Some experiences stay with you. They shift something inside, recalibrating the pace of your thinking, the way you hold a moment, the things you begin to notice for the first time and again.
The Feminary Retreat was one such experience for me, a beautiful and restorative week that I will carry with me for a long time. From the moment I arrived, grumpy tired and sweaty after a long journey from Ireland, I was taken such exquisite care of. I was welcomed with warmth and immediately enveloped in care, every detail had been thoughtfully considered.
The retreat venue itself is stunning with generous and comfortable spaces surrounded everywhere by beautiful nature. The food was exceptional: fresh, nourishing and clearly prepared with love. Being so thoughtfully catered for felt like a real gift, and actually became an important part of the experience for me. This is down to the team who looked after us, they were remarkable - warm, attentive and deeply professional - creating an atmosphere that felt both supportive and completely relaxed.
The retreat created real space to slow down, reclaim rest, and reconnect with ourselves and with one another. Each morning began with grounding yoga sessions, beautifully guided. I also took part in a traditional healing ceremony, long walks along the beaches, and a day trip by boat to a nearby island. I had some of the best massages ever. In between the adventures, I read books by the pool, watched birds glide overhead and let the warmth of the sun do its deep work. Sometimes I swam. Sometimes I snoozed. I chatted and laughed (a lot).
What stayed with me most, though, were the people I met. The Feminary Retreat seems to attract my favourite sort of humans, clever, thoughtful, brave, curious, kind, honest and extraordinary women. It creates something many of us rarely receive: real space for rest and connection, with nature, with one another, and with ourselves.
It was a restorative, joyful and deeply nourishing experience. I left feeling rested, connected and incredibly grateful to have been part of it.
Thanks Jo, Dawn & Taryn xoxo