‘The little things? The little moments? They aren’t little.’
Jon Kabat Zinn
If you feel as though you’ve been living on autopilot, mindlessly moving through life on the treadmill of busyness, lacking the ability to step off, then join us as we share the tools to drop into being, to pause; slow down & listen to your emotions; your wise & beautiful teachers can let you in on all of the secrets your body & mind are whispering, so that you can learn how to connect, deeply, to your self & to all that matters to you.
From the wooden platform and white-washed obelisk, you gaze out over the ancient basalt reef to the mighty Southern Ocean. A gentle breeze caresses your skin as the golden sunrise enters through your closed eye-lids, warming your face. Taking a long, slow breath in, your heart and lungs are filled with hope, optimism, calm and the subtle scent of the fresh sea air that makes you feel at home.
Seals and dolphins frolic in the kelp just offshore, the sound of waves crashing, one after the other, after the other, in a rhythm that you notice your breath is matching. Almost winter, your eyes search the waters out to your left for Koontapul - the world’s oldest storyteller - the name the Gunditjmara people use for Southern Right Whales.
You are here to connect. To this country. To the moment. To your self.
Stepping down from the platform, your feet kiss the earth beneath them, connecting you, grounding you. You notice the basalt rocks that arrived here at the beginning of time, from a volcano known as Budj Bim. Slowly, you move past the native trees, bushes & shrubs in awe of the numerous shades of green. Your brainwaves slow to match the frequency of nature at its finest. Each pause between breaths announcing the gentle arrival of the next inhalation. The heath covered dunes throw pink hues into the colour-scape of this sanctuary that surrounds and supports the life within the Hopkins River & the ocean it feeds.
Your perspective has already shifted.
Surrounded by this country, you come to understand, know, that it tells the oldest story in the world, a great story of a people who have lived and gathered in this place, Moyjil, for tens of thousands of years before you. You’ve arrived, mind, body, soul, in Warrnambool, the land between two rivers.
Ngatanwarr.
At the end of the Great Ocean Road, this welcoming ‘city for living’, welcomes and invites you to the lands and waters that have sustained & been cared for by the Gunditjmara people for over 30,000 years.
Gunditj means belonging.
And you feel it.
You belong.
Imagine how satisfying it would feel if you were able to be present & feel a deep sense of connection in all of your important relationships.
So satisfying! Mindful Connections carefully guides you through a series of techniques that allow you to value the time you have; to learn to communicate mindfully; to connect to those around you with kindness; all the while creating positive emotions, communication styles & relationships. Let us show you how.
Imagine how awesome it would be to feel energised by your daily life, having time for your important relationships, instead of always feeling exhausted or burnt-out.
It would be incredible, wouldn’t it? On Mindful Connections, through workshops designed to connect you to the present moment so that you become more united, mind and body, you will learn how to develop and deepen the social connections you have with the people you value, in ways that energise you every day of your life.
Can you imagine how wonderful it would feel if you were able to prioritise yourself, guilt-free?
So wonderful! During our time together on Mindful Connections, through specialised workshops you will finally understand the messages from your body, from your emotions, that you need to slow down, that you need to prioritise you. Self-care is self-esteem, and you’ll walk away from retreat knowing how to let go of the guilt so that you can connect deeply to yourself & your loved ones, by serving yourself first.
Deep Blue Mineral Baths & Day Spa
Your afternoons on Mindful Connections are all yours. Enjoy your complimentary experience in the gorgeous Deep Blue geothermal mineral bathing sanctuary. Discover the myriad of open-air rock pools, sensory caves and cleansing waterfalls while soaking in the therapeutic waters, naturally rich in minerals and heat. Learn more about the therapeutic ritual of bathing and discover why this ancient wellness practice has quickly become one of the most incredible things to do in Warrnambool.
TESTIMONIALS
Ann G
'Don't hesitate to take part if you come across a Being Well Collective Retreat. You will feel reconnected to your values & strengths. You will be energised for everyday living & challenges when you return home. Eve & Jodie go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. They are always willing & available to give you support if you need.'
Lucy A.
