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CREATIVE & INSPIRING RETREATS FOR WOMEN IN SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES ON EARTH
You're a giver.
To your family. To your work. To your friends. To your community.
To continue to give, you must also receive.
This experience is designed to allow you to do just that. Enjoy the company of fellow women on their own personal journeys, all while soaking in the beauty Provence has to offer. If you're longing for inspiration, self-care time, adventure, or a mental break - One thing is for sure. You will leave this trip changed. We believe that sharing meals together leads to sharing our hearts. That sharing a bottle of red leads to sharing our fears. Illuminare provides a space attendees to look within ourselves & encourage our new friends, too. There is simply no better place on earth for a conversation like this one. Europe has a beautiful way of getting down deep into your soul & stirring alive passions you forgot were there. Of reigniting ideas & bringing a new perspective to our lives.
If you've been longing for clarity & inspiration in your life, this is for you.
It's time for you.
Looking for other retreats?
Take Me There
This retreat truly was one of the best weeks of my whole life. Amanda really rolled out the red carpet for us attendees. Everything from the accommodations to the experiences to the personalized notes and gifts were all done with such attention to detail. I have never felt more pampered! I left the retreat with so much more clarity about how I want to live life and make others feel. I would 1000% recommend these retreats for any woman who needs a little blood pumped back into her veins. You will be astounded at how someone pouring into you will change your mind and heart.
-Kate
"We travel initially to lose ourselves...and we travel next to find ourselves."
what to expect
There's something about all 5 senses being engaged. Taking in the smells & the sights. Feeling the ancient stone paths under your feet, hearing the chatter of the seagulls and waves crashing ashore. And the tastes... we'll fill our bellies (and our souls) with locally sourced incredible food like only the Irish can do.
We will come home filled.
With experiences, with the love of a culture, with new friends, and with a renewed sense of self.
Nestled along Ireland’s rugged southern coast, West Cork is a region where the wild Atlantic meets rolling green hills, timeless villages, and an unmistakable spirit of warm hospitality. During this 6-night retreat, we’ll explore the very best of this beautiful corner of Ireland — discovering hidden beaches, lively towns, breathtaking coastal drives, and the rich traditions that make this country so beloved.
Our retreat home is truly special. We’ve reserved the entire Dunowen House Estate exclusively for our group — a historic country estate that once hosted some of the great rock legends of the 1970s. Between the main house and its charming Orchard Cottage, we’ll have the whole estate to ourselves. Each space has been thoughtfully restored, blending historic character with modern comforts — think walled gardens, sea views, and warm, incredible food with our private cook.
This is a wonderful retreat for those craving a mix of adventure and slow living. Expect days filled with exploring, walks along coastal paths, and plenty of fresh Atlantic air — balanced with cozy afternoons relaxing by the sea or lingering conversations over hearty, homemade meals. If you're longing for a retreat that's as soul-stirring as it is restorative, this journey is for you.
who is this retreat for?
Women from all walks of life who need a little time away, reconnecting with themselves while being in a picturesque setting. Retreat members are eager to make new connections/friends and are flexible/happy travelers. For this particular retreat, we will be doing a fair amount of walking through various types of landscape. Guests will need to be able-bodied and able to traverse rocky shorelines easily.
What is the group size & when we will know who is joining us?
The group will include up to 15 participants, plus the host Amanda & retreat staff.
Approximately 4 months prior to the trip, a Facebook group will be created for our retreat members to get to know each other, ask questions & share more about themselves.
I have a special diet, can you accommodate?
On the application, you'll see a spot to let us know any diet needs you have & we will absolutely do our best to meet those at all meals. If you have specific concerns, please feel free to email with questions.
**If you have serious dietary restrictions, please email before registering with your specific needs so we can assess if this is the right retreat for you.
What are the accommodations like?
Set along Ireland’s stunning Wild Atlantic Way, Dunowen House will be our exclusive retreat home for the week — an 18th century home with history in its bones and a sense of adventure in its spirit. With the main house and Orchard Cottage all to ourselves, there’s space to spread out, gather around crackling fires, swap stories over wine, and head out for spontaneous seaside walks. Cozy bedrooms, welcoming lounges, and garden nooks invite you to both connect and unwind. Add in homemade meals and the warmth of true Irish hospitality, and it’s the perfect home base for our next adventure.
Will we have wifi?
We will have wifi available for you within our retreat home so you can stay connected to your family & friends. If you'd like to have wifi on the go throughout the day as well and your cell provider doesn't offer this, please reach out and we'd be happy to help you arrange a personal hotspot.
how do i get there?
Our retreat house is located just outside Clonakilty in West Cork, along Ireland’s stunning Wild Atlantic Way. The closest airport is Cork Airport (ORK), about a 60-minute drive from the estate. We’ll provide recommendations for private transfer services to make your journey simple and seamless. Once you arrive, you’ll be surrounded by rolling countryside, quiet beaches, and the rugged beauty of Ireland’s southern coast.
Should I be a wine drinker to enjoy this trip?
