In Hepburn Springs – Victoria – 15 women came together to escape city life, recharge their batteries, fill their cups and walk away with more knowledge, understanding and education about how they can improve their lives. They were ready for my Mini Retreat – May 2023.
After 2 successful retreats in 2022 this retreat sold out within 48 hours. The people had spoken and wanted one in Victoria.
In line with my mantra – it’s all about balance, my retreats encompass all of that.
There’s movement, nourishment, education and a little indulgence. There’s vulnerability, laughs, serious conversations, deeper learnings and of course – time to reflect and rejuvenate.
Escaping busy lives
Most of these women had stepped away from busy lives – either leaving children with their dads/parents, busy jobs and hectic days, and 2 beautiful women in their 60’s just wanted to finally do something for THEM. No matter the reason – they needed to be spoilt, looked after and not have to think for the entire weekend. They got to truely switch off and let us take care of them.
A part of that is a goodie bag. In addition to supporting small businesses around Australia – the girls got to experience some amazing products. Our awesome sponsors of our goodie bags were:
- Happy Way: Protein and charge up products
- Jak Organics – Body & Face wipes
- Vatea – Beautiful hand cream
- 99th Monkey – Almond Cacao and Peanut Butter
- Trademark Promotions – Supplied us with our gorgeous calico bags
- Talarek Book Keeping provided some yummy wine
- Purely Lashes – Lash Serum
- Otway Pasta – Melbourne made Pasta
- The Goal Changer – Goal setting & Mindset Planner
- Studio McKenna – Gorgeous candles
- They also got a Figure drink bottle, sa et of Figure Bands and a Yoga mat from me.
The weekend
The weekend start on Friday night with a welcome cocktail from The Budgie Bar in Melbourne and an introduction from everyone as to why they had come. Tears started already as the girls really lent in their why’s, and expressed how life was for them.
Tears were wiped away with laughter and we proceeded to have a beautiful catered dinner. The girls already relaxed in their new home for the weekend, making new friends – and not feeling alone in their vulnerabilities. A true showing of women coming together in support.
Our beautiful photographer Nicole Pas was capturing our evening.
Day 1 – Saturday
Saturday morning started nice and early with a work out with me. Oxygenating our brains, releasing some endorphins and getting strong of body and mind. An important aspect of self care and the weekend of looking after you. The ladies did such a great job – some never having done a workout before, or at least one of my home workouts. We ended with a little plank challenge with the group really surprising themselves with what they could achieve with support behind them.
We followed the workout with breakfast which was my home made granola (out of my recipe book – Yummy – it’s all about balance) with yoghurt and fruit, eggs, fresh sourdough, jam and nut butter.
It was nice to see little groups forming of newly found friends talking about their why and what the weekend meant for them.
We then did some breakout sessions with myself taking a group to discuss all things nutrition, menstrual cycles, the how’s and why about food, delving in to relationships and mindset around food. Bethany took the other group off for a women’s circle to get vulnerable.
Education is key
Education is key – understanding the why behind food, movement, and ensuring we are looking after ALL of us is imperative.
Group 1 then made lunch for the rest of the group. So they could put into practice what they’d learnt. The gorgeous grain salad straight out of my recipe book, coupled with salmon and trout and some baked tofu, and a pear and cos lettuce salad.
In between break out sessions and lunch the girls were treated to massages. Allowing them to switch off, relax and indulge.
The afternoon sessions were swapped around – and group 2 then made the afternoon snack for the groups. Protein muesli slice and banana bread out of my book were served.
Self care
The afternoon was theirs. To take some time for them. Some had a nap, went for a walk, chatted amongst themselves or just had some quiet alone time. Something not many of them get at home. A chance to reflect on the day and breathe.
Pre dinner drinks and nibbles were served before another beautiful dinner which was catered for – utilised all local fresh produce, all in season. The night was one of reflection and also a lot of laughs and gratitude.
Day 2 – Sunday
Sunday morning started with Yoga with Bethany – a slow way to start the day through breath and stretching. We had a beautiful closing chat around the weekend and how everyone was feeling, what they were taking away and what they were going to implement on their return to reality.
Breakfast was had before a deep, authentic chat with coach Kat John. Where the women were encouraged to be honest with themselves about the bullshit they were telling themselves and what the next best step was towards their true end result. Tears, deep breaths and some realisations were had and the girls left beautiful Dayesford feeling empowered, energised and ready to face anything that was thrown at them, putting into place the education that was learnt and extending that to their lifestyle, friends and family.
The feedback was that 2 nights were not quite enough – the girls wanted more. They loved it, they felt empowered and couldn’t get enough.
Our October Retreat in the Hunter Valley is 3 nights at Glen Eden.
We have just added another in Daylesford for April 2024 for 3 nights – it sold out to the waitlist immediately so stay tuned for more added for 2024!
Hepburn Springs mini retreat 2023 – such a beautiful weekend.
