IslandWood

★★★★★Nora Kim

My husband and I hosted family and friends for our wedding at IslandWood, and consider ourselves so lucky to have had the wedding of our dreams there. Some reflections and thoughts for couples considering this venue: 1. Full Weekend: We loved that guests could come together for an entire weekend with ample quality time together — I don’t think they would have been able to do so, had we hosted a one-evening wedding elsewhere. Our family and friends really connected and got to know each other well. It also helped schedules stay on track, since everyone was on site. 2. Multiple Event Spaces & Lodging Options: We appreciated the flexibility of options for spaces to host a variety of events, which allowed us to design a schedule of events that worked for us. All of our guests stayed on campus (approximately 60 households/120 guests) in a variety of rooms, and we still had additional lodge rooms to spare. We also booked a Fall wedding without hesitation regarding weather because everything could be hosted indoors. 3. Great Staff: As a professional event planner for nonprofit clients, I did all of the planning and design for our wedding weekend. It was important for me to partner with a venue where I knew I could hand over the execution of the day, and was glad to have the partnership and professionalism of the IslandWood staff and our day-of coordinator. 4. Accommodating and Delicious Food: We had several guests with dietary restrictions, lots of picky kids (almost 20 kids ages 1-12), and multi-day menus to plan for. You can rely on the chef and staff to prepare awesome menus that will impress your guests.

★★★★★Deborah Wege

What can I say about Islandwood that would do it any real justice. Islandwood the place, the people, the purpose and the peaceful surroundings make any event extra special for all involved. It’s got its own magical energy and you can feel it throughout. I Love Islandwood! Sarah is always amazing and on top of all the things. Sean in the kitchen is wonderful and always so helpful and attentive. The entire kitchen staff are amazing and the food is out of this world. Truly. I always eat too much - because I cannot resist anything. And don’t want to miss anything. John’s support and care with AV And the bar tenders - esp those who work the friendship circle - are always so amazing. Such wonderful staff at every level. Top notch experience at Islandwood. Always. Every time. Thank you Islandwood for always making it such an amazing Workshop. We consider you part of this work. If you are considering a venue - check out Islandwood, Bainbridge Island!!

★★★★★Sonya Campion

Wow, I was lucky enough to attend IslandWood’s Circle of Friends this year and am stunned by every aspect of the experience. The magical serenity of the beautiful IslandWood campus sets the tone for a special experience. Anne Lamott as the guest speaker was hilarious, warm and thought provoking. Fun workshops got me out in the woods, making art and exploring spiritual and thoughtful ideas. The food was healthy and delicious and there was an electric connection between all of the guests because you could just feel how appreciative we all were to be in such a special place that opens up our relationship to nature and truly changes lives.

★★★★★Janice Corey

I recently went to IslandWood for a nature journaling retreat. I was beyond impressed with the facilities, the natural grounds, the food, the use of indigenous arts and concepts in designs and integrity of how the lands are treated. They use many different ways to treat and filter water with an eye for environmental protection. This was a peaceful and beautiful space. It felt magical to me. Their primary mission is environmental education for young people. They even had kids give ideas of what to build there and the kids chose a suspension bridge, which is amazing! If I were in charge of a conference, I would definitely have it here. The accommodations are stunning and the food was exceptional. I loved my experience here.

★★★★★Robin Ricker

I especially enjoyed the naturalists. I learned about bogs! the wait staff in the dining room---extra nice and attentive to what we called 'the vegan' table. We loved everyone”.