The First Retreat I Attended Myself, and What It Taught Me About Holding Women’s Spaces
My first ever yoga retreat was a little self-indulgent, self-romantic getaway. I travelled solo to Italy after leaving a long-term relationship, unsure of what I was really searching for.
What I found was so much more than stunning landscapes, nourishing food, and daily yoga led by one of my amazing teachers Meghan Currie. I found myself surrounded by incredible people, all from different walks of life. Doctors, psychologists, chefs, executive assistants, yoga teachers, and no matter what our background or where in the world we came from (most were however from Italy and I just love their accents) it just didn’t matter as we were all there to be open and to connect. Connect with each other and ourselves. What I cherished was I met so many women who had a similar story to me (heartbreak in one form or another), yet they laughed deeply, lived boldly, and reflected parts of myself I realised I’d dimmed.
That experience showed me something powerful about the value of retreats in general. People don’t go to escape their lives, they go to remember who they are.
Later, as I began holding women’s retreats myself, I noticed how this same principle unfolds beautifully when women come together in intentional spaces enabling them to;
Feel supported by other women
Step away from daily roles and responsibilities
Restore nervous systems worn down by stress or anxiety
Remember joy, creativity, and presence
A retreat isn’t about becoming someone new, it’s about reconnecting with what’s already there.
How to Choose the Right women’s Retreat
If there’s one thing I truly believe, it’s this: trust your gut.
That inner yes matters more than perfection. Still, here are a few practical things to consider when choosing a women’s retreat on the Mornington Peninsula, (or anywhere).
1. Location
The environment matters more than we realise.
Look for a retreat location that feels calming, spacious, and supportive of rest, whether that’s coastal bushland, ocean air, or quiet countryside.
The Mornington Peninsula is especially powerful for this, with its natural beauty by the sea, grounding landscapes, and sense of gentle escape while still being close to Melbourne.
If you’re feeling called to a women’s retreat on the Mornington Peninsula, you can learn more about the May retreat here.
2. The Intention of the Retreat
Every retreat has a different purpose. Ask yourself:
Is this retreat focused on rest and nervous system regulation?
Is it about empowerment, confidence, or personal growth?
Is it more social and light-hearted, or deeply introspective?
Choosing a retreat whose intention aligns with what you need right now makes all the difference.
3. Who Is Holding the Space?
There are SO many incredible facilitators out in the world. Read about them and get a feel for who they are.
What do they specialise in? Yoga, meditation, embodiment, counselling, or healing practices?
You don’t need to know them personally, but you should feel a sense of trust and resonance when you read their words or hear them speak.
4. The Style of Practices
Is the retreat:
Yoga-focused?
Meditation or mindfulness-based?
A mix of movement, stillness, and self-inquiry?
There’s no “better” option, only what suits your body, energy, and stage of life.
5. What’s Included
Beyond yoga sessions, look at:
Workshops or guided reflections
Free time and rest
Nature experiences
Meals and nourishment
Optional activities like journaling, sound healing, or embodiment practices
Often, it’s the spaces between the sessions that become the most meaningful.
6. Group Size
Smaller retreats tend to feel more intimate and supportive, while larger retreats can feel energising and expansive.
Ask yourself whether you’re craving deep connection or broader community, both are super beautiful, ask yourself what you need right now.
Why the Mornington Peninsula Is an Ideal Place for a Women’s Retreat
The Mornington Peninsula offers a unique blend of:
Coastal calm and grounding nature
Space to slow down without feeling remote
A sense of being held by land and sea
An easy transition out of daily life and into rest
It’s a place that naturally invites exhale.
If you’re currently exploring women’s retreats on the Mornington Peninsula, and something in you is longing for space, softness, and reconnection…
This May 2026, I’ll be hosting a small, intimate women’s retreat in Boneo, designed to support rest, embodiment, self-connection, and genuine community.
You can learn more about the retreat here:
https://www.mettarising.com.au/retreat-peninsula-flower-house
Sometimes choosing a retreat isn’t about logic or timing.
It’s about listening to the quiet inner nudge that says: this is for me.
If that’s where you find yourself right now, trust it.
Carla x