Unleash Your Power Retreat

If you’re a woman who is curious about what else might be possible, enjoys meaningful conversation, and feels drawn to challenge herself in new ways, then yes. The retreat is designed for women who want more than a vacation. Together we’ll explore beautiful landscapes, engage in reflective writing, share ideas and experiences, and challenge ourselves physically and mentally in a supportive environment. You do not need to be an athlete, a writer, or an experienced traveler. You simply need an openness to growth and a willingness to say yes to something new.

This is an active retreat, but not an extreme one. Three of the six days include guided outdoor activities — a hike through the Mani landscape, a sea kayaking excursion, and a full-day excursion, possibly on e-bikes. We're still working out the details on that. The remaining days are centered on yoga, meditation, writing, and generous free time. The hiking focuses as much on exploration as exercise, taking us through historic villages, olive groves, and spectacular coastal scenery. The kayaking excursion is designed to be accessible for first-time paddlers. The e-bike day uses electric bikes to assist on climbs. You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable being active for a few hours at a time and willing to step a little beyond your everyday routines. The goal is not to test your limits, but to discover that your limits may be farther away than you thought.

Nope! Age is not the determining factor. After all, I'm 63. Curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to participate matter far more. Many of the themes we’ll explore — reinvention, possibility, courage, and purpose — become even more vivid and urgent as we move through later chapters of life. This retreat was designed with exactly that in mind.

If you’re wondering whether you’re fit enough, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I’ve received. You don’t need to be in peak athletic condition, but you should be comfortable walking, managing some uneven terrain, and participating in moderate physical activity over the course of a few hours. It won't be a relentless pace, and we'll stop to smell flowers and maybe have coffee in a local kafenio. But if you’re unsure, reach out. I’m happy to answer all questions and have an honest conversation about your concerns.

The outdoor activities involve coastal trails, village paths, and mountain roads — but no technical climbing or exposed ridgelines. The Mani Peninsula is dramatic and beautiful, but we won't be mountaineering. If heights are a concern, let’s talk. We can walk through the planned activities in detail so you can make a confident decision.

Not at all. We’ll write every day, using writing as a tool for reflection, insight, and self-discovery. Think of the sessions as a way to process what you’re experiencing rather than a workshop focused on technique or publication. The prompts are guided and structured. All you need to bring is honesty.

Every day begins the same way: yoga (45 minutes) followed by a meditation sit (30 minutes), then nearly two hours of free time before a communal breakfast at 10:00 AM. On activity days, the outdoor excursion departs at 11:00 AM and returns mid-afternoon, followed by free time and a guided writing session. Dinner is at 7:00 PM. Optional stargazing after dinner. Day 4 is a rest and restoration day — no outdoor activity, a generous free afternoon, and an informal open circle in the early evening. There is intentional, protected downtime built into every day. Rest is part of the design, not an afterthought.

Many retreats focus on relaxation. This retreat focuses on possibility. Over six days we’ll move our bodies, challenge assumptions, explore a remarkable landscape, write, reflect, and ask a simple question: what if there is more strength, courage, and possibility in us than we’ve been taught to believe? The retreat was inspired by my own experience trekking in Nepal at 63 and discovering that I was capable of far more than I had imagined. I came home wanting to create the conditions for other women to find that out too.

A $500 nonrefundable deposit reserves your place. The remaining balance is paid in two installments: 50% due July 7, 2026, and the final 50% due August 25, 2026.

5 nights lodging, meals (see below for more detail), writing sessions with Jean, yoga and meditation, guided hiking, sea kayaking, the e-bike adventure, and all retreat programming.

Travel to and from Greece, transfers to Zen Rocks Mani, travel insurance (recommended), and personal expenses.

Daily vegetarian brunch and dinner are included. On activity days, lunch will also be provided by Explore Messinia. Please note that the retreat menu is vegetarian, and we are not able to accommodate individual dietary preferences or special meal requests. The registration form includes a question about food allergies so we can be aware of any safety concerns in advance. Also, this is an alcohol-free retreat. This reflects Zen Rocks Mani’s policy and is also aligned with the intention of the week: to create a clear, grounded space for physical challenge, reflection, writing, and connection.