![New Forest Woodland-min.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/196065_859dcc5c9f1f4329a6d2c98e16fc289e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_367,h_550,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/196065_859dcc5c9f1f4329a6d2c98e16fc289e~mv2.jpg)
Here is Your Permission slip to Slow Down, Rest and Come Back to What is Important – YOU
Self-Love Recovery Retreats for women on their journey of ‘self-healing’.
Get On The 2024 Retreat Waitlist
We’d be willing to bet that you’re here because:
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You’re tired of putting everyone else first - life is crazy and you are last on the to-do list far too often
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You’re craving rest. Not a nap, but truly restorative, deep, peaceful rest
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It’s nearly impossible to have 5 minutes just for YOU without being interrupted
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You’re determined to create a more loving relationship with yourself, but could do with some help
Imagine being in a dedicated space where you can reflect and focus on just YOU and your healing.
Imagine resting so deeply that your body and mind can actually start to take your healing to the next level.
Imagine connecting with yourself and building a loving and nurturing relationship with YOU.
Imagine the most unpretentious retreat where you can truly be yourself (no dolphin music to be found!)
This is all entirely possible for you.
You can probably tell I am super proud of these retreats. They are the retreats I wished existed when I was first in recovery, so I created them.
![countryside](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/196065_dc3220641ec34071ad7bb8c1fc848468~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_653,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/196065_dc3220641ec34071ad7bb8c1fc848468~mv2.jpg)
Introducing: Self Love Recovery Retreats
A weekend of joyous personal development in the secluded Devon countryside, away from it all.
![Group Coaching.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/196065_f3e9021808654d9b992403630155bbfa~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Group%20Coaching.png)
Trauma-informed group coaching workshops around themes of self-love, self-talk, self-compassion & self-forgiveness.
![Soul Circle.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/196065_ed59ddf04feb40a38ecfe264e6c41e77~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Soul%20Circle.png)
Experience the gentle power of our Women’s Circles, and connect with the beautiful souls who are on this journey with you.
![Yoga and meditation.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/196065_0ac953983895492c8880c526e98406de~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Yoga%20and%20meditation.png)
Trauma-informed yoga therapy (perfect for beginners) meditation and deep relaxation, with sumptuous lavender eye-pillows and the cosiest of blankets, to help you switch off your inner mean girl and all the other noise.
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Dance therapy session which helps you shift things in such a profound but gentle and fun way.
![Massage.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/196065_cdb8f603eb9b4aac8290687dfd3b60ad~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Massage.png)
Massage Therapy, your way, your choice, come and receive gentle touch that is comforting and rejuvenating.
(additional cost)
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Immerse yourself in the scents and aromatherapy of our essential oil collections.
![Walking.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/196065_d1f20d9f5839420182f4ccd4978e1076~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Walking.png)
Walk the beautiful labyrinth and use this ancient practice of active meditation to quieten your mind and focus on your own self love and healing.
![Teas.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/196065_9e573f2c020a49c3bcd12e157093a0ae~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Teas.png)
Help yourself to all the Pukka teas, Tea Pigs teas, hot chocolate and fresh coffee throughout your stay so you can luxuriate in cosy comfort.
![Fire Ceremony.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/196065_ddc91e865cc349d0be14cd606a634acb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Fire%20Ceremony.png)
Let go of the things that no longer serve you during our closing Fire Ceremony.
![Water.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/196065_1153ce796dbe41d686fa9404151fea7c~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Water.png)
Endless supplies of lemon, lime & cucumber water will help your body release toxins and ensure you’re staying hydrated over the weekend.
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Enjoy delicious home-cooked, nourishing food for every meal - you won’t have to think about anything, everything is taken care of.
![Cottage.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/196065_964c67e7085c4736bf0bcebbb946659e~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Cottage.png)
All of the above takes place in gorgeous accommodation of thatched cottages and converted barns, nestled in the most peaceful, idyllic location, surrounded by sounds of nature.
And I want you to know that everything is optional, so you can take what you need and leave what is not for you. Because we organise these retreats for YOU.
They exist to help you take your healing to the next level. We combine a unique blend of personal development, meditation, yoga therapy and massage in truly beautiful settings.
Our in-person retreat weekends will give you the opportunity to relax and reflect on the next stage of your life, whilst reconnecting to yourself.
