When Emily’s husband died, she felt like her world was falling apart. Their shared laughter and future plans disappeared instantly. As weeks turned into months, Emily was stuck in a loop of sadness and loneliness. She desperately wanted to heal and find some hope in her dark life. One day, a friend told her about a retreat for widows. Feeling curious and in need of comfort, Emily decided to try it.
Have you ever felt your spirit weighed down by the heavy burden of loss? Do you long for a place to find peace and reconnect with yourself? Many widows, like Emily, struggle to navigate through the fog of grief. What if there was a sanctuary where you could heal, surrounded by others who truly understand your pain?
We bring you the five best retreats for widows, offering a haven of support, renewal, and revitalization. These retreats are more than just getaways; they are lifelines, providing the tools and community needed to rebuild and restore the spirit.
Widows Retreats
A widow’s retreat is a special event or program made to help widows through the difficult process of grieving and healing after losing a spouse.
These retreats offer a safe and caring space where widows can find comfort, meet others who understand their pain and participate in activities that support their emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being.
We explore the five best retreats for widows, offering a haven of support, renewal, and revitalization. These retreats are more than just getaways; they are lifelines, providing the tools and community needed to rebuild and restore the spirit.
Here are the recommended retreats for a widow to revitalize:
1. Julia Warren Yoga
Sedona Women’s Widow Retreat | September 5th – 9th, 2024
Discover Comfort and Connection
“I don’t think I will ever stop sharing about how connection is the one thing that continues to save me time and time again in my grieving/widowhood journey…”
Being in the right room is invaluable when it comes to widowhood. The comfort of being surrounded by the energy of your widow sisters, in a space where you don’t have to explain yourself, is indescribable. This intimate retreat provides that comfort and ease we all deserve.
Embrace Your Grief and Find Joy
This retreat is an opportunity to embrace your grief while finding relaxation, community, and joy alongside women who truly understand and empathize with your journey. It has been thoughtfully curated from a place of understanding that most of us don’t get the chance to be “taken care of” while navigating partner loss. It’s vital to give ourselves the gift of support and a break from our daily lives.
Retreat Details
Dates: September 5th – 9th, 2024
Location: A private home in the Mountains of Sedona, Arizona
What’s Included:
Accommodation: 5 days/4 nights with options for a single room or a shared bunk room.
Note: Only 5 single rooms are available at a higher price point. The bunk room holds 6 women and is more budget-friendly. Payment plans are available.
Welcome Gifts: Each woman receives a curated gift bag from the heart.
Opening Ceremony: Night 1 features intention setting and story sharing to ease nerves.
Daily Activities:
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- Morning movement and yoga sessions
- Cold plunges and sauna sessions
- Hikes in the Red Rocks
- Exploring the many vortexes
- Enjoying the water at Slide Rock
- Private sound bath sessions
Meals and Drinks: All meals and drinks are included, with opportunities to cook or be served. Dietary restrictions will be honored.
Special Dinner: Private chef-catered dinner on the last night to celebrate our time together, followed by a closing ceremony.
Transportation: To and from SkyHarbor International Airport (PHX) at coordinated times.
Experience Support and Community
This retreat offers a safe space to be seen, held, and understood, no matter where you are in your journey. It’s a chance to be witnessed and tended to, to bear witness to our grief, and to find laughter, connection, and ease.
Join us in the mountains of Sedona, surrounded by the stunning Red Rocks, to breathe, laugh, and reconnect with yourself and others in a supportive community.
2. Healing Hearts Retreat
Retreat Overview: Healing Journey in Bali, Indonesia
Date: June 8-14, 2024
Location: Green Bowl Beach, Bali, Indonesia
Embark on Your Healing Journey
Begin your healing journey in the lush hilltops of Green Bowl Beach, Bali. Our retreat features 10 private and shared villas in an intimate and serene setting, perfect for both clinical and holistic healing. Enjoy some of the best sunsets on the island as you embark on this transformative experience.
Motto: “Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher”
Heartbreak is something many of us face at some point in our lives. It’s never easy, and everyone has their own way of dealing with pain and emotions. This retreat is designed to show you that you are not alone. Many people face various levels of heartbreak and relationship challenges. We are here to help you work through these difficult times. Our goal is for you to leave this retreat feeling excited about life again.
