Summer Solstice Women’s Retreat : June 19-22, 2025 Whidbey Island, WA
The summer solstice marks a time when the sun is at its peak, providing its strongest burst of light for the year. It represents an opportunity to slow down, connect with the natural world and celebrate the light that surrounds us and that which lies within.
Join Michelle for a 4 day / 3 night retreat during the magical solstice period on the enchanted grounds of Aldermarsh Retreat Center. The schedule is designed to provide balance between activity, stillness, inner exploration and group connection. You will be immersed in the practice of yoga, including active and restorative yoga classes, tension releasing practices and meditative sound healing to soothe your body and mind. To further support your self care, onsite massage appointments with Jennifer Weston, LMT, of Sunbreak Massage can be scheduled during free time. You will be nourished with delicious local organic meals prepared by Ayurvedic chef Aria Peterman, surrounded by 5 wooded acres of sacred land and introduced to new, like minded friends.
Whether you are new to yoga, a seasoned practitioner or someone looking to rekindle your connection with the practice and yourself, all are welcome and encouraged to join.
Weekend activities include:
o Daily Refined Flow Yoga Classes
o Pranayama + Restorative Yoga
o Myofascial Release + Yin Yoga with Jennifer Weston
o Crystal Singing Bowl Sound Healing with Gail Kronberg
o Private Massage Appointments Available During Free Time
o Quiet Afternoons in the Wood Burning Sauna
o Relaxing in the Japanese Soaking Tub
o Nearby Beaches and Hiking Trails to Explore
o Delicious Local, Organic Meals provided by Ayurvedic Chef, Aria Peterman
The Facilitators
Michelle Befus, ERYT-500 and Continuing Education Provider
For over 20 years, Michelle has studied movement, breath and balance; earlier as a professional ballet dancer and as a yoga teacher today. Her accessible, grounded classes integrate anatomical precision, thoughtful vinyasa transitions, breath awareness and intelligent sequencing. Michelle’s articulate, down-to-earth approach educates and inspires, offering techniques that facilitate healthy movement patterns and elevate mind-body awareness.
Michelle offers teacher trainings, retreats, group and private classes and sound baths in Black Mountain North Carolina, online, and at various retreat centers across the United States.
Jennifer Weston, LMT, Sunbreak Yoga + Massage
After battling neck and shoulder tension, headaches, chest tightness, wrist pain, and other tech-neck-related symptoms for nearly a decade in her fast-paced publishing career, Jennifer finally stepped away from her desk and made it her life's mission to support people experiencing the detrimental effects that computer and desk work can have on one's physical and energetic wellbeing. She spent the ensuing years studying functional anatomy and kinesiology, postural alignment and movement practices, mindfulness, breathwork, and other supports for the tangible and spiritual bodies, with particular attention paid to methods aimed at soothing the upper body (head, neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, fingers, upper back and chest), as well as the frazzled nervous system as a whole.
These days, whether working with clients on retreat, at the local bouldering gym, or in her sunlit studio in Seattle's Fremont neighborhood, Jennifer brings to the table a variety of tension-taming offerings, including massage, calming private yoga sessions and self-massage classes utilizing yoga therapy balls. Upon working with Jennifer, clients have reported decreased muscle tension, reduced stress, increased focus, improved range of motion (ROM), a holistic sense of wellbeing, the ability to breathe more fully and deeply, and enhanced performance in all facets of life. Jennifer looks forward to bringing her massage and self-massage offerings to another amazing retreat at Aldermarsh.
Learn more about Jennifer by visiting her website, www.SunbreakMassage.com, or connect with her on Instagram @SunbreakMassage.
Gail Kronberg, Certified Sound Healer and Reiki Master
An intuitive, gentle guide into the sacred self, Gail Kronberg offers transformational music, dance and healing experiences designed to awaken and balance the body, mind and soul. The Founder of Singing Bowl Soundsations, Gail is a Certified Sound Healer, and a Usui Holy Fire® and Shamanic Reiki Master. She is also a Facilitator of Chakradance™ and Radiant Lotus Women's Qigong. Gail resides on Whidbey Island and practices at Bayview Healing Suites in Langley.
Learn more about Gail at www.singingbowlsoundsations.com
Lodging & Tuition
This retreat is limited to 16 people and includes 6 yoga classes, summer solstice sound healing, use of wood burning sauna and Japanese soaking tub, 9 nourishing meals, 4 days / 3 nights lodging + taxes.
Double Occupancy Room or Private Rustic Cabin: $1395
Triple Occupancy Room: $1325
Nonrefundable deposit of $350 will secure your space. Balance due 05/01/2025
Registration
Please contact Michelle Befus at michelle.befus@gmail.com. She will provide instructions and a registration form.
Retreat begins at 4:00pm on Thursday, June 19 and ends at 12:00 noon on Sunday, June 22
Refunds/ Cancellations
Refunds offered minus a $350 administration fee. After 05/01/25 refunds will only be granted if your space can be filled with a new participant. Should Michelle or Aldermarsh Retreat Center cancel the retreat for any reason, a full refund will be offered.
Questions
For any questions or to register, contact Michelle at michelle.befus@gmail.com
