How is coming on a retreat different to staying as a guest at the monastery?

Coming on retreat is a different experience to staying at the monastery. The Retreat Centre has its own facilities, and operates independently of the monastery. While on retreat you keep Noble Silence, spend your time practising sitting and walking meditation, and listen to dhamma talks every evening. Guests staying at the monastery follow the daily schedule of the monastic routine; working, sharing meals, and meditating with the monastic community.  Female yogis are not able to stay overnight at the monastery, unless they are on retreat.  The opportunity to stay overnight at the monastery is only available for male participants.