For the past three years CY and I have traveled around Ontario staying at different accommodations and experiencing different activities to do in this province. This has been everything from glamping, AirBnBs, private cottages, sleeping with wolves, fly in fishing trips, dog sledding and even sleeping in a tree house. We've shared so many unforgettable memories together, but one common denominator when we return home is the inevitable comment, "I wish I could go with you on your next adventure."
This burning comment stuck in our minds and smoldered there until we landed on the same conclusion - we needed to host a retreat. Something all inclusive, where all the attendees could come, and enjoy a weekend away from the chaos that is life in 2024 and reconnect with themselves, and with like minded women.
After our stay at Retreat on Rosseau, we knew that we needed to host our retreat there. It not only is stunning and offers excellent open concept accommodations, but it also had the capacity to sleep a bunch of people, which was needed considering the demand for the retreat.
On October 3, we loaded up the Bear+Fox Truck and headed north back to Rosseau lake. Myself, CY, and two attendees (Jess and Holman who were sweet baby angels and helped us prep so much for the remaining attendees) arrived at 11:00pm to the cottage and enjoyed a celebratory bevvie or two while we tried to wind down from the Toronto traffic we endured.
The next day we prepped everyone's rooms with their welcome basket. Everyone was given a 1/4 zip sweater and sweatpants - exclusively branded with the retreat logo, an intentional bath soak created by CY under the full moon, a room spray from our friends at Jarful Refillery, a lip chap from Deep Purple Lavender, a copy of CY's dream journal and an energy fizz from Sara at Tamed. All the food was prepped for breakfasts and lunch the next day and the property was tidied for the guests to arrive.
I remember feeling slightly anxious as the time rolled around for the guests to start rolling in. What if there was a clash of personalities? What if the guests didn't feel like there was value in what we were providing? Was this a massive mistake?
As soon as the first guests arrived, all the jitters and butterflies flew away, as I was greeted with big smiles, hugs and a warmth that can only be described as familiar. Although most of the attendees didn't know each other, on some level, we all knew each other. We all were connected through shared experiences, which we found out at the nightly bon(d)fires.
These were my favourite part of the weekend. The simplicity of pouring a nice cocktail and sharing stories and laughter around a fire is something that never seems to tire.
The next morning we were lead in a beautiful yoga class by CY. The room was full of open minds and hearts and many of the guests were emotionally moved by the session (myself included). There were decks of cards around the room, inviting guests to pull a card and read it's deeper meaning. This was something that sparked so many different conversations and allowed strangers to become friends.
That evening we were treated to a chef catered meal from Field of Greens and smoke master Chef Mike. The three-course meal was delightful. We were treated to:
Appetizer - Parsnip Pear and Smoked Bacon Soup
Salad - Harvest Salad with roasted beets, butternut squash, chevre, candied almonds and maple vinaigrette
Mains - AAA Smoked Beef Brisket, smoked beef jus, jalapeno cornbread as well as Old Bay Brined and Smoked Ontario Turkey Breast served with herbed potato salad
Entree was served with house made pickles and maple habanero sauce on the side and to top off the meal, home made pumpkin pie with whipped cream.
We dined outside in front of the double fireplace, which took the chill out of the air while we enjoyed the fall colours and the calming lapping waters of lake Rosseau.
The bon(d)fire that night was magical. Now we weren't gathering together as strangers, we were gathering together as friends. Inside jokes from the night before and earlier in the day were being shared among the group. Everyone also wrote down what they were thankful for, and a question for the group to answer around the fire. It was a great way to open up conversation, and to all feel a little bit of gratitude for the lives we left behind for the weekend.
It was such a magical weekend - which sounds dramatic. But it's true! CY and I came home grinning from ear to ear and just feeling overwhelmingly appreciative for the community we have built (which was made apparent during the speech I made at supper, through the blubbering tears).
We have tickets on sale for the next retreat, and can't wait to be joined by so many incredible women again. But this time, instead of reveling in the beauty of the fall colours, we will get to sink into the cozy silence of snow.