wonders & whimsies retreat

an art, culture and adventure retreat

september 11-17, 2023

enso Retreat Centre, Salt spring Island, BC

We’ve planned another Art, Culture, Adventure Retreat! Come create with us at Wonders & Whimsies September 11th – 17th, 2023, on Salt Spring Island, BC, at the wonderful Enso Retreat Center! Your fabulous facilitators will once again be Tracy B. Brave of Be Brave Studio and Theresa Ratcliff of Blue Tulip Designs.

This all-inclusive retreat will see participants creating a Whimsical Creature art doll (whose theme will be a surprise), assembling an art journal (to document the fun), doing some watercolor sketches (because pic’s or it didn’t happen), and fun-filled daily creative writing exercises. Artists will also be treated to relaxing morning yoga, a refreshing forest bathing outing, sketching & watercolor walks in the forest and along the beach, and an adventurous trip to the local farmers and art market, during which we will take a side quest to include a tour of the local lavender fields on Salt Spring Island.  Join us for Wonders & Whimsies! 

This retreat will help you:

• Be nourished inside and out.

• Connect deeply with yourself and share experiences with others on a similar quest

• Be immersed in Mother Nature in the lush arbutus forest nestled against the expansive gentle ocean just minutes away from the artsy and quaint town of Ganges.

• Create, write, learn activities that spark joy and nourish your body, heart and soul. 
  

Together with other art and culture seekers and facilitators Tracy B Brave, Theresa Ratcliff and supported by Dori Howard, you will explore, create, wander, paint, journal, meditate, sing, dance, hike, relax, recharge, refuel, bask and much more in this beautiful offering.

What you will do at the retreat:

• Create a Whimsical Art doll
• Assemble an art journal
• Sketch with watercolour paints
• Explore new practices like Forest Bathing, Kundalini yoga, meditation
• Take a trip to the local and famous Salt Spring Island Market to shop, be inspired, and more shopping
• Visit local lavender farms

• You will leave this retreat feeling inspired, fulfilled, recharged and packing some new art to take home!

Unique retreat environment:

enso Retreat Centre is a quaint, intimate oceanfront property with expansive ocean views nestled in lush arbutus and fir forests.

• Immersion in an inspirational setting conducive to relaxing, connecting, learning and creativity
• Easy access to private beach
• Healthy meals prepared with local and organic ingredients
• Enjoyment of nature, poetry, yoga, meditation, warmth, water, waves, forest and music

Accommodations:

Private and Shared rooms with several private or shared bathrooms are well designed with furnishings and products that inspire relaxation.

Sleeping in the stillness and darkness without the interruption from city lights and noise, stars glowing from your window, listening to the waves is a truly relaxing, mesmerizing experience for all to enjoy!

What’s included

Retreat fees are per person and include the following:

• Exceptional retreat design

• Welcome gift

• 6 day interactive and experiential retreat program focused on art, culture and adventure.

• 6 nights of comfortable oceanside accommodation falling asleep and waking up to the sound of waves and songbirds

• Oceanfront venue with easy access to smooth stone private beach, nourishing meals, short drive to the quaint town of Ganges, warm days and cool evenings in ocean-meets-lush arbutus forest climate.

• Healthy nourishing meals with locally sourced ingredients

• Skilled facilitation and instruction to create a whimsical art doll, assemble an art journal and paint with watercolours

• Fun and connection with other like-minded artistic souls

• Yoga classes and guided meditation

• Guided hike/forest bath

• Free on-site parking

What’s NOT included

• Ferry / travel to Salt Spring Island

• Travel Health Insurance

• Massages

• Items of personal use

• Alcohol consumption

Location and How to Get Here

What to bring:

• Comfortable clothing/warm layers for sitting in retreat, yoga, lounging, excursions, shopping, comfy pyjamas
• Shawl, light sweater for the evenings—it is cool at night
• Outdoor gear and walking shoes for a hike and beach time
• Beach wear, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses etc.
• Water bottle, thermos
• Journal and pen
• Yoga mat, blanket etc. if you have your favourite—otherwise there are plenty onsite
• YOU— in all your glory and creativity

About the Facilitators 

Tracy B Brave,Owner, Be Brave Studios

I am a Canadian contemporary mixed media artist, a workshop facilitator and adventure seeker. When I invite women to wander and explore with me, to reflect on their creative process and make honest heart centered art, I am gifted with the opportunity to share sacred spaces, places, and the very personal journeys we all have in common

Theresa Ratcliff, Owner, Blue Tulip Designs

I am a multidisciplined artist and fine jewelry maker with a degree in Fine Arts with a focus on Museum Management. In addition to my love of creating art, I love to learn about it, and sharing knowledge is as much a part of my life as gaining it.

Dori Howard-Your Host at enso

Dori’s mantra, “it’s all about the learning,” is integrated into all aspects of her life. Her experiences in healthcare for over 30 years has brought many lessons of giving, receiving, health and wellness. She spends most of her time on her peaceful and tranquil environment at Enso Retreat Centre on Salt Spring Island and time in the warmth and magic of Mexico. Dori is a skilled facilitator with extensive experience in leading individual and group programs, coaching and leadership development. She is a certified executive professional coach, trauma informed coach, former RN, Kundalini yoga teacher and gatherer of people. Her passion is creating spaces and opportunities for people to reflect, learn and try out new (or re-activate) practices that move them toward life wellness and JOY!