upalong - wayfinding and intentional gathering
Imagine
Diving out of winter into the newness of spring — grounded, nourished & wild. What if in just a few months — celebrating the end of winter and the tender arrival of spring, together with like-hearted women — you could be HERE?
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It's time to thrive.
WHAT IF 2025 WAS THE YEAR WE ALL START THRIVING?
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And what if we made dang sure we do by doing it TOGETHER?
In a place that honors and supports our Wild Heart?
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Envision waking up in the morning to the sound of laughter out on the patio. No, you are not dreaming, it is real. It is spring. You're in the South of France. And your Wayfinder besties are already out there waiting for you. Allez-hop! Chop, chop! Jump into the shower and brush your teeth, it's time to go!
Adults need villages too, not just children.
Surround yourself with good people.
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What if?
Have you ever wondered...
...what if there was a time and place where Wayfinders, coaches and seekers could come together and just be? Support each other and spend time together, practice and deepen learning and community together, play together, time to deep dive into conversations about all the things that light us up, see what magic just comes naturally when Wayfinders gather, sit by the fire together in the evening under the starlight?
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What if for one week this dream could become a reality? In a beautiful magical place in the South of France. Where we can gather and rejoyce, recharge and rewild. ​Remember who we truly are and what we were put here for. Why we do what we do. Remind each other of our inspiring true Nature and the importance of what we do. Find out the expansive version of our true Self we can be when we are surrounded by a supportive community.
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We all have been through a transformative program. Now many of us are back on our own, at least in our day to day and work. Our work matters. Deeply and more than ever. Live it to give it is one of our most important principles. Where do WE go to recharge? Where do WE go to transmute and grow and transform even more? ---- Who takes care of the empaths?
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What if for a moment in time we could all come together and do just that? What if this adventure was our next right step? And from there - ignited, rooted and propulsed - we take the next leap into whatever is the change we have been calling in?​​​
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When you know, you KNOW.
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When Wayfinders gather,
MAGIC is the inevitable outcome.
What?
​For some of us it may be simply rest and play and just enjoy the nourishment of each other's company to reconnect with our roots and remember our practices and tools together and more deeply.
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For others it might be to soak in the support and feedback and all the coaching we can get in safe community ---- to fully go for the thing that's been calling us. Wanna muster up the courage to fully launch that business? Finally leave that job to coach full time? Wake up in the morning on your ideal day and feel like you are really there in a live it to give it way?
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Maybe our next giant leap is to simply more fully honor our true nature. We are cyclical creative beings. Let's truly give our bodies, hearts and minds the rest and creativity and play they've been asking for. Let's encourage each other to do life, work and business in a more aligned and gentle way.
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Whatever it is, times are calling for safety and the power of community.
Let's together be our anquors and grounding into what we know deep down is possible. Let's feel it in the marrow of our bones. Let's lift each other into the next chapter. No one ever said we have to do this alone and it cannot be fun, too. Let's gather. Let's dance to the light and sounds of spring. Let's come back home after a week of sisterhood, soaring.
"Deliberately seek the company of people who influence you to think and act on building the life you desire." ---- Napoleon Hill
What kind of spirit will it be?
(Very important :-)
This precious time together is all about belonging in a very special community, maybe the most belonging we have ever felt, with our own wild selves and others, in a magical place with delicious food, kindred spirits and souls of like-hearted womxn.
For some of us it may also be about reigniting and strengthening our vision, our values and our personal practices, our feeling ALIVE.
Our overarching theme is HOMECOMING and NOURISHMENT for body, mind, spirit and soul. As coaches, seekers, Wayfinders, empaths, creatives and sensitive peeps, and many of us also as mamas, we GIVE BIG, so we also need to RESTORE BIG.
Times are calling for healing and SAFETY IN COMMUNITY for our nervous systems as well as GROUNDING & REWILDING to RECONNECT with our deepest essence and life's calling, mission and purpose, to bring about TOGETHER the changes we need and have been calling in.​
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We are being very pampered by our host, Lou Calen, to support us in this endeavor, and use the beautiful communal areas and gardens to work and play together with Open Space facilitation, Wayfinding and circle.
