General Questions

What type of retreat center is Avila?

Avila is a Self-Service center. Once you check in, the space is yours, and you have access to the kitchen and dining spaces.

What groups do we focus on?

We primarily focus on non-profit, social justice oriented organizations. Avila offers meeting/recreational facilities, lodging, and most equipment needs. Our mission is to connect and support community organizers and leaders working together for systemic change in the South and beyond.

Does Avila offer food services?

Currently, Avila does not provide food services. Your group is responsible for booking all meals needed for your event. We have a preferred catering list of local BIPOC restaurants to assist you.

When can I check in?

Guided check-ins are available from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Saturday. Self-check-in is available 24 hours with a 48-hour notice.

How many guests can sleep at Avila?

Avila has 33 bedrooms with a total of 53 beds. Additionally, self-camping on-site is allowed for groups that are interested.

Can you book for the upcoming year?

The Avila calendar for booking the upcoming year opens every September.

What is your Cancelation and Refund Policy?

In order to hold a reservation at Avila, we require a deposit of 50% of the total price. Final payment is due 30 days prior to the event. Because dates are typically booked out months in advance, cancelling often leaves us with a loss in booking that we are sometimes unable to fill. The refund amount is based on how far in advance we receive the cancellation request prior to the start date. All cancellations must be in writing.

Helpful Information

Driving directions to Avila are located here.

Transportation: Avila is a short 20-minute drive from downtown Durham. RDU airport is the closest air travel option, and car rental agencies are available at RDU. Avila does not provide airport transportation, and currently, there is no public transportation to our area. Groups may arrange for van service to and from RDU airports. Please contact your group leader if you need transportation from the airport. Currently, Avila does not have facilities to recharge guests’ electric vehicles. The closest location is 3.5 miles at Durham County Library North Regional Branch (FREE. J-1772 3.3-6.6kw.)

Check-in/Check-out: Guest rooms are available for check-in at 2:00 PM. If you need an earlier check-in, please contact your group leader, who will arrange it with the booking coordinator. Guests may check out as early in the morning as they wish. However, we ask that all guests completely vacate their individual rooms no later than 9:30 AM on the day of departure to allow our housekeeping staff to begin cleaning. Late checkouts must be arranged in advance.

Note: If you arrive a little early, please let us know. You are welcome to enjoy walking around the property until your group is ready to begin check-in.

Avila is located 2 minutes from a gas station, 5 minutes from CVS and Food Lion, and 8 minutes from Harris Teeter.

Lost and Found: Lost and found items can be turned in or located at the front desk. Unclaimed items are donated to a local shelter after 14 days.

Smoking Policy: Smoking or vaping indoors at the retreat is not permitted. Smoking is allowed outdoors, except on the patio. We kindly ask guests who smoke to be mindful of drifting smoke and to stay away from locations where smoke can enter open windows or doors.

Facilities: Avila has hiking trails throughout the property. (We hope to have trail maps available at the front desk in the fall.) Avila’s kitchen is equipped with a stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, ice machine, and microwave for guests to use. Within the Canteen, we have a Pantry that houses a full refrigerator/freezer, microwave, and sink. The Pantry is available to all guests who wish to store food, drinks, or medications during their stay. Wireless internet service is available. Our large conference room 1 has a 70in monitor and conference room 2 has a 50in monitor available for use.

Lodging: Guests stay in one of the seven lodges. The Lodges have private, single, or double-occupancy guest rooms, as well as several meeting rooms. Please contact your group leader for details. Individual room assignments are arranged by each group. It is important to inform your group leader of any special lodging needs you may have. Guest rooms do not have televisions or phones. Our single and double guest rooms do not offer private en-suite bathrooms. The rooms are basic and comfortable, each with windows that open to outside views. Each room has a ceiling fan for cooling in the summer and heating to keep our guests comfortable in the early spring and late fall. Amenities per room include one double and one single bed OR one twin bed, in addition to chairs, a desk, and a nightstand with a reading lamp. We do not provide Kleenex or hair dryers. Avila does not have parking space to accommodate personal campers, trailers, or RVs.

Housekeeping: Avila provides all bed linens (including blankets and pillows) and towels. Avila does not have laundry facilities for guests. There are laundromats nearby, the two closest are Soap Opera 3 Laundromat and Regency Cleaners

Alcohol Policy: Avila guests are permitted to bring their own alcohol.

Pet Policy: Guests and residents are not permitted to bring personal pets, emotional support animals, or therapy animals. Trained service dogs are welcome at Avila, with prior notice/documentation. We ask that guests with trained service dogs first speak with their group leader.

Deliveries: If you need to have supplies or program materials shipped to the Retreat, please refer to our delivery procedure for details.

Decorations: We kindly request that you refrain from using glitter and flammable decorations on the premises. These items can pose safety hazards and cause disruptions to the overall experience for all guests.

Miscellaneous Details: For more information on your group’s program, please contact your group leader. While Avila can answer questions about our facilities and the local area, your group leader will be your contact person for all program and lodging details. We are often asked if a spouse may come along and not participate in the program. You will need to check with your group leader on your group’s policy.

Nearby State Parks

Eno River State Park: West Point on the Eno 4.7 mi, Eno State Park Main Access point 9.6 mi, Eno River State Parks spans across five access areas along its namesake river. This riparian environment is popular with anglers, birdwatchers, and photographers alike. The park offers plenty of recreational opportunities just minutes from city amenities.

Little River Regional Park and Recreation Area: 5.4 mi, Enjoy Orange County’s recreation area full of hiking, biking, and birding trails, picnic areas, meadows, and butterfly garden minutes away from Avila!

Reservation requirements: 50% deposit AND Signed Event Reservation Order.

Final event confirmation requirements due 30 days or more prior to the event:

Final payment.
Signed Access Agreement, including a copy of your certificate of insurance as described in the agreement. We require you to list Self-Help Ventures Fund, dba Avila as an additional insured and a waiver of subrogation.
Any room updates to the event reservations. Material changes (reductions) subject to cancellation and refund policy. (Material changes are considered reductions of rooms that result in a reduced cost of 10% or more of the original signed Event Reservation Order.)

For reservations at Avila, the cancellation policy is:

61 days or more: fully refundable less a $100 administrative fee, deducted from your initial deposit.
31-60 days: The deposit is no longer refundable. Deposit equals 50% of the total cost listed on the most up to date Event Reservation Order.
30 days or less: not refundable. (You will be responsible for 100% of the signed Event Registration Order.)

If Avila is able to re-book another event for the days that you cancelled, we will credit your organization the net amount of the new event. The credit amount will not exceed the payment lost due to your cancellation.