Mother’s Day can be an excellent opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the wonderful mothers in our lives, but it can also be painful or isolating for many. Despite the overwhelmingly positive narrative that we see in the media, it can be a difficult reminder of trauma for some. From mothers who’ve lost children and children who’ve lost mothers to those struggling with infertility, those who have strained relationships or are having difficulty starting a family, Mother’s Day weekend can be tricky. This year, we want to hold space for you by providing an experience to look forward to instead.
WELL: an experience is a two-night retreat in Cornerbrook, NL from May 12th to May 14th, 2023.
This unique wellness retreat situated on the beautiful west coast of Newfoundland will provide a safe space to slow down to focus on your own well-being. From scent design and candle-making workshops to daily meditation and hiking, this weekend is all about reconnecting to yourself. Daily movement, cold water therapy, mindful meals and a rooftop hot tub will provide the perfect self-care experience.
Mother’s Day can be about honouring the women who nurture, support and love us, but it can also be about honouring ourselves. Whether you are celebrating someone you love, or grieving someone you lost – this retreat is an opportunity to turn inward with grace and creativity.
Julie
Julie has been studying and practicing mindfulness meditation for over a decade. She is the owner of Ease and holds a M.Sc in Clinical Psychology from the University of Edinburgh. She currently holds a clinical position while also completing a PhD. Julie runs, bakes and really into cold water therapy.
Emily
Emily is a self-taught scent designer and candle maker. After completing a Masters in Architecture from Dalhousie University and working for four years as an intern architect, she took a leap and started Yorabode. She swims, forages, designs renos and is always picking up a new hobby.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
3P | Friday May 12
4P - 6P | Friday May 12
7P | Friday May 12
7A - 9:30A | Saturday May 13
10A | Saturday May 13
10:30A | Saturday May 13
2P | Saturday May 13
6P | Saturday May 13
8P | Saturday May 13
7A - 9:30A | Sunday May 14
10A | Sunday May 14
We'll start the retreat off with an optional cold water dip. Check-in at the hotel is available anytime after 3PM.
Hot tub! (optional)
Three course meal in the hotel's restaurant Best Coast Restaurant, with a focus on mindful eating.
Breakfast, can be delivered to your room. If you choose to skip out of the morning sessions it's available till 2P.
Mindfulness session, introduction to meditation. If it's new to you, don't worry, we've got you.
Hike at Steady Brook Falls, packed lunch and foraging adventure.
The art of candle making and scent design workshops. You'll craft your own scent, then use it to make an essential oil or scent spray and a candle. We'll break for coffee and snacks.
Sushi in sweats—dressed in your coziest duds we'll eat take-out from Newfound Sushi together. If the day has really taken it out of you, we can drop off sushi to your room instead.
Hot tub! (optional)
Breakfast, can be delivered to your room. If you choose to skip out of the morning sessions it's available till 2P.
To end the retreat, we'll do one last mindfulness session, simple ways to incorporate mindfulness into your day. Being mindful doesn't mean a rigid meditation routine.
IT'S A LOT, WE KNOW...
Everyone's style of travel, wellness and relaxation are unique. We know it may not work for some to have this many things planned in such a short period. All of the activities are optional, so you can pick and choose what works best for you. If this is a far trip for you, you can add on another night at the hotel before or after the retreat of a discounted rate.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Included:
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Two nights accommodation
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Meals, snacks & coffee break
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Hot tub access
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Yorabode workshops
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Ease workshops
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Wifi, cable & netflix
Not included
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Travel costs
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Alcohol
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Travel Insurance (optional)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can you visit from outside the province?
Yes! May is iceberg season, which makes it the perfect time to explore our beautiful island. The 10,000 year old glacial ice can be seen from the coastal regions of Newfoundland and come in every shape and size. (Check here for the province's most up to date travel regulations)
How do I get there?
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By plane—If you are flying into Deer Lake, Hew and Draw hotel is a 45 minute drive from the airport. We recommend renting a car early if you need one!
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By car—Cornerbrook is about a seven hour drive from St. John’s on the Trans Canada Highway.
Can you attend single events without being part of the overall retreat?
No. However, on Thursday May 11th, 2021 we will host a wellness and candle making event for the general public. Event details coming soon. Sign up for the mailing list to stay in the loop.
What do I bring?
Just yourself. The hotel is equipped with Newfoundland-made East Coast Glow toiletries, Gros Morne Coffee Roasters coffee, kettle and French press in each room, milled wool blankets, and guest robes. All meals are included. Each room has a safe and a refrigerator. Hotel amenities include a 24 hour fitness centre, rooftop hot tub and more! Learn more about the hotel's amenities here. To make the most out of this weekend, our only requirement is that you bring an open mind! However, if you are participating in the cold water dip, hot tub or hiking experiences we recommend:
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Swimsuit
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Comfortable clothes appropriate for hiking (warm and waterproof are best, we suggest bringing layers)
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Sneakers or hiking boots (you’ll be most comfortable in waterproof breathable hiking boots, the trails may be wet and muddy)
What about the food?
Three meals per day + coffee break with snacks included. With notice can accommodate most dietary restrictions or allergies.
What is the retreat group size?
The retreat size can range between 15 to 30 people depending on rooms.
How do I pay?
The $200 deposit is due on booking and can be paid here. (Just choose your room type) The following two payments are split equally and can be paid anytime up to January 27th, 2023 and March 31, 2023.