Planning your first dark retreat and wondering what to pack? There’s no need to worry. We’ve put together a practical checklist of everything you’re likely to need, along with a few suggestions on what’s best left at home.

Clothing: Comfort Comes First

The temperature in our dark retreat rooms is kept comfortably warm, so there’s no need to worry about getting cold. Loose, comfortable clothing is all you need—something that allows you to relax and move freely.

We recommend bringing:

• Sweatpants or leggings
• A soft T-shirt and a sweatshirt
• Pyjamas or comfortable sleepwear
• Socks (feel free to bring several pairs if you enjoy keeping your feet warm)

Slippers or indoor shoes are not necessary, as you’ll be moving around your room barefoot or in socks on the carpet.

What Can You Leave at Home?

There’s no need to bring bedding, towels, toiletries, or toilet paper—we provide everything you’ll need. All meals and drinks are included as well. Throughout your stay, you’ll enjoy freshly prepared vegetarian meals, drinking water, and a selection of teas.

Personal Hygiene

Although the essentials are provided, we recommend bringing a few personal items:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Any prescription or regular medication
• Tissues
• Your preferred soap, deodorant, or other personal care products (optional)

We also recommend packing a small flashlight. It can be useful when settling into your room on arrival or packing up at the end of your retreat. During the retreat itself, of course, you’ll remain in complete darkness.

Things That Nourish the Soul

Darkness creates the perfect space for silence, reflection, and creativity. Many guests like to bring something that helps them express or process their inner experience.

You may wish to bring:

• A notebook and pen – even in complete darkness, many people find they can write by touch. Folding the corner of each page can help you keep track of the writing direction.
• A musical instrument – such as a kalimba, flute, small drum, or other instrument that brings you joy. Upon request, we can also lend you a djembe, shamanic drum, flute, or Tibetan singing bowl.
• Drawing materials – coloured pencils, wax crayons, or pens if you enjoy creating without relying on sight.

Some guests also find comfort in bringing a meaningful personal object—a small talisman or an item connected to a loved one.

Less Is More

A dark retreat is, above all, an invitation to return to simplicity. The fewer external distractions you bring, the more space you create for your inner experience. Choose only what genuinely supports you.

Whether you pack only the essentials or include a few personal items, what matters most is not what you bring with you—but what you bring within yourself.

And above all, don’t forget the most important thing: an open mind and the courage to observe whatever arises without judgment. These are the true keys to a profound and transformative experience.