Meet the Team
Nina Niehues
Holistic Lead
Nina is an international women’s retreat facilitator and yoga teacher with over 15 years of practice. She has been sharing her passion for self-transformation through yoga, cacao, and connection to nature in Bali, Brazil, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore for over 7 years. A spiritual seeker, cacao facilitator, Reiki practitioner, sound healer, and energy enthusiast, Nina bridges ancient wisdom from the East and West, translating these teachings into modern life to help her students find more connection, healing, and purpose.
Kirsty Macgregor
Qualified Counselor (MA Psychology)
Kirsty is a counselor and coach with a master’s degree in Psychology from the University of New York in Prague, where she graduated valedictorian. With extensive experience in the mental health space, she has helped clients facing a range of challenges, from relationships to work issues. Her special interests include relationships, communication, attachment theory, emotional regulation, existentialism, identity problems, and self-esteem. Kirsty uses a combination of coaching and counseling strategies, adapting her approach to meet each client’s needs.
Annette Chen
Founder
Annette believes there is no shame in going through heartbreak and seeking support. A strong community is essential to help you through tough times, and that’s why this retreat exists.
Join Us
This retreat is a sanctuary designed to help you heal and rediscover joy. Surrounded by supportive people and guided by experienced facilitators, you’ll find the tools and community needed to rebuild your spirit. Don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect with yourself and start your journey to a brighter future.
3. Serenity in the Smokies Retreat
Event: Women’s Twelve Step Retreat
Date and Time: Thursday, October 10, 2:00 PM – Sunday, October 13, 11:00 AM EDT
Location: Carson Springs Baptist Conference Center
1120 Carson Springs Road, Newport, TN 37821, United States
Overview
For over four decades, Serenity In The Smokies has been a sanctuary for women seeking healing and growth. This retreat offers a unique blend of experience, strength, and hope through open speaker meetings, seminars, sharing groups, meditation, and recreation. It is specifically designed to support personal, emotional, and spiritual growth.
Relevance for Widows
Many widows, overwhelmed by grief, often turn to smoking, drugs, and other unhealthy coping mechanisms to forget their sorrow. This retreat is particularly relevant for widows in that category, providing them with the support and tools they need to break free from these destructive habits and find a healthier path to healing.
Event Highlights
Open Speaker Meetings: Hear inspiring stories of recovery and resilience.
Seminars: Participate in sessions aimed at personal, emotional, and spiritual growth.
Sharing Groups: Connect with other women in a safe, supportive environment.
Meditation: Engage in practices that promote inner peace and mindfulness.
Recreation: Enjoy recreational activities that foster a sense of community and joy.
Who Should Attend?
This retreat is ideal for any woman who uses Twelve Step Programs to recover from alcoholism, codependency, and other addictions. It’s also beneficial for those dealing with the challenges of being an adult child of or living with an alcoholic.
Additional Information
Accommodation and Meals: Hotel and meal fees are to be paid separately through Carson Springs Conference Center.
Refund Policy: Contact the organizer to request a refund. Eventbrite’s fee is nonrefundable.
More Information: Visit serenityinthesmokies.com
Join Us
With 136 followers and seven years on Eventbrite, Serenity In The Smokies is a trusted and beloved event. Join us for a weekend of healing, connection, and growth. Follow us on Eventbrite to stay updated on future events and join a community dedicated to recovery and support.
Organizer Information
Organized by: Serenity In The Smokies
Follow: 136 followers on Eventbrite
Years on Eventbrite: 7 years
Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on a journey of healing and transformation in the beautiful setting of the Smoky Mountains. Reconnect with yourself, find support, and begin the path to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
4. Widow Retreat of 2024
Location: The Haven Retreat Center, Orange, California
Our widow retreats are open to anyone who has lost a life partner, no matter where they are in their grief journey or where they are in the world. This personalized retreat is perfect for widows who feel crushed by grief, weighed down by others’ expectations, and overwhelmed by their emotions. It’s time to put yourself first and join other incredible widows for a weekend of connection, hope, and healing.
Event Details
Dates: October 18-21, 2024
Time: Starts Friday at 2:00 PM, Ends Monday at 10:30 AM
Location: The Haven Retreat Center, Orange, California
Pricing: $2995 (Includes everything except transportation and travel insurance)
Spots Available: Only 2 spots left.
