A 5-Day Women’s Retreat

THE GATHERING

Shirlee Williams | Laura Foster 

JULY 19th – 23rd, 2024

Early birds save $250!
Book by January 15th to secure your discount.

The perfect spot to gather.

This 5-day all women’s retreat will combine the practices of yoga, meditation, breathwork and self discovery with the integration of community and conversation. There will be plenty of time to explore the 25 kms of hiking trails or lounge on the dock.

Swimming, saunas and an evening bonfire will touch all the parts of yourself that you have been missing.

South Frontenac, Ontario

Bloom Holistic Retreat Centre

Bloom Holistic Retreat Centre is lakefront on the shores of beautiful Loughborough Lake in South Frontenac of Eastern Ontario. This magical oasis sits upon 600+ acres of biodiverse boreal forest and combines the unparalleled comfort of zen-inspired space and mindfully curated rooms and views.

Bloom was designed by celebrated architect Siamak Hariri and offers 16 rooms with ensuites, a light filled yoga studio that accommodates 40 mats and access to a 1700 square foot outdoor yoga deck for those warm summer evenings.

The kitchen at Bloom follows a farm-to-table food philosophy that makes every meal at the communal table truly memorable. A fire pit and outdoor pizza oven add to the charm of the experience.

Lake vistas, forest bathing, bird watching and hiking along 25 kms of smooth trails are just some of what’s in store for you.

"Having the opportunity to attend this magical retreat that had so much thought and love poured into every aspect of it by Shirlee and Laura was life changing. I am forever grateful for these two inspiring, beautiful women for giving me a safe space to come into where I felt completely and utterly supported in order to work through my hardships and find my light in the darkness where I no longer felt it was possible. I will never be able to thank them enough - this is my first of many retreats with them and only the beginning, I cannot wait for what’s to come!"
Amanda S.
Amanda S.

Step One: Curate

Intention.

We have set into motion a very conscious desire to allow all of us to flourish during this intentional 5-day retreat experience. We will be collectively communing for meals, walking through the forest, swimming in the lake, full moon bathing and flowing on our yoga mats – together + apart.

We are also consciously calling in space for deep reconnection and inner peace. This type of nervous system recalibration comes from creating a gap between the busyness and responsibilities of our daily life and the silence and self awareness that comes from putting down our phones, releasing the need to drink alcohol and being lighthearted and curious to quietude.

It is simply transformative and does requires a level of curation.

Step TWO: Unplug

Go off duty.

The invitation to let your family and friends know how important this 5-day retreat is for you.

Request the opportunity to not be responsible for being on your phone or checking in with all the goings on of life and work back home. We will be providing our phone contact for those who want to share that with their love ones as an emergency contact so that you can power off your electronics or simply leave them at home.

We will share all our photos and you will have the gift of presence – being in the experience instead of documenting it with electronics and social media.

Imagine that.

Step Three: Deep Exhale

As many times as necesary.

Step FOUR: Integrate

RENEW, REWILD, RECALIBRATE

As women we hold so much of humanity’s energy.
It’s our superpower and our kryptonite.

HOLDING

And in some cases, gripping.

We can put it down and more importantly, we can deepen into what calls to us – in this moment, this season, this lifetime.

Along the way we can laugh, release and step into our playfulness.

Women are meant to be in union. We are designed to see, hear and witness each other’s greatness and hold space for the rewilding of our soul’s desires.

One of the most beautiful outcomes of our retreats is that we witness a collective exhale and letting go of all that we have consciously and unconsciously gathered.

Our intention for this retreat is to offer the space and experiences that allow you to:

  • Recalibrate your nervous system
  • Immerse yourself in a journey of lighthearted self discovery
  • Renew your vision and re-focus on what truly calls to you
  • Reimagine life in the here and now
  • Rewild your sense of curiosity and perspective of what’s possible.


If this is a Wholehearted, Full Body YES … Follow Your Lead + Register

Allow us to nourish your heart and soul in the collective of a women’s retreat.

Full Body YES, I am in!
"The last 5 days have been life changing. I have so much gratitude for all I have experienced and all the beautiful ladies I have met. I highly recommend going on a retreat with Laura and Shirlee, these ladies are the real deal! They are amazing at holding space for everyone and bringing together the best retreat I have ever been on. My heart is full."
Christine B.
Christine B.

ABOUT US

Meet your hosts.

