Experience a little enclave of Japan in the heart of Victoria’s Spa Country, where the gentle rhythm of creative weaving invites you to slow down, breathe deeply and discover the joy of colour, texture and self-expression at the SAORI loom.

Join accredited SAORI artist and teacher Prue Simmons for an immersive weaving retreat at Shizuka Ryokan & Wellness Retreat. Over an extended weekend, this beautiful Japanese sanctuary becomes our own private haven, a place to set aside everyday demands and make room for creativity, connection and yourself.

Follow your curiosity. Find your rhythm. Weave your own story.

At the SAORI loom, colour, texture and imagination become your companions. With Prue’s warm guidance, explore weaving techniques, experiment freely and watch your cloth unfold in a way that is uniquely yours. Discover the possibilities of SAORI clothing design and create a beautiful woven piece to wear, display or cherish.

At the heart of SAORI is the freedom to express yourself. There is no perfect result to chase, simply the pleasure of discovery, the beauty of unexpected combinations and the quiet satisfaction of making something by hand. As you settle into the rhythm of the loom, weaving becomes a gentle meditation, bringing your attention back to the present moment.

Beyond the loom, the Japanese experience continues.

Savour exquisite Japanese cuisine, enjoy the peaceful surroundings and retreat to your traditional Japanese accommodation. Each room offers a private Japanese garden and an adjoining bathroom with a deep Japanese bath, a welcoming space to soak, reflect and unwind after a day of creative exploration.

As a retreat guest, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy unlimited after-hours access to Shizuka Ryokan's signature traditional outdoor Japanese onsen bath.

Each moment, the opportunity to savour serenity and solace.

Throughout the Retreat experience, you will be gently guided in restorative practices, including mindfulness, gentle stretching and nourishing movement breathwork to tap into deeper presence, connection and rejuvenation.

With Shizuka reserved exclusively for our small group, there is space to enjoy both your own quiet moments and the warmth of shared meals, conversation and creative discovery with like-minded souls.

Whether you are discovering SAORI weaving for the first time or deepening an existing love of SAORI, you are warmly welcome. No previous weaving experience is needed. Simply bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore.

Give yourself time to slow down, create freely and return home with something woven by your hands...and a little more space within yourself.

Places are limited to preserve the intimacy of this special retreat.

Arrive, exhale and settle into serenity.

Your retreat begins with the luxury of time. Time to settle in, leave the demands of everyday life behind and ease into four days of colour, creativity and connection.

Our official welcome begins at 6pm, allowing you plenty of time to travel. If you can arrive earlier, check-in is available from 2pm and is highly recommended, giving you a beautiful afternoon to begin unwinding.

Sink into a warm bath with fragrant yuzu bath salts, sip Japanese tea overlooking your private garden, or open your journal and let your thoughts wander. Explore the local walking trails or the charming surrounds of Hepburn Springs and Daylesford. Perhaps simply rest and enjoy some self-guided creative mindfulness activities, having nowhere else you need to be.

In the evening, we gather over a light Japanese meal to meet one another and set our intentions for the days ahead. You’ll discover the origins, rich history and heartfelt philosophy of SAORI weaving, opening the door to a creative practice that celebrates individuality, curiosity and the beauty of your own expression.

Follow your curiosity and let the threads lead you.

After a delicious, chef-prepared Japanese breakfast, take your place at the loom and begin exploring the possibilities of SAORI weaving.

Through guided techniques and playful experimentation, you’ll discover how colour, texture and unexpected combinations can bring your cloth to life. With each new thread, give yourself permission to loosen expectations, trust your instincts and enjoy the pleasure of creating.

A sumptuous Japanese lunch offers time to pause before an afternoon immersed in weaving. Continue exploring at your own pace, with further guided techniques to inspire you and support your growing confidence. Afternoon tea brings a delicious pause between moments of creative discovery.

As our guided session draws to a close in the early evening, we gather for a beautifully prepared Japanese banquet.

The rest of the evening is yours to savour. Return to your loom, enjoy conversation or crafting in the lounge, soak in the private outdoor Japanese onsen, or retreat to your room for a luxurious bath and a restful early night.

Settle into the rhythm of weaving and listen within.

Today invites you to deepen your connection with the loom, your creativity and yourself.

Following a nourishing Japanese breakfast, you will immerse in a Shinrin-yoku guided nature and sensory meditation and silent weaving session offering space to slow down and become absorbed in the gentle rhythm of the surrounding landscape and your weaving practice. Notice the feel of the fibres, the movement of your hands and the quiet pleasure of watching your cloth unfold.

As outside distractions soften, allow your own creative voice to emerge, one thread at a time.

A chef-prepared Japanese lunch nourishes you for an afternoon of continued exploration. As time allows, we may also discover Sakiori, the Japanese practice of weaving with strips of cloth. Using a specially designed fabric cutter, explore how existing fabrics can find new life, texture and character within your weaving.

Spa treatments are scheduled throughout the day, offering a restorative interlude, while freshly baked afternoon tea adds another moment to pause and savour.

That evening, we celebrate our creative discoveries over another exquisite Japanese banquet. Spend your final night at the Ryokan weaving a little longer, sharing stories or simply soaking up the serenity.

Gather your threads and carry the inspiration home.

Our final morning begins with a traditional Japanese breakfast before we return to the looms to complete our woven pieces.

Enjoy these last unhurried moments with your cloth, appreciating the colours, textures and discoveries that have taken shape through your hands. Each piece holds something of your experience: a moment of creative courage, an unexpected delight, a new way of seeing.

If time allows, we’ll explore tips and ideas for freestyle SAORI clothing design, considering how your cloth might become a treasured garment or a beautiful addition to your home.

We gather for one final Japanese lunch, sharing reflections and celebrating all we have created before the retreat concludes after lunch.

Leave refreshed and rejuvenated. with your unique woven cloth, fresh inspiration and a deeper connection to your creativity. Carry a little of the Ryokan’s stillness with you, along with the invitation to keep exploring.

You may find the hardest part is saying goodbye.