DOES THE INN ON WINTER’S HILL STILL EXIST?

Hillholm, as this estate was named by its original owner, Amos G. Winter, has served as an inn for more than fifty years, most recently called The Inn on Winter’s Hill. In 2022, we purchased Hillholm and committed both to continuing inn operations and growing our yoga, mindfulness, and writing retreats through Santosha at Hillholm Estate. We accept bookings from both Inn Guests and Retreat Guests; at any time, we may have both Inn Guests and Retreat Guests on site. For now, Inn Guests can still make reservations on this site, but in the near future, Inn Guests will only be able to make reservations through Santosha’s website.

wait, what’s the difference between the inn and santosha at hillholm estate?

Retreat Guests pay comprehensive rates that include a guest room, four daily farm-to-table meals, three daily yoga classes, two daily meditations, nightly Dharma talk, and various other activities connected to yoga programming; other excursions and Healing Arts treatments are charged separately.

Inn Guests pay rates for a guest room, which does not include any meals except coffee and tea service each morning; yoga classes, group meditations, Healing Arts treatments, and excursions are charged separately. Additional meals are not available for Inn Guests unless they make a reservation for dinner at our farm-to-table restaurant, Winter’s Table, or join us in The Great Room.

If you’re interested in learning more about Santosha at Hillholm Estate, check out our website.

where can i find upcoming events at HILLHOLM?

We offer a robust schedule of events at Hillholm. You can find the current listings here.

What should I bring with me?

Most importantly, bring an internal commitment to yourself—to breathe deeply, to view the world with an open, curious mind, and to rejuvenate. For movement and meditation classes, we recommend free-flowing, comfortable attire; we provide all mats and props. For outdoor activities, prepare for Maine’s variable seasons with appropriate outerwear, including rain or snow gear, with plenty of layers. Even in the depths of summer, Maine can be cool at night. For outdoor activities, we recommend bringing a pair of comfortable day hikers (or, in winter, sturdy boots). Prepare for coziness. Feel free to bring bicycles, skis, or other outdoor equipment. Water bottle, sunscreen in all seasons, insect repellent, hat and gloves, and headlamp.

Should I bring or rent a car? How about parking? DO I NEED A CAR TO GO SKIING OR HIKING?

Bringing or renting a car is a great idea. Our setting is rural, though a short walk to town, but 15-30 minutes away from local trailheads, Sugarloaf, and other points of interest. We have plenty of parking on site. We are glad to make recommendations about where to rent a vehicle. For other transportation details, please read here.

Can I bring my dog with me?

Of course! Tell us at least 48 hours in advance so we can allocate a dog-friendly room for you. We charge $50/stay. We’re glad to provide a bed, bowls, and tasty treats for Fido. We have two free-range doodles on site (Pamplemousse and Winnie), so Fido should be comfortable around other dogs. Due to allergies, unfortunately, we’re unable to welcome other pets, including cats. In common areas, Fido must remain on a leash at all times. Fido must be vaccinated with a standard series of vaccinations, including rabies, and must be spayed/neutered. You are welcome to leave Fido in your room unattended, provided that he stays crated anytime you’re out of the room so our Housekeeping and security staff can enter at any time. Please bring your own crate. If Fido has a lot of feelings to talk about (we know how it goes in new spaces!), we’ll ask you to return to your room and collect Fido for the remainder of your stay.

how do i book healing arts sessions?

To ensure availability, we recommend booking Healing Arts treatments well in advance of your stay; we cannot guarantee availability in our practitioners’ schedules if you wait to reserve appointments until you arrive. Feel free to complete this reservation request to make Healing Arts bookings. Our Director of Healing Arts will reach out by e-mail to confirm your booking.

ARE HEALING ARTS SESSIONS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC?

Absolutely. We’re committed to supporting residents of the Carrabassett Valley, day trippers, and Hillholm guests alike. Feel free to complete this reservation request to make Healing Arts bookings. Our Director of Healing Arts will reach out by e-mail to confirm your booking. If you’re a full-time year-round resident of the Carrabassett Valley, contact our Director of Healing Arts to learn about special rates for local folks. Healing Arts are for everyone.

DO I NEED TO RESERVE YOGA CLASSES IN ADVANCE? HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?