Just like us, Lou Calen is growing every day, many new spaces and pockets have grown since last time I saw it, so we'll find some great spaces. All in all the whole vision and values of Lou Calen really mirror this project. The village of Cotignac is a pretty special mystical place, too.
To top it off, we will also go on some explorations in and around the village as well as - my personal favorite - a day hike/walk along the wild coast near legendary Saint Tropez, but far away from the jetset. We are talking a wild trail, lined with pine trees, evergreens, cork oaks and rocks. The air and soil are truly magnetic there.
​May we all find a handful of people in this lifetime to experience what it means to be truly heard and seen, nourished and ALIVE.
When & where
is it?
WHEN Sunday, March 30 - Friday, April 4, 2025
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A calm and sweet time off-season so we get the full attention and care of our host and Director of Marketing, Aurore.
🌿🌞 Early spring. Warm enough to enjoy lunch and time outside when we are doing small group breakouts so we can wander around and pick a quiet spot in the gardens or by the lavender field. End of March and early April when we are back to daylight saving and beautiful evening light. Sunday through Friday so we avoid the weekend rush.
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WHERE In the most charming rustic-chique authentic typical and quintessentially provençal village of Cotignac in the South of France at a beautifully and lovingly renovated Eco-friendly boutique hotel with a legendary history called LOU CALEN.
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Highlights
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Deep belonging in a small handpicked community of fellow Wayfinders who just get each other
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A truly magical place set in a truly magical village - typically provençal with thousands of years of history being recognized as "Plus Beaux Villages de France"
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A charming, "rustic-chique" Eco-hotel, lovingly renovated, with a legendary history
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Daily organic and locally sourced Green Michelin Star cuisine
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Heartwarming and authentic staff
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A wild and free coastal hike by the wild shore of the Côte d'azur to reconnect to your own wild Self and receive the guidance and nourishment you seek - from Mother Nature herself, your own deep inner wisdom, and the collective power of community
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Several community and 1:1 preparation calls, and more Wayfinder magic, to set our intentions to make the most of our time together, and grow as a group before the retreat, so when we finally meet in person it feels like a coming home.
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Follow-up community calls for accountability & support to continue to harvest from our wild adventure together far into the future, stay connected and keep co-creating that magic that we shared.
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A deeply caring host who commits fully to living and encouraging each other unapologetically to live it to give it, to live out loud and boldly and bright, and embody what we stand for.
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The title of the retreat is grounding and rewilding. The subtitles are ease, peace, abundance, community and belonging.
What's included?
- A small and intimate group setting of max 8-15 people (introvert, empath, HSP and ND friendly, LGBTQIA+ ♡)
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- An amazing community of kindred spirits & like-hearted souls
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- 5 nights single occupancy accommodation in the most dreamy, charming, rustic-chique boutique hotel
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- Daily organic locally sourced Green Michelin Star cuisine --- either lunch or dinner, excluding arrival and departure day - please let us know about your dietary needs - the rest is open so you can roam freely and explore the many beautiful options and choose your favorites
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- Daily activities for every taste and need, but also free time for rest and relaxation
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- A TOUR of the beautiful grounds and legendary history of our home for the week LOU CALEN
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- The magical light and spectacular sunsets that have drawn many artists, writers and creative souls to this special place in the world.
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VILLAGE EXPLORATION
wandering the pittoresque village streets and hidden alleyways peeking into beautifully tended gardens, and the mystical tuff stone cliffs that impressively hug the village to the north, plus wonderful views from the top into the provençal countryside and two newly restored Roman towers
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MARKET DAY
to get the full provençal experience
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DAILY
- circle time to forge connection and belonging
- play and creative time*
- time to relax and ground*
- open space for coaches to try out new tools in a safe space*
- open space to co-create*
- open space to choose your own activity or just rest and be and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and nature, explore at your own pace or with your favorite group buddies and new friends*
- open space for the conversations that truly matter.
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- A tight-knit community and sweet exhale for your nervous system and memories to never leave us again.
