I've been to the Sewell house.... many times, at least 6 times I think? I'd have to check. Either way - this place is the best! The first time I went there, I went there alone and spent the weekend with her and Kent and fell in love with the house, the area, them, the food, everything! I love the history behind the house and the area - there is always things to do, rain, shine, hot weather, cold weather, and Donna is the most inviting and wonderful yogi/person you'll ever meet (and so easy to talk to!!). She always has the most amazing chefs there, and it's the most inviting, cozy place to be. Not to mention... there's yoga, wonderful food, a hot tub, a soaker tub (in the Pinecone room only!), a sauna... I've gotten massages there, done meditation on a bridge overlooking a river, gone hiking in the woods for hours, gone to watering holes/water falls, gone out on a boat and done yoga on a rock while the sun was coming up.... I couldn't recommend this place enough, and I can't recommend Donna enough <3
Thank you so much taking the time to write this review- We look forward to your next visit with us-to do yoga and all the rest! We warmly appreciate you!
Riverside Lodge2025.11.01
I arrived at Sewall House feeling drained and disconnected, and I left feeling deeply grounded, open, and at peace.
This small, intimate yoga retreat was exactly what I needed - an oasis of calm and clarity. Donna and her staff were warm and welcoming. The group was small enough to feel personal and supportive, and every class was thoughtfully guided with care and presence. Truly Donna has created a safe space to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with body, breath and heart. The meals were nourishing, the conversations genuine, and the pace perfectly balanced between rest and gentle challenge.
I left Sewall House with a deep sense of gratitude and rejuvenation. If you’re looking for a retreat that restores you from the inside out, I can’t recommend this one enough!
Jennifer McMahon
Owner/Operator Riverside Lodge & Sauna
Thank you so much for this warm beautiful review! We appreciate so much your taking the time to write this and are so grateful that our service honored your needs! When our efforts to create a safe space are rewarded with reviews like this it makes our day all the better! Keep smiling & be well! Thank you
Riverside L2025.11.01
Verified
Yoga Retreat
I arrived at Sewall House feeling drained and disconnected, and I left feeling deeply grounded, open, and at peace. This small, intimate yoga retreat was exactly what I needed - an oasis of calm and clarity. Donna and her staff were warm and welcoming. The group was small enough to feel personal and supportive, and every class was thoughtfully guided with care and presence. Truly Donna has created a safe space to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with body, breath and heart. The meals were nourishing, the conversations genuine, and the pace perfectly balanced between rest and gentle challenge. I left Sewall House with a deep sense of gratitude and rejuvenation. If you’re looking for a retreat that restores you from the inside out, I can’t recommend this one enough! Jennifer McMahon Riverside Lodge & Sauna - Owner/Operator
This was a retreat in the truest sense of the word. I felt immersed in a really holistic experience of Yoga, Nature, self introspection, generous teaching, nurturing food and meaningful comradery with fellow students. The small class size made for a very personalized experience, and I left with an overall feeling of peace, gratitude and good health.
Thank you so much for this super nice review! We so appreciate that you took time to mention the various benefits you received while with us- that means so very much to us. Be well! We are grateful for you!
Sree2025.10.11
Sewall House is a hidden gem, a place where time seems to slow down so you can reconnect with yourself. Nestled in a beautiful, remote corner of Maine, it’s the kind of retreat that is both grounding and inspiring. I am fairly certain it is one of the most remote Yoga retreats in the country.
Donna (Amruta) has lovingly transformed her historic family home (its worth checking out her great grandfather's story as Teddy Roosevelt's nature guide) into a warm, welcoming sanctuary for yoga, meditation and reflection. She and Ajeet teach with such presence and intuition, each class thoughtfully tailored to the needs and energy of the group. Over the course of four days, our daily practice included Kundalini, Swarupa (restorative), Yoga Nidra and regular Hatha Vinyasa. Mila’s vegetarian meals were not only delicious but served always with a lot of love and occasionally with pearls of life and health wisdom.
I appreciated how the days naturally flowed between moments of quiet solitude and genuine connection with others. There was also plenty of opportunity to explore the surrounding nature, a perfect complement to the more inward focus of the practice. Donna also led a gorgeous session at the nearby lake at sunset- truly magical. I also highly recommend getting one of Terry's awesome massages!
If you’re looking for a retreat that combines authenticity, community, and the beauty of simplicity, Sewall House is a truly special place. Thank you Donna, Ajeet and Mila for a beautiful four days! I hope to be back and maybe even teach a class there someday :)
Thank you SO much for this warm detailed review! We loved that you found us and embraced the experience so fully.. we would love to welcome you back and yes teach a class!
Laura Chrismer2025.10.10
Donna and her staff have created a nurturing environment to rest, recharge and relax I highly recommend this retreat center. Plus the food is excellent, the beds are comfortable and the Yoga is in the true ( not commercial) yogic tradition. This place is a gem!
