Sewall House Yoga Retreat

I just returned from a very restorative 3 day retreat at Sewall House. Amrita and Ajeet were very warm and welcoming. I felt immediately at home. The house is beautiful and rich in history. My room was lovely. The meals were delicious and the yoga offerings were excellent. Kayaking on a nearby beautiful lake was divine. If you want to go hiking in the rainy season remember to bring some mud-friendly boots.

This was my fifth time at Sewall House. I’ve been there with my husband, my friend and by myself. It is an absolutely magical place. I just got back from five nights of perfection. The owner makes you feel like Sewall is your home. Every meal is delicious. The Chef comes out to make sure you had enough and you are happy. Always offering to refill your plate. The food is vegetarian but I’m a vegan and they catered to me. I had great massages, had Reike, did different types of yoga, inside and by a magnificent lake. They have wonderful places to hike or take long walks which I did almost
everyday. I loved reading in their cozy living room. All of this in Island Falls a postcard setting.

I cannot recommend Sewall House enough. I first visited the retreat in 2021 during a very difficult time in my life due to illness. I was also very anxious as I was traveling solo and had never been to a yoga retreat. Amrita and her staff welcomed me with such generosity and love that I felt right at home. The house is absolutely wonderful -- simple and yet elegant, cozy, and super comfortable. I truly enjoyed the sauna and jacuzzi on site, specially after long hikes, which is yet another great feature of this wonderful place; there are so many beautiful spots to swim, kayak, hike or simply stroll around the house. The food was impeccable too, with a wide variety of delicious dishes that taught me much about vegetarian cuisine. The yoga practices ranged from deeply relaxing to challenging yet gentle; and included many different yoga types and philosophies that I wasn't even aware existed. I left Sewall house truly transformed and have returned many times since. I'm incredibly thankful for its existence!!

I spent 5 days at Sewall House and felt completely recharged when I got home! I’d highly recommend this retreat as a way to decompress from the city. From NYC I flew into Bangor and paid for the airport pickup option. Joel picked me up and we drove for a little over an hour to Island Falls.

As soon as I arrived I felt completely cared for by Amrita, Ajeet, and Mary. The retreat schedule included a 30 minute silent mediation, two 1.5 hour yoga classes, and 3 healthy, home-cooked meals per day. They also arranged nature activities each day and provided transportation and guidance throughout each activity. I went kayaking on a beautiful and serene lake, swam in waterfalls, and hiked Baxter State Park. They also lent me a bike and backpack to use. They make sure you have everything you need every step of the way. In the evenings I used the jacuzzi tub and the sauna to relax.

The environment was so nurturing and I felt very cared for throughout my stay. It was such a great experience that I would recommend to anyone as an easy trip out of the city alone or with loved ones.

Sewall House lies within the endless woods and stalwart mountains of northern Maine that are the surroundings of an area that is steeped in history. Native Americans, pioneers, woodsmen, and loggers all left their mark on a landscape that in turn made a people of sturdy character. One such person was William Sewall. He built Sewall House in the 1880's that stands prominently as a gatehouse to the village of Island Falls. He would refer to this house as being "study".
Today William Sewall's great great granddaughter, Donna Davidge, lovingly cares for this property that has a provenance one would not expect of a yoga retreat. With its many rooms Sewall House has the feel of a country inn. Generations of Sewalls would offer hospitality to hunters, fisherman, a passerby, and nature lovers. One such guest was Teddy Roosevelt who became a life long friend with William Sewall.
Donna offers that same hospitality to aspiring yogis with comfortable accommodations and furnishings from the houses historic past. Donna has over 30 years experience as a yoga teacher and has learned several variations from yoga's more prominent instructors. Classes at Sewall House are small, about 5-10 people, which allows her to give personalized attention in a pleasant manor. Staff and visiting instructors also broaden the types of yoga available expanding guest's experience.
There is a morning meditation which, weather permitting, is on an old dam overlooking a gently flowing river giving some quiet time to start the day. Two yoga classes are taught each day with possibly a bonus class from visiting instructors, maybe even a sound bath. Meals are vegetarian and do satisfy. And if they find out what your favorite dessert is (like carrot cake) they just might serve it!
Outdoor activities include hiking, kayaking, swimming, cycling, or just hanging out on the porch. All which help the body to be infused by the northern Maine healing touch. Sewall House is not an ashram or institution. Donna and her staff make every effort to have one feel comfortable and at home. This was my second stay here and should not be my last. In every yogis journey there is, in part, a need to be "sturdy".

