All Darkness retreat bookings at Hestia require completion of the following process:
By completing your booking, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by all terms, conditions, policies, and guidelines outlined on this page and on the Policies & Guidelines page. You confirm that the information you have provided is accurate and complete.
Full retreat cost is retained as facility and staff resources will be committed to your arrival.
If you cancel far enough in advance and we can fill your place, and then the booking is fully refundable minus a £50 cancellation fee.
If you choose to depart before the completion of your booked retreat period, no refund will be provided for unused days. This policy protects the integrity of the Darkness process and acknowledges staff and facility resources already allocated. We strongly recommend discussing any challenges with Greg or your dedicated staff member before making the decision to leave early, as many difficulties encountered in Darkness can be worked through with support.
Medical emergencies and genuine unforeseen circumstances are considered on a case-by-case basis. Documentation may be required. Rescheduling to an alternative date is preferred over refund when possible.
If you need to reschedule your retreat, alternative dates may be available. Rescheduling requests must be made in writing and are subject to availability. If it’s possible we may not be able to fill your place, we may not agree to rescheduling.
Darkness retreat participation requires:
The following conditions must be discussed during your mandatory preparation consultation:
Darkness retreat is not appropriate if you are currently experiencing:
You are responsible for disclosing all relevant health information during your preparation consultation. Withholding or misrepresenting health information may result in cancellation without refund. Hestia reserves the right to refuse participation if safety concerns emerge after disclosure.
You acknowledge that Darkness retreat involves periods of sensory deprivation and isolation. You assume all risks associated with participation, including psychological, emotional, and physical risks, and agree to hold Hestia, Greg Manning, and their associates harmless from any claims arising from your participation.
In case of medical emergency, standard emergency protocols apply. Emergency services will be contacted immediately if necessary. You consent to emergency medical treatment as determined appropriate by Greg Manning or emergency medical personnel.
Pre-Retreat: Complete cessation is recommended for one week before arrival. Minimum requirement: four days without use before check-in. This allows your neurochemistry to stabilize and prepares your system for the profound states Darkness facilitates.
During Retreat: Absolutely no alcohol, recreational drugs, or smoking permitted during your retreat. These substances prevent access to the deeper consciousness states that form the foundation of the Darkness experience.
If You Have Regular Use Patterns: If you regularly use alcohol, drugs, or tobacco and find cessation difficult, discuss this honestly during your preparation consultation. Gradual tapering beginning one week before arrival is recommended. We may suggest postponing your retreat if full cessation is not achievable, as substance use directly undermines the transformative potential of Darkness work.
Recommended Timeline:
Gradual reduction prevents severe withdrawal headaches. Herbal teas are available throughout your retreat to support the natural energy states that emerge in extended Darkness.
Mental health and other necessary medications are not prohibited. However, all medications must be disclosed during your preparation consultation. Medications that cannot be safely managed without visual confirmation or that require careful dosing adjustments should be discussed in advance. Greg will work with you to establish safe protocols for medication management in Darkness.
A light, clean diet is recommended for 3-5 days before your arrival. Detailed dietary guidance will be provided in your preparation package. Avoid heavy, processed, or stimulating foods immediately before your retreat. Fasting is significantly more challenging in Darkness without external distractions. If you intend to fast, please discuss this in advance with Greg so he can assess and advise.
You are responsible for adherence to all substance preparation guidelines. Hestia reserves the right to cancel your retreat without refund if anything indicates non-compliance with these policies, or if you are observed under the influence at any time during your retreat.
The following items will be collected upon arrival for safekeeping and returned at departure: (They will be kept securely in a safe)
Items such as electric toothbrushes with small indicator lights may be modified with light-blocking tape. Medical devices requiring light will be discussed and accommodated case-by-case with appropriate light-blocking modifications.
Why This Is Non-Negotiable: Even microscopic amounts of light disrupt the neurochemical processes darkness initiates. Light prevents the profound brain state changes that take days to achieve and can shift you out of transcendent states that are essential to the retreat's transformative potential.
During your retreat, communication with the outside world is restricted to genuine emergencies only. This isolation is essential because:
Genuine emergencies can be communicated through Greg. Upon booking, you will provide emergency contact information for a close family member or trusted friend. In case of true emergency, Greg can facilitate communication without unnecessarily disrupting your immersion. Non-urgent matters will be handled after your emergence.
That close family member or friend will also be able to communicate with you dedicated support staff in case of an emergency in the external world. We will have time to discuss, in advance, the circumstances in which you want to be interrupted by new from the outside world.
You have two call button systems available at all times - a wearable button and a fixed button in your room. Greg or another member of support staff will be available 24 hours daily to respond to your needs. Response time may be several minutes if they are sleeping, but someone is always in the house and available to you.