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WILD AND FREE COASTAL HIKE/WALK
​- One of many highlights will probably be our "wild & free" coastal hike - a full day of hiking or walking along the breath taking wild coast of Saint Tropez and Ramatuelle to reconnect with our own wild true self and bond with our new besties. We travel by private mini bus with out own chauffeur.​
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​- Several preparation calls to co-create a sense of community and adventure already beforehand as well as after to re-enter culture and "reality", transform, integrate and implement in continuation of the safety and deep embodiment & connection we have created together.
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- A detailed info package on what (not) to pack/bring list and travel tips.
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*We will structure most days in two halfs, one half open space style, one half exploring eg village or market day. The Open Space time is for various types of activities or free time or solo/rest time, to freely choose from. You are warmly invited to bring your own ideas and initiate an activity, e.g. let's have coffee together in this cute café we saw during the village tour, let's meditate by the lavender field at 3, let's co-create a business idea, let's talk about xyz by the fire place, Who can help me launch my dream project about X?, let's go on a sketchbook tour by the old amphitheater... DETAILS SEE BELOW.
How will we spend our time together?
We will structure most days in two halfs, one half open space style, one half exploring eg village or market day, SEE "What's included?" ABOVE.
The OPEN SPACE TIME is for various types of activities or free time or solo/rest time, we can co-design and co-create this together with lots of free flow to choose from.
You are warmly invited to bring your own ideas and initiate an activity. This is YOUR time with YOUR gang.
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Here are some ideas:
- Let's have coffee together in this cute café we saw during the village tour and
talk about X,
- Let's meditate by the lavender field at 3,
- Let's co-create an all female queer run business idea on coaching and wildlife,
- Let's brainstorm and group coach together and then start a quiet revolution on eg How can we live our wildest dreams as cyclical creative beings without burnout in a capitalist patriarchal white suppremacist het-cis dominated culture? - bringing in the big stuff right away, Oh là là !
- Let's talk about XYZ by the fire place,
- Who can help me launch my dream project about tulips and sea shells for seniors in Antwerp?
- Let's go on a sketchbook tour by the old amphitheater.
- Let's brainstorm what we do next.
- Let's just chat or paint the afternoon away by the fountain and meet the villagers.
There will be a daily program overview and flip chart of what the day will look like plus space to fill in for you all to see who would like to do what, when, with whom, where to meet, who would like to join etc. You can also already send your ideas in advance to office@katharinakapsamer.com
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The rest of the time we can explore the beautiful premises, the village, market day and during our coastal walk day the reconnect with the wilderness of the beach and rocks and vegetation, eat delicious food, thank the wonderful staff... give each other hugs and laugh. Wake up in the morning already hearing laughter out on the patio or by the olive trees.
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We top off every day with circle time to harvest the abundance we have created together in conversations that truly matter, foster belonging and move us inward and forward.
Our Program
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Sunday
Soft landing · Welcome Circle
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Monday
Getting to know each other · Exploring Lou Calen and our picturesque village · Open Space time · Evening Circle
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Tuesday
A fabulous adventure in the heart of the village for Provençal market day (perfect for tasting local specialties, hunting for souvenirs and shopping) · Open Space time · Evening Circle
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Wednesday
Our big adventure, the wild and free coastal hike by the Ocean · including Open Space time out in the wild
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Thursday
All day open space for co-creation, doing all the things we still have on our bucket list · Closing Circle · Festive final evening banquet
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Friday
Hugs and farewell · Onward to our next adventure, knowing we have each others' backs
You will receive a detailed package with all information for travel, what to bring, and our final program as we get closer to our time together.
Lou Calen
What our home for the week offers:​
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- Several beautifully landscaped gardens, nature zones and swimming pools
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- A vegetable garden, a vineyard, a lavender field (yes indeed)
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- Depending on the season, organic lawn mowers, aka sheep
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- Outdoor dining with Green Michelin Star cuisine, always multiple lovingly prepared courses, served by delightful and authentic staff
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- A rich and legendary history now being newly revived and "rewilded"
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- Eco-friendly
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- A Fireplace
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- Lovingly newly renovated with lots of care rooms and "playgrounds"
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- Rich and lush gardens with cozy secret nooks and plenty of spots to discover to wander and wonder and spend time for small intimate conversations or replenish in stillness & solo time
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- Super sweet staff
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- A charming little bookstore
Single Rooms
By combining old building materials and modern furniture the rooms hold an elegant charm as well as cozy comfort. They extend out onto their own private terraces that give splendid, breathtaking views of the village steeped in history, as well as the surrounding greenery for a full immersion in the heart of Provençal nature.