Thanks so much for this wonderful review-we are so grateful you found us! And that your experience was a positive one! We appreciate you and your words!!!
Teresa Marvin2025.10.07
I recently attended this retreat and it far exceeded my expectations in every possible way. From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in a sense of peace, warmth, and genuine care that set the tone for the entire experience.
The Island Falls location was breathtaking—nestled in nature, surrounded by serene landscapes that made every sunrise meditation and evening yoga session feel sacred. The accommodations were a blending of comfort with simplicity that makes you feel like you have stepped back in time, allowing for deep rest and reflection.
The instructors, Amrita and Ajeet were truly exceptional. Their knowledge of yoga philosophy, anatomy, and mindfulness practices was profound, yet they taught with humility and grace. Each session was tailored to meet us where we were, whether beginner or advanced, and the encouragement to listen to our bodies created a safe and empowering environment.
The massage therapist, Terry, was not only highly skilled but also incredibly intuitive—able to find and release tension I didn’t even realize I was holding. I highly recommend scheduling daily as the massage compliments the yoga classes to provide a holistic therapeutic treatment plan.
The vegan gourmet food was amazing, prepared and presented with love and thoughtfulness by Conner, Lindsey, and Mila!
What truly set this retreat apart was the holistic approach. Beyond yoga, we engaged in shared delicious plant-based meals, and connected deeply with fellow participants. The sense of community and support was palpable—many of us arrived as strangers and left as lifelong friends.
This retreat was not just a getaway—it was a journey inward. I returned home feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and more aligned with myself than I’ve felt in years. If you’re seeking a space to reconnect with your body, mind, and spirit, I wholeheartedly recommend this retreat. It’s a gift to yourself that keeps giving after you leave.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review! We are so glad our massages with Terry and food from our kitchen staff this season served your palate and needs. So grateful that you loved the abounding nature and the yoga too!
& That you are still holding the experience after returning home. We send you gratitude! 💕🙏
Donna/Amrita owner
C. Ellis2025.09.05
I found Sewall because I wanted to attend a yoga retreat but didn’t have a week to dedicate to one. I am fortunate to have stumbled upon this place with a flexible schedule. I was warmly greeted by Ajeet on arrival. The food by chef, Mila, is to die for. I had one of the best massages of my life there done by Terry. And lastly the owner, Donna, is a beautiful free spirit and a fantastic yoga instructor.
Reserve a spot already!
Thank you SO much for this kind and wonderful review! We are so glad you flew in to fit your schedule, even if for a short retreat!!! We so hope you got what you came for..and we enjoyed your positive receptive attitude VERY much! (and your feedback too...!)
Thank you so much! We love the special book we gifted us.. such beautiful messages about nature and that we are all connected! Sewall house/ soul house … with love
Diana Piskala2025.08.18
I recently returned home after a 4 day/5 night stay at Sewall House. I did not know what to expect when I first arrived! Island Falls is a rural area which is calm and inviting. Upon arriving, I was greeted by friendly and relaxed women. My room was comfortable. I had a private bathroom/shower in my room which I loved. There was a set schedule for the day which I really enjoyed, starting with; 7 am meditation, 8 am yoga, 9:30-10 am breakfast, 2 pm lunch, 530 pm yoga, and 7 pm dinner. Everything is optional, but encouraged. I myself did not partake in meditation (I wanted to sleep), but the other attendees did and noted how it positively affected their mindset for the day. In between, the schedule, I went hiking up Mount Chase, with Donna, Jillian, Beau and Nate (the last 2 were their respective dogs who were friendly and energetic :]). Another attendee also came on the hike. This was a challenging hike but was AMAZING. There were positive attitudes and great energy which made it very enjoyable. I also went kayaking with Ajeet on a pond which was relaxing and also challenging (in the biceps!). I ran on an ATV trail to get some cardio in. I encountered one ATV who pulled to the side and let me pass (extremely gracious!). The additional things I did include: a trauma session with Ajeet, Reiki with Panina, and a massage with Linda. All of which were amazing and left me feeling more relaxed and healed. The food at Sewall House is vegetarian. I am not a vegetarian but I have to say the food was, EXCELLENT. This was mainly prepared by Panina but the other women helped with breakfast, breads, teas etc. Additionally, there is a bakery across the street. Now and then, a treat may be included in the breakfast spread. Breakfast woult typically include; eggs (scrambled, once fried), homemade bread/muffins, yogurt, nut butters, granola, OJ and coffee/tea.
There is no AC in the house/bedrooms but there are large fans which help with air circulation. I had brought a tiny fan with me (for noise, I NEED it to sleep). I ended up pointing in at my face one night when it was very hot and this was very nice. I kept it off the other nights as it wasn't necessary.