You agree to respect the communication isolation policy and refrain from attempting to bring light-emitting devices into your room, regardless of perceived necessity. You acknowledge that the benefit from your Darkness experience depends upon your full commitment to these policies.
Problems with your room: Please let us know of any maintenance issues immediately via your call button
Hygiene: Let us know if you are struggling to maintain basic hygiene standards in your ensuite facilities
Noise: There are four rooms and will normally be four guests at a time staying at Hestia. We aim to minimise noise throughout the centre. Please refrain from making any noises which could be heard through a wall. Quiet drumming, chanting, breathwork etc should be fine. Loud singing, drumming, jumping could compromise the sanctity of another guest’s immersion and we may request you cease if it is too loud
Provided Meals: Two nourishing vegetarian meals are delivered daily through a discrete hatch system. Unlimited filtered water is available on request via call button. Meals are designed to maximize your experience in Darkness.
Dietary Accommodation: Special dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice provided during your booking consultation. All allergies, restrictions, and preferences must be disclosed during booking to ensure appropriate meal preparation. We will aim to meet your dietary limitations. If you have a complex diet or needs, please be specific and we can discuss what we can do. We may not be able to meet all your needs.
Outside Food: Please don’t bring your own food without discussing this first. Some foods may be ok, but it’s best that we know what you’re consuming so we can care for your properly and advise you of the pros and cons of them. Special supplements might also be ok but also only with prior discussion and approval for the same reason.
You will have your own private bathroom, for the duration of your stay. Linen changes are provided weekly for longer retreats. Bathroom facilities are cleaned weekly for retreats exceeding seven days, during which you will stay in the bedroom with an eye mask to prevent exposure to light. Nobody will come into your room outside of this cleaning so you are responsible for maintaining basic cleanliness. It may be possible to request additional cleaning.
Gentle movement and stretching are strongly encouraged to prevent aches, pains, and physical stiffness. Yoga mats are provided in your room. You may practice any movement you feel called to, though listen carefully to your body without visual feedback and move at a pace that feels safe.
You are responsible for any damage to Hestia's facilities caused by negligence or deliberate action during your stay. Damage costs will be charged to your account. Normal wear and tear from appropriate use is not the guest's responsibility.
Hestia is a sacred space dedicated to individual transformation. Behavior that disrupts this space, disrespects any member of staff, or compromises the experience for other guests is not acceptable. Hestia reserves the right to require immediate departure for serious conduct violations, without refund.
Your autonomy is always respected. Doors are never locked, and you are free to leave at any time. No physical restraint or coercion of any kind is used. However, we strongly encourage consultation with Greg before making an early departure decision.
Many challenges that arise during Darkness immersion can be effectively worked through. Difficult experiences often precede major breakthroughs. What feels overwhelming in Darkness often shifts quickly with proper support and guidance. Premature departure frequently means missing the very insights and transformations you came for.
Post-Darkness Sensitivity: After extended time in complete Darkness, exposure to light significantly alters your mental and emotional state. The following safety protocols apply:
Re-Entry Impossibility: You cannot quickly return to the deep neurochemical states achieved over multiple days in Darkness. The neurochemical process cannot be instantly restarted. Early departure may result in permanent loss of integration opportunity and represents loss of the substantial investment in your preparation.
No refunds are provided for early departure regardless of reason. All preparation costs, facility reservation fees, and staff resources allocated to your full retreat are non-recoverable. Integration support may still be offered if appropriate.
An integration session is provided during your emergence morning. A follow-up support call is available after your departure, scheduled based on your needs and preferences. Integration support helps you translate your Darkness experience into meaningful life changes.
Transition Period: On your final morning, you will have the opportunity for a gentle walk through the adjacent woodland, allowing gradual light acclimation and meaningful transition from inner to outer landscape before departure.
Darkness retreat involves sensory deprivation, isolation, and potentially challenging psychological and emotional experiences. By booking your retreat, you acknowledge and assume all risks associated with participation, including but not limited to:
You agree that Hestia Darkness Hotel, Greg Manning, and associated staff are not responsible for any psychological, emotional, or physical harm arising from your participation. You voluntarily assume all risks and agree to hold Hestia and its associates harmless from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from your retreat experience.
This waiver does not limit liability for gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Hestia reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to the website. Your continued use of booking services constitutes acceptance of modified terms. Significant changes will be communicated via email to existing guests with upcoming bookings.
For questions regarding these terms and conditions or to discuss any concerns:
Email: hello@hestiaretreat.co.uk
Location: Hestia Darkness Hotel, Robins Folly, Semley, Shaftesbury, Dorset, United Kingdom, SP7 9AQ
These terms and conditions are governed by English law. Any disputes will be resolved through good-faith communication and discussion with Greg Manning before escalation to formal dispute resolution.
Last Updated: January 2026
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