Inn Guests are welcome to drop into any of our Community Yoga Classes. Community Yoga Classes are offered on a donation-only basis—we want to ensure that yoga is accessible for everyone. You should register for classes in advance. Note that, unlike Inn Guests, Retreat Guests have a much more fulsome menu of classes to choose from: if you prefer to book a retreat, learn more here.

Do you offer private yoga, movement, and meditation sessions?

Absolutely. We recognize that some folks find deeper focus in a solo practice. We’re glad to arrange for private instruction at the time of your booking, whether for one person or a group. Contact reservations@santosha.org with questions.

Are children welcome?

Children are more than welcome at Hillholm. We ask only that children’s activities do not disrupt the peaceful environment of mindfulness for others in our space. If you will need a crib or highchair, please advise us in advance so we can make appropriate arrangements.

What about laundry and other appliances?

We have intentionally omitted most technology and appliances in the guest rooms to create a more peaceful, quiet space that is also energy-conscious. Our guest rooms do not contain televisions, telephones, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, kettles, or alarm clocks. A wall clock hangs in each guest room. Each bathroom is equipped with a hairdryer. An iron and ironing board are available as needed.

Coffee and tea are served in the Great Room beginning at 7:30 a.m. We are glad to provide an ice bucket and ice.

Refrigerator and freezer space are available by asking our kitchen staff.

If you plan to watch media or listen to music on your tablet or mobile phone, we request that you please wear headphones, even in your guest room.

In lieu of electronic devices, we happily offer board games, books, and otherwise. We like to take life a little slower.

On-site laundry service is available for guests for a fee. Self-service washers and dryers are available at a local laundromat.

Is there WiFi on site? Phone service?

At Hillholm, we have speedy WiFi, stable cell phone signals, and a landline at the office. We intentionally do not have telephones or televisions in guest quarters to facilitate greater mindfulness and rejuvenation on site. We understand that you may want a break from technology entirely. We will gladly hold cell phones, tablets, or laptops in a designated area if you’d like to #takeabreak.

is breakfast included in my stay?

Breakfast is not included in your stay. If you have stayed with us in the past when breakfast was available, we’re sorry to disappoint you! Beginning March 15, 2024, we stopped breakfast service in light of staffing limitations. Hot coffee from Carrabassett Coffee Company and an array of teas are available throughout the day, however.

If you’re looking for breakfast, check out The Kingfield Woodsman for some killer stick-to-your-bones nosh; Mainely Convenience and Anni’s Market also have take-out breakfast sandwiches and croissants. All three of these locations are only 2 minutes away by car.

Is smoking permitted on site?

Smoking—including using vaping devices—is prohibited indoors at Hillholm, both in guest rooms and common spaces, and within 100 feet of Hillholm’s property line. We can direct smokers to appropriate off-site locations for smoking adjacent to our property.

how do i make reservations at winter’s table?

Easy: contact us here. Our reservationist will reply directly by e-mail.

TELL ME ABOUT THE GREAT ROOM AND VERANDA.

The bar in the Great Room is open nightly Thursday through Saturday from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m., with last call at 8:45 p.m. We offer craft Prohibition era craft cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine, and hearty pub food in the Great Room. Grab a glass of something delicious and cozy up on the mansion’s veranda in Adirondack chairs around our fire pits.

Do you offer gift certificates?

Yes, we certainly do. Please contact us at reservations@santosha.org to make any arrangements to purchase one.

Is it possible to reserve the entirety of hillholm for a PRIVATE event?

Yes, we are glad to coordinate with you to reserve all available rooms. Please contact us to make applicable arrangements at reservations@wintershill.com. To learn a bit more about our private events, check out our offerings for weddings and private events and rituals.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you are an Inn Guest and you need to cancel your booking for any reason prior to the fourteen (14) days leading up to your stay, we will refund the total amount you paid, less applicable processing fees. If you need to cancel your booking for any reason in the fourteen (14) days prior to your stay, the entire booking amount is non-refundable. For the avoidance of doubt, we do not provide refunds even if you are prevented from traveling to Hillholm due to illness; travel logistics or cancellations; weather events; family events; changes in plans; or otherwise.

Other questions?

Surely, there are. We welcome your questions: hello@santosha.org or 207.340.1020.