'I wish everyone I know would give themselves the gift of a Being Well Collective Retreat. Taking time to pause & reflect, re-focus & refresh helps you start or continue to build the life you want to live. Thank you Eve & Jodie xo’.
Liz A.
‘I was a little anxious on arrival, but greeting both Eve & Jodie, who both ooze kindness, I immediately relaxed. They are so genuine and offer a welcoming, inclusive, safe space to really wind down and reflect. The facilities at Niramaya are amazing. It is calming and tranquil with lovely staff.’
Imagine returning home with absolute clarity, energy & motivation to make the changes you choose to live a life you love.
The Venue
Welcome to your resort home, Lady Bay Resort.
Your home-away-from-home lies nestled in the sand dunes and native scrublands, only minutes from the stunning beaches, bays & river mouth. Middle Island, home to the fairy penguin colony and ‘Oddball’ is within walking distance, announcing a walking trail inviting you to explore the rugged coastline up close with this ancient country. Stairways to heaven in the form of rockpools invite you to explore with wonder and curiosity the marine sanctuary that thrives in our region.
Who knows what you may discover.
Lady Bay Resort is created for relaxation. Laying your head down on the perfect pillow at night, you’ll be lulled to sleep by the sounds of gentle lapping water and small breaking waves only metres from where you rest.
Our guests are spoilt with options, with a variety of modern and generous apartment style dwellings to choose from. Be it the standard, sea-side spa or luxury spa apartments, we know you’ll be well cared for by the friendly and welcoming staff and of course, us! Your hosts.
With a luscious restaurant, free wifi and parking, a heated outdoor pool & close proximity to the beaches, the Deep Blue Mineral Baths & Day Spa, Lady Bay Resort is the perfect place to retreat.
You deserve to fall asleep to the sound of the great Southern Ocean.
You deserve Mindful Connections.
The Dining
With all of your dietary needs catered for, your dining experiences have been carefully curated to highlight the premium produce of our South-West Victorian farmers, foragers, fisherman and growers. Our selected restaurants are renowned for their seasonal menus that are driven by the fresh, locally produced items available to them.
Iconic locations & unique dining experiences, combined with selections of fresh, flavoursome menu choices are certain to delight every taste bud.
Not to mention the accompanying beverages with wine lists offering beautifully hand-picked wines from Australia’s best wine making regions such as Coonawarra, Tasmania, Barossa Valley, Yarra Valley and a little closer by being our Victorian Grampian Region.
We love to spoil you on retreat and if wine is not your choice, we know there’ll be lovely local beers, or a cocktail or two, to quench your palate. And don’t forget the best coffee in the world! Ah, the coffee…
Whatever your tastes, we are certain your dining experiences on Mindful Connections - from the scrumptious full buffet breakfasts all the way through to the incredible nightly dining experiences - will simply delight.
The Delights..
Let's take you on a voyage of what you can expect your days to feel like on Mindful Connections Retreat.
DAY ONE
DAY TWO
DAY THREE
DAY FOUR
Still wondering if Mindful Connections Retreat is for you? If you can relate to any of the information below, then it's a resounding YES!
Too often, society pressures us to join the treadmill of busyness, taking us nowhere fast except the fast lane to stress and burnout. Did you know that it's not normal to be tired and exhausted all the time? It's not normal, and it can be a sign that you are not living a life that fulfils you and your purpose, one that's in line with your values. That's where we come in.
Our retreat encompasses valuable breath work, meditation practices, and science-based workshops all designed to reconnect you to your body, your self, and others so that you can live a meaningful life that energises you, every day.
Imagine how incredible it would be to rediscover your direction, yourself, through deepening your emotional intelligence.
It would be so clarifying! In our time together, through the clarity provided by gifting yourself time and space by retreating, you will be guided through the processes of connecting mind & body, allowing you to be intentional in every choice you make.
Wouldn't it be fabulous to rediscover the creativity and childlike wonder if you had the tools to be more present in your life, more mindful!
Sign me up now! On Mindful Connections, through our workshops filled with messages of awe, wonder and cultivating a beginner’s mind, you will learn how to understand your emotions in a way that revitalises you, by giving you a sense of curiosity and wonder back in your life.
