Creative arts therapy retreat for Women in Oregon's Willamette Valley, based on "The Artist's Way"

Join us for five spectacular days in the magical countryside of Oregon

Wednesday, July **31st - *Sunday, August 4th**

RETREAT HOUSE IS SOLD OUT ! Ask us about commuter, camping , or local stay options!

NEW WORKSHOP ADDED: LA based Artist MADELEINE TONZI will be joining us to teach a visual art workshop enhancing the ‘wildly creative way’! Madeleine’s work draws on elements of the high desert and the organic and man-made processes of the natural world with inimitable style and precision.

Hello! We are Hollis & Isabel, two nature-loving Creative Arts Therapists, teachers & facilitators based in Brooklyn, NY. Though Creative Women Retreat’s home base is in upstate New York and Brooklyn, we are beyond excited to expand our offerings to other restorative destinations. Our summer offering, The Wildly Creative Way, is a 4 night* / 5 day women’s retreat in Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley. The retreat haven will be an artist's farmhouse on 20 remote acres featuring stunning valley views and sunsets, a professional-grade pickle ball court, plenty of forest and orchard land to wander, an art and movement studio, hot tub, and more. We will provide cozy and comfortable accommodations, delicious homemade meals using seasonal ingredients, daily yoga and meditation sessions, and connective, creative, and invigorating programming exploring our theme on everyday creativity, wonder, and delight. Optional add-ons are available to complete the Oregon experience.

This experience is limited to ten wonderful women, and we hope that includes YOU!

SIGN ME UP!

- WHERE: At the artsy 150 year old retreat farmhouse on 20 acres in the Willamette Valley. The site is remote and natural, just a little over one hour drive from Portland. Fly into PDX (Portland International Airport) or drive from nearby locations. Commuter, camping & day options are available for various locations and budgets
- WHO: We have space for 10 wonderful women from all walks of life. We invite all female-identifying folk of all ages and backgrounds. The group is richer and better with YOU!
- WHEN: Wednesday, July 31st - Sunday, August 4th.* Programming starts the afternoon/evening of July 31st and concludes the afternoon of August 4th, with an option to stay until August 5th for an additional fee. If you would like to extend your time in Oregon (we highly recommend!) we will happily provide you with recommendations of where to stay or go before and after the retreat.
- WHAT: Read our next tab to learn more about our theme!
Our theme for this retreat is loosely inspired by ‘The Artist’s Way’. As Creative Arts Therapists, we will guide the group in exploring ‘delight, play, and curiosity’ in everyday moments. Our work together will be creative, fun, inspiring, and expressive. This may look like:
- Daily gatherings and workshops
- Visual art-making
- Journaling prompts and discussions
- Role play/improv
- Guided visualizations
- Rest and meditation
- Solo and group activities
The Wildly Creative Way is about tapping into your innately creative life force and recognizing the beauty and the wonder all around you. This means getting to know YOU and exploring what challenges or voices stand in our own way. We will support each other in nurturing and caring for our inner artists. Where are you now? Where do you want to go? How do you want to feel? What’s in your way? Who or what can help you?
We believe all of us hold creativity in our bones! We want to use this special time in a glorious natural setting to tap into the part of you that is grounded, creative, connective and inspired.
As Creative Arts Therapists, we believe that creativity is simply another ‘way in’ to understanding ourselves and others. This retreat is intended to be inspiring and encourage self-reflection. You do not need to do, make, produce, or be anything!
This retreat starts at $1,950 for double room accommodations and go up to $2400 for a private suite. Commuter only packages are also available for local folks who already have accommodations (from $450). Check out housing options HERE.
Early Bird Special of $125 until June 1st, BYOB (Bring Your Own Buddy) discount of $200 per person. Ask us about BIPOC scholarships! All are welcome.
- Prices include all meals, activities, workshops, and accommodations.
- Field trip to the stunning Oregon coast (90 min away).
- Some activities are add-on experiences - please inquire or check out the ‘What is Extra’ section.
- Flights to Oregon are not included in the price.
The retreat includes:
- Four* nights lodging at a rustic farmhouse developed as an artist’s sanctuary for over 40 years. *Additional night (August 4th) is available for $150 and will include simple dinner and light breakfast.
- 5 days of retreat programming including creative arts therapy workshops, art making, hikes, exploring the property, pickleball games, swimming hole trips, a day beach trip to the stunning Pacific Coast, gentle yoga, guided meditations, rest, relaxation, fun, community building, and MORE
- All meals (evening farm-to-table dinner, ‘DIY’ lunch options, daily brunch, healthy snacks and drinks. Meals will primarily be vegetarian and we do our best to accommodate dietary preferences.
The retreat does not include flights to/from Portland International Airport (the closest airport), or transportation beyond the airport transfer. Some additional FUN (optional) add-ons include:
- Beach day lunch (we will have a group lunch at local beach side restaurant - estimated $30 -40 pp. You are welcome to grab your own lunch or skip the beach entirely!
- Wine Tasting: this area is globally known for its spectacular Pinot Noir. We would be remiss not to offer an optional wine tasting trip to one of the many nearby wineries. Estimated cost - $40-60 pp
- Horseback riding: At nearby Flying M Ranch, friendly guides lead folks of all levels on gentle horseback rides through the wilderness. Never been on a horse? No problem! These beautiful and powerful animals have a way of being remarkably therapeutic. Estimated cost - $75 pp
- The farm sanctuary is fairly remote but if we get stir crazy, we may just run into the local small town for a look around. Plan to bring extra cash in case you want to grab a snack or go shopping.
- We will arrange group van transport from the airport based on majority of flights for $50 pp (includes both ways). If you choose to travel separately or outside the retreat dates, you will be responsible for your own accommodation.

