Admit it, whether you’re a Southern California resident or not, when you hear “Malibu”, you right away think rich people living in a beach house drinking umbrella drinks from their back patios overlooking the Pacific Ocean. That’s the visual, I get.
So, you can imagine when I was invited to attend a retreat in Malibu, those images flashed through my mind almost immediately.
I was surprised by the inexpensive group rate for a private room including meals. It was less than $1000 for 3 days/2 nights including the cost of the classes.
The location was at the Serra Retreat. It’s a Catholic retreat run by Franciscan Friars, who live on site, so I knew there would be dormitory style rooms, but still… I’d be in Malibu.
In order to enter the gated community in which the retreat is located, you have to pass through the guarded gate. You see, a lot of very fancy-smancy Hollywood types live back there. Past and present residents include Mel Gibson, Kelsey Grammar, Olivia Newton John, Brittney Spears, Dick Van Dyke, and many more. Check your star map if you’re into that sort of thing.
As you can see, the views were excellent.
The meals were pretty good. We ate in the cafeteria with the friars. You could go to the cafeteria for coffee and tea any time of the day, but the literal dinner (breakfast and lunch too) bell rang at specific hours, and we lined up with our trays.
The accommodations still make me giggle a little. Trust me, it was fine, but very dorm style with teeny little beds as you can see below.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. It was very peaceful and I accomplished my goals for the retreat.
If you are interested in visiting Serra Retreat, you’ll see from their website, the public is invited to visit the grounds Monday through Friday from 9am to 4:30pm for personal prayer and relaxation, and there is no reservation is needed. You’ll have to make an appointment on the weekends.
Please visit their website for more information: https://serraretreat.com
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