Facility Rentals
A Sacred Place for Spiritual Renewal
Nestled in the stillness of the California redwoods, Vajrapani Institute is a 70-acre retreat sanctuary in the Santa Cruz Mountains. While beautifully secluded, our center is also conveniently located near the major cities and airports of the San Francisco Bay Area, including San Francisco and San José.
Our facilities — including a peaceful meditation hall, comfortable accommodations, and blessed land — are available for rental to spiritual groups of all traditions. Whether your practice is Buddhist or non-Buddhist, contemplative or devotional, we welcome you to share in the blessings of this sacred place.
Founded in the mid-1970s, Vajrapani Institute was one of the first Buddhist centers established in the United States. Over the decades, many esteemed teachers — including His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama — have visited and blessed this land, infusing it with profound spiritual energy.
Unlike larger retreat centers, we host one group at a time, ensuring that your community can experience the full tranquility and privacy of the center as your own.
Why Host Your Retreat Here
- Deep stillness and natural beauty for focused inner work
- Exclusive use of the center for your group’s privacy
- Nourishing vegetarian meals prepared with care
- Access to miles of forest trails and sacred outdoor spaces
- Supportive staff who understand the needs of spiritual communities
2027 Rates
Rates inclusive of accommodation, three meals per full day, general facility use (meditation hall, use of land and trails and main building):
Group Size: 21 minimum
Length of Stay: 3 night minimum
| Standard Rates | Per Person Per Night |
| Commuter includes meals | 100 |
| Camping | 123 |
| Dormitory | 152 |
| Semi-Private Dormitory (4 People) | 209 |
| Private Room (Single Occupancy) | 269 |
| Private Room (Double Occupancy) | 229 |
| Retreat Cabin (Single Occupancy) | 299 |
| Teacher’s House (Single Occupancy) | 345 |
| Teacher’s House (Double Occupancy) | 299 |
Rates inclusive of accommodation, three meals per day.
Questions
What type and size of group can you accommodate?
Ideal Group Size
- Best suited for 21–50 participants (up to 75 in the dry season)
- Minimum group size: 21 participants
- Dry season: May–October
- Wet season: November–April
Length of stay:
Groups must stay a minimum of 3 nights. There is no maximum.
Is my group suited for the center?
The stillness of our forest is best experienced through a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere. Groups with a reflective, spiritual, or meditative focus are especially well suited.
If you’re unsure whether your group is a good fit, please reach out — we’ll be happy to discuss.
What is your Cancellation Policy?
All deposits are non-refundable.
Your group may cancel your reservation at any time, minus deposit fees.
We would appreciate advanced notice for any cancellation so we can offer your dates to another group.
How do I make a reservation?
Contact our Assistant Director to begin your reservation process:
Liz Chisler
800-531-4001 x2
Our calendar tends to book up a year ahead of time. The more notice you can give us, the more likely we’ll be able to provide you with the dates you want.
We will ask you to enter into a contract for your reservation, including liability protection, a payment agreement, etc. We will be happy to go over this contract with you when you are ready to book your reservation.
Your dates will be guaranteed from the time you sign and return this contract to us with your first deposit.
We require two non-refundable deposits, each calculated at 25% of the estimated final total cost.The first deposit is due with your signed contract. The second deposit is due 6 weeks prior to your reserved dates. All deposits are non-refundable.
Upcoming Retreats
Buddhist Mind Science: Activating Your Potential
FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training: Year 4, Term 1
FPMT Ngöndro Lamrim Training: Year 1, Term 1
Cittamani Tara: Entering the Heart of the Practice
