Unwind completely in a weekend sanctuary of comfort, inner discovery, and renewal, hosted by The Bell and Raven at the cozy Guest House in Chester, Connecticut.
Honor your need for stillness…
It is upon us: The quickening lead-up to the holidays that mark the year's end. We dive headlong into the beautiful chaos of the season - the sparkle of holiday get-togethers, the warmth of family gatherings, and the joy of keeping up with beloved traditions.
But once the last cheer fades and the calendar page turns, we often find ourselves quietly depleted. Perhaps it’s from many acts of service, the joyous but demanding socializing, or simply the effort of keeping to a harried schedule. The truth is, after a season of giving outward, the inner well can feel quite low.
Winter, in its ancient wisdom, offers a different rhythm. A natural invitation to draw inward, rest, and restore our energy reserves.
We invite you to join us for Winter Solace, a 3-day, 2-night retreat at the cozy and nurturing Guest House in Chester, Connecticut. This weekend sanctuary is thoughtfully designed for women seeking a deep energy detox and a dedicated time to replenish themselves after a season of focus on others.
Your invitation to renew…
This retreat recognizes that true renewal comes not from doing more, but from consciously choosing to rest and simply be. Here, you have permission to pause and reflect on the story you have been living, and to realize with clarity that the next chapter is entirely yours to write.
Imagine arriving on Friday afternoon and immediately feeling the shift. Leave behind the demands of daily life and step into a haven where your only task is to nurture yourself. Bring your comfiest clothes, softest pajamas, and favorite slippers. Alarm clocks are optional, and the only expectation is for you to do as you wish. This is your weekend to design as you see fit; all guided activities are completely optional.
The power of supportive sisterhood…
While this retreat is an invitation for personal introspection, it is held in the warm circle of sacred sisterhood. You'll gather with a group of like-minded women in a safe, compassionate setting, sharing a sense of community without any pressure. This collective energy acts as a soft, reassuring haven for your personal journey. There is deep strength found in simply being present with other women who are also dedicated to the intentional practice of renewal. Here, you are not just welcome; you are invited to shed your armor and be fully seen and heard - or simply to observe in quiet companionship - knowing that every path is honored without judgment.
An immersive program for replenishment…
Throughout the weekend, you'll be guided through a series of experiences designed to foster introspection, intuitive discovery, and restorative rest. We'll engage in activities that encourage inner listening, shared community, and self-expression, allowing space for both personal reflection and collective growth.
Meditation & Sound Healing: Immersive experiences designed to promote total mental stillness and harmonize the body's energy centers.
Evening Stories: Cozy gatherings of "bedtime stories for grown-ups" to help open a channel to your intuition and spark your imagination.
Sharing Circles: Opportunities to share stories of our individual journeys and to hold space for one another. Contribute your thoughts and be heard, or simply sit in warm, silent companionship - all depending entirely on your comfort level.
Ample Leisure Time: Enjoy the freedom to choose your rest. Curl up with a good book by the fire, take a rejuvenating sauna, enjoy a peaceful nap, or step outside for an invigorating winter walk.
The Gift of Undisturbed Peace: No schedules to keep, no obligations to fulfill, just space for you to reconnect with yourself and to recharge your energy reserves.
Gentle Somatic Movement: Focused movement sessions designed to gently release deeply held tension and ground the body and mind.
Intuitive Clarity Sessions: Guided group exercises designed to bypass mental clutter, helping you access clear, actionable insight for the season ahead directly from your inner wisdom.
Guided Reflective Writing: Dedicated time to explore personal narratives and set future intentions, culminating in a powerful exercise of self-communication
Nourishment and comfort for body, mind, and spirit…
Indulge in expertly prepared meals crafted with locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, designed to nourish your body. Menus are creative and imaginative and are always healthy and satisfying. Every effort is made to support guests with dietary restrictions and allergies.
At the end of the day, relax and rejuvenate in spacious, comfortable guest rooms, each with a private full bathroom, providing you with the perfect space to unwind and recharge. We believe that true transformation happens when body, mind, and spirit are nurtured in harmony.
Meet your guide on this journey…
Isabel Carrington
Our retreat experience is crafted and guided by Isabel Carrington, the owner of The Bell and Raven. As an intuitive guide, elder practitioner, and sacred celebrant, Isabel honors her mission to support and empower individuals on their uniquely unfolding spiritual paths.
Isabel provides a warm, compassionate presence, nurturing an environment where you are free to shed your daily roles and simply be. She doesn't push you; she gently lights the path inward. She believes firmly that the wisdom you seek is already within you, and she offers the tools - from intuitive exploration and guided meditation to activities of self-expression and thought-provoking journaling prompts - to help you quiet the noise and hear the wisdom within. Join her as she holds space for your quiet, necessary renewal.
Reclaim your peace & renew your spirit…
This retreat is a unique opportunity to honor the sacred pause and to restore the energy that sustains you.
