Donna Davidge on Sewell House, Nature Healing, and Building a Transformational Yoga Retreat

The Holistic Entrepreneur

In this episode of The Holistic Entrepreneur Podcast, Zane Myers sits down with Donna Davidge, founder of Sewell House — a seasonal yoga and wellness retreat tucked away in the quiet beauty of Island Falls, Maine.
Donna opens up about her journey from yoga teacher to retreat host, and how community, nature, and personal transformation became the pillars of her work. Together, they explore the healing legacy of Sewell House, the evolving wellness industry, and what it really takes to hold space for personal growth.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
How Sewell House blends history with healing
What makes a retreat feel personal and powerful
The role of vegetarian cuisine and breathwork in holistic care
Behind-the-scenes of running a wellness business in a digital age
Why slowing down in nature might be the most powerful medicine of all
Whether you're a wellness entrepreneur, yoga teacher, or someone craving reconnection — this episode is for you.
🌐 Learn more about Sewell House: https://sewellhouse.com
🎧 More episodes: https://holisticentrepreneur.org

Chapters

1. Introduction to Sewell House and Its Unique Concept (00:00:00)

2. The Sewell House Experience: Wellness and Community (00:02:48)

3. Business Insights: Running a Retreat in a Changing Market (00:05:56)

4. The Role of Yoga in Personal Growth and Healing (00:09:13)

5. Marketing Strategies for a Niche Retreat (00:11:49)

6. Future Aspirations and the Evolution of Sewell House (00:14:55)

7. Attracting Visitors to Sewell House (00:22:35)

8. The Healing Legacy of Sewell House (00:24:02)

9. Culinary Delights at Sewell House (00:26:05)

10. Understanding Yoga: More Than Just Exercise (00:31:04)

11. Connecting with Sewell House (00:41:46)