About Traigh Bhan and Iona

Traigh Bhan is a stone’s throw from the beach, set in a crofter’s field you’ll often share with cows, sheep, lambs, geese and always seagulls and oyster catchers.

The porch, with wrap-around windows and plenty of comfy chairs, is ideal for watching passing boats and the ebb and fall of the tide, no matter what the weather. A lounge with armchairs, books and a dining table leads into the kitchen, where Robbie the Rayburn stove keeps things warm (there’s a gas/electric stove as well). The kitchen is fully equipped and there are basic food supplies; food is vegetarian. There’s a washing machine, with a dryer for wet weather.

There are two shared bedrooms downstairs – a front room with two single beds, and a rear room with four sturdy built-in bunks, each with curtains for privacy. There’s a bathroom with a toilet and shower, as well as a separate toilet.

Upstairs is the Sanctuary of the White Strand, a deeply peaceful space with beautiful views across the Sound of Iona to the Isle of Mull. Network of Light meditations have been held here for more than six decades.

Traigh Bhan’s rhythms

Traigh Bhan is a shared home with an ethos of collaborative, community living. The pattern may change depending on your group, but in general, you’ll eat together in the evenings, taking turns to cook and clean. Retreats have a facilitator or a host, who can help with information on the house and exploring the island.

They may lead meditations in the mornings, and there’s a regular meditation on Wednesdays at noon. Islanders and visitors from all over are invited to join in.