Our retreats are created with so much LOVE.
We do not take ourselves really seriously however, so expect lots of laughter and some swearing!
Every detail has been carefully considered to provide a gorgeously safe place for you, so that you can come back home to yourself.
We offer a real opportunity to give yourself permission to slow down, rest and come back to what is important – YOU.
Your hopes, your dreams, your recovery, your life.
And you can have all of this as part of our all-inclusive weekend retreats.
2024 Price £345 if sharing a twin
£375 for a single (limited rooms available!)
Bursary Places on application
Incredible value because YOU deserve time for you, now
The fees for this retreat are non-refundable.
If we have to cancel the retreat for any reason then you are entitled to a refund.
We are not able to make any exceptions to this no-refund policy, not even for personal emergencies, and for this reason we strongly advise you to take out travel insurance to protect yourself against illness, emergencies and changes in your circumstances.
In the unfortunate event you are unable to attend the retreat you may transfer your retreat place to a friend, subject to our prior approval of your replacement or you can choose to offer your place as a special bursary to a suitable woman selected by us in need of this retreat.
Be the first to hear about 2023 retreats! Join the waitlist today.
Introducing: Self Love Recovery Retreats
A weekend of joyous self healing in the secluded Devon countryside, away from it all.
![1.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/196065_731d707a66824e119c3d76feb83f1df4~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_100,h_100,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/1.png)
![Soul Circle.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/196065_ed59ddf04feb40a38ecfe264e6c41e77~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_100,h_100,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Soul%20Circle.png)
![Yoga and meditation.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/196065_0ac953983895492c8880c526e98406de~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_100,h_100,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Yoga%20and%20meditation.png)
![Dance therapy.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/196065_e7ade77e229d447680aa3fe80bf7a961~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_100,h_100,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Dance%20therapy.png)
![Massage.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/196065_cdb8f603eb9b4aac8290687dfd3b60ad~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_100,h_100,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Massage.png)
![Aromatherapy.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/196065_4b4da9746d734fab8ce60138f4a8fc1d~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_100,h_100,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Aromatherapy.png)
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![Fire Ceremony.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/196065_ddc91e865cc349d0be14cd606a634acb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_100,h_100,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Fire%20Ceremony.png)
![Teas.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/196065_9e573f2c020a49c3bcd12e157093a0ae~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_100,h_100,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Teas.png)
![Nourishing Meals.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/196065_ef4ee5d32c544acbaff778df3a2da89f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_100,h_100,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Nourishing%20Meals.png)
![Water.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/196065_1153ce796dbe41d686fa9404151fea7c~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_100,h_100,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Water.png)
And I want you to know that everything is optional, so you can take what you need and leave what is not for you. Because we organise these retreats for YOU.
They exist to help you take your healing to the next level. We combine a unique blend of personal development, meditation, yoga therapy and massage in truly beautiful settings.
Our in-person retreat weekends will give you the opportunity to relax and reflect on the next stage of your life, whilst reconnecting to yourself and like-minded women.
Our retreats are created with so much LOVE.
Every detail has been carefully considered to provide a gorgeously safe place for you, so that you can come back home to yourself.
We offer a real opportunity to give yourself permission to slow down, rest and come back to what is important – YOU.
![Cottage.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/196065_964c67e7085c4736bf0bcebbb946659e~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_100,h_100,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Cottage.png)
Your hopes, your dreams, your recovery, your life.
And you can have all of this as part of our all-inclusive weekend retreats.
£345 if sharing a twin;
£375 for a single (limited rooms available!)
Incredible value because YOU deserve time for you, now.
Be the first to hear about 2023 retreats! Join the waitlist today.
![Wildflowers](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/196065_52fc54c492924f928e7d495d68d92599~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_654,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/196065_52fc54c492924f928e7d495d68d92599~mv2.jpg)
![Karen headshot](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4eacd3_2ac7a7e1626941c8858f2078c8793e16~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_270,w_1282,h_1282/fill/w_259,h_259,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Karen-Marie-Johnston-Recovery-Coach-Web-59.jpg)
Your Host
Hi I’m Karen and I work with women who are looking to learn how to be kinder to themselves, so that their dream life & recovery can actually become a reality. How do I know? Because I have been at rock bottom while in recovery and I am well acquainted with constantly putting myself last. It’s been a journey, but now I’m able to support and encourage, reassure and comfort myself every single day. And you will get there too.