Sewall House has been one of my favorite “vacation” spots in years. I put vacation in quotes because it feels much more like a deep healing experience every time I come. While you are surrounded by truly picturesque nature that offers opportunities for hiking, swimming under waterfalls, kayaking, and horseback riding, it is actually secondary to the amazing yoga sessions, massages, delicious food, morning meditation, and reiki healing that is offered at Sewall House. The massages and reiki sessions come at an extra cost but are well worth the price, Ajeet is an absolutely amazing reiki healer!! The yoga they offer is so different from your average yoga class because it is truly a judgment free space where you’re encouraged to listen to your body’s needs by having modification options for nearly every pose. The food is all vegetarian and it is always amazing!!!!! Dessert and tea are offered every night after dinner as well! This is a special place that I will absolutely come to every year whenever I have the opportunity. There is so much thought and care put into every aspect of your stay by Donna and her team. If you need a vacation, or more importantly, if you need a place to heal from the stresses of everyday life and reconnect with yourself both physically and mentally…..Sewall House has to be your next stop!!

Just spent the past week at the Sewall House Yoga Retreat. It was an exceptional experience that I would recommend to all searching for healing of body and mind. The hospitality of Donna and Ajeet was transformative. Thank you both for a lovely week.

I recently returned from a wonderful week at Sewall House. I booked the retreat to get on a track to deepen my yoga practice and also enjoy nature—I got what I came for and much more. I feel healthier, stronger, and in a clearer headspace, all thanks to the exceptional staff at Sewall House and the stunning scenery surrounding Island falls.

I was so impressed with how staff worked together to make the retreat a holistic wellness experience—each component highly personalized to meet my needs, while simultaneously catering to other guests. During yoga, Donna and Ajeet focused on understanding my goals and helping me improve in areas I noted. I learned a lot about how to adjust alignment to ensure I don’t injure myself over the long term. In addition to all of the superbly taught yoga classes (which were a perfect balance of challenging and healing) I hiked, biked, kayaked, rode a horse, and swam in a beautiful lake. The surrounding area has some of the best nature Maine has to offer, and the Sewall House team are ready to accommodate and drive you wherever you want to explore on any given day.

One surprising highlight for me were the exceptional vegetarian meals, which were lovingly crafted three times a day. Personally, I’ve never had better vegetarian food. The chef(s) clearly have a magic touch.

The Sewall House Crew—Donna, Ajeet, Pnina, Mary, Joel—were each exceedingly kind, soulful, and gifted in their own ways and I am grateful they have shared some of those gifts with me. I look forward to returning again in the future ✨

This was my first visit to Sewall House. I spent three days there for my birthday and it was a wonderful experience. I left feeling rested and renewed. It felt like I had been there for three weeks instead of three days. I would highly recommend this place for the best yoga classes, great vegetarian meals, beautiful surroundings and the kindest people I have ever met.

The expansive.ness of being in Maine is still vibrating in my soul.
After many 5 day trips this summer my last trip was to Sewell House and my nervous system is settled in and all I can think about is when can I return ... I can still see the rolling green hills and the evergreens, the placid kayaking on the lake ... Storm watching on the porch one evening and waking to the sunrise in my room with a view ... wonderful meals on the porch and art workshop with Ellen. Amrita 'Donna" arranged to have me picked up and dropped off at Bangor Airport. Thank you and Namaste'

Padma x

Such a relaxing, restorative retreat for both me and my dog Louisa! Staff go above and beyond from suggesting individualized certain poses or modifications , explaining and demonstrating different styles of yoga, preparing delicious meals, suggesting activities , even providing transportation when necessary! Louisa and I bonded with the other guests, dogs and staff which added positive energy to the experience.

My two adult daughters and I just returned from a wonderful yoga retreat at Sewall House. Our hosts, Donna and Ajeet, were wonderful throughout our trip. The yoga was fantastic and was personalized to our varied ability levels. The food offered at each meal was delicious. They even prepared a homemade birthday cake for my daughter. The activities offered were great and we could also just chill at home too if we wanted. We’ll definitely be back.

I returned back to the Sewall House for the first time in 22 years to discover that this yoga retreat has evolved into an exceptional experience! This historic home has an elegant charm and each bedroom has its own unique, lovely character. I was very impressed with how clean and sanitary the bedrooms and bathrooms were. This B&B also houses a wonderful library filled with historic books, photos and relics from the past; it's like stepping back in time to the 1890s. A visit to this library makes for a perfect activity on a rainy day or in the evenings.

The food was absolutely delicious. Although I'm not a vegetarian, I found the food to be very flavorful. There's something very distinct and special about the cuisine served at the Sewall House… it’s made with love and this makes all the difference. I also wish to share that Donna is truly an extraordinary hostess and I felt very well taken care of.

As a longtime yogini, I was very impressed with Donna's depth of knowledge and yogic wisdom – she's the real deal! It’s a privilege to be in her class. As a side note, there's a sauna and jacuzzi on site which makes for a relaxing night time experience. I highly recommend the Sewall House for any down-to-earth person looking for a spiritual retreat surrounded by the beauty of nature.

