13 - 15 February | Starting at $1299Self Love Retreat
Disconnect to find connection
What to ExpectWe invite you to step away from the traditional commercial rush of Valentine’s weekend and join us for an intimate, full-immersion retreat at Arete. This is a space designed for women who want to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and be held in a supportive, nurturing environment.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Tararua Ranges, we will explore self-love through lived rituals, expert wisdom, and the healing power of nature.
❋ Self Love Rituals
Throughout the weekend, "Self-Love Rituals" are woven into every moment. From the warmth of a Cacao & Connect ceremony under the stars to restorative evening meditations, every activity is an invitation to treat yourself with the tenderness you deserve.
We are thrilled to be joined by retreat owner and guest speaker Sally Duxfield. Sally will share her incredible research on neuroscience, sleep, and women’s wellbeing, providing you with practical, research-led tools to take home.
Experience the "simple elegance" of Arete. Stay in a private or shared Whare featuring king-single beds, luxurious linens, and cosy underfloor heating. It is a carbon-neutral experience that allows you to live in harmony with the native surroundings.
❋ Wisdom & Wellbeing
❋ The Space
Reconnect with your body and mind as you escape the noise of everyday life.
Day OneArrive & Meet
As everyone arrives, we take time to settle in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with those around us. The journey starts here.
4.00pm | Settle
Arrive and familiarise yourself with the magical Arete retreat spaces.
6.00pm | Nourish
A wholesome group dinner to begin our journey.
8.00pm | Cacao & Connect
A sacred opening ceremony under the stars. Bring your journal as we contemplate: “What part of me has been asking for tenderness?”
Day TwoRituals of restoration
Saturday is a day devoted entirely to restoration.
This is where time loosens its grip and you are invited to move at the pace of your body, not the clock. A day of gentle rituals, creativity, nourishment, and spaciousness unfolds; offering you permission to soften, to listen inward, and to receive. There is nothing to fix, achieve, or prove. Simply an invitation to be held by nature, by community, and by yourself, as you reconnect with what replenishes you most deeply.
7.00am | Morning Ritual
An optional river plunge (plush white robes provided) or a guided nature walk through the Tararua landscape.
Close the day with a restorative meditation.
8:00am | Face & Soul
Breakfast, followed by a workshop creating bespoke facial oils and learning lymphatic drainage facial massage.
Saturday evening is an invitation to gather, share a nourishing meal, and let the day gently settle; a time to be fed in every sense of the word.
6:30pm | Dinner
10.00am | Love your gut
A practical session making “no-nasties” treats (gummies and chocolate), followed by quiet reflection and guided journaling.
1.30pm | Time for you
Dedicated to simply be. Read in your whare, explore the trails, or enjoy a pre-booked treatment or holistic health coaching session.
Evening | Stillness
Day ThreeInner light & integration
Our final day is about anchoring what you’ve experienced, turning moments of insight into something you can carry forward, long after the retreat ends.
An enlightening session with guest speaker Sally Duxfield. Mastering Overwhelm, neuroscience based tools for controlling stress and reducing overwhelm, specifically for women.7:00am | Morning Nature
A sacred ritual to share insights before we depart at 3:00pm.Nourishment is fully taken care of, with all meals included. Although exact meal times and some session timings are not specified here, these will be shared on the day so we can move together with ease and intention.
A final opportunity for a river plunge or a peaceful morning walk.
9:00am | The Science of Sleep
2:00pm | Closing Circle
How It Works-
Browse our upcoming events to find the one that feels right for you. We host events year-round in all different locations and climates.
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Sign up and pay all required fees to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the retreat start to receive a 50% refund.
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After booking, we'll send you a Welcome Packet with everything you need to know—detailed schedules, packing list recommendations, add-ons to consider, and more.
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We'd recommend booking your transportation to and from the event as soon as possible, to ensure you can arrive without any complications or delays.
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Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for your new adventure.