What to Expect
A Focus on Self-Care
Emotional Wellbeing: At our retreats, your emotional well-being becomes our sole focus. By attending, you’ll give yourself permission to unplug, invest in yourself, and nurture your mind and body.
Therapeutic Sessions: We balance free time with various therapeutic sessions, which are optional. From meditation and mindfulness to breathwork and yoga, you can choose the activities that best help you quiet your mind, restore your sense of self, and unlock the path to deeper healing.
A Safe Space to Connect with Others
Witnessing Grief: Healing from loss requires our grief to be witnessed. Sharing your pain and vulnerability helps you feel validated and understood.
Supportive Community: At our retreats, you will be part of a safe and supportive community of people who understand your trauma. You’ll be surrounded by those who encourage you to speak your truth without fear of judgment. Throughout your stay, you’ll be enveloped in love and held with compassion.
The Opportunity to Rediscover Yourself
Reflective Conversations: You’ll learn to spend time with yourself and unpack your thoughts and behaviors. Reflect on what you want and need from your life.
Personal Growth: Develop the skills and mindset needed to navigate a life different from the one you imagined. Your future is in your hands, and your life can be anything you want it to be.
Special Features
Grief and Trauma Support Workshops: A 4-day intimate widow grief support and healing experience with just 3 other widows.
Healing Environment: Experience a safe place to go deep into your broken heart, release some of the pain, and hold on to more of the love.
Life After Loss: Learn how to live after the loss of your husband, rediscover who you are, and create a good, yet different life while remembering your husband well.
Safe Space: Get away from the noise and busyness of life and come to a supportive environment to deal with all emotions and widow grief in a setting that encourages refreshment and restoration.
Why This Retreat is Unique
In our experience with grief counseling, we have seen widows go through the same pattern:
Overwhelming Pain: You hurt more than you ever thought possible and don’t know how to go on.
Uncertain Future: You wonder what your life will look like and who you will be without your husband.
Feeling Stuck: You may feel overwhelmed, fearful, and stuck.
Need for Change: You don’t want to stay in this place but have no idea what to do.
We designed this retreat to address two areas: healing from emotional pain and trauma and preparing you for how to create a good life while honoring and remembering your husband.
Personalized Experience
This retreat is intimate, with only 4 women. It is intensive and all-inclusive, covering everything except travel. The experience is personalized to achieve the best results possible, setting the foundation for living fully while remembering your husband.
Led by Grief and Trauma Specialists
Anne-Marie Lockmyer: A grief specialist and certified trauma-integrative practitioner, Anne-Marie is the founder of The Grief & Trauma Healing Network and a widow herself.
Ron Gray: A licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in grief and trauma, Ron is the founder of OC Christian Counseling and Christian Grief and Trauma.
Accommodations
Private bedroom with a private bathroom.
The closest airport is Santa Ana (SNA), a 20-minute drive. LAX is 45 miles away.
Additional Details
Follow-Up Session: Two weeks after the retreat.
Contact Information:
Address: 10845 N Meads Avenue, Orange, CA 92869
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 714-400-2496
Join us for this special event designed to support widows in a life-changing way. Schedule a clarity call or reach out to us today!
5. Our Widow Retreats: A Haven for Healing and Connection
Overview
Our widow retreats are designed for anyone who has lost a life partner, no matter where they are on their grief journey or where they are in the world. If you are feeling crushed by grief, overwhelmed by the expectations of others, exhausted, and stuck with little time to meet your own needs, this retreat is for you.
Join other incredible widows for a weekend of connection, hope, and healing. It’s time to put yourself first.
What to Expect from Widow Retreats
A Focus on Self-Care
Emotional Wellbeing: Our retreats focus solely on your emotional well-being. By attending, you’ll give yourself permission to unplug, invest in yourself, and nurture your mind and body.
Therapeutic Sessions: We balance free time with a variety of therapeutic sessions, which you are encouraged to participate in but are ultimately optional. From meditation and mindfulness to breathwork and yoga, you can choose the activities that best help you quiet your mind, restore your sense of self, and unlock the path to deeper healing.
A Safe Space to Connect with Others
Witnessing Grief: Healing from loss requires that our grief be witnessed. We need to feel seen and heard by others. Sharing your pain and exposing your vulnerability helps you feel validated and understood.
