REVIEWS

Music by Geoffrey Oryema

"LOVE LIFE ART- the words in the title of this retreat mirror beautifully what it was all about. I cam to the retreat with a friend, knowing it would be a moment of self reflection and relaxation, and a getaway from the busy work and family life I have. The retreat was that and so much more. It was a flow of fun, of a-ha moments, of connexion, of mental and physical relaxation and of wonderful people. Alison is an amazing person, artist, facilitator and leader with a fire that lights up a room. The location and set up were perfect. I am grateful to have had a chance to join this retreat and recommend it to all women seeking a moment to explore themselves or simply for a moment full of loving life with art ( and super tasty and healthy food, fantastic kahuna massage, yoga, journalling , walking and letting go!)"

Nathalie (France)

"This was such a meaningful time for me. I don't think I even noticed how much as I was painting. But since coming home I see how these days spent saturated in the joy, beauty, colour, freedom and abundance of this retreat did, indeed make my heart begin to awaken, to radiate, to burst forth with colour and light and hope. Thank you for creating such an amazing atmosphere where we could re discover our true and radiant selves as creatives, as women, as sisters in this crazy human family".

Amy (Germany)

"It was such great fun. You went through a lot of hard work and it was worth it because everything was done to perfection. I discover the yoga, really liked it and meditation. The art was a discovery as well but I will not become an artist that is for sure but did put everyone at ease. the food was divine and you you went out of your way to make everyone comfortable and we laughed so much.

Will consider to do another one of course!"

Claudie ( France)

It was just perfect. I will try to take back the inner peace Ive been feeling during this retreat, and I will definitely bring back the yoga and meditation practices into my daily life and also the art I want to paint for myself. It was just perfect- the activities, the food, the schedule but also the laughs, your energies and your smiles are what makes it even more perfect and powerful thank you! thank you! thank you"

Mathilde (Lyon, France)

What an amazing experience! Getting out the paint and creating something on a blank sheet of paper, something that comes from your heart and not your head, is transformative. And the images that appear, out of nowhere, are so enlightening. Ali is amazing, guiding you through the process, and then helping you to interpret what has come out and why..... I highly recommend a workshop and some one on one sessions afterwards to help you get the most from the experience

Lynne (South Africa)

Fantastic retreat! Full of fun, art, culture and connection with other women. An amazing experience! Every detail was thought of, the activities were well planned and fun. I cannot recommend this retreat enough!-

Gemma ( Oslo Norway)

Unforgettable first retirement experience. So beneficial for body and soul! Surrounded by caring people who offer you love, beauty, laughter, energy, well-being. It was for me a great inspiration and breath (in every sense of the word) and a great moment of calm in this hectic world, and which I want to continue. Thanks again Alisson, Claudie, Emilie and Mariana. I recommend 100%.

Rolande (Paris France)

This was my first retreat ever as I thought I could never afford one. Not only was this affordable but it was in France. I’m a New Yorker) so yeah a no brainer. My daughter Catarina was recently engaged and I was looking for something to do together that was meaningful . Booking was easy and Alison was in constant contact with us.

Accommodations were great. I mean the scenery alone was like a painting. Catarina and I were housed together in a separate apartment while the others staying in the main house. The mornings began with yoga in a spacious room above the apartment. The birds chirping and our instructor Michelle made me fall in love with yoga. She was very attentive and knowledgable.

Meals were served in the main house as we ate together like a big family (my favourite part) & the vegetarian meals were so delicious, we asked for recipes. Alisons daughter Emily was one of the cooks with help from Claudie & Mariana. Claudie was amazing - a local treasure is what she is. She guided my bike ride along the country, now I can say I rode a bike in France - minus the baguette of course. Her personality & charm made me want to bring her home. Mariana was an unexpected gift. She just happened to be in town & delighted us by playing the cello during our art sessions. My Hawaiian massage by Alison was so relaxing & emotional. I wanted to melt into the table.