I live alone and I felt this sense of community in the house that I can't compare to anything else. All of the women; Donna, Panina, Jillian, Ajeet, and Mila were open and friendly. I feel like most people that come to Sewall House are going through a tough time (whatever that may be). For me, I found the whole experience, very therapeutic. I am interested in returning and am considering a time when Panina will be teaching her cooking classes. Overall, 5/5.
*****
Overall - I had an amazing experience. Not only would I recommend Sewall House, I plan on returning for another session, perhaps for one of the specialty classes offered. Donna has assembled an amazing team. She, Pnina, Ajeet, and Jillian work together seamlessly. They collaborated, cooked, guided, and supported each other and all guests with exemplary service. They led classes in a variety of styles of yoga including Vinyasa, Restorative, Yin, Kundalini, and Raga yoga. The food was incredible. Pnina accommodated a variety of food restrictions (celiac, allergies, and other intolerances) with skill and the utmost care. The entire staff was open to requests - not only for specific foods, but for additional activities. Thank you Ajeet for showing me your favorite swimming hole, and Jillian for exploring the breathtaking trails with me. You all helped me relax, restore, and reset my peace. Much gratitude🙏
This is an amazing review! Thank you so much for acknowledging our amazing team and environs..we sure hope you come back … thank you thank you thank you 🙏💕much gratitude back at you..🥰
Joy Brindley2025.07.19
The Sewall House is fabulous! I will return regularly. I highly recommend it for good quality instruction, great accommodations and fantastic food.
Thanks so much!! We are super glad you were referred to us & came! .. yeah for word of mouth! And look so forward to your next visit.. thx for bringing a friend with you too! Great place for buddies to travel to together.. we appreciate you taking the time to review us! 🙏
Christina Holz2025.07.17
It's been a very long time since I've been able to practice yoga with such knowledgeable instructors. The level of customization is unparalleled. Great teachers, great yoga & meditation, and great food!
Thank you so much for recognizing our years of dedication, devotion and practice .. which we love to share with our guests at their level. We appreciate your review very very much! ..and mention of food & meditation too!
Sue Robins2025.06.29
Sewall House is a place for healing. I came to Sewall House feeling completely broken. I left feeling I had found my inner strength, peace, and joy. Amrita and Ajeet and their helpers made all of us feel completely cared for, supported, and loved. They live that mission fully. They will help you determine what you need and guide you to finding it. Daily meditation, yoga, and delicious vegetarian meals support physical and psychological healing. Sewall House is a lovely historic building in which you can settle in and feel at home. Nearby is a lovely lake, several hikes and a spectacular waterfall. Sitting in the waterfall is a truly transformative experience. If you need to reconnect to your center, your joy, or yourself, I highly recommend Sewall House.
Oh thank you so much! We truly value each guest and are so glad and grateful to guide you on your healing journey to wellness as best we can. With love & Light from the sewall house team - thank you for finding us!
Sue R2025.06.29
Verified
A place for healing
Sewall House is a place for healing. I came to Sewall House feeling completely broken. I left feeling I had found my inner strength, peace, and joy. Amrita and Ajeet and their helpers made all of us feel completely cared for, supported, and loved. They live that mission fully. They will help you determine what you need and guide you to finding it. Daily meditation, yoga, and delicious vegetarian meals support physical and psychological healing. Sewall House is a lovely historic building in which you can settle in and feel at home. Nearby is a lovely lake, several hikes and a spectacular waterfall. Sitting in the waterfall is a truly transformative experience. If you need to reconnect to your center, your joy, or yourself, I highly recommend Sewall House.
Yoga bliss !
If you are looking for an experience that will refresh your soul and learn more about the yoga state of mind this is the place for you! The service was phenomenal! I stepped out of my comfort zone and had vegetarian meals that were excellent! There was so much love shared with the guests! I was looking for a retreat to refresh my soul and re light my fire, Donna and Ajeet definitely nurtured this! I definitely plan to go again! The group of women for this specific workshop “women’s rewilding and mental health” was everything I was looking for and more. The mission of simplicity in a complex world was definitely achieved!
thank you SO much for this wonderful review and we are so glad our retreat met your needs! We would be so happy to have you back again..and we hope soon! Thank you again!!!! So glad you felt we "delivered". and grateful...next time, more hikes! workshop kept you busy! glad you got to the waterfall al least..
Tara Andre2025.06.20
I just spent the most relaxing week at the beautiful historic Sewall House located in Island Falls, Maine.
I decided to take a solo trip for myself and the Sewall House Delivered the best Yoga Retreat there is. No super large groups to deal with here. This is truly your peaceful, quaint retreat environment that feels so private. I found so much attention to detail here.