Shirlee Williams

Certified Coach | Registered Yoga Teacher | Breathwork Facilitator | Energy Amplifier

I have always been a seeker of “WHY”. Curiosity has led me down a spiritual path of yoga, meditation, breathwork and entrepreneurship. I opened and directed a successful yoga and spin studio for 14 years. I have been teaching Yoga Trainings for over a decade and running international retreats throughout Mexico and Costa Rica. I am a certified Life Coach and host a podcast called Becoming You.

I call myself a spiritual mindset coach and I am deeply committed to living and helping others live a full authentic life.

Showing up as my true authentic self in the world is my magic. The intentionality I bring to life, is the sweet spot. My open heart and resilience keeps me evolving and growing. This unwavering inability to never quit is how I show up in the world.

I wholeheartedly believe that anything is possible. The more we connect with each other and walk our own authentic path, the brighter we shine. My mission on this planet is to remind you of your own greatness. ❤️

Laura Foster

Women’s Coach | Yoga Teacher | Breathwork Facilitator | Experience Maker

I’m Laura [Dr. Laura Foster if you want to get all formal] – personal leadership coach, retired chiropractor, yoga + Elemental Rhythm breathwork teacher, podcaster, retreat leader and founder of Soul Inspired Gurl. I’m compassionate, bold and fiery as hell and I see the fire that’s within you – ready to break through the old to create the life, love and legacy of your dreams.

I wholeheartedly believe that we are each meant to walk our own sovereign path, alongside other women and incredible humans who also have the courage to walk their own. As the New Earth and unity consciousness comes forth we each have a roll to play and I deeply honor whatever is coming through you to be seen, witnessed, healed and expanded.

My purpose is to lead women back to themselves and transform the way they choose to show up in the world – one sovereign genuine step at a time. I’m thrilled you’re here and I can’t wait to experience this retreat together.

prepare

What to bring.

  • workout/yoga clothes for daily movement
  • cozy, comfortable clothes for restorative practice
    light sweater (sometimes it can feel a bit cool in the morning practice so it’s nice to have a light sweater or shawl for meditation)
  • ​comfortable everyday clothing & pj’s
  • yoga mat (only if you prefer- the studio is well stocked with mats and other props)
  • meditation shawl, eye pillow, and any other personal practice items
  • water bottle (glass bottles and open vessels are not permitted in the studio)
  • seasonal clothing for outdoor activities
  • walking/hiking shoes
  • bathing suit
  • sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
  • bug repellant
  • personal toiletries (Ensuite bathrooms are stocked with soap, shampoo and conditioner)
  • ear plugs or noise canceling headphones, if you are a light sleeper
  • house slippers (Bloom is a shoe-free venue)
  • journal and pen
  • travel alarm clock
  • small flashlight
  • a book you are reading (consider bringing the real thing as we are encouraging everyone to stay off devices/electronics as much as possible)
  • any personal creative/art supplies you love to travel with

What’s Included

Your retreat package includes:

  • 4 night’s accommodation at Bloom Holistic Retreat Centre. There are a wide variety of rooms, all in the main building with queen, king and twin beds. There are single and shared accommodations available. All rooms have an ensuite 3 piece bathroom with shower.
  • Daily farm-to-table, vegetarian meals beginning with dinner on the first evening until brunch on our last day. Bloom works with local farmers and their own gardeners to source the very best local ingredients. You will be enjoying authentic food made with care – both for the planet as you as you share in the bounty at their communal tables.
  • Retreat schedule includes: meditation, yoga, Elemental Rhythm breathwork, outdoor sauna, journaling, yoga, silent meditation hiking, cacao ceremony, full moon ceremony, vision quest, self discovery workshops.
  • An abundance of free time to swim, relax, read, hike and explore.
I'm saying yes!

Itinerary

What we're doing.

(Subject to change.)

Sounds Dreamy! I'm in

Your Accommodations

These rooms tho.

ALL THE ROOMS are spectacular. For ease, lake views will be given to first registered.

Early birds save $250!
Book by January 15th to secure your discount.

SHARED: 4 BUNK BEDS

Bloom Quad Room

$1194 + HSt

One Spot In Quad Bunk Room

A lower level room with two bunk beds and ensuite bath. Each bed has its own light, fan, and privacy.

This room will be shared with 4 people. If you’re coming solo we’ll pair you with three amazing new friends.

BOOK NOW

SHARED: 2 TWINS

Bloom Shared Suite (Upper Floor)

SOLD OUT

One Spot In Twin Bed

This room features 2 twin beds with ensuite for two people with a view of the surrounding forest or lake view.

This room will be shared with 2 people. You can book with a friend (price is per person), or we’ll pair you with someone incredible.

