Backyard Retreats

Soul-led, co-created retreats Brought to you,
wherever you are

Rooted in Nature, Guided by Soul

Is your group or community craving a meaningful pause—one filled with soulful reflection, deep connection, joy, and the healing energy of nature? Let the retreat come to you.

These Joyful Journey Retreats are custom-designed, heart-led gatherings that meet you where you are—both literally and spiritually. Whether you're a circle of friends, a leadership team, or a community seeking inspiration, I bring a soulful, joy-filled, nature-infused retreat to your chosen space. No travel. No stress. Just grounded fun, authentic connection, and a fresh invitation to see the world—and yourself—with renewed wonder.

Retreat participants on a silent walking meditation through a lush green forest, flanked by tall trees and a cloudy sky above

What You’ll Experience

Each retreat is thoughtfully curated to include a blend of:

  • Mindful Nature Practices — gentle walking meditations, grounding exercises, and breathwork to reconnect with the natural world and your inner calm
     

  • Soulful Reflection — guided meditations and journaling to tune into your inner wisdom and explore what truly matters

  • Meaningful Conversation — facilitated circle discussions that nurture connection, inspiration, and shared insight
     

  • Joyful Presence — spacious moments to simply be—present, alive, and in tune with your soul’s whispers. You’ll be invited to slip on your wonder goggles and see the world with fresh eyes—awakening childlike curiosity, delight, and a deeper connection to the magic all around you.

Backyard Retreat yoga session: Anita Adams preparing to lead a yoga class on a deck overlooking calm water, trees, and an island on a partly cloudy day

Want to go deeper?

Add these beautiful layers:

  • Yoga & Movement — gentle, soul-nourishing practices that support embodiment and release

  • Creative Expression — intuitive painting, free-form dance, and playful exploration to awaken creativity and joy
     

Whether it's a cozy indoor space, a garden, a deck, a retreat centre, or a forest trail nearby—I’ll work with you to create a retreat that’s in harmony with your environment and intention.

Who is this for:

  • Women’s circles and friendship groups seeking deeper connection and renewal

  • Brides and bridal parties looking for a soulful alternative to a traditional stagette — learn more about Backyard Bridal Retreats

  • Anyone celebrating a meaningful milestone, like a birthday or anniversary, looking for a heart-centered way to honor the occasion

  • Wellness-minded organizations and leadership teams ready to recharge and realign

  • Retreat centres or healing spaces inviting a guest facilitator to enrich their offerings

  • Communities and groups seeking reconnection, inspiration, and joy

Autumn yoga at a Backyard Retreat: participants practicing poses outdoors in a leafy park

Let’s Co-Create Your 

Backyard Retreat

These are not one-size-fits-all retreats.

Each retreat experience is crafted with care, tailored to your group’s needs, energy, and goals.

• Half-day, full-day, and multi-day retreat options available

• All materials provided - just bring an open heart, a space to gather, and a yoga mat if that's part of your journey. 

Multiple hands stacked together, symbolizing unity and teamwork, with colorful sweaters and rings visible.

Your Role as the co-host

Collaborating to Create Something Truly Special

As the host, you help shape the vision for your retreat — while I take care of the logistics to ensure it all flows with ease.  Together, we’ll design a day (or multi-day) retreat that reflects what you want to create for your group. 

We’ll decide on the location — whether it’s your home, garden, a local park, or a rented venue — and if booking a facility is needed, I’ll handle the arrangements.

 FAQs

  • Absolutely. Or in your backyard, on your deck, in a neighbourhood park. The options are endless.

  • Each retreat experience is uniquely designed around your group’s needs, goals, and energy — whether it’s a half-day, full-day, or multi-day experience.

    Most full-day Backyard Retreats begin around $800, with pricing adjusted based on the level of customization, number of participants, and materials required.

    Travel costs and accommodations are additional if needed. Once we connect, I’ll work with you to create a personalized quote that fits your vision, your group, and your budget.

  • No, I don’t provide food directly. However, I’m happy to collaborate with you to create a thoughtful menu and either recommend or help source a local caterer. All food and beverage costs will be your responsibility, but I’ll support you in making it as seamless and nourishing an experience as possible for your group.

  • I’m happy to travel to bring a retreat to your group—whether you're local or located farther afield.