Due to the intimate and restorative nature of this experience, spaces are very limited. Don't miss this chance to join us and to replenish your vessel of strength and stillness.
We look forward to sharing this journey with you.
What past retreat participants have to say…
“This retreat was a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, leaving me with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the simple joys in life.”
“…a unique opportunity to engage in thoughtful conversations, share personal stories, and build genuine relationships with fellow participants.”
“The leadership was phenomenal. At no time did I feel pressured to share anything I did not feel comfortable with. The guidance was warm and sincere.”
“I feel I get caught up in the ‘noise’ of daily life and responsibilities, and this retreat allowed me the space and peace I was needing and craving.”
“Isabel is a wonderful facilitator because she has this blend of purposeful engagement but also knows how to step back to allow participants time for self-reflection.”
“The Guest House [has] a serene and tranquil atmosphere that perfectly complemented the purpose of the retreat.”
“The most impactful part of my experience on the retreat was a sisterhood I experienced which was cultivated through the variety of activities and opportunities to share with others.”
What’s included in your Winter Solace retreat:
All spiritual wellness sessions and guided activities, along with all corresponding materials.
Two nights of peaceful accommodation at the cozy Guest House, including all facility fees. All guest rooms have a private bath and feature comfortable, individually controlled climate units.
Six delicious and wholesome meals, expertly prepared by The Guest House’s chef and kitchen staff. Menus are thoughtfully adapted to accommodate common dietary needs such as gluten and lactose intolerance or vegetarian/vegan diets.
A beautiful winter-themed oracle card deck for use during our intuitive insight session and for you to take home, supporting your clarity throughout the year.
Access to the fitness center, which features aerobic exercise equipment and a sauna - perfect for warming up after a brisk winter walk.
Unrestricted access to the beautiful grounds, wooded walking trail, and the 25’ meditation labyrinth.
A welcome kit filled with items selected for intuitive discovery and restorative magick.
Ample time for reading, journaling, introspection, and rest.
A supportive, calming, and uplifting environment, fostering meaningful connection with like-minded individuals.
Retreat fees & application process
Immerse yourself in three days and two nights of spiritual exploration and rejuvenation. With very limited spaces available, we encourage you to apply now to secure your place.
All-inclusive cost per person:
Single Occupancy: $995
For our immersive spiritual wellness programs, we ask all prospective participants to fill out our online application. Once your application has been reviewed, applicants will receive a follow-up email with additional information and link for payment. To view our payment/cancellation policies as well as other useful information, please view our Frequently Asked Questions section below.
Double Occupancy: $895
Take the next step on your journey – click the button below to begin your application.
Frequently Asked Questions…
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This retreat is open to women ages 21 and over who are seeking deeper spiritual connection and personal growth. If you are gender-expansive or have questions about whether this retreat would be the right fit for you, please reach out to us.
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No prior experience is necessary. All activities are designed to be accessible and beneficial for individuals at all levels of their spiritual journey. Our experienced facilitators will guide you every step of the way.
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Your retreat fee includes accommodation in a spacious guest room with a private bath, six delicious and nourishing meals, all materials, and participation in all guided activities throughout the weekend. (For a more detailed overview of all that is included, visit the What your retreat includes… section above.)
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Yes; while the weekend is thoughtfully scheduled to offer a rich and immersive experience, there will be dedicated time for personal reflection, exploring the beautiful grounds, or simply relaxing. Additionally, please note that all of the scheduled activities are optional, allowing participants the flexibility to use that time as they choose.
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Please be aware that several of our activity areas are accessed via stairs. If you have mobility concerns, please inform us on your application so that we can best accommodate your needs.
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Yes! We offer both single occupancy and double occupancy room options. If you would like to share a room with a specific friend who is also registered for the retreat, please specify their name on your application form. We will do our best to accommodate your request.
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A non-refundable 50% deposit is required upon registration to secure your spot. You also have the option to pay the full retreat fee at the time of registration. The remaining 50% of the retreat fee is due no later than 45 days before the retreat start date. Please note that all deposits and payments are non-refundable unless we are able to fill your spot from our waitlist. If we successfully fill your spot, a full refund will be offered, minus any applicable registration fees. Unfortunately, we are unable to credit your payment towards future retreat dates should you need to cancel.
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The Winter Solace Retreat is scheduled to proceed regardless of typical Connecticut winter weather conditions - the fireplace will be lit, the sauna will be hot, and your inner sanctuary will be waiting!
We encourage guests to monitor local forecasts and travel safely. The only exception is an extreme weather event resulting in a State of Emergency declaration by the Governor of Connecticut that formally closes major highways. In the event of such an official, unavoidable closure that forces a retreat cancellation, all registered participants will receive a full credit toward a future Bell and Raven retreat.
Unless the highways are officially closed, we'll see you for some cozy "wintering”!
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To begin the registration process, please click the Apply Here button that you'll find throughout the page. You'll be directed to a brief application form. Once your application is reviewed and accepted, you will receive a registration and payment link directly via email to secure your spot.