Choosing yourself is the very first step.
About Warrnambool
Travellers from all over the globe seek to experience the rugged beauty along the south-west coast of Victoria, often arriving by one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives.
The spectacular Great Ocean Road hugs the seaside cliffs alongside the windswept Southern Ocean. The striking views along the iconic road evoke awe with gorges, craggy cliffs, empty beaches and soaring bluffs flanked by brilliant green countryside and even an apostle or two.
The Shipwreck Coast invites you to explore seaside villages & lush green farm lands offering rich local produce in the forms of cheeses, meats, seafood, chocolates, icecream, wines & whiskeys … the list goes on.
You’ll almost never want to reach your final destination believing it could never get better than this… but it does. Finally, you arrive in our beautiful home of Warrnambool - the city by the sea.
Row upon row of majestic Norfolk pine trees greet you as you notice a sense of peace settling into your body. Eager to see the ocean again, you turn left, sensing it before you see it, vast and glorious, stretching out before you as far as your eye can see.
You have arrived.
YOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- Pre-retreat Zoom call with Eve & Jodie to uncover your specific needs and wishes for your retreat
- A retreat manifesto and journal
- Access to the Mindful Connections WhatsApp Group for everything you need to know before, during and after retreat
- Audio recordings of all Mindful Connections led breathing and relaxation practices for your personal use
- Exclusive early-access to all Being Well Collective retreats, webinars, and courses
- 3 Nights accommodation at Lady Bay Resort Warrnambool
- Scrumptious breakfasts at Lady Bay Resort daily and dinner each night at local restaurants including drinks
- A suite of curated positive psychology workshops
- Heavenly meditation & mindfulness sessions
- Deep Blue Hot Springs experience
- Wifi
- Parking
- Some other little surprises - well, we can't give away everything!!
YOUR PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Your airfares & travel related costs
- Transfers to and from Warrnambool
- Travel Insurance, which is very important
- Lunches
- Your personal extras such as laundry & souvenirs
- Any adventures you choose not mentioned in the inclusions
- Any extra nights at Lady Bay Resort
I am ready to choose my self!
MEET YOUR HOSTS
MEET DR JODIE FLEMING
A warm hello & welcome!
Diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36, I was forced to start looking at the way I’d been living my life. The consummate ‘goal-setter’, I’d slowly come to realise that each achievement was met with only a short-lived sense of satisfaction that led to a cycle of needing to do more and more and more.
What I ultimately came to learn was that I needed to stop asking myself what I wanted to do with my life, and instead, begin asking how I wanted to feel. The answers?
I choose to feel connected, purposeful, flourishing and serene.
From that turning point, I chose to change many things, including the way I was working. For too long, psychology has focussed on deficits and problems to ‘fix’ and I was ready for a change. Instead of working solely with individuals as a clinical & health psychologist, I decided to shift focus and work from a strengths-based wellbeing focus instead. Now I’m able to share easy-to-learn, simple-to-implement strategies from positive psychology with individuals, groups and communities alike in a role that truly feels like a calling, not just a career.
And the most fulfilling change of all came from the choice to lead wellness retreats and enter the world of workplace wellbeing. What helps me to flourish is connecting to others, human-to-human, sharing my experiences and practices, from gratitude to grit, mindset to mindfulness, kindness to compassion, so that others can choose to flourish too.
MEET EVE DREW
Hi there!
I’m Eve, a reforming workaholic, who spent too many years attaching my self-worth to what I was achieving. I jumped from goal to goal & had a never ending ‘to-do’ list - failing to savour the wins or slow down enough to enjoy the wonderful moments along the way. I had become so busy caring for everyone else, that I had completely abandoned my own needs and was living on autopilot. This led to overwhelm and burnout and prompted me to attend my first retreat 5 years ago.
My retreat experience was truly life changing. It allowed me to slow down, to breathe and also gave the gift of space which provided great clarity. At this retreat, we considered how we wanted to feel rather than what we wanted to do or achieve. For the first time in my life, I felt calm and I wanted more of it. When I returned home, I committed to choosing more calm in my life and made decisions based upon how I want to feel and be each day, rather than what I wanted to achieve. This conscious shift has changed my life more than I could have ever imagined, allowing me to rediscover my purpose and create a life that I love.
