THE SANCTUARY RETREAT CENTER
The Sanctuary is a 3-acre retreat center, just minutes from the ocean, on a serene mountaintop boasting a massive Mother Tree, macadamia and blood orange orchards, and abundant wildlife.
This is the home of John and Eden who work tirelessly to create a pristine space that nourishes the heart and supports the soul.
This is the home of John and Eden who work tirelessly to create a pristine space that nourishes the heart and supports the soul.
Join us at the Santuary
Learn how to build an Aircrete Dome! This is an in depth and comprehensive 10-day workshop where you'll deepen your connection to your creative spirit learning the fine art of Aircrete Architecture, and have the time of your life with new friends from around the world! This is your chance to learn how to build your own structurally reinforced Aircrete dome home with your own hands!
NEAREST AIRPORTS:
San Diego Airport (SAN) is 40 mins South. Orange County airport (SNA) is 1 hr 15 mins North. Los Angeles airport (LAX) is 2 hours North. With heavy traffic it can be 3 hours. |
The Sanctuary is 40 miles north of San Diego
You can ride share with other participants. Lyft or Uber from San Diego airport cost $60 - $80. Or there are other public van transportation options. |
For more info email - info@johnandeden.com
Learn how to build an Aircrete dome and more!-> Work as a team to co-create a sacred space
-> Make AirCrete with DomeGaia's unique tools -> Make forms for blocks, archways and round windows -> Build a dome using a compass arm -> Build an archway & a multifaceted skylight -> Build a fabric formed single-pour round window -> Build a center pivot oval-shaped wooden door -> Practice techniques to build custom furniture DOMIE BONUS! Each participant will receive Architectural Drawings of Steve's Dome Home
(a 16-page detailed digital download ) |
Learn to Build Domegaia Style!
We'll teach you how to build your own dome home with Aircrete - an amazing material that you can make yourself. Learn to build a low-cost dome home that is waterproof, fireproof, termite proof, rot proof, insulated, eco friendly, non toxic, and durable against the forces of earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.
*Note: We do our best to complete the Aircrete dome during the workshop; however, unexpected obstacles like weather conditions, for example, may prevent the dome’s completion.
Check out these beautiful aircrete domes
built by Nathan Deschenes - graduate of our 2018 teacher's training. |
Our Angel Instructors: Rafael and Gabriel
Read more about our enthusiastic instructors on Our Team page!
Local Attractions
Coming early or staying after? Southern California has endless opportunities for fun, adventure, relaxation, or anything you choose. Feel free to email us directly for advice, but here are a few options...
BEACHES
Within a short 20 minute drive are several fantastic beaches - Oceanside, Carlsbad, and Encinitas are just a few great local areas. Or drive 1 hour North and stay in the famous Laguna Beach, an idyllic town with art galleries, shopping, great restaurants, and beautiful beaches. SURFING & STAND UP PADDLING Its California! Some of the best surfing in the world. There are several world-renowned surf beaches within a 20 to 40 min drive. Also close are numerous beaches and inlets for standup paddling and you can rent boards. SAN DIEGO WILD ANIMAL SAFARI PARK Within a 15 minute drive is a large wild animal safari park that replicates an African safari. Take a jeep ride and see giraffes, rhinoceros, elephants, lions and more. Great for adults and kids. www.sdzsafaripark.org SPAS & HOT SPRINGS This area has countless day spas, from simple to luxury. Here is a list of San Diego's best day spas. Also look for great spas in La Jolla, Laguna Beach and Newport Beach. ENCINITAS & SELF REALIZATION CENTER This is a beach town 35 mins South with a very conscious crowd. It has great beaches, dozens of restaurants (many vegan and raw), unique shops, and the famous Self Realization Center and Meditation Gardens (free) founded by Paramahansa Yoganada. You'll also find a lot of yoga studios, ecstatic dance events, sound healings, drum circles, and other tribe gatherings. TEMECULA Within a 25 min drive is a city well known for its wine farms. Visit wineries and go on a wine tasting tour! www.visittemeculavalley.com JOSHUA TREE Within a 1.5 hour drive is this famous desert area known for its powerful vortexes and energy. Its a great overnight 2 day trip, go visit Joshua Tree National park. Great place for camping, or find a local AirBnB. DOLPHIN & WHALE WATCHING Head 45 mins North to Dana Point, and get on a dolphin boat charter. They'll take you out for a 2 hour boat ride to see the resident dolphin pods (which number in the 1000's), and sometimes local whales! www.danawharf.com DISNEYLAND Head 1 hour North to Anaheim to visit the original Disneyland and the new California Wild Adventure Park (dozens of rides for adults). LOS ANGELES AND HOLLYWOOD If you have a lot of time, drive 2 hours North (or take the train) into Los Angeles. Visit Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, etc. |
Accommodations

The Sanctuary offers affordable accommodations ON SITE at various price levels to fit every budget. You do not have to worry about driving back and forth each day. Stay on site to make new friends and bond with other workshop attendee's visiting from all over the world!

