Retreat Reflections

For those who live full, expressive lives, space is a rare and necessary tool. Since 2024 we have gathered once a year, for four days and three starry nights, to create space for reflection. We  design our retreats not as an escape, but a return, to self, to rhythm, to creative clarity.

RISING RETREAT • MARCH 20 — 23, 2025

Our 2025 Rising Retreat was a curated experience filled with equal parts restoration and inspiration: set within the rolling hills of Sun Ranch, guided by Elizabeth Gilbert's book, Big Magic, and Machiya’s East Asian therapies woven through each day, from sunrise to sunset.

Aleisha and Patchula of Machiya led acupuncture-infused meditations, Qigong, gentle yoga flows, and their signature Shiatsu Yin practice, a uniquely therapeutic blend of acupressure, muscle meridian stretching, and restorative yoga.

Afternoons offered space to roam or recharge, while each evening gathered us around a table for nourishing meals. Our Big Magic workshop unfolded across two days inviting curiosity over fear, and presence over performance. 

These body and mind-led experiences were complemented by Lume’s Five Elements Facials, while Machiya offered Acupuncture and Shiatsu Massage. During downtime our guests enjoyed pool swims, saunas, and ice baths.

More than rest, it was a recalibration, because when we are deeply cared for, the next version of ourselves comes forward more clearly.

Welcome drinks

Rolling hills of Sun Ranch

Gifts from our brand partners Vintner's Daughter, Monastery, ROZ, and de Mamiel

Aleisha and Patchula of Machiya

Gentle movement space

Qigong

Big Magic Workshop

Bedroom of a Sun Ranch Barn

Lume essentials on Retreat

Dinner In the Lair

Patchula leading sunrise meditation

Sunrise Acupuncture Meditation

SOLAR RETURN RETREAT • MAY 23 —26, 2024

Our 2024 Solar Return Retreat encouraged you to reflect where you’ve been, honour where you are and intentionally plot where you’re heading. Set within the golden hills of Sun Ranch, this retreat marked our first retreat.

Mornings began each day with silent walking meditations and pranayama at sunrise, led by Sophie Palmer, awakening us into Pilates with Gabie Angel. Tulita founder Lucy Bradshaw joined for a chakra balancing yoga class and scent workshop, infusing her natural perfumes.

Between sessions, guests enjoyed Lume facials and restorative massages. There was space to swim, sweat, and soften, whether in the sauna, the stillness of a nap, or the courage of a first ice bath.

At dusk, we served elixirs and gathered for our Solar Return Workshops. Grounded in the understanding that your Sun in your astrological chart isn’t who you are, but the course you're on, each guest received a personalised Solar Return chart and a hand-designed card set exploring all 12 astrological houses. These evening sessions became the heart of our retreat — illuminating not just how to reroute, but when, where, why, and what to pay attention to in the year ahead.

Solar Return showed us the joy of gathering in new ways, and the power of connection that comes when we step outside the everyday.

Outdoor shower on the deck of the barns

Lume treatment room

Restorative Yoga

Breakfast at The Ranch

Grounds of Sun Ranch

Sun Ranch pool

Cedarwood sauna

Cozy meals together

Personalised Solar Return Cards