Rental Events FAQ

Where is Ramah Darom?
Ramah Darom is 2.5 hours from the Atlanta Airport, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just 20 minutes from downtown Clayton and about 2.5 hours from Atlanta’s airport.

Who can rent the facility?
The Kaplan Mitchell Retreat Center at Ramah Darom is an inclusive facility that welcomes groups of all backgrounds, religions, abilities, identities, and orientations.

How many people can your facility accommodate for residential events?
Our facility can accommodate up to 750 guests across our 18 cabins, four hotel buildings, and four cottages.

Can I book an individual room or cabin?
No. The Kaplan Mitchell Retreat Center at Ramah Darom is a group rental facility, and we do not offer individual unit bookings.

When is the facility available for rentals?
Ramah Darom is available to rent from late August through mid-May. During the summer months, the campus is dedicated exclusively to our overnight summer camp programs.

What type of events can be hosted at Ramah Darom?
We welcome a wide range of groups, from corporate teams to associations to interest groups to educational institutions to religious and civic organizations to multigenerational families, and everything in between. Whether you’re planning a board offsite, a team-building retreat, a family celebration, a school trip, or a community gathering, Ramah Darom offers a flexible, inspiring setting for both work and play.

Is the campus accessible for individuals with mobility challenges?
Ramah Darom’s campus is located in the mountains and includes hills and uneven terrain. Most recreational buildings are wheelchair accessible, and we offer a selection of hotel rooms and cabins with walk-in showers and grab bars.

Can I bring my pet?
Pets are not permitted on campus. Service animals and emotional support animals can be accommodated in accordance with ADA guidelines with advance notice.

What program amenities are available on campus?
Depending on the season and your goals, your group can enjoy hiking, boating, a climbing wall, ropes course, sports fields, and more. Some activities require facilitation, and additional fees may apply.

Our 185-acre mountain campus features:

• Hiking trails and biking trails, waterfall, private lake with non-motorized boating, zero-entry pool
• Ropes courses, climbing wall, giant swing, archery range, bonfire areas
• Tennis/pickleball, basketball, and sand volleyball courts, floor hockey rink, gaga pits, soccer, and softball fields
• Fitness Center with spin bikes, Yoga & dance Studio

I’ve attended a Ramah Darom Retreat in the past. Will it be run similarly?
The short answer: not exactly. Here’s the difference between a Ramah Darom retreat and a hosted event/rental:

• Ramah Darom Curated Retreats: These are all-inclusive, staff-led experiences designed and facilitated by the Ramah Darom team. Each retreat is thoughtfully curated around a theme, bringing together community, creativity, and Jewish values. From inspiring content to meaningful rituals and warm hospitality, every detail is handled by our staff—giving guests a seamless and enriching experience on our North Georgia mountain campus.
• Rental Event: A rental event is created and led by an outside group or organization. You bring your own program, participants, and vision—we provide the space, lodging, meals, and logistical support. Think of Ramah Darom as your backdrop and hospitality partner, while you shape the content and flow of your event.

What is the closest airport to Ramah Darom?
Most guests fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), which is about a 2.5-hour drive from campus.

Nearby airports include:

• Greenville-Spartanburg International (GSP): 104 miles
• Asheville Regional (AVL): 115 miles
• Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International (ATL): 129 miles

How do I get to Ramah Darom from the Atlanta airport?
We’re happy to recommend trusted transportation vendors to help coordinate your travel from the airport to campus.

How’s the weather at Ramah Darom?
Expect warm summers, crisp autumns with vibrant foliage, mild winters, and comfortable springs. Please note that mountain temperatures can change throughout the day. Be sure to check the forecast for zip code 30525 the week of your arrival.

Is there WiFi on campus?
Yes. WiFi is available throughout campus, within lodging, all indoor meeting spaces, and most outdoor areas.

Will there be a facility host on-site during our event? 
Yes. A dedicated facility host will be on-site throughout your event to provide campus support, troubleshoot any needs that arise, and serve as your primary point of contact. Please note: while your host will help ensure a smooth experience, they do not serve as an event planner and are not responsible for managing external vendors or keeping your event on schedule.

Do you have an electric car charging station?
We offer two Level 2 FLO Network charging stations. Usage fees apply. Click here for more information and instructions.

Do you have a packing list?
Yes. This Packing List includes seasonal suggestions.