I created these retreats because I couldn’t find one like it when I needed it - an unpretentious retreat that focused on my recovery needs or that was led by a trauma-informed team. And I love them. I love the team who help me host; I love the beautiful humans who trust us to help them on their healing journey; I love the venue!
I look forward to holding space for you and supporting you to recover, heal, and love yourself.
Want a deeply nourishing experience for both your mind and body?
Get On The Waitlist
Your Investment
All inclusive packages for every retreat attendee.
£345 per person based on a twin sharing
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“I have now attended 3, with 4th already booked, of Karen's Self love retreats. I genuinely find it hard to describe just how fantastic they are. They are deeply nourishing for both mind and body. I could go on all day about the beautiful experience Karen has created for any woman, but to be honest until you've been and experienced it first hand I just can't get across how special it is. I cannot recommend Karen and her retreats enough. Truly life changing”
This retreat is for you if...
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You want a real opportunity to rest, are craving deep peace, comfort and love beautiful countryside.
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You need a dedicated space to reflect and focus on just YOU
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You have a sense of humour and aren't offended by swearing!
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You are committed to having a better relationship with yourself and are happy to do this work in a group setting
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You love incredible home-cooked, nutritious tasty food and AMAZING puddings
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Candle-light, lavender eye-pillows, cosy blankets, view of nature and gorgeous play-lists are your thing
This retreat isn't for you if...
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You are looking for a luxury spa weekend!
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You are not open-hearted and inclusive to those who have histories including trauma, addiction and mental health.
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You have judgmental attitudes towards people from different socio economic backgrounds than your own - these are very mixed groups, with bursary places.
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You do not want to take part in group work or personal development
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You hate the countryside, gentle yoga/relaxation/meditation, quiet time and peace
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You are hoping that ‘self-love’ is bubble baths & face masks and a glass of fizz. These are strictly alcohol-free events.
FAQs
Find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, but please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you can’t see the answer to your query anywhere here.
Do I need to have yoga experience to come on a retreat?
You do not need to have had any experience in yoga to attend our retreats. In fact, we often have complete beginners and seasoned practitioners attending the same retreat and everyone has the time of their lives. All the classes are designed to accommodate all levels.
Can you cater for my dietary requirements?
That depends. The menu is mostly vegetarian with plant-based milk available. Unfortunately, as we only have a small team of two cooking in a tiny kitchen we are unable to guarantee that cross-contamination will not have taken place when preparing, cooking and serving of dishes. We would, therefore, stress: we cannot provide an allergen-free dish for people with a food allergy. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss this further.
Do I need to bring my own yoga mat?
Mats and other yoga equipment will be available. But if you’d prefer to bring your own yoga mat, that’s okay.
Do people come alone?
Yes! People often attend with a friend and some also attend retreats on their own. This is a beautiful opportunity to make new friends or simply focus on reconnecting with yourself.
I’m coming alone but I’m happy to share a room, can you organise this?
Depending on whether you choose the single room option or the shared twin option, we’ll try our best to match you up with a shared roommate.
How many people will there be on the retreat?
There are usually 30 people on these retreats.
Will the food be satisfying and sufficient?
The food on these retreats is nourishing and delicious and raved about by our past attendees. Meals are served regularly as well as treats like to-die-for vegan brownies, and you should feel satisfied. But if you’d like to bring extra, feel free.
Are there any additional costs?
Everything you need is included on your retreat. We do often have the opportunity to book a massage for which there is an additional cost of £30 (cash) and the retreat centre does have a small shop that you may wish to buy something, but none of these are compulsory costs.
What time does the retreat start/finish?
Arrival on the Friday is from 4-4.45pm. Please do not arrive early as we aren't allowed access, and try to avoid being late as you will miss the important stuff. The retreat ends at 12.45pm on the Sunday after brunch and we must vacate by 1pm.
Are the teachers and experts certified?
All of our teachers and therapists are trauma-informed, fully certified, highly skilled and experienced.
Do I have to take part in all activities?
Please feel free to attend as many or as few of the activities on offer as you wish. Every detail has been carefully considered to provide a gorgeously safe place for you, so that you can come back home to yourself. Take what you need and leave what you don’t.
