When I took the leap to leave a full time job at this time last year, I had one vision in my head. It was a vision of women in circle, oceanside, sharing their inner most feelings. I saw beauty, truth and healing. I saw the realest version of women being themselves; raw, playful, sincere. This vision is a space I know very well, and yet hadn’t accessed or created in a while. Due to the pandemic and a taking on a different project, I had left behind this piece of my work and ultimately a piece of myself.
When I knew I was ready to leave but was feeling scared, this was the image that I held onto. The vision grew more and more powerful than I could ignore. I knew I had to make a move. Ladyvana in Mexico was the first thing I launched after I left said job. It was the thing I was hungriest for. Of course, I was terrified…would anyone come? does anyone care? That retreat sold out in 5 hours. I knew that I was back in my dharma, walking toward my dreams.
Sitting for the first time, with women months later, in the exact scene I had imagined was immensely powerful, to the point where I could barely speak. I was so overwhelmed with joy that I listened to my intuition, and made some huge changes, took big risks and here it was, right in front of me.
I have been sitting in circles with women and girls since I was a little ballet dancer. However, these circles were generally a space to sew ribbons onto pointe shoes and gossip or receive a group critique from a teacher. In my early twenties, yoga showed me a new way to be in circles with women. It showed me that safety and vulnerability were possible. I started Girlvana at age 24 to create these circles of healing for teen girls and within a year, all the women in my life were asking, “can we come?!”
Ladyvana was born from my community’s persistence at wanting safe and raw circles for themselves. I lead the first women’s retreat at age 26 and spent years leading around 5-6 per year! You see, this work is in my bones and in my blood. It is my very heartbeat. When I strayed away from it, I thought, no biggie…that chapter is behind me. Until this vision, the women by the ocean, began to almost haunt me. It called to me night after night. I could no longer ignore it.
La Joya was the perfect venue for the Ladyvana comeback. An intentionally designed, boutique hotel nestled into the jungle on a private beach outside of Sayulita. Owned by the loveliest Canadian couple, John and Christina, and managed by my dear old friend, Luca. Luca, a charming Italian man who used to run the coffee shop by my house in Deep Cove, Canada, was my early morning pal as I would make my way to the Distrikt (the yoga studio I co-owned).
As I arrived and reunited with Luca, another piece of myself clicked into place. A tiny relic from the past reminding me of who I was. I then met John and Christina and they said they had heard of me and my work. After leaving my full time job, I was feeling small and unsure of myself. Their gentle acknowledgment was yet another piece of putting my puzzle back together. I shared my book with them and the next day they told me of their sister property, Cottonwood on Vancouver Island. They suggested it as a place that Girlvana could host a retreat. Another piece. I had been looking for a new location so that Girlvana could restart. It felt like a prayer answered.
The retreat was more than I could have ever hoped for. An amazing group of women came together to practice yoga, swim in the ocean, play by the pool, eat locally sourced, organic food, get out of their comfort zones with a temazcal ceremony, and relax in the spa. We laughed, we cried, we danced, we napped. It was everything.
I jumped at the opportunity to book dates for 2024 at this magical location and now registration is finally live. You are the first to know. I won’t share this link with social media until next week. Take a peruse on the offerings and room options. Each are unique.
-There are private bungalows for the solo traveller who craves space, privacy and rest
-There are bungalows that can be shared with your bestie. Two of you in one king bed, like the adult sleepover we often crave as grown ups!
-There are triple occupancy casitas with three beds for a group of three friends or if you are looking to meet some new pals!
The dates at March 8-13, 2024.
Register Here.
This retreat is a homecoming. A return back to your true nature. It is a potent 6 days of self discovery, rest, sunshine, ocean waves and sisterhood. Friendships forged here can last a lifetime. It is the greatest gift to yourself.
I am here with any questions you may have. Thank you for reading, listening and supporting my work. Especially over the past year as I have stepped back into my purpose. I am so grateful,
xo ally
Cheering you on, rooting for you and sending love. All the words and feelings resonated and felt in my body. That tells me all I need to "know." By which I mean, I feel trust and love, safety and a sense of home. Doesn't matter the actual place, the energy and intention feel like home. Every good wish Ally. xo Karen