What else is there to do in the area?
Explore local attractions at explorerabun.com.

What types of lodging are available?
Ramah Darom offers a range of lodging options to suit different group needs and comfort levels. View photos and details here.

• 18 Cabins: Bunk-style with indoor bathrooms, ideal for large groups
• 57 Hotel Rooms (Across 4 Buildings): Comfortable rooms with private bathrooms
• 4 Deluxe Cottages: Private, upgraded studio-style lodging

What amenities can I expect?
All our lodging options are designed for comfort and simplicity in our natural mountain setting and include hotel-style toiletries (soap, conditioning shampoo, and lotion). We do not provide hair dryers or irons, and there are no TVs in our accommodations. While daily housekeeping is not included in our standard rates, all spaces are thoroughly cleaned and stocked prior to your arrival.

• Cabins are spacious and bunk-style with indoor bathrooms and heating. Hotel-style toiletries are provided, and bed and bath linen sets are available for a fee.
• Hotel Rooms include linens, heating and air conditioning, a mini-fridge, a personal coffee maker with pods, and a table with 2 chairs.
• Deluxe Cottages offer all the amenities of hotel rooms, plus added privacy in a tree-top setting, screened porch, and kitchenette with sink and microwave.

Are meals included for rental groups?
Yes. All rental packages include three chef-prepared, buffet-style meals per day. Coffee, tea, and fresh fruit are available throughout the day in the Dining Hall. As part of our community-minded approach, guests are asked to bus their own dishes after meals. For groups that prefer a higher level of service, table-side clearing is available as an upgrade.

Are you a kosher facility?
Yes. Ramah Darom is a year-round kosher facility, guaranteeing the highest food standards. The Kaplan Mitchell Retreat Center operates under the supervision of the Atlanta Kashrut Commission (AKC).

Can rental groups create their own menu?
We offer a diverse selection of chef-curated menu options included in the rental base rate. Customizations, additional meals, snacks, or upgraded offerings are available upon request for an additional fee.

Can I use an outside caterer or bring my own food onto campus?
To maintain our kosher standards, outside caterers are not permitted. Guests may bring unopened, shelf-stable snacks with advance approval from our Mashgiach (Kashrut Supervisor). Please note that Ramah Darom staff are not able to store, serve, or manage outside food items, and outside food is not permitted in the Dining Hall.

Is alcohol permitted?
Ramah Darom does not sell, open, or serve alcohol for hosted events. Groups are welcome to bring their own alcohol to enjoy during their event. All beverages must be approved in advance by our Kashrut Supervisor. If you’re interested in professional bartending or wine service, we’re happy to recommend one of our trusted outside vendors.

What dietary needs can you accommodate?
With advance notice, our kitchen can accommodate a wide range of dietary needs, including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian, nut-free, soy-free, pescatarian, and more. While we take great care in food preparation, please note that our kitchens are not allergen-free, and cross-contamination is possible.

What costs are associated with renting the facility?
Our all-inclusive nightly rates cover the following. Optional upgrades and add-ons allow flexibility for your group to customize and enhance their stay.

• Lodging (linens included in hotel and cottage rates)
• Three buffet-style meals per day (first or last as a pack-out)
• All-day coffee, tea, and fruit in the Dining Hall
• Campus amenities (Some activities require facilitation, and additional fees may apply.)
• WiFi
• One dedicated meeting space with AV setup
• Essential support staff
• An itinerary consultation with our programming team

What is your rental minimum?
We require a minimum of 50 guests or a minimum nightly monetary commitment. In some cases, it may be possible to share the campus with another group. We’re happy to talk through flexible options that work for your group size and budget.

Can I rent your facility for exclusive use?
Yes, we can guarantee campus exclusivity with a minimum monetary commitment.

Is there an event space rental fee?
The rental of our facility includes one pre-event room setup. Additional setups are available for a fee.

What happens if I need to cancel?
Our cancellation policy is as follows:

• The first 30% deposit secures your reservation and is non-refundable under any circumstances.
• More than 180 days prior: All deposits are refundable, except the initial non-refundable 30% deposit.
• 90–180 days prior: 50% of the remaining deposits are forfeited.
• Less than 90 days: All deposits are non-refundable. The client is responsible for the full minimum contract amount within 30 days of cancellation.