Commonweal

Generally speaking, «retreats» are to be avoided at all costs. For centuries, the word meant an escape or withdrawal from one’s enemies. But thanks to the strange and vacuous doublespeak taught at today’s business schools, «retreat» now commonly refers to your boss’s invitation to spend a weekend watching him or her wear shorts.
If you are unlucky enough to be «retreated,» you should be so lucky as to be invited to Commonweal. Commonweal is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting healthy living, eating, and ecological awareness. They host retreats for similarly-​minded groups or individuals, and, based on their website, also apparently coordinate retreats for folks battling cancer or interested in learning about progressive health or food choices. It’s a place comfortably and appropriately situated in Northern California.
The property is stunning, with great hikes in all directions with tremendous views of the ocean. Seems like the perfect place during whale season. The food was very healthy, very vegetarian, and very very good, a combination that is as tough to pull off as it is to beat. Excellent curries, rice, North African egg dishes, and more. I love meat, but didn’t miss it.
The rooms are clean and comfortable. The staff was great: friendly, accommodating, and engaged.
As far as «retreats» go, it’s hard to think of a nicer place than Commonweal.

This is one of the most beautiful conference/​retreat places I have been to. Set on the bluffs of one of the most beautiful beach towns in Northern California, this gracious place affords the visitor clean, light, and comfortable accomodations, double or single. The food is the most amazing vegetarian I have had — a meat-​eater would quite likely feel satisfied with the sumptious menus served.
The main meeting room is in the main house, which also houses the dining room and upstairs single bedrooms and shared bathrooms. The two «related» houses are literally steps away and are also darling little places to go and «BE.» In my particular case, the big group met in the main house, after which we met in small groups in the little houses.
To have the fortune to stay in such a lovely place, and to take the free time to walk along the beach bluffs, though a meadow, or simply around the lush property is something I won’t forget; I am indeed lucky to have been able to experience a retreat at this most breath-​taking locale.