I even returned to the Sewall House once again in September! I loved swimming in the pristine pond and biking along beautiful Belvedere Road at sunset. The Sewall House has been the highlight of 2022 for me and I'm so grateful for the time I spent there.

The Sewall House Yoga Retreat exceeded all my expectations. My room was cozy and bright. The bed was very comfortable. The shared bathroom was very clean at all times. The vegetarian food was delicious. It felt like home.
Donna is a marvelous yoga instructor. She gently encourages you. Her yoga room promotes a healing energy. I never got sore from the yoga!
In addition, I got to hike Mount Chase, kayak, swim, and bicycle around Island Falls. Her staff was friendly and very helpful. Ajeet was a real friend to me and we did a tarot card reading that was inspiring and fun.
Yes, I will come back. I will always remember this trip fondly.

Having recently returned from my second visit to Sewall House, this time to attend the writers workshop, I felt compelled to give a review. If you love a non-pretentious yoga retreat that feels like a cozy home while being surrounded by peace and some of the most amazing places in nature, come here. No matter the reason you wish to have a momentary pause in the chaos of your life, you will be supported by a caring owner and her staff who go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. Sewall House will always hold a special place in my heart. Until my next trip to Maine, thank you Donna for your vision when you purchased your family home. The world needs more healing places like this!

Very enjoyable 3 week stay and yoga teacher training program. Donna puts effort into making sure each individuals needs are met. She lives from the heart and it is evident the moment you meet her.
She is a gifted teacher of not just yoga, but life. I truly benefited from meeting her and staying at Seawall House. Seawall House is a plus for Island Falls. The small town, lakes, mountains, horses, etc... are awesome. Would like to come back again!

This summer I went to Sewall House for a week with relaxation in mind, but what I found was so much more. Donna's teachings, her beautiful home, the atmosphere of Northern Maine, and the overall experience she provided proved to be a truly remarkable experience. Sewall House helped me begin healing from trauma I'd barely begun tapping into prior to my visit, find parts of myself I didn't realize I'd lost, and discover new parts I previously didn't know existed. I even plan on returning for teacher training with Donna at some point in the near future.

Additionally, her staff and fellow teachers were all amazing. The food was nourishing and delicious. And the surrounding area provides for some amazing hiking experiences, kayaking, and paddle boarding.

The experiences I had better changed my life in so many ways, and I cannot even begin to express my gratitude and appreciation for the experience.

Sewall house is a beautiful, intimate house, that is equipped with everything you need. Donna, the owner, is an amazing person and a gifted yoga teacher. She taught us different yoga styles, and was attentive to everyone's needs. She took us hiking, found beautiful spots for us, guided us through meditation and really gave us the best experience. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a yoga retreat in nature, and is open to meeting new people.

What a wonderful experience!! Donna has a gift of making you feel right at home, immediately. The Sewall House Inn is a wonderful historic landmark, with Teddy Roosevelt connections, and on top of that ,Donna has her Yoga studio there as well. There are many local excursions that she has directions, and instructions for in each room. Thank you Donna for the lovely stay!!

I am writing this review as I fly back to California, excited to see my family after a week away; but sad to leave the serenity of the Sewall House and all the lovely people who came with it. I needed a healing getaway on extremely short notice—a fast escape from my own anxiety as I prepare to fight cancer for a third time in just two years (I am only 39). I called Donna last Monday to chat about her wellness retreat, and I was sleeping soundly in the Sewall Suite by Wednesday night. The program she has designed at Sewall House could not have been more perfect for me. It was flexible — the meditation/yoga sessions were optional, the length of my stay was up to me, and there was plenty of free time each day to enjoy the beauty that is the northern Maine wilderness. I used the sauna every day and took advantage of every yoga class. It was refreshing to practice forms of yoga other than the Vinyasa/Ashtanga fitness-styles I am used to (and often intimidated by). I fell in love with Kundalini and plan to continue practicing with Donna over zoom from California. :) The food was delicious. My diet is high maintenance (vegan, gluten and sugar-free), and Kent (the chef for my stay) was happy to accommodate. I spent some time this morning taking pictures of the cookbook he created in hopes that I can recreate some of his delicious meals back home. The location is beautiful … I enjoyed daily hikes, an overnight stay at Donna’s off-the-grid cabin on the lake, a lovely day visiting Amish markets with Donna and other guests, and meditating by the river this morning before my departure. Sewall House is a very special place. It has a very real history of healing, and its nurturing energy is palpable. I am returning to California stronger and more centered than I’ve felt in a long time. And I am already looking forward to my next stay with Donna at the Sewall House.