    Distance isn’t a barrier as long as travel expenses (such as gas, flights, and accommodations if needed) are covered.

    Let’s connect to explore what’s possible!

  • In my experience, groups of 6 to 12 are ideal for creating deep connection and meaningful conversation.

    That said, I’m happy to work with larger groups if the space supports it, and smaller gatherings can be just as powerful. I’ve even facilitated intimate retreats with only two participants—and the depth of insight and connection we reached was truly beautiful.

    Ultimately, we’ll tailor the experience to fit your group’s size and intention.

  • Yes. I offer virtual and hybrid retreats, typically held in 3-hour blocks that are thoughtfully designed to create meaningful connection and inner reflection—even from a distance.

    These sessions can include a blend of grounding exercises, gentle yoga or movement, group discussions, and nature-inspired practices that participants can do from their own surroundings.

    Whether fully online or combined with an in-person component, these virtual retreats offer a beautiful and accessible way to pause, reconnect, and realign.

  • Yes—absolutely. Every retreat I offer is intentionally co-created to reflect your group’s unique needs, interests, and intentions.

    Whether your focus is on personal growth, leadership development, spiritual exploration, team building, or simply reconnecting with joy and presence, we’ll work together to design a retreat that feels meaningful and aligned.

    From the overall theme to the activities, flow, and tone, I’ll bring a flexible structure and soulful guidance to help shape an experience that resonates deeply with your group.

Testimonials

  • “Anita is a guiding light in inspiring me to listen and feel more deeply into all of who I am and how I can expand more fully into who I am becoming. I am forever grateful for her wisdom, kind-heartedness and thoughtful care. Thank you for an amazing retreat experience!”

    ~ Lorna Williams

  • “The Joyful Journey retreat at Epona Rise was exceptional! Nourishment for body, mind and soul was what I needed, and I received that and so much more. I so appreciated the time in nature, the magical experience with the horses, Wisdom circle sharing, journalling time, and connecting with other women at the retreat. Anita's planning, leadership and heart are what made this retreat one of the best I've attended. Highly recommend!”
    ~ Nadine Hope

  • “The retreat at Epona Rise in the fall of 2025 was a very enjoyable experience. I felt rejuvenated afterwards and feel inspired to seek out more joy as I travel on my journey. Anita’s light-hearted approach to leading made for an atmosphere of openness and safety for all women to fully engage and participate. It was a joy to get to know Anita better and the other wonderful participants who are attracted to her work.”
    ~ Anne Rushlow

  • “Anita is a wonderful facilitator and I have attended three retreats that she has led. I highly recommend you jump at the chance to share in the goodness of the joyful experiences she creates.”
    ~ Mariee D.

  • "The Joyful Journey Retreat [is] such a wonderful experience... The activities, meditations and conversations were engaging and did a great job of facilitating my own personal discoveries and exploration. The group discussions were dynamic and there were fantastic women to connect with to share laughter and tears. Anita offers her unique perspective of her journey and does it with great courage and vibrant enthusiasm. She is a wonderful kind host and I would recommend the Joyful Journey Retreat to many along their own path of discovery."
    ~ Dawn Torroba

  • "Joyful Journey Retreat was an amazing experience. The environment was so pleasant, the meals and hospitality so warm. I can’t say enough about your kindness. A lot of favourite memories, but walking (hiking) through the forest for me, created an incredible sense of awe. I felt like I was greeted with peace listening to the sounds of nature because I was surrounded by it, Thank you so so much Anita for the most wonderful weekend getaway!"
    ~ Suzanne Laqua

  • "Anita is a master in finding and connecting with amazing people and creating magic. I was lucky to join her first Joyful Journey retreat and found answers that I did not know I was looking for. She is a gracious, kind, patient, and insightful host and finds ways to make her guests feel comfortable and open up. I admire how grounded and connected to nature Anita is, she left me inspired"
    ~ Hana Lynn

  • "Anita has a distinct ability to break down complex concepts into practical, actionable steps. Anita gave me a renewed sense of purpose and a toolbox of strategies for navigating personal and professional challenges. Highly recommend Anita for anyone seeking guidance in their journey toward well-being and joy!
    ~ Nora Nnadi 

Let’s work together.

If the Backyard Retreats resonates with you and you want to co-create something special for your group, please take a moment to fill out the info below and I will follow up with you shortly!
I look forward to hearing from you!