Behind the Scenes: Planning Your Transformational Retreat Experience

What happens before you arrive? A glimpse into Day One of retreat planning.

When you join a Let's Get Powerful retreat, you're stepping into an experience that's been thoughtfully crafted with your transformation in mind. But what does that planning actually look like? Today, I'm pulling back the curtain to share how we begin designing each retreat—because understanding the intention behind the experience can deepen your own journey.

Day One: Vision and Values

Every retreat begins with a single question: What do these women need most right now?

Michelle and Ari sit down together—often over tea—to envision the women who will join us. We consider the season of life you're navigating: the emotional weight of transitions, the physical changes your body is experiencing, the mental exhaustion from constantly putting others first.

We map out the core pillars that will anchor the retreat:

• Rest and Restoration – Creating space for your nervous system to finally exhale

• Self-Discovery – Tools to help you reconnect with who you are beyond your roles

• Community Connection – Authentic relationships with women who truly get it

• Empowerment – Practical skills you can take home and use every day

Choosing the Perfect Location

Location isn't just about beauty—it's about energy. We ask ourselves: What does this particular place offer that can't be replicated elsewhere?

Portugal brings warmth, vibrant color, and a culture that celebrates savoring life's pleasures. Scotland offers mystical landscapes that invite introspection and a sense of ancient strength. Crete provides sun-soaked beaches and a pace that naturally slows you down.

Each location is chosen because it mirrors the internal journey we're supporting: Portugal for joy and sensuality, Scotland for grounded wisdom, Crete for ease and letting go.

Designing the Daily Flow

This is where science meets intuition. We balance evidence-based practices with the organic rhythms of transformation:

Mornings begin gently—yoga and breathwork to wake your body without overwhelm. We never rush you from sleep to demands.

Midday offers deeper work—journaling prompts, resiliency training, or one-on-one sessions where real breakthroughs happen.

Afternoons invite play and exploration—hiking, cultural experiences, or simply resting in a hammock with a book.

Evenings are for connection—shared meals, meaningful conversations, and space to process the day's insights.

We deliberately avoid overscheduling. You need white space to integrate, to breathe, to let transformation unfold at its own pace.

Building in Personal Touches

By Day One's end, we've already started thinking about the small details that make a big difference:

• Which local artisans can we partner with for authentic cultural experiences?

• What music will we play during morning yoga to set the right tone?

• How can we personalize the welcome experience so each woman feels truly seen from the moment she arrives?

• What journaling prompts will speak to the specific transitions our community is facing?

The Heart of It All

As we wrap up this first planning day, we always come back to the same truth: You are not coming to be fixed. You're coming to remember who you've always been beneath the noise, the demands, and the transitions.

Every detail we plan—from the morning yoga sequence to the afternoon's free time, from the massage oils to the evening's conversation topics—is designed to support that remembering.

What's Next?

Over the coming weeks, we'll finalize partnerships with local guides, coordinate with our wellness practitioners, curate the perfect reading materials for your Power Type, and prepare the post-retreat support that ensures your transformation continues long after you return home.

But it all starts here, on Day One, with two women who believe deeply in your capacity to emerge stronger, clearer, and more powerfully yourself.

Ready to experience what we're creating? Explore our upcoming retreats or take the Power Type Quiz to begin your journey today.

Have questions about what to expect at a Let's Get Powerful retreat? Drop them in the comments below—we'd love to hear from you!

This post maintains consistency with the first while offering new, valuable content that builds trust and excitement around your retreats.