Ignite Your Spark Yoga and Meditation Retreat Recap: A Journey of Self-Love and Embodiment

Sep 22

It’s surreal to be writing this journal post of the experience and recap of last weekend, which was also my first yoga retreat!
The powerful elements of self-love and embodiment practices were specifically honed in on during the weekend, and within the two hour workshop. They have been and are a profound part of my own self-development.
When we practice and embody Self-Love we’re able to create awareness around different parts of ourselves, provide compassion to ourselves and connect to our true selves, resulting in setting healthy boundaries, and the ability to make decisions from a place of empowerment and authenticity.

The 3 day, 2 night, retreat was all about immersing in these healing practices, whilst having fun and connecting with others. A reminder of the power of self-love and how yoga and meditation can help ease anxiety, bring clarity, and promote inner peace to ignite that spark of aliveness.

Day 1: Arrival, Relaxation, and Grounding

As the gorgeous guests started to arrive all the anticipation in the lead up to the weekend left my body. It was all smiles, warm welcomes and yummy ceremonial cacao. Each guest feeling the sense of calm immediately set in as they unpacked and made themselves at home in our beautiful residence at the Summer House Retreat.

I had met the owner Debbie earlier in the day. She had just flown back to Australia from Torquay and I could feel how her vibrant and warming energy exudes through the house.

After everyone settled in, we began with a grounding vinyasa yoga session and meditation practice in the yoga shala, designed to help participants slow down, breathe deeply, and release the day’s tensions.

Our magical energy healer Lauren from Lau Shui also discussed time options with guests providing an alternative option for any guest wishing to add a little more one on one healing to their weekend.

The evening ended with a delicious plant-based dinner prepared by our private chef Aliza from Shakti Fresh, who specializes in wholesome, nourishing plant-based meals that fuel both body and soul. Nutrition is such a key element in managing anxiety, and the carefully curated meals throughout the retreat supported the guest's holistically.

Day 2: Steam dream, Yoga, Meditation, and Deep Healing

Day 2 began with our daily vinyasa yoga practice, combined with meditation and pranayama to help reduce anxiety and encourage a sense of calm. These mindful practices allowed participants to release mental chatter and focus on the present moment, which is essential for those managing stress.

After a nourishing breakfast, we moved into our Self-Love and Embodiment Workshop. This workshop helped participants deepen their understanding of how to provide themselves love, and reconnect with their authentic selves. These practices are incredibly beneficial for individuals dealing with anxiety, as they encourage self-compassion and inner peace, although they really are best practiced at any stage of your life. Whether or not you’re going through a difficult time it’s always a wonderful practice to reconnect and go inwards.
I run an annual Ignite Your Spark workshop to the public and also provide these tools on a one on one private basis to those who may not make it to the immersive weekend retreats.

Our day continued with a healing sound therapy session. This was the most relaxed and at peace everyone looked all day as they soaked up the soothing frequencies which calmed their nervous system.

After a delicious lunch, we ventured out for nature walk in Aireys Inlet. Immersing ourselves in nature, and headed up to the “Round the Twist” Lighthouse and look out which personally I can’t go past without singing the old 90s “Round the Twist” television series tune. It was super breezy but fresh and just what we needed.

Next stop was an indulgent and luxurious group steam session at Indie Day Spa, allowing the body to detoxify and relax deeply. We sat, laughed and deeply relaxed.

Returning home, the smell of a heavenly dinner awaited. We sat by the fire, shared reflections, stories and gratitude, making the most of our final night.

Day 3: Reflection, Connection, and Farewell

The final morning began with an energetic yoga session followed by a deep meditation, allowing our group to drop in further to reflect on the transformative experiences of the weekend.

In our closing circle, participants captured personal breakthroughs, and set intentions to carry the retreat’s peace into their everyday lives.

We ended with heartfelt farewells, knowing that the tools we had shared would support guests in managing stress, anxiety and help them stay connected to themselves long after the retreat ended.

The Ignite Your Spark retreat offered a deeply transformative yoga and meditation experience. For those seeking to alleviate anxiety or stress, this weekend provided a peaceful, nourishing space for healing and self-discovery. I look forward to hosting many more retreats to support your mental, physical, and emotional well-being whilst being on a fun getaway with new friends.

The 2025 Winter retreat is almost here! Please be sure to sign up to the waitlist to gain early access to all the details!
Head over to 2025 Winter Retreat to join us next year.