Our desire at the Villa Desiderata is to provide low-cost retreats in a safe, caring environment.
We are located in McHenry, Illinois on seven beautiful acres of serene woods on the shores of Pistakee Bay. The Villa Desiderata, with a special affection for 12-step programs, has been offering weekends of a spiritual nature for over 50 years. We currently provide retreats for members of AA, ALANON, OA, NA and ACOA. Retreats generally begin on Friday and conclude following lunch on Sunday. We even have a labyrinth for meditation and for you to enjoy.
Keywords: 12 step retreats, AA, Acoa, spiritual, spiritual retreats, alcoholics anonymous, retreat house, retreat center
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
We have been a retreat house since 1963.
What is your primary product or service?
Welcome to the Villa Desiderata Retreat House. The minute you step through our doors, you feel the warmth and will want to return again and again. Our desire at the Villa Desiderata is to provide low-cost retreats in a safe, caring environment which are lovingly prepared and presented and that, in all ways, are a living witness to the love of God. We are located in McHenry, Illinois on seven beautiful acres of serene woods on the shores of Pistakee Bay. We invite you to visit the Villa Desiderata, our home for retreats, workshops, days of recollection, and special groups. Our facilities are also available for rent for your own spiritual programs.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
We have a location like no other. Bordered on Pistakee Bay of the Chain-O-Lakes in Northern Illinois, on seven beautiful acres, you feel the warmth of our retreat house as soon as you turn the corner and drive through our pillars. It's home away from home, and you will want to return again and again.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We have a Main house and a smaller retreat building called the Lutz haus. If you are considering scheduling a retreat at the Villa, please call even if the date you need is listed. We schedule groups in each of our two buildings. Also, there are occasional schedule changes. To confirm a weekend, please call Art or Chris at 847-772-4927 or email villaretreats@att.net, or for more information.
Provide detailed directions to your location
We are located at 3015 N Bayview Ln., McHenry, IL 60051. Two miles West of the intersection of Route's 12 and 134 on Bayview Ln. Approximately two miles East of Chapel Hill Rd and Bay Rd in McHenry.
What type of payments do you accept?
If you would like to attend a retreat, we need to make food accommodations for you, so reservations are required with a pre-dated personal check paid in advance of the retreat date.
Which areas do you service?
We currently provide retreats for members of AA, ALANON, OA, NA and ACOA. For retreats that are currently available, please go to our website at http://www.villadesiderata.com and click on Schedule. Call the contact person for the particular retreat you'd like to attend for more information about that retreat or to make reservations.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
The Villa is run by volunteers and facilitators of the each retreat.
What are your hours of operation?
Retreats generally begin on Friday and conclude following lunch on Sunday.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
Testimony is given on our website. Look on the right hand side of the page at http://www.villadesiderata.com
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
Miracles happen here. And Keep it simple.