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Suites​
Upgrade to one of the unique Suites of the hotel for an even deeper hug in abundance, comfort, pampering, loving detail and local luxury -- immerse yourself in the colors and scents of Provence, surrounded by strikingly crafted materials, hand made by local artisans.
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What each room includes aka what you don't need to pack-list ----- Each room comes with an abundant collection of amenities for maximum cozyness and comfort, these include:
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• Wifi
• Air conditioning
• A tablet
• Fluffly bathrobes and slippers
• Coffee/tea kettle
• Toiletries by the renowned "Une Olive en Provence" known for their fragrance, texture and remarkable properties
• A cute straw hat
• Safe
• Phone
Food
Every day we will be fed and nourished by our renowned chef Benoît Witz with a multi course provençal dinner that has earned the restaurant "Jardin Secret" a Green Michelin Star.
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Nestled in a beautiful, wild, organic garden with its own vineyard and lavender field, underneath centennial olive trees, we will sit together at a long dinner table, like straight out of a fairytale.
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You will immediately notice the loving attention to detail and decor, subtle, charming, with sustainability at heart. You will then be welcomed by the sweet and attentive staff that you wish you could take with you back home. No, that is not included in the booking! :-)
We will eat there most days, either lunch or dinner, long and abundant in time, like the French do (excluding arrival and departure day where we can all ease in at our own pace, and our hiking day where we will be well looked after by the kitchen staff with a yummy packed lunch to take with us and enjoy by the Ocean).
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Please let us know about your dietary needs.
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The rest of the daily eating times are open, first because a two to three hour four course meal is usually enough for a while, and also because the village features many beautiful restaurants, brasseries, bistrots and cafés, so we want to give you the opportunity to also roam freely and explore the many cute coptions and choose your favorites. Don't worry, we'll give you plenty of tips and recommendations!
Brené Brown
"This is when you reach deep into your wild heart and remind yourself: I AM THE WILDERNESS."
What should I pack?
You will receive a detailed packing list and also a list of other things to bear in mind for peace of mind well in advance.
How much is it?
​​Early bird price goes until Jan 5, 2025: EUR 8.990.-
Book until Jan 25, 2025 to make sure you get a spot: EUR 10.350.-
Book after Jan 25, 2025: EUR 12.750.-
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Financial planning:
20% will be due upon reservation to save your spot. The remaining balance can be paid up until 20 days prior to when we begin our retreat. You can create your own personalized payment plan with our booking and travel partner.
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Awareness of our vast variety of financial and social realities / DEI:
If you feel like you really need to be with us but really cannot meet the budget, do not despair. Please reach out. You may be eligible to one of several solutions including a reduced social sliding scale of up to 50%, in exceptional cases up to 70%, support.
Email Katharina at office@katharinakapsamer.com
Brené Brown
"True belonging doesn't require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are.”
FAQs
How do I get to Cotignac?
Please don't book any flights or other travel or other accommodations yet. We will get an official GO date when we know for sure with ample time to get good deals.
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Once we have the official go, our travel and booking partner will assist you with any questions regarding this.
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A group transfer Is foreseen to be arranged from Nice Airport on March 31 mid-day.
Please arrive at Nice Airport, by 12pm local time.
Feel free to reach out for travel planning support available to our retreaters.
Europe switches to daylight saving time in the night from March 29 to 30.
When should I arrive?
Please wait with travel arrangements until we get the official go.
Considering jetlag or general travel fatigue and a gentle way to arrive for your nervous system we strongly recommend to come a few days early, also to make the most out of your stay. For those of us flying in from different time zones, it may make a big difference for how this adventure goes if you give yourself the tranquility of one or two nights before we start in one of the beautiful cities you'll be flying into - Paris, Marseille or Nice. However, we will start with a sweet and slow entry on Sunday to accommodate those who do arrive the day of.
