REVIEWS

"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 an amazing thought provoking experience! Three of us signed up for this creativity and yoga retreat to celebrate a friend’s up coming 60th birthday. What a memorable time we had!

From the get go it was evident how much thought and effort had gone into preparing the activities, the delicious food and the overall experience. Alison and her helpers -Mariana and Adriana - were caring and attentive hosts, going above and beyond to make each individual feel special and valued.

Each day started with a yoga session that was gentle and relaxing. Art activities were thought provoking and fun! Learning to ignore my inner critic, going with the flow and enjoying the ride will be the most valuable lessons I’ve learnt over the past 5 days.

Other highlights were painting to the beautiful, soulful music produced by Mariana and her cello; the very moving Kahuna massage, the abundance of delicious food and the beautiful surroundings of the French countryside

Linda May 2024

The Unexpected Life Lessons from a Women’s Creativity Retreat. By Emily Seear 2023

Sunshine, sisterhood, creativity, and cake.

Sounds like the recipe for the dream retreat, right?

Join this 4-Day Women’s Creativity Retreat in France and watch this dream become your reality.

I’ve just returned from this incredible retreat and cannot wait to share more about why I chose it, what it was like, and some of the benefits that I’ve gained from the experience.

Why did I choose this retreat?

I am currently traveling around Europe in my camper van. Coming from the UK, France is my first stop. When I saw this retreat on BookRetreats, I knew that I wanted to give it a shot.

Firstly, I love France, and driving around the French countryside is oh-so heavenly.

Secondly, I have always loved being creative but have recently found myself feeling blocked by self-criticism and perfectionism. I have also attended many retreats with strict schedules and diets, and I loved that this retreat advertised a down-to-earth and relaxed feel.

Arriving at The Retreat

Upon arrival, I was met by Alison – painter, art therapist, and host of this retreat – with a sense of warmth and instant connection. Alison had just returned from picking up the other guests from Rennes train station (she also includes a free pick-up!). We had some time to arrive and settle into our rooms before meeting for lunch.

During this first meal together, we had a chance to chat, get to know each other, and share many fascinating stories.

Alison emphasizes that this retreat is open to all women, regardless of their experience in creative outlets, which was very comforting for me as my experience was minimal.

The Art

After lunch, we came together to begin our first art activity in the studio.

The space is a stunning old barn that has been converted into an art studio. With a cozy seating area, a long wooden table, and decorated head-to-toe with paintings and color, this room felt like a real sanctuary to nurture and reignite my creativity. Over the course of the retreat, we participated in many art workshops. Each activity, from self-portraits to clay work, was thoughtfully designed to foster connection. We moved through connection to ourselves, connection to each other, and connection to nature. This retreat needs to be experienced to be truly understood.

Trained in art therapy, Alison creates these activities to allow us to go deeper within ourselves. Through self-portraits, we looked at how we perceive ourselves; through clay work, we explored our inner child; and through painting a strawberry, we explored our sensuality. The experience allowed me to look deep within myself while unlocking new levels of creativity.

The Accommodations

This retreat offers a mix of shared and private accommodation.

All the rooms are comfortable, overlooking the garden, and featuring Alison’s artwork.

The Food

All the meals were lovingly prepared and super tasty. Expect tasty vegetarian dishes from curries to lasagna and plenty of fresh salads. My favorite part of the day was around 5pm when we would sit in the sun with a slice of homemade cake and a glass of local cider – delicious!

The Yoga and Meditation

Each morning began with a gentle yoga class led by Michelle. Michelle leads the morning classes with a sweet softness that leaves you feeling supported and grounded. Each class ends with a 20-minute meditation, lying on your mat, cozy under a blanket. What a magical way to start the day!

The Retreat Center

The retreat venue is an artist’s haven nestled in the French countryside, and it is truly divine.

With artwork hanging from every wall, vases full of homegrown flowers, and plenty of cozy nooks to curl up with your journal, it’s the ideal location for a creative getaway.

The bedrooms, communal spaces, and workshop all look out onto the garden, which is blooming with flowers, homegrown strawberries, and complete with a pool for a cold plunge! When the sun was shining, we did a number of activities outside on the grass, which was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the nature around us.

How Do I Feel After the Retreat?

Firstly, pure joy – a feeling that I have reconnected to once again after this retreat.

Secondly, I feel more connected to myself and my creativity than I have in a very long time.

I feel a deep sense of gratitude for this amazing experience and for being able to share this retreat with such incredible women.I have come away with some very special friendships and memories that will last me a lifetime.

If you are looking for an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, nature, and your creative flow, then this is the place for you.

5 Lessons That I Took Away From This Retreat

When I let go of my need for perfectionism, I love being creative just for the sake of being creative.
Spending time with like-minded women in a supportive environment is so important to me.
I must spend more time in nature. It is so healing.
I need to lean into more softness and femininity as I spend a lot of time in my masculine, planning, and organizing things.
I will try to attend at least one retreat a year as it is so nourishing for mind, body, and soul!