Hříbek is a small natural-build cottage (about 12 m²) at the edge of a garden by the forest in a hilltop eco-settlement in the White Carpathians, in the hamlet of Štefanová near Vrbovce on the Slovak side of the border, between Myjava and Velká nad Veličkou. It was built in 2013–2014 from clay, straw and wood as part of Petr Skořepa’s natural building school and has been used mainly for dark retreats from the start. It is blacked out and soundproofed with heavy clay plaster, ventilated naturally through an earth duct without letting in light, and has its own small entrance hall, shower and WC. The surroundings are quiet: the settlement lies at 520 m above sea level, 4 km from the nearest village, with no busy roads and a weak mobile signal.
The retreats are run by an association (Eko-osada o.z. / Ekovesnice z.s.) for its members – you become a member by sending an application and paying the deposit. The association states explicitly that it does not provide therapy or medical services; the approach is spiritual and focused on self-discovery (meditation, silence, fasting, sharing experiences) rather than psychotherapeutic. The retreat is guided by Luboš Tomíček, a life coach and trained darkness guide, who comes once a day with food and will talk with you if you wish. It suits a mentally healthy individual who wants to stay in the dark for at least a week and does not mind simple food or modest facilities. The association refers couples to the larger Srdce cottage, which is blacked out for dark retreats in winter (in summer it serves as ordinary accommodation with light); people with mental health problems are advised to choose a different facility.
Meals are charged separately (14 €/day, special 20–25 €/day)
Meals
charged extra at 14 €/day, simple (fruit, nuts, muesli, rice, vegetables), brought once a day
Food is brought once a day to the entrance hall, usually between 9:00 and 18:00, at a different time each day.
There is always water (reverse osmosis), tea and fruit in the cottage; on the first evening you get two bowls of muesli and nuts for the whole stay.
You can also have the food they cook for themselves: simple soups with fresh vegetables and sprouts, minimally spiced, sugar-free and mostly dairy-free.
Special meals (soups, porridges, juices, protein, cheese, meat, diets) for 20–25 €/day; bring your own sweets and special diet food.
You can also choose no meals (fasting) for 0 €; they recommend a rice cure or fasting.
Length of stay
7 nights or more recommended
The website gives no fixed minimum for a dark retreat; it recommends at least 7 nights, ideally 8 or more, and 13 or more for a deeper experience.
For ordinary accommodation with light the minimum is 2 nights.
Deposit and payment
booking is valid only after payment; the website does not say how much the deposit is
After you send the application you receive an e-mail with instructions, the amount and a payment reference (variable symbol).
By paying the deposit you automatically become a member of the association for one year (with no further obligations).
The website does not say how much the deposit is or when the balance is due; ask before booking.
Cancellation
The website does not say what the cancellation fees are; ask before booking.
If you cancel, they try to find a replacement; the sooner you let them know, the better.
For serious reasons they try to accommodate you and move the dates.
Leaving early: you can end the retreat at any time (you are not locked in); the website does not say whether money is refunded for unused nights.
Health restrictions
The retreat is intended for mentally healthy people.
According to the website, anyone suffering from neuroses, taking psychiatric medication or looking for psychotherapy should go elsewhere (they refer to the Beskydské rehabilitační centrum).
The website does not mention other health restrictions (epilepsy, pregnancy, medication etc.); ask before booking.
Other conditions
Arrival from 16:00 (earlier by arrangement in exceptional cases), departure by 11:00.
Call or text your arrival time the day before you arrive.
Retreats for association members only; you become a member by sending an application and paying the deposit.
Hříbek is for 1 person (the ventilation is set for one person); couples and pairs can use the larger Srdce cottage with two rooms (see rooms; it is adapted for darkness only in winter).
No smoking, alcohol, drugs or electronics (mobile phone, anything with a light or display).
You are not locked in; you can lock yourself in and end the retreat at any time.
Dogs or other animals must be announced in advance; better to leave them at home.
They recommend 1–2 weeks without meat, alcohol and smoking before the retreat.
No chemicals are used in the settlement; the website asks for consideration (mentioning contraception, antibiotics, antiperspirants, hormones).
The association states that it does not provide services to the public or therapy.
Certified life coach, author of the book Live the Life You Love, trained in guiding darkness therapy.
Before the start there is an intake interview and an introduction to the cottage; you then begin the darkness yourself.
Comes once a day at varying times; on request a conversation and sharing of experiences (5–60 minutes); complete non-disturbance can also be arranged.
Available 24 hours a day if needed.
The founder of the eco-settlement, Petr Skořepa (tel. +421 944 293 223), sometimes stays there and a consultation with him can be arranged.
Information taken from the operator's website terapiatmou.sk, last checked 8. 10. 2026. Prices and conditions may change; please confirm them with the operator before booking.. Texts are translated from Czech.
Getting to Darkness by the forest Hříbek Vrbovce:
Location: small natural-build cottage by the forest in a hilltop eco-settlement Parking: 0,2 km Train: 8 km Bus: 4 km
Darkness by the forest Hříbek Vrbovce on the map:
Do you own this centre and would like more photos or a different description here? Contact us at info@pobytvetme.com.
Darkness by the forest Hříbek VrbovceSKLocation: small natural-build cottage by the forest in a hilltop eco-settlementParking: 0,2 kmTrain: 8 kmBus: 4 kmPrice: ≈ 1,562 Kč/night50 € per night (accommodation and guide) + 14 € per day for simple meals; up to 75 € with special meals
Darkness by the forest Hříbek VrbovceSKLocation: small natural-build cottage by the forest in a hilltop eco-settlementParking: 0,2 kmTrain: 8 kmBus: 4 kmPrice: ≈ 1,562 Kč/night50 € per night + meals from 14 €/day; the website does not say whether a couple pays per person or for the house; darkness only in winter
How to book Darkness by the forest Hříbek Vrbovce
Book directly with the operator: website terapiatmou.sk, tel. +421 944 055 013 (Luboš Tomíček), e-mail prirodniubytovani@gmail.com.
If they are fully booked, you can use these free dates at Léčba tmou near Kutná Hora. These are not dates of Darkness by the forest Hříbek Vrbovce, but of the centre in Lomec near Kutná Hora (Czechia):
