Autumn Women’s Retreat

Homecoming: Return to Self

November 12th-15th, 2026 | Whidbey Island, WA

The theme of this year’s Autumn Women’s Retreat is Homecoming.

This autumn we gather with the intention of coming home to ourselves. Daily life often encourages or forces perfection, imitation, blending in, and abandoning the self in order to fit a mold someone else has set. Over time, we contort ourselves so convincingly that the self becomes hidden under many layers of pretending. During our weekend together, we will excavate the parts of ourselves that have been lost to conformity and invite our true selves out to play, be nourished, and stay for good. 

We will ask:

  • What social pressures have I been expected to conform to?

  • What parts of myself do I change in order to be accepted?

  • What does my inner voice sound like when it speaks unencumbered by expectation and obligation? 

  • How can I advocate for my true self in situations where I have previously been forced to compromise who I am?

No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to show up with curiosity and an openness to explore.

The Details

Arrival | 5:00 pm Thursday November 12th, 2026

Departure | 10:00 am Sunday November 15th, 2026

Location | Whidbey Island, WA *address sent out after registration

Cost | $450-800 depending on accommodations

Note: This autumn, we are welcoming our first infant to retreat with us. Mothers are a beloved part of our sisterhood and we are honored to weave in our first mother-baby duo.

Register Here

Who is this for?

This retreat is for you if:

  • You’re craving space to slow down and reconnect with yourself

  • You feel pulled toward deeper, more meaningful connection with others

  • You’re open to exploring your inner world with curiosity and honesty

  • You’re willing to step outside your comfort zone at your own pace

  • You value both reflection and shared experience

This retreat may not be the right fit if:

  • You’re looking for a fast-paced or highly structured schedule

  • You’re not interested in emotional or introspective experiences

  • You prefer a purely social or entertainment-focused environment

This is an LGBTQI+ affirming space.  All women, femme, and non-binary identifying people are welcome. This is not a suitable space for cisgender men.

What to Expect

Each retreat offers a doorway into self-exploration and connection—to others, to yourself, and to the living world around you.

These weekends can be powerful experiences that reveal both beauty and challenge. Because of this, we invite you to read carefully about what to expect from a Women’s Retreat.

This retreat is for women who are willing to bring curiosity to every aspect of their lives—the easy and the difficult, the beautiful and the painful.

  • The retreat is structured to offer many avenues for connection, contemplation, play, and creativity. Throughout the weekend, you will have opportunities to move in and out of your comfort zone.

    What feels easy for one person may feel like a significant edge for another. We invite you to meet each experience with curiosity and deep inner listening.

    Everything is optional. You are encouraged to stretch your edges safely and sustainably, while honoring your own limits. If something feels beyond your capacity in the moment, you are always welcome to take space and return when you feel ready.

  • A core part of the retreat is meaningful connection with the women in attendance. Whether this is your first retreat or one of many, opening up to new people can feel vulnerable.

    Moving through the weekend with courage, curiosity, and care can be deeply rewarding. In a shared space like this, we begin to see ourselves reflected in others—forming meaningful connections through moments of bravery, playfulness, vulnerability, and honesty.

    While connection is central to the experience, you are never required to be in group space at all times. We encourage you to take the time you need to rest, regulate, and be with yourself.

  • Throughout the retreat, your relationship with yourself will be brought deeply into awareness. We return again and again to the question: What is truly happening within me?

    Each experience offers a window into your inner world:

    • What is the state of my heart in this moment?

    • What sensations are present in my body?

    • What thoughts or reactions are arising?

    The intention is for you to leave feeling more aligned with your inner voice and more attuned to your body from moment to moment.

  • There will be plenty of free time for rest, play, conversation, and creative expression.

    Each day typically includes one main session for deeper exploration. The rest of the time is intentionally left open for integration—allowing you to process whatever is arising at your own pace.

    You are always encouraged to take breaks and rest when needed. We trust your ability to listen to yourself and honor what your body and mind are asking for.

  • Some activities may include:

    • Solo walks and time in nature

    • Group sharing

    • Learning and singing communal songs

    • Journaling

    • Guided rituals

    • Art (both free and structured)

    • Guided and free movement

    • One-on-one sharing

    • Small group discussions

    • Group games

    • Solo adventures and quests

Sample Itinerary

This gives a general feel for what our days might look like. The schedule is subject to change depending on what arises within the group.

  • 5:00 pm | arrival, settling in

    6:00-7:00 pm | dinner 

    7:00 pm | opening circle

  • 8:30-11:00 am | breakfast

    11:00-2:00 pm | group activity  

    2:00-3:00 pm | lunch 

    3:00-5:00 pm | free time 

    5:00-6:30 pm | movement & song 

    7:30-8:30 pm | dinner 

    8:30-10:00 pm | free time

  • 8:30-11:00 am | breakfast

    11:00-2:00 pm | group activity  

    2:00-3:00 pm | lunch 

    3:00-5:00 pm | free time 

    5:00-6:30 pm | movement & song 

    7:30-8:30 pm | dinner 

    8:30-10:00 pm | closing circle

  • 8:00-9:00 am | breakfast

    9:00-10:00 am | packing & departure

Sample Menu

All meals are prepared in a simple, nourishing vegan style, with a focus on digestion, balance, and variety. There will be plenty of options to build meals that suit your preferences.

