Location

This year the NVC and Diversity retreat will take place at the Pema Osel Ling retreat center, located in the Santa Cruz mountains in California. We have chosen this site because of its beauty, compatibility with our mission, and affordability (as part of our attempts to make this program as accessible as possible).

Pema Osel Ling is accessible from the San Jose and San Francisco airports. We will provide registrants with ride-share support to coordinate travel to and from Pema Osel Ling. Click here to view a Google map on which you can enter your address to get driving directions to Pema Osel Ling.

Our lodging and meeting halls are surrounded by majestic redwood trees, local wildlife (including peacocks, wild turkey and deer), wonderful hiking and biking trails to explore over 100 acres of redwood forest, and beauty everywhere you look. Amenities on-site include an outdoor lap pool, multiple indoor and outdoor spaces for yoga and meditation, and on-site massage therapists (for an additional charge).

The accommodations range from a modified, four-bedroom house (see photo to the right) with dormitory-style bathrooms to cozy cabins with nearby outdoor bathrooms. Many campsites are also available. Most people can expect to share a room with 1-2 others although single rooms may be available depending on enrollment.

Food

Pema Osel Ling's chef, Peter Marti, prepares delicious, nourishing vegetarian and non vegetarian meals with homemade, fresh baked bread. Meats are often free-range and organic meats. In addition, he serves organic coffee. There is a limited availability for those with special diets not easily accommodated with catered dining to store and prepare their own food.

Pema Osel Ling's website has a host of information about their retreat center as well as links to local attractions. Please click here to visit their site.