Stephen Wright – Contemplation in Community
23 October 2027 @ 3:00 pm - 29 October 2027 @ 9:00 am
Contemplation in Community is a spiritual retreat for those seeking a deeper experience of stillness, prayer and attentiveness to the sacred. Guided by Stephen Wright, the week offers an opportunity to explore contemplative prayer and spiritual practices that help cultivate awareness, presence and connection in everyday life.
Through periods of reflection, conversation, solitude and shared practice, participants will be invited to slow down and engage more deeply with themselves, others and God. Rooted in the beauty of Iona and the rhythm of Abbey life, this contemplative retreat offers space for renewal, insight and spiritual growth.
Costs: 6 Nights: £960 or £480 concession.
Where: The Iona Abbey
When: 23.10.2027 – 29.10.2027
Led by: Stephen Wright
About the programme
Contemplation in Community is a spiritual retreat for those who feel called to a deeper experience of prayer, stillness and spiritual practice. Designed for people who are comfortable with reflection and spiritual inquiry, the week offers an opportunity to step away from the distractions of daily life and explore a more attentive way of being.
Led by Stephen Wright, participants will explore the practice of contemplative prayer and what it means to live contemplatively in the midst of ordinary life. Drawing on the Heartfulness tradition, the programme invites us to become more open to the presence of God, deepen our awareness of the sacred and nurture a more reflective relationship with ourselves, others and the world around us.
This contemplative retreat balances solitude with community, recognising that both are important parts of the spiritual journey. Through shared practice, reflection and time for personal exploration, participants will be supported in developing spiritual practices that can continue long after their time on Iona.
At its heart, the week is an invitation to slow down, listen deeply and discover how contemplation can bring greater presence, compassion and meaning to everyday life. Set within the rhythm of Abbey life and the beauty of the island, it offers space for spiritual renewal, insight and growth.
Meet the Programme Leader(s)
Led by Stephen Wright, this programme will draw upon the collaborative work of the Sacred Space Foundation and the Diocese of Carlisle in the St. Kentigern School and Community for Contemplatives. Stephen is a Member of the Iona Community, a director of the Sacred Space Foundation, an ordained Interfaith minister and spiritual director.
What to expect
Each day will include a rhythm of shared practice, reflection and personal space. Guided by Stephen Wright, participants will explore contemplative prayer through periods of group reflection, conversation and teaching, balanced with extended opportunities for solitude, silence and stillness.
Much of the week is intentionally spacious, allowing time to slow down, walk, pray, reflect and engage with the beauty of the island. Shared worship, meals and community life at Iona Abbey will provide a gentle framework for the programme, while helping participants explore how contemplation can be woven into everyday living.
This contemplative retreat is reflective, peaceful and deeply restorative. While much of the week is held in quiet, there will also be opportunities for conversation, shared learning and connection with others on a similar spiritual journey.
Key Information
Before booking, it’s helpful to know that this programme is designed for those who are comfortable with deeper spiritual inquiry and interested in exploring contemplation as a way of life. The week includes a balance of shared practice, reflection, conversation, solitude and silence, creating space for both personal exploration and learning in community.
While there will be extended periods of quiet and stillness, this is not a fully silent retreat. Participants will also gather for teaching, discussion and shared reflection throughout the week.
Booking Information
What's included
Your stay at Iona Abbey includes everything you need to fully take part in the experience:
+ Accommodation in the Abbey
+ Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
+ All programme sessions
+ Music, art and craft opportunities
+ Guided walks
Pricing & discounts
Prices vary depending on the type of week and length of stay.
- Standard week (6 nights): from £960 (adult)
- Reduced rates available from £480
- Children aged 5–15: £480
- Children under 5: free (contact [email protected])
A 20% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking.
We offer a 50% reduced rate for eligible UK residents, including:
+ Students
+ Those on state benefits or pension
+ Those earning below the real living wage
+ Refugees, asylum seekers, or those experiencing homelessness
A 15% family discount is automatically applied for groups of four or more (where adults pay full price).
We also have an Access Fund to support those who would not otherwise be able to attend.
Food & dietary
All meals are provided, with a focus on:
+ Healthy, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients
+ Primarily vegetarian meals (with one optional meat meal per week)
We can cater for most dietary requirements (including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free), but please let us know in advance.
Accommodation
+ 21 guest rooms (single, twin, triple and family rooms)
+ Some rooms are accessible, with lift access available to certain areas
+ Guests may be asked to share a room, particularly if travelling alone
+ Families of up to four can usually be accommodated in one room
If you have specific requirements (e.g. accessibility or room type), please let us know when booking.
For full room details and accessibility information, see our Accommodation FAQs.
Support our Access Fund
While you are making your own booking, please consider making a donation towards the Access Fund if you are able to, which allows financially disadvantaged people to stay at Iona Abbey. Thank you.
Your gift would help to pay towards:
| £1,000 | A week for a family on Iona |
| £300 | A week for a person on Iona |
| £200 | A week for a child on Iona |
| £100 | A week for a person at Camas |
| £50 | A night on Iona |
| £25 | A night at Camas |
Planning your stay
Getting to Iona
Travelling to Iona is part of the experience and involves:
+ Ferry from Oban to Mull
+ Bus across Mull
+ Ferry from Fionnphort to Iona
We recommend planning your journey in advance and allowing plenty of time.
Arrival and Stay
+ Arrival day is typically Saturday from 3pm onwards
+ You’ll be welcomed at the jetty or Abbey on arrival
+ Guests are invited to take part in daily community life, including optional worship and light shared tasks
Important to know
- This programme is intended for those comfortable with reflective and contemplative practice
- Extended periods of silence, solitude and personal reflection form part of the week
- This is not a fully silent retreat
- Full balance must be paid 6 weeks before arrival
- Cancellations within 6 weeks are non-refundable
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended
- The Abbey is an alcohol-free environment
- WiFi is available but may be limited
Need help?
If you have any questions before booking, you can contact the team at [email protected]
USA North East