THE GUIDEDOC PROFILE
Published by GuideDoc
A small-group couples retreat with John and Julie Gottman on Orcas Island, combining presentations with exercises for each couple.
These event dates have passed. New dates are not published. Program details and prices below refer to the past events.
- Program price
- $13,000USD per couple
- Program length
- 2 days
- Format
- Group
- Approach
- Therapy-based
A CLOSER LOOK
What to know about The Gottman Institute
This retreat is a specific event format within the broader Gottman organization. Couples share the teaching environment but practice together as a pair. Review the event-specific venue and travel instructions rather than relying on general Gottman workshop information.
Locations
- Orcas Island, Washington
BEFORE YOU GO
The experience, in more detail
Learning uses several formats
The retreat page describes lectures, storytelling, role-play and exercises completed by each couple. This creates a mix of shared teaching and private application. Ask which exercises involve facilitator input and how individual questions are handled.
The agenda goes beyond conflict skills
The advertised topics include friendship, intimacy, shared values and life purpose, alongside difficult recurring disagreements and repairing hurts. Compare those topics with your priorities rather than assuming the whole retreat centers on crisis counseling.
Small group does not mean exclusive sessions
The provider describes personal attention within a small-group retreat. That is different from booking a practitioner solely for your relationship. Ask about the number of couples, availability of individual assistance and the final daily schedule.
THE PRACTICAL DETAILS
Programs & prices
Prices below refer to the named program or package. Check the inclusions and separate costs before comparing totals.
PROGRAM 1
Small-group retreat with the Gottmans
- Orcas Island, Washington
When it runs Recurring events · Sep 17–18, 2026
Past event. The program details and prices below are historical.
A two-day workshop with private exercises for each couple.
Cost & stay
- Program / package price
- $13,000USD per couple
- Packages & pricing details
- Not published
- What’s included
- Retreat instruction and personalized support
- Additional costs / exclusions
- Lodging, meals and travel inclusion not stated
- Lodging
- Not stated
- Meals
- Not stated
Schedule & approach
- When it runs
- Recurring events
- Program length
- 2 days
- Sessions
- Teaching and private couples exercises
- Format
- Group
- Approach
- Therapy-based
- Program type
- WorkshopScheduled group teaching or presentations with couple exercises are the main offering. A hotel venue alone does not make this a residential retreat.
- Published dates
- Sep 17–18, 2026
People & support
- Qualifications
- Julie Schwartz Gottman: clinical psychologist; John Gottman: psychology researcher.
- Who it is for
- Not published
- Follow-up support
- Not published
Location details
- Location
- Orcas Island, Washington
- Location coverage
- Listed locations
MAKE YOUR SHORTLIST COUNT
Questions to ask before booking
Use these questions when you contact The Gottman Institute.
- How many couples will attend this particular retreat?
- What individual assistance is available during exercises?
- What arrival and departure arrangements are recommended for Orcas Island?
THE REVIEW PICTURE
Reviews & GuideDoc score
A summary of what helps and what holds it back.
What helps
- Led by the developers of the Gottman Method
- John Gottman received a university honor for his work
- The approach and activities are explained
What holds it back
- Lower ratings for the business
- Limited number of reviews
- Session lengths aren’t clear