We absolutely welcome solo travelers, with the intention of connecting and building community at the retreat. We also delight in welcoming friends, sisters, mother/daughter duos if that feels right for you! We offer a BYOB (Bring your Own Buddy) discount. When you join a CWR retreat cohort, you are joining a new and unique group of women and will undoubtedly form meaningful and lasting friendships.
This retreat is open to local folks as well as to those who need to jump on a plane from far away. Flights come in and out of PDX (Portland International Airport) and run with regularity every day. From the east coast, the best airlines to check out are Delta, Alaska, United, or Jet Blue. Summer flights can be pricier, so be sure to get your flight on the early side. Expect to pay between $350 and $600 for a flight. In the unlikely event of a catastrophic event, illness, or retreat cancellation, we reserve the right to cancel up to 10 days before. Please purchase travel insurance for this reason. CWR is not responsible for missed, delayed, canceled flights.
Each CWR retreat is designed to support the needs and desires of our cohort, so this is a sample schedule of what we may offer that is flexible and subject to change. ALL activities are optional. This time is yours!
8am - 10am: wake up, meditation, morning pages, open breakfast & coffee
9am: gentle yoga with Isabel
10am -1pm: Group workshop, reflection, partnered creative exercises or solo activity from workshop prompt
1-2pm: picnic lunch
2-6pm: Siesta! Open time for hiking, exploring, art making, pickle ball, games, journaling, or rest/relaxation OR elective activity of the day (example: visit to swimming pond, horseback riding, painting workshop)
6-7:30pm: gourmet group dinner
7:30 - 9:30: pm evening gathering / meditation
Goodnight!
Late July/early August is peak summertime in Oregon with hot and sunny days and cooler nights. Be prepared for daytime temps to be hot!
Plan to pack layers for temperature fluctuations. Since we are on a farm in the countryside, you might notice critters, bugs, etc. This is normal and to be expected!
Be prepared to bring the things you need for five days playing and resting on the farm.
- comfy, casual layers that work well for differing temperatures throughout the day / night. Bring clothes for lounging and moving - nothing fancy, we’re in the country!
- sandals for hot weather and the beach
- swimsuit for hot tub (and/or Pacific Ocean, if you dare!)
- sturdy shoes for walking on dirt/gravel paths and for playing pickle ball. Court shoes must be white soled only (no black soled tennis shoes, please)
- sunscreen / mosquito repellent
- any medications you need on hand
- journal and writing supplies
- portable art materials (we will supply the majority)
- water bottle
- anything you need to feel comfortable - just reach out!
Our glowing (anonymous!) reviews speak for themselves. Read more here!