ACCOMODATIONS
at The Diakonia Retreat Center
Accommodations
The Diakonia Retreat Center
is a destination secluded in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains featuring wooded glens and hiking trails and its own 12 acre private lake. The campus features canoeing, fishing, and more. Individual and duplex cabins, group lodges, and communal dining all await our group as we arrive at this beautiful camp. The “crown jewel” of the retreat center is the lovely Panagia Chapel. The Diakonia Retreat Center is owned and supported by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta.
Please view this video for information about the accommodation choices at the Diakonia Retreat Center.
Visit the Diakonia Retreat Center for more information.
2 Types of Lodging
Lodges
There are three lodges with dorm-like accommodations. Each lodge has a common area in the center with a fireplace and an atrium skylight. To the left and right of the common area there is an enclosed hallway with 5 bedrooms and 1 large bathroom at the end of the hall. Each lodge room has two bunk beds but we assign no more than two adults per room so no one will have to sleep on a top bunk. Most attendees of TLAA will be accommodated in these lodges, since they have the largest capacity on the property. They are located across from the dining hall.
Cabins
There is a limited number of cabins which offer a private bathroom. Cabins have a variety of bed types. Some have one queen bed, while others have one double or two twins. A few cabins have a double bed and a bunk bed. Married couples will be given priority for cabins during the first phase of registration. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis and usually sell out quickly for TLAA. They are located a short walk from the dining hall and have steps to get inside.
How Lodging is Assigned:
As you register, you will be asked for your lodging preferences. However, Initially you will be invoiced at the BASE RATE for LODGE SINGLE and later the appropriate adjustments will be applied to your invoice, based on your lodging assignment. We will do our best to accommodate your preferences.
Note that the facilities at the DRC necessitate that we consider many factors when assigning lodging —such as how many women and men register, consideration for physical limitations, or if we have married couples. There are more lodge rooms than cabins, so most students will be housed in the lodges. Cabins usually fill quickly, are subject to availability, and are prioritized for married couples.
You will be notified of your assignment about 2 months before the Academy starts. In some cases, we might need to make a change to your lodging assignment to appropriately accommodate the entire group. Please be patient with us; it’s a little like a game of Tetris!
A Word About Walking
The Diakonia Retreat Center is a truly lovely camp, beautifully nestled in the serene mountains of South Carolina. The thoughtfully designed buildings are situated around a picturesque lake and are connected by charming gravel paths and inviting boardwalks. Most visitors find themselves walking daily to attend various classes, enjoying meals in the cozy dining hall, and taking leisurely strolls around the lake to reach the chapel, which typically takes about 15 minutes.
It is highly recommended that you be capable of navigating this natural setting comfortably. If you experience difficulty walking for a duration of 15 minutes or feel unsteady on gravel or dirt paths, you are welcome to use your vehicle for the longer distances. However, please keep in mind that this is a camp environment where shorter walks may present some challenges. If you have any uncertainties or concerns about whether this experience is suitable for you, please do not hesitate to reach out to Presvytera Christine to discuss.
