Listen, I just thought I won a little “beach retreat” at a charity auction for women in addiction and sexual trafficking. 😅 I had no idea what I had really bid on, nor how the Lord would use this time away to intimately meet me; to speak to my heart, spoil me, and have an opportunity to bond with a group of strangers over a matter of days in a way I didn’t imagine possible. I didn’t even know it was a healing retreat until I got there! 🫣🙃 BUT GOD knew.
I had no idea what to expect honestly. But any expectation was blown away. Besides all the “physical” stuff like food or accommodations, let’s talk about the emotional, mental and most importantly, spiritual, part of the retreat.
The facilitator Nikki had such a calming peace about her that eased any thoughts of tension or anxiety. She had godly wisdom. Mallory made sure we had the best of everything. Including physical activity on and off the beach. A thousand tiny details made it that much more special. The notebooks, flowers in each room, and the list goes on.
The ladies attending were an eclectic mix from all over the US. The stories shared were deeply personal and simultaneously heartbreaking. Who would’ve imagined we would allow ourselves to be so vulnerable, so much so that we created a true sisterhood in a matter of 2-3 days?! Yes, we have our own private fb page so we can stay in touch and continue to support and pray for one another 💝
Let’s talk about the accommodations - 5 star. The food was absolutely 5 star. The pampering was 5 star. And I am bougee if I do say so myself - so it was extra - and extra good in all possible ways 😂
If you’re thinking of going, expect God to meet you there and begin the healing process with you. This isn’t a “light hearted” event generally speaking. There are serious and heavy pieces and parts. And there are also easier and lighter parts. And unexpected moments of release and joy. If you’re looking for surface feel good stuff this isn’t it. This requires doing some inner work, the willingness to be raw, real and vulnerable, and Christian love and empathy for your sisters in Christ. I’m still doing work and have faith God will do the heavy lifting.
Worship night on the last night was truly special.
Bring your comfy clothes, your sunscreen and Bible; leave your worries and online life at home. You won’t regret your decision. The most important result for me is that I reconnected with Jesus in a way I haven’t been in a long, long time. That is priceless! I’m so grateful to Mallory for being open and obedient to the Lord’s leading to start...
Read moreI've been looking for a Women's Retreat for quite awhile now. In my search, I found Serenity Retreats. I browsed their website and read their Women's Retreat Program and I just instantly knew that this is the one I needed.
We were treated like Queens the moment we got to the Retreat House. I was not familiar with this kind of treatment, It feels so nice!!! Alex and Maggie our Hospitality Host treated us with nothing but kindness. As a mother, I am used to doing everything for everyone. During the weekend retreat, All I did was nothing but took care of myself.
During our first night, I met 6 women whom all strangers to me. On our 2nd day, these women turned into Mothers, Sisters, Wives. All of us have our own reasons as to why we're there.
We're all seeking for answers, peace, kindness, closure, hope, and love.
Our Fitness Coach, Alyssa took us Paddle Boarding and taught us some breathing techniques which I still use to to this day! We did gentle Yoga by the beach and enjoyed the morning sunrise!
Our Group Facilitator Anna, brought out the worst and best in all of us. I was carrying this big bag of luggage full of pain and she helped me unpack every fear, every hurt, every betrayal and replace it with forgiveness, hope, kindness and love.
The group counseling helped us to live vicariously through one another, to listen to each other and it gave us comfort knowing that we are not alone. Hearing each other stories gave us hope, It made us stronger, It gave us strength and at the end of it, we all rooted for one another!
I am truly grateful for Mallory, The Retreat Director for hosting and creating this retreat. A lot of women are struggling silently and feels alone. This retreat will help you in so many ways. Helping you to balance your Mind, Body and Soul.
We ate, we cry, we sang, we prayed. we rested! Kiki gave us this wonderful massage and the our food was just phenomenal!
If you are struggling, confused, lonely, or whatever it is. Give your self a much needed break and attend the upcoming retreat. You will unlock so much potential in you. This is one of the best thing to give yourself.
I came home fully recharged, I became more loving, stronger, at peace. I came home with a bag of tools and met 7 lovely ladies whom I will never forget!
This is the BEST THING YOU CAN GIVE...
Read moreI do not know where to begin or how to put into words of how much Serenity Retreat impacted my life and how happy I am that I booked this retreat. Like everyone who comes here, I have experienced some very hard things in my life that have impacted me deeply. I believe the Lord led me to this place all the way from Texas doing a simple google search - “Christian women’s trauma recovery”. It took me a week to book, but I knew I NEEDED to. Choosing to travel to a different state and stay in a house with absolutely nobody you know is very intimidating, but it is SO WORTH IT!! Serenity Retreats provided me an opportunity to share my pain, be validated and supported, be loved and known. On our retreat, the Holy Spirit was moving so strongly - we ALL decided to go to the ocean and get baptized, mine being my second time and feeling that I needed to! It was an amazing moment for all of us. POWERFUL.
Between the women who came, the stunning house on the beach, the delicious food, the group therapy sessions, the worship evening, activities, location, to every little detail of decor and purpose… everything. EVERYTHING!!
If you are looking for a place to begin your healing journey and be surrounded by incredible women who love the Lord, do not wait another day and book this retreat for yourself. Do this for yourself, it is worth the investment in every way!
A BIG thank you to Mallory (the founder, and angel on earth), Alexa (the most amazing therapist and sweetest soul), Alissa (one word, JOY), and everyone else involved in our retreat. The way God has put you all together as a team is so evident!!! Thank you all SO much for who you are, Christ-centered and rare women. It’s YOU who made the experience what it was. Thank you from the bottom...
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