The retreat is intentionally designed to blend connection, embodiment, and nervous system support.

Our days are shaped by a mix of:

• Authentic Relating & Embodied Relating

• Contact Improv, Authentic Movement, Ecstatic Dance, and other movement practices

• Song Circles and Vocal Activation

• Breathwork, meditation, and group rituals

If we had to break it down, the retreat is roughly:

• ⅓ Relational and connective practices

• ⅓ Movement and embodiment

• ⅓ Expressive (vocal activation) and integrative (soundbath, comedy night, etc.)

This is truly a full-body, full-heart journey—and the magic happens in how it all weaves together.

A Rhythm Designed for Depth, Play, and Integration

Each day is carefully designed to balance deep relational work, embodied movement, expressive practice, and rest.

You’ll move between immersive sessions, nourishing meals, open time in nature, and soulful or playful evenings—all held in a steady, spacious rhythm to support your unfolding experience.

EXAMPLE SCHEDULE
Exact timing subject to change each year:

Arrival Day
2:30 - 4:00: Arrivals + Settling Time
4:00 - 6:30: Opening Session
6:30 - 8:00: Dinner
8:00 - 9:30 Evening Activity

Day 2-5
8:00 - 9:00: Vocal Activation
9:00 - 10:15: Breakfast
10:15 - 1:00: Morning Session
1:00 - 3:30: Lunch & Daily Break
3:30 - 6:30: Afternoon Session
6:30 - 8:00: Dinner
8:00 - 9:30 Evening Activity

Departure Day
8:00 - 9:00: Vocal Activation
9:00 - 10:15: Breakfast
10:15 - 1:00: Closing Session
1:00 - 3:00: Final Lunch + Departures

Soma & Soul is for seekers, feelers, and curious humans who want to live—and relate—more fully.

It’s especially resonant for folks who:

• Are drawn to embodiment, presence, and aliveness

• Crave depth in community, not just connection

• Are LGBTQ+, BIPOC, neurodivergent, or otherwise tired of contorting to belong

• Want to feel at home in their body, voice, and truth

You do not need experience with movement or Authentic Relating to attend—just a willingness to be real.

Great question—we’ve got you.

Because our application process includes key questions about movement experience, we’ll have a clear sense of the group’s range before the retreat begins.

Our Movement Facilitator will design sessions with this in mind—meeting you exactly where you are and creating an experience that supports both newcomers and seasoned movers alike. Expect a mix of foundational guidance, advanced invitations, and spaciousness for exploration—no matter your level.

Absolutely.

We’ve had seasoned practitioners and total newcomers alike say this retreat was the most profound Authentic Relating experience they’ve ever had.

As one participant shared:
“This Retreat was a life-changing experience for me. I had been to other Authentic Relating events before, but this one was by far the most profound, healing, and meaningful—thanks to the people who were there, the skillful facilitation, the pairing with Contact Improv, and the time spent in nature.”

During the application process, we ask about your AR experience level. This helps us design a shared language and thoughtful arc that meets the group where they are.

Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned relater, we promise:
You’ve never experienced Authentic Relating quite like this.

Offered every morning before breakfast, these sessions are an invitation to connect with the essence of your voice in a playful, welcoming, and liberating space.

Led by experienced facilitators, we’ll explore a range of vocal practices—from warmups and harmonies to improvisational group singing, vocal play, and Circle Songs.

You’ll be guided to let go of inhibition, tap into your authentic sound, and experience the power of singing in community. Whether it’s through creative sounding, layered rhythms, or co-creation, these sessions help unlock the voice as a channel of self-expression and collective connection.

[scroll up on this page to see the venue/location for specifics]

Nature isn’t just the backdrop—it’s an active part of the retreat.

We choose venues intentionally immersed in the natural world because we see nature as a powerful ally in grounding, integration, and transformation.

Here’s how you’ll connect with the land:

• Daily free time to rest, wander, or soak in the surrounding environment

• Access to trails or natural spaces for solo or shared exploration

• Facilitated moments of nature connection and grounding woven throughout the week

• Movement sessions held in both indoor and open-air spaces, often with expansive views or direct connection to the elements

Whether it’s lying on the earth, dancing beneath the sky, or walking in quiet reflection—nature will meet you exactly where you are.

Yes! All meals are vegetarian and prepared by our private on-site chef.

You’ll be asked about dietary restrictions in your application, and we’ll do our best to accommodate them. That said, we encourage you to bring any specific additions or supplements you need to feel fully supported.

Yes!
We help organize carpools to support wherever our attendees are coming from.

Once your application is accepted and your deposit is paid, we’ll send out details to help you self-organize rides with other attendees. The Soma & Soul team will support the process to make coordinating smooth and accessible.

Yes. While the schedule is full and immersive, integration and rest are essential parts of the design.

There are spacious breaks each day to nap, journal, socialize, enjoy the spa and grounds, or simply be.

And remember: everything is optional. You’re encouraged to honor your own rhythm.

Yes. We offer a limited number of financial assistance spots to make the retreat more accessible.

You’ll see a section in the application where you can request support and share a bit about your financial context. We review each request with care and allocate support based on need, equity, and the sustainability of the retreat—with particular attention to uplifting BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other systemically marginalized applicants.

If you’re in a position to contribute to the Financial Assistance Fund, you’ll have the option to do so when submitting your deposit. Your generosity helps make this experience more accessible for others.

We understand that life happens—and we do our best to balance flexibility with care for the container.

• Cancellations made more than 3 months before the retreat are refundable, minus a $250 admin fee.

• Cancellations made 1-3 months before the retreat will be reimbursed at 50% of the total ticket price.

• Cancellations made within 1 month of the retreat are nonrefundable, but your spot can be transferred.

If you find someone to take your place at least 2 weeks before the retreat—and they’re accepted by the Soma & Soul team—you’ll receive a full refund once their payment is received.

This policy helps us protect the integrity of the container and honor the energy it takes to plan something this special. Thank you for understanding and supporting the process.