I no longer wear ‘busyness’ as a badge of honour and have made changes to the way that I work (and live) to ensure my cup is overflowing so I can live my life feeling connected, kind, inspired and calm.
As a health professional, I have always enjoyed helping and connecting with others and my curiosity around how we can flourish as humans has prompted me to complete post graduate qualifications in Positive Psychology and now complete a Masters in Business Psychology. It is such a privilege to offer the incredible gift of space to others, via our transformational Being Well Retreats.
HAVE A QUESTION?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this retreat for me?
What is your cancellation policy?
Where do I fly into?
Can you accommodate dietary requirements?
Still have a question?
REGISTRATION
Choose your Experience
We offer two levels of accommodations on Mindful Connections:
Flow State Rooms; and, Flourishing Suites.
Flow State Studio Room
The one-bedroom studio rooms include a beautiful queen sized bed and sliding doors opening up onto your balcony so you can breathe in the fresh sea air. There's lift access & a freshly renovated bathroom with large walk-in shower. You'll certainly enter a flow-state in the comfort of your private studio room.
1 Bedroom Flourishing Suite
The ultimate retreat experience. Escape to your own private oasis, each apartment is fully self-contained and generously spacious, featuring 2 balconies; lift access & a newly renovated bathroom featuring a large walk in shower. You'll be flourishing after feeling as though you've slept in a cloud in your queen-sized bed.
1 Bedroom Flourishing Spa Suite
Similar to the 1 Bedroom Flourishing Suite above, the Spa Suites include a luxurious spa bath. *Please note: the shower is over the spa bath, so please consider this when selecting this option.
2 Bedroom Flourishing Spa Suite
Similar to the 1 BR Flourishing Suites, but double! There’s nothing quite like retreating with someone you love. Whether it's a sister, a daughter, a friend, we know you'll flourish in comfort with your own bedroom and bathroom. These suites have lift access and private balconies as well as a luxurious spa bath in the newly renovated bathrooms. *Please note: the shower is over the spa bath, so please consider this when selecting this option.
3 Bedroom Flourishing Suite
There’s nothing quite like retreating with someone you love. Well actually, the only thing better would be travelling with TWO people you love! Whether it's two sisters, two daughters, or two friends, we know all three of you will flourish in comfort with your own bedrooms and bathrooms. This suite is split level and has stairs. With lovely living areas, fully functioning kitchen and bathrooms with generous walk in showers. The large balcony overlooks the beautiful Norfolk Pines on Pertobe Road.
Your Investment
EARLY BIRD PRICING (ENDS DEC 31ST 2024)
$3299 AUD Flow State Studio Room Package
$3499 AUD 1 BR Flourishing Suite Package
$3499 AUD 1 BR Flourishing Spa Suite Package
$3199 AUD 2BR Flourishing Spa Suite Package (per person)
$3099 AUD 3BR Flourishing Suite Package (per person)
(Please note: 2BR & 3BR packages can only be booked if you are travelling with other guests.)
We will endeavour to ensure all room type requests are met however, please note, some room types are limited in availability. Your retreat place is confirmed with first payment (which includes your non-refundable deposit of $500).
This luxury retreat is limited in numbers, so don't miss out.
Not sure if this trip is for you? We are always happy to chat. Email us to arrange a time to speak with Eve & Jodie, [email protected].
OUR CANCELLATION POLICY:
Any cancellation will result in a total loss of the $500 AUD deposit and booking fees. Any cancellation made 60-120 days before trip departure will result in a loss of 50% of the trip price. Any cancellation between 59 days and the trip departure will result in a total loss of funds. We reserve the right to cancel the trip if it is not meeting the trip minimum (if we do so your deposit is refunded in full). Trip cancellation insurance (travel insurance) is strongly recommended.
PLEASE READ RETREAT TERMS & CONDITIONS BEFORE PROCEEDING TO CHECKOUTPayment Plan Option
3 x Monthly Payments
CONTACT US
