Srdcem se dívej is a small family-run place with a single wooden cabin at the end of a large garden on the edge of the village of Rácovice, between Jemnice and Moravské Budějovice. A stream runs around the garden, with a meadow beyond it. The cabin was built specifically for dark retreats and has its own bathroom with a flush toilet, heat-recovery ventilation and radiant heating.
It is run by Jarka and Marián, who bring home-made vegetarian food once a day and, if the guest wishes, have a chat with them, or leave them in complete silence; in their own words, they do not want to judge guests or give them advice. They emphasise freedom: the guest is not locked in, turns off the light themselves and can open the shutters at any time and spend the rest of the stay in the light. It also suits a shorter first try, and by arrangement a couple. Bookings are made personally by e-mail; by arrangement, guests can be picked up from the train or bus in Jemnice or Moravské Budějovice.
Stay shorter than 7 days (from 2 nights): 1,400 CZK per day
Stay of 7 or more nights: partly voluntary contribution – booking fee 5,000 CZK, the rest at your discretion in cash on arrival; they expect at least 1,200 CZK per day in total
Price includes
Accommodation in the cabin, bed linen, bath towel, shower gel, shampoo, toilet paper
Home-made vegetarian food for the whole day, delivered once a day
Muesli, nuts, fruit and tea always available
Conversations with the guide when food is delivered, if you wish
After the stay you can remain in the garden, and in summer even sleep in a tent
Meals
included, vegetarian, once a day
Home cooking: own vegetables, sourdough bread, dairy products from a local farmer, eggs from their own hens
Usually delivered between 10:00 and 16:00 in insulated bowls
They try to accommodate diets and allergies; raw food is not offered
Length of stay
from 2 nights, better value from 7
The voluntary contribution applies only to stays of 7 nights or more
Check-in at 14:00, leave the cabin by 11:00
Deposit and payment
5,000 CZK (from 7 nights), otherwise 50%
Deposit by bank transfer within 5 days of agreeing the dates, otherwise the dates are released
Shorter stays: balance by bank transfer at least a week before the start
Stays of 7 nights or more: the rest voluntarily in cash on arrival
Cancellation
Cancellation at least a month before the start: the deposit is refunded in full, or the dates can be moved
Later cancellation: the deposit is refunded only if a replacement is found
The website does not say how cancellation of the balance works for shorter stays; ask before booking.
Leaving early: the website does not say whether money is refunded; ask before booking.
Health restrictions
The website only states that the stay is not suitable for people dependent on alcohol or drugs.
The website does not state any other health or mental-health restrictions; ask before booking.
Other conditions
Leaving early: the guest can open the shutters and spend the rest of the stay in the light in the cabin or in the garden; the website says nothing about refunds
The guest is not locked in and turns off the light themselves
A stay for a couple is possible by arrangement (an extra bed is added); they recommend that at least one has experience of the dark
No alcohol, drugs, glass bottles or sharp objects; no fire, candles, incense sticks or smoking in the cabin
They do not pass on messages from home during the stay
Details of how the stay works are sent by e-mail once the dates are agreed
Guide
Main guide Jarka (who has done two dark retreats herself), with her partner Marián standing in for her
Brings food once a day and chats with the guest if they wish
Complete silence can be arranged – food is handed over without talking
According to the website, they do not want to judge guests or give them advice
Information taken from the operator's website srdcemsedivej.cz, last checked 25. 9. 2026. Prices and conditions may change; please confirm them with the operator before booking.. Texts are translated from Czech.
Getting to Srdcem se dívej Rácovice:
Location: edge of the village Parking: 0 km
Srdcem se dívej Rácovice on the map:
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Srdcem se dívej RácoviceLocation: edge of the villageParking: 0 kmPrice: 1,200 Kč/nightWeek: voluntary contribution, at least 1,200 CZK/day expected incl. meals; shorter stay 1,400 CZK/day
How to book Srdcem se dívej Rácovice
Book directly with the operator: website srdcemsedivej.cz, tel. +420 737 380 522, e-mail srdcemsedivej@seznam.cz.
If they are fully booked, you can use these free dates at Léčba tmou near Kutná Hora. These are not dates of Srdcem se dívej Rácovice, but of the centre in Lomec near Kutná Hora (Czechia):
