We at Oranbega Retreat Center work every day to fulfill our mission of providing writers, artists, musicians, and spiritual seekers with the nurturing and support they need as they devote a period of uninterrupted time to developing their work or connecting with their creative spirit

We Offer

  • Writing retreats
  • Inviting workspace for all kinds of creative workers
  • Prayer Retreats for individuals and small church groups
  • Beautiful Studio space for artists and musicians
  • Gentle, unobtrusive hosts
  • A quiet house shared with only one or two other Guests at a time.
  • Writing, Art, and Music consultation, on request
  • Spiritual direction, on request
  • Occasional concerts, poetry readings, and other events.
  • Riverbank setting in a quiet coastal village
  • Access to Acadia National Park and other beauty spots
  • Comfortable lodging with river and village views.
  • Delicious meals, catered to your food preferences, up to three a day
    (including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options)
  • The option to sign up for a reduced meal plan
  • Affordable pricing
  • Scholarships
  • Easy Application process

The People* of Oranbega

Angelica

Ruler of the Roost

Angelica is the Oranbega Center mascot, champion, companion, and ruler plenipotentiary. She can’t wait to meet you and assist in making your stay purrrrfect.

Rev. Dr. Jennifer Reece

Retreat Director and Literary Arts Coordinator

Jenny is a poet, novelist, teacher, and retired Episcopal priest. After 35 years of ministry, she founded the Oranbega Retreat Center in January, 2020 as a space where creative workers and spiritual seekers can meet and work together to heal themselves and the world through the arts. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, Jenny has traveled widely and celebrates diversity. Her studies in the MFA in English program at Cornell University prepared her well as a leader of workshops in both poetry and fiction. A practitioner and teacher of contemplative prayer, she believes that creativity and spirituality are linked at the core and does her best to nurture both. She also loves to cook, sing, play Mah-Jongg and Scrabble, and is a life-long Tolkien geek. A lover of music, she listens to folk and funk, to opera and jazz. A lover of nature, she serves as the chair of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine’s Climate Justice Council. Her great joy is to share her beautiful home on the riverbank with others who want to explore and expand their creative spirit. 

Miss Noodle

aka Elvira, Mistress of the Bark, among other aliases

Noodle would like to let you know that she loves you. She hasn’t met you yet, but that’s a minor matter. She’ll be happy to escort you anywhere, or just sit and help you. She’s very helpful. Just ask her.

Kevin Borchers

tech guy in residence

Noodle’s person and tech guy in residence, Kevin is a web developer / project manager / organizational madman. He loves meeting Oranbega guests, and talking art and writing and creativity. He is also very happy to help you with the wifi.

*Pets are people too