Great question! Some of our retreats are more wine focused than others. Wine is not an emphasis of this retreat. There will always be wine available at dinners and other times, but you can absolutely enjoy this retreat in full without consuming alcohol.
How active is this retreat?
Each Illuminare Retreat is a little different than the next when it comes to how much walking we will do.
This retreat will include a fair amount of walking & on various (sometimes rugged) landscapes. Attendees should be able to traverse without help & excited to get those daily steps in (with view like we'll have, you'll be itching to get out & walk!)
Once-in-a-lifetime experience
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Go home refreshed & empowered
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Embrace the culture, scenery, and wild nature of Irelands coast
Once-in-a-lifetime experience
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Go home refreshed & empowered
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EMBRACE THE CULTURE, scenery, and wild nature of ireland's coast
While this retreat is experience focused, it is also designed to allow you to reconnect with yourself.
Titled after the Italian word for Illuminate, we hope you leave this retreat not just with an incredible experience, but feeling a new sense of purpose, peace, or clarity in your own life. Whatever it is you're coming to look for - there is a good chance that once you clear out the noise of your day to day life & immerse yourself in the experience designed for you, you'll find it was within you the whole time.
Come experience the tastes, sights, smells & wonders of the Coastal Ireland - and flip your own light back on in the process.
illuminare
/ il:umi'nare/ verb:
to illuminate, to light up
What is the group size & when we will know who is joining us?
The group will include 8 participants, plus the host Amanda
Prior to the trip, a Facebook group will be created for our retreat members to get to know each other, ask questions & share more about themselves.
I have a special diet, can you accommodate?
On the application, you'll see a spot to let us know any diet needs you have & we will absolutely do our best to meet those at all meals. If you have specific concerns, please feel free to email with questions.
What are the accommodations like?
We will be staying in a stunning apartment in the heart of Florence! You will be sharing a room with another attendee so either come with a friend or be ready to make a new one! We believe that sharing builds our community & is part of this intimate retreat style experience!
Will we have wifi?
We will have wifi available for you within the apartment so you can stay connected to your family & friends at home. If you'd like to have wifi on the go throughout the day as well, please reach out and we'd be happy to help you arrange a personal hotspot.
how do i get there?
We recommend flying into either Florence, Rome, or Bologna. Transportation within the country is wonderful thanks to Italy's train systems. As the trip gets closer, you'll receive a comprehensive travel email with tips on finding the best flight deals, and how to navigate transport to our apartment once in Italy.
can i pay in installments?
Yes - We've provided a few options for you:
-You may pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your spot, with the remaining balance due on December 1, 2021.
-You may pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your spot, breaking up the balance into 3 payments due by December 1, 2021.
-You may pay in its entirety in one lump sum at the time of booking
retreat home
-6-night stay at the private-use Dunowen House Estate — a historic country home on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, exclusively reserved for Illuminare guests.
-Days spent discovering the authentic Ireland: exploring coastal villages, hidden beaches, ancient stone ruins, and vibrant local culture far from the tourist crowds.
-A perfect balance of adventure and slow living — from cliffside walks and lively pub music to cozy evenings by the fire at our home away from home.
-Breakfast served daily in our retreat house, lovingly prepared by the Dunowen staff using local ingredients.
-Daily Housekeeping
-Most meals included (you'll have a few opportunities to enjoy meals on your own while out exploring, but all other meals are included). Wine is included with the meals we host.
-Visits to artisan producers and markets along the coast — from fresh Atlantic seafood to handmade local specialites.
-Conversations with other women on their own journeys. A once-in-a-lifetime style girls trip to grow & be inspired.
-Your custom journal to help spur on ideas & meditation.
-A digital travel guide to aid you in planning your adventure.
-Ample free time to wander, breathe, and take in the beauty of the Atlantic at your own pace.
-....and plenty of amazing surprises! (My favorite part!!)
Details:
We ask that all guests arrive to our accommodations at 2:00 on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
The retreat will conclude at 10:00am on Saturday morning, August 1, 2026.
What is included:
join us.
investment
Retreat cost:
$6800 (Per Person) Double Occupancy: 12 spots (in the main house)
$5800 (Per Person) Double Occupancy: 2 spots (in the smaller cottage house)
Deposit required to hold your space: $850
Remaining balance paid in 2 installments (Nov 2025 & Mar 2026)
Note: Each suite has one king size bed, and private bathroom. Attendees will be 2 to a suite. Come with a friend to share a room, or room with a fellow solo attendee. (Please note: I do have ONE room that has the option to have 3 people in the room among 2 beds. If you are traveling with 2 other friends & are interested, email me directly)
Airfare & travel to/from our accommodations before & after retreat is not included.
Our group will remain intimate in size, therefore spots are very limited.
A note:
JOIN NOW
If you’re considering going on a retreat, do it. Don’t try to convince yourself you don’t deserve to go, or that you’ll do the next one, or that you can’t afford it. Pull the trigger. You won’t regret it if you go. I promise.
-Karen, 4 time retreat attendee
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Site design by Kaleigh Turner Creative