use of cellphones is not permitted inside the buildings.

The sun rises and sets over the water at Eastern Point, a benefit of its unique geographical location. For those who gain peace from silence and the sea, this Gloucester enclave provides a healthy dollop of both.

 

Rolling Ridge Retreat and Conference Center
North Andover, Mass.

Billing itself as “New England’s premier Christian retreat center,” Rolling Ridge is a feast for the eyes. 

True to its name, the main building is reached by traversing a set of gently undulating hills. Along the way, visitors catch glimpses of wetlands, an organic farm, and a large grassy area designed for picnicking. But the principal attraction of the campus’ 38-acre spread is Lake Cochichewick. The lake provides a stunning backdrop for the center’s outdoor chapel, accompanies the many shoreline walking trails, and lures guests to try their hand at paddling. Kayaks and canoes are available, but the lake also serves as a reservoir, so swimming is prohibited.

The hub of the center is a rambling estate that was built in the early 1920s. Its pale pink exterior comes as a surprise, as does an incandescent blue ceiling. Initially constructed for wool merchant Ethan Allen, the house has gone through a number of iterations. Its transformation from private residence to conference center occurred in October 1948, following the purchase of the house and grounds by the United Methodist Church. For decades, the property served as a summer youth camp. Its current incarnation as an adult retreat center is fairly recent.

Personal, group and online retreats are all available, in addition to spiritual direction. Hot stone massage, craniosacral therapy, reflexology and Reiki are among the offerings at the Ridge Wellness Center. Delicious meals are available at moderate prices. With plenty of space to ramble and ruminate, guests can sit by a fire, walk a labyrinth, or simply enjoy the fresh air. 

Those who only want to take advantage of the grounds during warmer weather are free to do so without charge, pending availability. 

 

 

Hidden Gems

St. Basil’s Salvatorian Center
Methuen, Mass.

At the entrance of St. Basil’s are two statues by sculptor Michel Aouad, cornerstones of a quaint outdoor chapel. This bold artistic flavor is seen on the grounds, as iconography and statuary are present throughout.

This facility, which includes a seminary, specializes in three types of retreats: Pre-Cana (marriage preparation), single-sex adult gatherings, and Cursillo, a four-day program meant to train Christian leaders.  

Beside the seminary is a large church, open to those who feel called to worship. The main building, built in 1884, houses both the offices and overnight accommodations. From the upper floors, the ruins of Tenney Castle are in view. A heavenly inspiration indeed. 

St. Thecla’s Retreat House
Billerica, Mass.

Tipping its hat to St. Thecla, the ardent and chaste follower of St. Paul, this retreat house mirrors the monastic tendencies of its namesake. Here, simplicity reigns. Sixty bedrooms fan off from large dormitory-style hallways, providing the necessary basics for each guest — a bed, desk, chairs and sink. Icons and crucifixes dot the interior walls, while the exterior, clad in yellow brick, is reminiscent of the palette of many nearby Catholic schools and colleges. Anchored by a singular bell tower, the rectangular construction is in the traditional cloister style. Although welcoming of all faiths, this facility reflects a decidedly Christian flavor.

The rustic interiors are more than matched by an expansive 134-acre wooded compound. Hiking trails wind their way through the forest, where guests will discover ample benches and grottoes for rest and reflection. The property also abuts the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and the Concord River. For those seeking the solace of nature, St. Thecla’s fits the bill.  

 

Adelynrood Retreat and Conference Center
Newbury, Mass.
(978) 462-6721
Adelynrood.org

Eastern Point Retreat House
Gloucester, Mass.
(978) 283-0013
EasternPoint.org

Rolling Ridge Retreat and Conference Center
North Andover, Mass.
(978) 682-8815
RollingRidge.org

St. Basil’s Salvatorian Center
Methuen, Mass.
(978) 683-2959
SaintBasils.org

St. Thecla’s Retreat House
Billerica, Mass.
(978) 667-5580
Pauline.org/Retreat