Carmel, California

Welcome to the Oak-Filled Valley of Central California

Nestled between the Santa Lucia Mountains, the hillsides of Carmel Valley are covered in grapevines, there are views of fields and meadows, verdant valleys and stands of trees. Nearby, you will see horses feeding in pastures, acorn-filled Coast Live Oak trees, lavender fields, and sheltering eucalyptus trees. And the best part? It’s all a short drive from the stunning Central Coast.

Carmel Valley’s innate charm is unique for its diverse range of healing environments. From woodland trails of Garland Park to the expansive sand beaches of nearby Carmel-By-The-Sea (offering peaceful sunrise and sunset moments), every corner of this quiet refuge offers a unique backdrop for reflection and healing. The Carmel River runs past our private retreat home, offering an enriching contact with nature, fostering a sense of grounding and connection to our inner selves.

Combined with the Paisley Project community support, activities, and healthy, prepared cuisine, this retreat in Carmel Valley, California is an immersive experience that nurtures both the body and the soul, offering a sanctuary for healing, growth, and transformation.

Who is invited to attend?

All widows, whether they are new to the Paisley Project, or have been involved before, are invited!

Retreat Overview

The lodgings, cozy and welcoming, provide a peaceful haven for each woman. In addition to the soothing ambiance, we will offer 70-minute full body massages to melt away tension and promote holistic well-being.

We have carefully curated our retreat's dining experience, drawing from locally sourced ingredients. These nourishing meals often become an opportunity for widows to forge connections over delicious dishes, fostering a sense of community and support. In addition, our host, Doug Burke, has been known to bake bread, cinnamon rolls, and birthday cakes.

Each day, you will choose among many activities available to you, from hiking, creating art, working through a puzzle with friends, or walking on the beach. This retreat is for you, so you have the power choose what feels right.

The River and Oak House

All women will fly into San Jose, California at the beginning of the retreat. We will meet at the airport and travel in a rental vehicle shared by our group. There is also an option to use a shuttle service to accommodate all travel schedules. We'll then head to our retreat home, set among the coastal woodlands of the Monterey Peninsula.

Once you arrive at the River and Oak House, you will choose your sleeping arrangements! Paisley Project will help with the planning ahead of time to make sure everyone is comfortable.

At the end of our retreat, we'll return to the airport to fly out of San Jose, California. All itineraries for travel can be accommodated (the airport is a 1-hour and 45-minute drive from our house).

Trip Highlights

This retreat is designed to have something for everyone, no matter what healing looks or feels like to you.

Our delicious, chef-designed meals will be a cornerstone of healing, providing our bodies with the essential nutrients required for overall well-being.

PRIVATE HEALING MASSAGE

Talented Paisley Project member, Cindy, will be offering longer, private full-body massages as well as shorter massages that allow us to mingle while we relax.

ART THERAPY AND HOME ACTIVITIES

We always keep a good puzzle on the table, in addition to offering other, therapeutic art-centered activities for every skill level.

HYDROTHERAPY

In addition to an on-site hot tub and sauna, we will visit nearby Refuge Spa, a facility offering saunas and steam rooms, plunge pools, relaxation rooms, and fire pits surrounded by Adirondack chairs.

NATURE-FILLED SPACES TO EXPLORE

Renowned for its enchanting wild spaces, the Monterey area is filled with historic locations, woodland hiking trails, mist-shrouded vineyards, rocky coastlines and the meandering Carmel River.

Why Retreats are Magic for Healing

The peace and tranquility of nature offers respite from the stressors of modern life, leading to improved mental and physical health, even better sleep.

Quality time with community and nature is more than a vacation or a luxury — it's what humans need to heal, survive, and thrive.

Science has substantiated the profound role of community, nature experiences, and restorative retreats in aiding the healing process after loss.

Social support from communities, friends, or support groups fosters emotional connection, diminishing feelings of isolation and invoking the release of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters.

Nature experiences offer therapeutic benefits, reducing stress and depression by harnessing our innate affinity for the natural world, promoting introspection and emotional solace. Restorative retreats, whether nature-based or centered on therapeutic activities, provide dedicated time for healing, allowing participants to temporarily disengage from daily demands, fostering relaxation, self-awareness, and communal support.

Research affirms that all of these factors, combined, contribute significantly to a comprehensive healing journey for those grappling with loss—in this case, specifically for women coping with the loss of their spouse.

Trip Cost

$750 per individual

Travel to and from the River and Oak House during our designated rental vehicle schedule is included.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Lodging

• Massage

• All Meals

• Drinks, Sparkling Water, and Soda

• Art Therapy / Journaling

• Hot Tub and one day at Refuge Spa

• Transportation to Beach and Activities

• Guided hikes

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

• Shopping and dining in town

• Visit Carmel Beach

• Tour around Big Sur

Next Steps: Book Your Itinerary

Once you've booked your spot here on our website, it's time to get your tickets for travel and arrange any additional activities you would like to do once you're there!

Take a look at the visitor's site for the Carmel Valley and Carmel-By-The-Sea to get some inspiration and discover what tours you might like to book!

Visitor Center Website