Supportive Community: At our healing retreats, you will be part of a safe and supportive community of people who ‘get it’ – those who have walked in your shoes and empathized with your pain. You’ll be among those who understand the enormity of your trauma and who encourage you to speak your truth without fear of judgment. You won’t have to mask your feelings or pretend to be someone else because you will be enveloped in love and held with compassion. Whatever you feel will be validated, and whoever you are will be accepted.
Growing Stronger Together: As you connect with like-minded people and explore your grief together, you’ll grow stronger, feel more inspired, and become better able to cope with your loss.
The Opportunity to Rediscover Yourself
Reflective Conversations: You’ll learn to spend time with yourself and unpack your thoughts and behaviors. Through reflective conversations, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of who you are and how you’ve changed following your loss.
Moments of Stillness: During quiet moments, you’ll be encouraged to reflect on what you want and need from your life.
Personal Growth: You’ll focus on your personal growth, developing the skills and mindset needed to navigate a life very different from the one you imagined. While your grief may shape you, it needn’t define you. Your future is in your hands, and your life can be anything you want it to be.
Join Us
This retreat offers a haven where you can find solace, support, and the tools to heal and rediscover yourself. It’s a place to put yourself first, surrounded by others who truly understand your journey.
6. Widows Link
Widows Link Cruise 2025
Every year, we invite you to “Disconnect from life and connect with us!” The Widows Cruise offers a fantastic opportunity to escape life’s stresses, connect with women from across the United States, and enjoy exceptional service.
The journey of widowhood is uniquely challenging, and only those who have walked this path truly understand. This cruise is designed for you to bond with fellow widows, share your stories, and take a moment to breathe deeply. You will also hear from our Director, Marlene Craft, who has been navigating widowhood for the past 12 years and is dedicated to helping widows live life to the fullest.
On this cruise, you will experience fine dining, breathtaking views, and most importantly, form meaningful connections that are hard to find in today’s culture. We are excited to embark on this journey with you and explore how God continues to work in our lives.
Cruise Registration Information
For the first time, we are booking directly through Carnival, which has been exceptional in preparing for our cruise.
Pricing per Cruiser:
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- Balcony: $1019
- Oceanview: $774
- Interior: $689
All cruisers must also pay a $70 administration fee to Widows Link by October 1st.
Deposits and Dates:
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- $250 deposit due by August 10th to secure your room and lock in current pricing. Early registration provides better room location options.
- Total amount due by October 15th.
- A Release of Liability is required by December 31.
- Booking Information:
- To reserve your spot or make a deposit, call Carnival Group Sales at 866-721-3225.
- Group Booking Number: D9DB01
- Group Name and Password: “Widows Link”
- Optional Travel Insurance:
- Balcony: $109
- Oceanview: $95
- Interior: $79
Need Help?
At Widows Link, we are here to assist you. Please contact us using the form below with any questions or concerns, and we will respond promptly.
- Cruise Information:
- 7-Night Cruise
- Ship: Carnival Liberty
- Departure: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Ports of Call: Mahogany Bay, Belize City, Cozumel
Itinerary:
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- Sunday, 1/12/25: Embark from New Orleans / Night at Sea
- Monday, 1/13/25: “Fun Day” at Sea
- Tuesday, 1/14/25: “Fun Day” at Sea
- Wednesday, 1/15/25: Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Honduras
- Thursday, 1/16/25: Belize City, Belize
- Friday, 1/17/25: Cozumel, Mexico
- Saturday, 1/18/25: “Fun Day” at Sea
- Sunday, 1/19/25: Arrive back in New Orleans
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Need Assistance with Travel?
If you need help booking flights or hotel accommodations before or after the cruise, please contact us using the form below.
Contact Us
Widows Link
CONNECT. DISCOVER. EMPOWER.
Conclusion
At the end of a widow’s retreat, there’s a feeling of comfort and strength. People leave with new friends and ideas to help them feel better. Even though the retreat is over, the good feelings stay with them.
The retreat is like a starting point for healing. People share their stories and learn new ways to cope. They leave with hope for the future and a sense of belonging.
As they go back to their lives, they take with them the good memories and support they found at the retreat. It’s like a light guiding them through tough times, showing them that things will get better.