The rooms were perfect! I slept every night with the windows up and Maine’s fresh cool breezy air dancing with the curtain sheers.i stayed in the William and Mary room which gifted me the perfect window to view the strawberry moon from in June. I was at home and relaxed from the second I arrived. The home cooked vegan meals were absolutely delicious! I could not leave without those recipes which the owner, Amrita graciously shared with me from the House cookbook.
Amrita, Ajeet and Patma-all such sweet loving souls that delivered skilled kundalini yoga, yin yoga, restorative yoga…name it these ladies have it covered! We hiked! We kayaked, we swam, we sauna every night. We laughed! These ladies just a pure Joy to be around.
Beau the dog and Shopie the kitty made sure to keep me company, so I wouldn’t miss my pets at home so badly. So sweet.
Amish horse and wagons go past the house daily.
I really loved my quiet time at the dining room table where I read and journaled , reflect and drank yogi tea!
The friendly staff knew exactly what I was looking for and they did everything they could to support assure my retreat. I cannot wait to book my next trip to the Seawall house! More to come I’m sure!
Do not hesitate. You will fall in love with the Seawall House for your next Yoga Retreat!
Thank you so kindly we loved having you! We so hope you do come back! With love from sewall house team
Ray2025.06.12
Verified
Sewall House Yoga Retreat Island Falls, Maine
This is my second yoga retreat at the Sewall House in Island Falls, Maine. This retreat embraces all you would want at a yoga retreat. Expert instructors who have years of experience teaching all the yoga practices. You get to walk back in time and stay at a stately historical "Sewall" home that is abound with history. You will connect to nature participating in all the outdoor activities Island Falls has to offer that is part of the retreat. The home is calm, clean, and comfortable. Healthy vegetarian meals will kickstart better eating habits with meals that are perfectly cooked, flavorful, and served to you from the kitchen in the lovely dining room where all yogis gather for conversation as well as meals. After spending hours daily in the yoga studio, your body and soul will feel transformed. I took the Falki 6 day session The Sacred Flame. Falki took us on a journey through somatic movement, breathwork, book art and journaling. Donna, the owner of the Sewall House, also instructed with daily yoga movements, breathing, and stretching. The outcome for me was new found resilience, creativity, and renewal. It is so worth spending my hard earned money on something FOR ME that betters my body and mind. I encourage you to book a retreat whether you are a beginner of yoga, expert, or somewhere in between, you will surely find your inner yogi strength.
This is my second year booking a yoga retreat at the Sewall House, and I already booked my third for the year! I encourage anyone interested in taking yoga to book an event. This is your chance to strengthen your body, calm your soul, stretch daily, and get away from all the stressors in life. Recharge and refresh!
I attended the May 29-June 3 The Sacred Flame: A Healing Art &
Somatic Movement retreat led by Falki Heiddottir. We engaged in somatic movements, breathwork, book art, and journaling. This was such a healing experience for me. Through art, journaling, beathing, and yoga we sought out what we needed to burn away, what we needed to let go, and finally how to ignite our new yogi energy. While there, I also scheduled a healing session with Falki and I came away with a wealth of insight about myself I never knew. She is an amazing listener and healer. If you read her resume, you will understand how much of an honor it is to take her classes. I so look forward to attending more sessions she teaches.
Donna Davidge, the owner of this fine retreat, also yogi teacher and instructor for yoga certification is the best of the best. Just being around such a talented, strong yogi inspires me. She loves her home, loves yoga, loves life, loves her fury pets, and loves Island Falls and all the history that surrounds it via her family. She loves having her retreats to share her love of yoga and share what she has created at the Sewall House.
I must mention the accommodations. I so enjoy staying at the stately historical Sewall House in Island Falls, Maine, During our free time, I love to sit on the porch and either chat with other yogis or just read a book. I found nature walks around town either on trails or on roads to be so enjoyable. The vegetarian meals the chefs made were flavorful, perfectly cooked, and very nourishing. The kitchen staff served meals to you in the lovely dining room. You get spoiled just sitting there and having all your dining needs met. The group conversations at the dining table were as nourishing as the meals.
Other thoughts, Donna and her staff are caring, welcoming, fun, and they all go above and beyond to ensure you get all you can from your sessions. You do not have to be a yoga expert, but when you finish the retreat, you will have a wealth of yoga knowledge. I look forward to returning for more sessions and encourage you to experience a true yoga retreat at the Sewall House.
Thanks to Donna, Falki, and Steve for making this another fantastic yoga retreat for me. Island Falls is a little paradise. Your yoga retreat is one special place. I will be back.
Thank you so so much for all these wonderful words we appreciate them all! And you! Thank you for taking the time to write this lovely review! We look forward to your return !!! And folks can come for retreats anytime we are open May to October not only events but an ongoing yoga wellness schedule to fit their individualized customized needs, level and any other guidance we can provide!
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