BOOK NOW

SHARED: 2 TWINS

Bloom Shared Suite (Lower Floor)

$1811 + HST

One Spot In Twin Bed

This room features 2 twin beds with a private ensuite for two.

This room will be shared with 2 people. You can book with a friend (price is per person), or we’ll pair you with someone incredible

PRIVATE: 1 Queen BED

Bloom Private Suite​

SOLD OUT

One Queen Bed

This room features a queen bed with ensuite for one person with a view of the surrounding forest or lake view.

SOLD OUT
"I had no idea what to expect at this retreat. I came on my own, and left with 29 new sisters. My heart was cracked wide open. Only to be filled to the point of bursting. As a newbie to yoga, the experience was incredible. This retreat impacted in in ways I never expected. The location was spectacular, Shirlee and Laura are empowering leaders, who push with ease, to help you move forward in your journey. I am forever grateful for this retreat, the connection I made with myself, and the other women, who I will be forever threaded to."
Stephanie L.
Stephanie L.

Payment

The investment.

  • All rates are listed in CDN funds and include all the details listed in ‘What’s Included’.
    All rates are exclusive of applicable taxes. HST will be added to all retreat rates.
  • A $500 nonrefundable deposit is required to hold your spot in this retreat. Balance can be split into payments depending upon time of reservation [discuss with us for specific details on this].
  • Payments can be made by e-transfer [no fees] or via online payment processor [surcharge].
  • Retreat payments are 100% non refundable. If your plans change you may find a suitable replacement to take your spot [less $150 admin fee]. If we are able to find a replacement we will refund your money less the $150 admin fee.
  • Final payments must be made on or before June 1, 2023.

testimonials

From the mouths of goddesses.

"As women, it's so rare to be held - it's usually us doing the holding. And to see the joy and reverence Laura and Shirlee found doing that for us conjured an image of motherhood in its purest form. Once we grow out of our cuteness, it's so rare to be delighted in, cherished and treasured. Laura and Shirlee did that for us and in doing so, invited our hidden inner children to the forefront, to learn, surrender, play and connect like we did before we collectively decided to hold back. In that week I saw the full spectrum of what it means to be a woman - in myself and in everyone there. I'll be forever grateful to have witnessed 30 women, dance, celebrate, cry and let go all in one experience. I hope you're still doing this in 10 years, because I'll be sending my daughters. XO""
Lora G.
Lora G.
"At the Bloom retreat, Shirlee and Laura provided a safe and immersive environment (and gorgeous!) in which I felt able to open to the potential of what I can become. The experience went well beyond yoga and meditation and touched on the core of who we are and who we want to be. They not only lead by example and with so much wise guidance, but they also have our backs as we journey forward with new dreams and ways of interacting with the world. Thank you both. Namaste."
Jill U.
Jill U.
"Sisterhood , community, acceptance. A safe space for you to be your most authentic self. And support the Shine within us all !! Thank you, Shirlee and Laura Unforgettable memories and moments at Bloom! Lotsa love, xo."
Lisa T.
Lisa T.
"This retreat was truly life changing. I wasn’t sure what to expect and everything far surpassed any expectations. Laura and Shirlee are amazing, beautiful souls who have such a gift, embody greatness, love, wisdom, clarity. They held space for every one of us at the retreat and you could feel it. I needed to release some deep, deep pain and I could never tap into it and didn’t know how exactly to release it. Well at this retreat, I did just that. I released an insurmountable amount of pain I have been holding onto. Through an amazing and intense breathwork class I was able to free myself of this pain and anger that has been debilitating. And through yoga, sisterhood, guidance, wisdom and fun, I was able to feel good again, feel free, feel happy, rejuvenated. Excited for life. I am forever grateful for this gift from Laura and Shirlee. I am also grateful for each an every amazing woman I met on this retreat. I was not expecting to absolutely, wholeheartedly love each and every one of them. The love and compassion we all shared for one another was indescribable. Every. Single. Woman, Should experience a retreat like this. Bloom retreat was gorgeous, stunning. Perfect. The food was unbelievable. The whole experience was magical ✨"
Lori V.
Lori V.
"Making the time for yourself to attend this retreat is seriously life changing. You will not walk out of this experience the same as when you entered. You will literally transform into a newer version of yourself equipped with a set of tools provided to help you on your path home. The sisterhood bond that is formed among complete strangers is a lifelong gift to yourself all while working through your stuff in a completely safe space."
Donna S.
Donna S.
"This is my second retreat with Shirlee and Laura. Each time I thought I knew why I was going. I thought I knew what I needed...and I did but - in both instances I needed so much more and their retreats deliver. Shirlee and Laura create this magical atmosphere that allows your heart to open and to soften but at the same time, they open your mind to how you are strong and capable and worthy. They inspire self confidence that you can achieve anything. Some have described that spending time with them changes you but I dont think they changed me - I think they just awakened something that was always there inside my heart and I just needed some help noticing it. They taught me that one already has everything one needs - sometimes you just need two beautiful souls who love beyond imagination to lift you up and believe in you. Thank you Shirlee and Laura...I love you both so much. xo"
Lesley B.
Lesley B.
"What an amazing journey this retreat was. It checked off so many boxes in what I would hope for in a retreat! Laura and Shirlee are beautiful facilitators and guides, and worked very well together. They curated a loving and well balanced itinerary. Provided moving experiences for our personal and spiritual growth, on so many levels! Ultimately connecting many sweet soul sisters to each other. This is definitely a redo for me. Love you both so much!"
Gisele L.
Gisele L.
"This was one of the best experiences. Laura and Shirley's energy is amazing. Words can not do justice for what I was able to come away with. Life changing lessons I can incorporate daily. Not to mention 29 of the most amazing women I can now call friends. Something I would have never imagined prior to attending this maxing retreat. Looking forward to future retreats."
Alison G.
Alison G.
My retreat experience with Laura and Shirlee was one of wonder, beauty and decadence. I felt like every little thing was considered and looked after, from food and accommodations to daily programming and ceremony. When I say ceremony, I am referring to, open-ended, all-inclusive, everyone has an entry point type of ceremony. I went on the retreat to “reset” my patterns, and that is exactly what happened. A new version of me has emerged. I now feel much more hope, strength and possibility in life. I am thankful to have been blessed with Laura and Shirlee’s retreat. I am also thankful for the beautiful women that they attracted to participate. We became a cohesive group that hopes to stay connected for years to come. My heart is very happy for all of it.💜
Christy P.
Christy P.