The Art therapy by Alison and Emily were eye opening. Alison knew exactly what to say to get you to see beyond what’s there. I don’t know how she does it but please don’t stop. Emily taught me about chakras and now I want to learn more. I learned things about myself as well as Catarina 5 we were allowed to share with the group, although you don’t have to if you are not ready) The projects were fun and opened up my creativity. I did take some projects home with me to remind me of my goals as well as my journal. And I made some international female friends. You can’t beat that!

I highly recommend this retreat for friends, mother/daughters, or just solo (make some new friends) I went back to New York a much calmer, level headed, creative and empowered female. feel like Catarina and I grew together in this retreat, so mission accomplished. That was my personal experience, now go make yours and book that retreat.

Jessica Cruz (New York) 2022

I had some fantastic days at the Womens Creativity Retreat in beautiful surroundings close to Rennes. Days full of art, painting, meditation, yoga and the most amazing food. Alison and her daughter Emily are doing something very special together and I recommend this retreat to all women who would like to play, have fun and get a little closer to their heart.❤️

Rebekka (Denmark)

The Women's Creativity Retreat has been incredible!! Time and space for reflection and connection to ourselves, nature and a group of amazing women. A powerful few days! If you're at all considering this, follow your instinct and book immediately.

You won't regret it!

Cabrina (Ireland)

One of my concern before I went was I am not artistic. I will tell you about part of my deeper dive experience. I was afraid an outsider might observe my artwork and believe it to be a young child’s. I was able to calm my judging, comparing voice with calming my inner critic. It didn’t necessarily make my art any better but brought me some unconditional love. Isn’t it us that stand in the way of our light. The retreat is not about technical art. So don’t let your art talent or any lack you see in yourself stop you from showing up in the moment. This retreat is so much more. It allows you to connect with your own heart and skills be them grand or petite. I highly recommend taking this beautiful Normandy, France experience in the tranquil surroundings. Allison and her daughter Em were great leaders and hosts. Delicious food, fun, lots of wonderful surprises, and inspiring women to share in the challenges and joys. It was a great pleasure to be connected with the groups humanness. I say book it!!

Shelley (America)

Alison’s Women’s Creativity Retreat is pure magic! It was a pleasant surprise to be guided through creative practices and art making in a gorgeous setting with such wonderful people. Alison and Emily were wonderful hosts, fed us very well and created beautiful elements of surprise and wonder every step of the way. You must take a chance on mystery to fully absorb the essence of what unfolds. I highly recommend anyone hoping to get back in touch with their creativity and themselves to take the chance on this retreat.

You will not regret it!

Bronwyn (Canada)

I left this retreat with my cup full, after a really difficult start to the year, and it is all thanks to Alison, Emily and Rebekka, who created such a wonderful space for women to get together and be truly creative and playful, with the emphasis being on the process and not the result! The activities really helped me to get inside my body and mind and not to worry about how it would look, but to feel the creativity and dream up something with true emotion!

There were so many different activities but it didn't feel rushed at all - working with clay, portraits, yoga, meditation, dancing, costumes, mask making, walks in the forest, silence, music, journaling... There was laughter, tears, sharing, massage, healthy and yummy food!

You might me thinking 'but I'm not creative' or 'i'm too introverted', don't worry. There were all sorts of personalities there and everyone was appreciated, and I thought it was a great touch that Alison made it clear that we weren't to comment positively on peoples work! This really meant the art was for only ourselves.

When I got back from the retreat my friends said I was glowing! I'm feeling so much better. Thank you so much!

Natasha Vavere

WHAT DID YOU LIKE THE BEST?

..feeling the emotions opening up and being able to express them with paint

...the process digging deep and then laughing

...the clay work , loved that!

...having time for myself, the positive focus on myself

...connecting with other women and making friends

....Painting while dancing

....the gift out of clay for ourselves

....candlelight meditation and group painting

.....drawing with my left hand