If you would like to come sooner or stay longer after the trip, at our wonderful hotel LOU CALEN, other parts of the South of France or a few extra nights before or after - in Paris maybe? - please reach out for tips and advice: office@katharinakapsamer.com​
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IMPORTANT:
Please remember if you are coming from a different continent your departure date and your arrival date may not be the same day. Bear that in mind to make sure you don't miss the start. You should be at LOU CALEN at 3pm on Sunday, March 30 at the latest. ​Note: As opposed to other continents Europe switches to daylight saving the night from March 29 to March 30. Before that Europe is still using winter time.
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For peace of mind and extra ease, pickups can be arranged with our travel partner so you can enjoy a beautiful ride. You will receive an extended Info Package with tips on traveling and planning your trip well in advance.
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Please wait with travel arrangements until we get the official go end of January
Which airport should I fly into?
Please do not book any flights or other travel or other accommodations yet. We will get an official GO end of January with ample time to get good deals.
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Once we have the official go, our travel and booking partner will assist you with any questions regarding this. They are adorable, experienced, professional and a sweet hug to the nervous system.
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For the dreamers and schemers who love looking up flights well in advance: The best option in most cases is flying into Nice. Alternatives are Marseille and Paris. If you decide to fly into Paris to spend a few days there before heading down South, you will need to take the train to Aix en Provence.
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This info is just for your personal research pleasure. Please don't book any flights or other travel or other accommodations yet. We will get an official GO end of January when we know for sure that we have reached the minimum number of participants, with ample time to get good deals.
Are flights included?
We'll be coming from very different places. Some of us might come by car or train. Hence, flights are not included in the booking.
Should I...
Please wait until we get the official go.
... already book my flight or other accommodation for before or after the retreat?
What's NOT included?
- Flights and other travel
- Travel insurance
- Tips for the wonderful staff
- Any of the gorgeous souvenirs, handmade local arts and crafts, fabrics, clothes, ceramics and spices you might want to buy.for your loved ones at home or as a token for yourself.
- Any supplementary food or dinners outside the ones see above
- Beverages
- Supplementary Consumptions at the hotel or restaurant including mini bar, massages etc.
- Airport pick-up - please let us know if you need one, we can arrange it for you.
- Breakfast - please let us know if you'd like one
Do I need travel insurance?
Absolutely YES, please, dear. For everybody's peace of mind. Our wonderful travel and booking partner will assist you with any questions regarding this. They are adorable, experienced, professional and a sweet hug to the nervous system. For more information please continue reading here.
What happens when I get sick or anything else happens?
Our wonderful travel and booking partner will assist you with any questions regarding this. They are adorable, experienced, professional and a sweet hug to the nervous system. You can find out more here. Remember to ask them what kind of travel insurance you need for this kind of question.
What's the cancellation policy?
Our wonderful travel and booking partner has made a detailed overview of the cancellation policy here.
Who is Katharina?
Meet your guide and host: KATHARINA. To get to know and learn all about Katharina have a look over here.
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A note from your host:
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My time in Wayfinder Life Coach Training has taught me a BIG LESSON on the Power of Community and investing in myself, my personal growth and transformation, despite financial scarcity and thinking. There is something books can't teach and doing it alone all by ourselves can't reach. Let's use each other as amplifying forces to bring about the changes we've been longing for and working towards.
Me offering this retreat and calling it into being would still be a mere diary entry from the distant past without the tremendous support and community from my Wayfinder Life Coach Support Squad. Together we can bring about the calling in of the big new chapters we are meant to bring into the world.
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We are Wayfinders. We've been waiting for this.
WE WERE MADE FOR THIS.
So let's do this.
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Love
Kathy
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Katharina loves Playlists to set the mood and dance things into being.
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Homecoming Playlist: https://music.apple.com/at/playlist/fall-homecoming/pl.u-oZylKApC3YDq6o?l=en
​Provence - France - French Riviera Playlist: https://music.apple.com/at/playlist/provence-2021/pl.u-kv9lRRvsvP64Ge?l=en
Playlists on Spotify coming soon.