A’s to your q’s

Frequently asked questions.

We welcome all beginner yogis and no experience is necessary. Bloom has all the necessary yoga mats and props so it is not necessary to bring any special supplies unless you have a special relationship with your yoga mat. If you are concerned about your physical health and participating in this retreat, please consult your doctor and reach out to us.

If you are a single registrant – awesome! We have found that over 50% of the individuals who sign up for our retreats are coming alone so do not worry if this is something you’ve never done before. We may arrive solo, but we will move throughout the experience as a mini-tribe of beautiful souls. Many of the people you meet during this retreat will likely become life-long friends.

Absolutely! Bloom is able to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and most food sensitivities.

To be completely wowed and leave feeling like you’ve given yourself the biggest gift ever. That’s a bold statement – we know, but after hosting many retreats in various settings we are accustomed to the magic that happens in a retreat.

Retreats are inherently different from vacations. On the surface it may look a lot like an all-inclusive style vacation, but once you arrive you’ll start to settle into the glorious routine of taking space and time to unroll your yoga mat, breathe deep, expand outwards and enjoy the process that unfolds. The workshops and classes are like icing on a soulful adventure.

Bring your open heart and sense of fun and you’ll be sure to have an incredible time (and if you feel inspired to truly unplug – be prepared to set down your technology while you are here).

  • Drive to Bloom Holistic Retreat Centre – 20 min north of Kingston, ON.
  • Take the train to Kingston station and take an Uber or taxi to Bloom.
  • Closest international airport is Ottawa, ON [175 km], Toronto, ON [265 km] or Montreal, QC [315 km].


When you arrive at 1425 Rutledge Road, you will see a limestone house at the front of the property—please pass the house and continue along the private laneway for 2 kms until you arrive at Loughborough Lake.

  • Transportation to and from the retreat center.
  • Applicable taxes [HST].
  • For international travelers: medical or travel insurance.

Bloom is an alcohol free and drug free property. Smoking is restricted to outdoors and not within 30 meters of the house.

A 5-Day Women’s Retreat

THE GATHERING

Shirlee Williams | Laura Foster 

JULY 19th – 23rd, 2024

Women are meant to be in union – collectively communing at the table over delicious farm-to-table food and walking shoulder to shoulder in the forest. We are designed to see, hear and witness each other’s greatness and hold space for the rewilding of our soul’s desires.

Join us. It won’t be the same without you.

Photos by Julie MacRae Photography

Web Design by Hummingbird Media