Meals: There will be a professional chef on site to prepare all our healthy meals!
The meal plan includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as unlimited access to tea, coffee and fresh spring water direct from a local mountain. Some snacks will also be prepared. Meals will be primarily vegetarian and vegan, organic wherever possible, with fish and chicken options at some dinners.
The meal plan includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as unlimited access to tea, coffee and fresh spring water direct from a local mountain. Some snacks will also be prepared. Meals will be primarily vegetarian and vegan, organic wherever possible, with fish and chicken options at some dinners.
For more information about meals and accommodations click the link below.
https://www.thesanctuaryretreatcenter.com/upcoming-workshops
We recommend staying on site during the workshop rather than finding your own off-site accommodations. Staying together allows for richer community building and experiences to be enjoyed together, including nightly campfires that always encourage story telling and musical sharing!
https://www.thesanctuaryretreatcenter.com/upcoming-workshops
We recommend staying on site during the workshop rather than finding your own off-site accommodations. Staying together allows for richer community building and experiences to be enjoyed together, including nightly campfires that always encourage story telling and musical sharing!
For more info about The Sanctuary - www.thesanctuaryretreatcenter.com
Workshop Schedule: March 13 - 23, 2019
Day 1
3-4pm: Check-In @ The Sanctuary 6:30pm: Welcome Dinner Day 2 7:00-8:15am: Breakfast 8:30-9:00: Opening Circle 9am-12:30pm: Workshop 12:30pm-1:30pm: Lunch 1:30pm-5pm: Workshop 6pm: Dinner |
Days 3-10
7:00-8:30am: Breakfast 9am-12:30pm: Workshop or Outing 12:30pm-1:30pm: Lunch 1:30pm-5pm: Workshop or Outing 6pm: Dinner Day 11 7:30-8:30am: Breakfast 9am-12pm: Workshop 12pm-1:30pm: Lunch 1:30pm: Closing Circle 4pm: Departure |
Tuition
Important note: Registration for tuition and accommodations are separate. Please secure your workshop space with a $500 deposit via the link below and then reserve your accommodations through our host website or arrange your own accommodations. Thank you!
10-day Workshop Tuition
$1200 per student or $2200 for two registering together.
If you have questions about the workshop please contact - workshops@domegaia.com
For info about meals, accommodations or transportation contact - info@johnandeden.com
For info about meals, accommodations or transportation contact - info@johnandeden.com
CANCELLATION POLICY:
- Folks cancelling more than 4 weeks prior to the first day of the workshop will receive a full tuition refund, minus any processing fees.
- Those cancelling 2 - 4 weeks prior to the first day of the workshop will receive a half tuition refund, minus fees.
- No refunds for cancellation requests made less than 2 weeks prior to the first day of the workshop.
- If the workshop has to be cancelled for some reason, you will receive an immediate full refund. We have never had to cancel a workshop, so this is highly unlikely.
We look forward to building with you at The Sanctuary!
Career Opportunities
Interested in becoming a professional Aircrete builder or a Domegaia instructor?
Our workshops are the best way to learn to build Domegaia-style!
You'll meet people from all over the world with whom you can collaborate.
Our Community Forum has a growing list of folks who need help with their projects.
Interested in becoming a professional Aircrete builder or a Domegaia instructor?
Our workshops are the best way to learn to build Domegaia-style!
You'll meet people from all over the world with whom you can collaborate.
Our Community Forum has a growing list of folks who need help with their projects.