I noticed there’ll be a dance therapy session, what is this and do I have to dance?
This is a non-compulsory dance therapy session in a beautiful space. No experience necessary. You don’t have to dance but the shift previous guests have felt has been on an atomic level.
Do you accept late arrivals?
Please do not arrive late as you will miss some important elements of the retreat.
What do I need to bring with me?
We provide 'naked duvets' so you have to bring a single quilt cover & we bring our own towels - all other bedding supplied. Plenty of layers of comfortable clothes that you can move in. A pair of good walking shoes, toiletries and any personal items you may need. You might want a notebook and your fave pen. Feel free to bring a book! - A water bottle - IMPORTANT. Cash for extra massage if you want one. NB: - No alcohol or anything apart from prescribed medication.
Which clothing do I need to bring?
Bring your walking boots, wellies, trainers, and comfy clothes for walks, yoga and relaxing in. Bring wet weather gear all year-round - it is Devon after all!
How do I book a space?
To secure your space we require either payment in full for the retreat, or a deposit of £45 (which is non-refundable) followed by five monthly payments of £50 on the 1st of every month. We accept PayPal or bank transfer.
How can I arrange transport from the station?
Getting as far as Exeter is straightforward. From Exeter, we recommend a taxi (30 minutes). There is a local bus service to within 2/3 mile if you don’t mind walking the last bit (allow an hour in total). This option is not suitable after dark (unlit road) or if your luggage is too heavy to carry comfortably.
What happens if I need to cancel my booking?
The fees for this retreat are non-refundable. If we have to cancel the retreat for any reason then you are entitled to a refund. We are not able to make any exceptions to this no-refund policy, not even for personal emergencies, and for this reason we strongly advise you to take out travel insurance to protect yourself against illness, emergencies and changes in your circumstances. In the unfortunate event you are unable to attend the retreat you may transfer your retreat place to a friend, (if prior to 6 weeks before the event) subject to our prior approval of your replacement or you can choose to offer your place as a special bursary to a suitable woman selected by us in need of this retreat.
Retreat spaces start from £345 for bursary places (get in touch)
Imagine feeling so rested that your body finally settles and you sleep better than you have done in years. Be nourished and nurtured for an entire weekend, supported by a team of trauma-informed experts, surrounded by the rolling hills and woodlands of the Teign Valley. Learn soothing techniques and experience yoga, massages and meditations that will open your heart to healing. It’s time for you to say yes to YOU.
Deep nourishment for your body and soul this way
Bursary Places
Many of our community have felt excluded from the ‘wellness’ industry for a variety of reasons, including stigma around their lived experience, social exclusion, disability, lack of diversity and poverty. Part of our mission is to create spaces where those with lived experience of trauma and mental health, addiction and disordered eating can confidently feel at home.
Due to the generosity of women in the coaching industry and beyond, we have been able to offer multiple bursary places in recent years. Here is some feedback from a gorgeous human, who accessed a bursary place. She has been through and survived abuse, self-harm, and is in recovery from addiction.
"Thank you so much for helping give me the opportunity to spend these last beautiful few days at Karen’s retreat! It’s come at a time in my life when I was needing to hear (and be in a place where I could centre myself enough to absorb!) a message of self-love and care, and I'm going to hold on to it for all its worth going forward x"
If you would like to support this valuable work – our retreat places for 2024 are £345. You can make a partial, full, or multiple place donation below.
If you would like to donate via a different method, please get in touch.
![Karen-Marie-Johnston-Recovery-Coach-Web-134.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/196065_4543626a4d2a4c1982fda444a62c10e7~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_654,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/196065_4543626a4d2a4c1982fda444a62c10e7~mv2.jpg)
The Self Love Hub
Supporting each other. Together.
The Self Love Hub is a community created to give daily support & encouragement to women on a recovery pathway.
It provides tools, tips and inspiration to all those who know they want to improve their relationship with themselves.
We initially began offering support to women in recovery from addiction, alcoholism, disordered eating, trauma, grief, codependency or mental health. It’s transformed into a gorgeous community for all those who are looking to take care of themselves, in a more compassionate way.
You are incredibly welcome in this online haven of kindness.
Join our FREE gorgeous community of supportive women. Providing you with daily resources on the journey to Self Love. Be the first to hear about upcoming events!