We are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. If your needs are highly specific, we may reach out to suggest bringing supplemental food.

    • Oats with sweet or savory topping options (sweet: yogurt, spiced apples, granola, nut/seed butter | savory: shredded carrots, chives, tamari, nuts, cucumber)

    • Coffee and tea (both caffeinated and decaf/herbal)

    • Non dairy milk (typically oat) 

    • Toast with nut butter, jam, plant based butter 

    • Salad/bowl bar that includes greens, a vegan protein (beans/tofu), a grain, veggies, sauces, nuts/seeds

    • Tortilla chips & salsa

    • Hummus 

    • PB&J materials

    • Seasonal soup 

    • Thai peanut noodles 

    • Zucchini lasagna 

    • Roasted veggies & grain bowls

    • Mediterranean sweet potato bowls 

    • Veggie pasta with garlic bread

    • Fruit 

    • Toast 

    • Chips & salsa 

    • Hummus & veggies

The Venue

We will be staying in a large, ocean side farmhouse on Whidbey Island. This home has 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a large main kitchen, a kitchenette, and two living rooms. The beach is just a short walk away. There are several sleeping options available from fully private rooms to shared lofts.

Sleeping Options

Private Queen Bedroom

$800 individual/$900 shared ($450 ea)

There are 3 private queen bedrooms available. These rooms can be split if you’d like to share a bed with a friend!

Twin Bed - Shared Room

$600 per person

There are two rooms with two twin beds in each. If you’re coming with a friend, feel free to request your roommate and we’ll try to pair you together if we can!

Cozy Loft - Twin Beds

$500 per person

This cozy sleepover style loft has four beds tucked into the gabled roofline.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No experience is necessary. All practices are guided and accessible, and you are invited to engage at your own comfort level.

  • Yes. Many participants come on their own. The retreat is designed to support connection while also honoring independence and personal space.

  • No. Everything is optional. You are always encouraged to listen to your body and choose what feels supportive for you in each moment.

  • Moments of emotional intensity may arise, and you will be supported in navigating them. You are always welcome to step away, rest, or take space as needed. The environment is designed to be respectful, consent-based, and supportive.

    We also have a Community Care team, led by Ella Simon (see details below). At any point during the retreat, you are encouraged to reach out for support. If it would feel helpful, Ella is available before the retreat for a call to create a personalized comfort plan with you.

  • There is a balance of structured sessions and unstructured time. Each day typically includes one or two main group session, with the rest of the time available for rest, reflection, or connection.

  • Typically the group ranges from 15-25 depending on the venue and level of attendance.

  • Yes. We do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. If your needs are highly specific, we may reach out ahead of time to coordinate with you.

  • The cost of retreat ranges from $450-800 depending on the accomidations that you choose.

  • We have utilized all our scholarship funds for the year. If you are in need of financial assistance, please reach out to Leila at leilastronggatherings@gmail.com to be added to a scholarship waitlist for this gathering.

    If any late donations are made, we will reach out to those on the waitlist.

Community Care

We understand that retreats like this can bring up strong emotions. Our intention is to support you in feeling as grounded and cared for as possible while exploring new and sometimes challenging experiences.

Our Community Care team includes the facilitator, Leila Strong, along with three community leaders—Rayla Freeman, Ella Simon, and Sonia Hassan—who bring a wide range of experience in this work.

Throughout the weekend, this team is available to answer questions, offer companionship, and serve as a steady point of support if you begin to feel overwhelmed. You are always welcome to reach out at any time.

If it would feel supportive, Ella is also available before the retreat for a call to help you create a personalized comfort plan.

Leila is available after the retreat as well, offering continued support and space for integration or debriefing if needed.

Meet our Team

Leila Strong | Facilitator

Leila is devoted to tending and supporting women through meaningful, community-centered spaces. Since 2021, she has been leading monthly Women’s Circles, a foundation that grew into hosting retreats beginning in 2024. She has since facilitated five sold-out weekend retreats, along with day-long gatherings, rites of passage rituals, facilitation trainings, and online workshops.

Leila continues to expand her offerings through training in community song holding and spiritual companionship, deepening her commitment to guiding others in connection, expression, and transformation.

Rayla Freeman

Kitchen Lead, Community Care Support, Facilitation Support

Ella Simon

Community Care Lead, Kitchen Support, Facilitation Support

Sonia Hassan

Community Care Support, Facilitation Support

This retreat is not about becoming someone new, but about returning to yourself—with more awareness, compassion, and connection.

There is space here for your full experience: the parts that feel open and the parts that feel uncertain. You are welcome to come exactly as you are.

If this feels right, we would love to have you join us.

Register Here

Space is limited to keep the retreat intimate.