The Alma Sanctuary

The Art of Living | A 4-Day Women’s Retreat in the North Georgia Mountains

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A Guide to Our Suite Collection Waitlist Retreat Deposit

The Art of Living

A four-day women’s retreat in the North Georgia mountains

April 16–19, 2027 | Ellijay, Georgia

Movement. Somatics. Nature. Creativity. Nourishment. Rest. Connection.

Our spring dates are confirmed.

Join the waitlist for first access as we put the finishing touches on The Art of Living.

📍Ellijay, Georgia (North Georgia mountains)
🗓️ April 16-19, 2027 | 4 days / 3 nights
🌿 Gentle nervous-system reset: presence, restoration, and joy
🧘 Daily practices: mindful movement, yoga, and meditation (beginner-friendly)
🍽️ All meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
🎙️ Workshops + reflective conversation in an intimate small group and 1 on 1
🔥 Evenings together: fireside gatherings, circles, and connection
⏳ Limited availability: rooms are first-confirmed—reserve with a deposit

What if the life you want to experience more fully is already happening?

We spend so much of our lives looking ahead.

When things calm down.
When we have more time.
When we reach the goal.
When we take the trip.
When we finally feel like the version of ourselves we thought we'd be by now.

The Art of Living is an invitation to explore something different.

What if living more fully has less to do with creating an entirely different life—and more to do with becoming more present, embodied and awake to the one you're already living?

For four days in the North Georgia mountains, we’ll step outside our usual rhythms and practice exactly that.

Not to escape our lives.

To return to them differently.

THE EXPERIENCE

The Art of Living brings together the work of The Alma Sanctuary and Wild Woman for four days of conscious living, embodied practice, nature, creativity, nourishment and connection.

This isn't a retreat built around a packed itinerary.

There will be practices and workshops, but also mornings that aren't rushed, conversations that don't need to end, time alone in the woods, meals shared around a table, creativity for no other reason than creating, and space where absolutely nothing is required of you.

Together, we'll explore what it means to experience more life out of the life we already have.

You don't need retreat experience.

You don't need a yoga practice.

You don't need to know anything about somatics, meditation or conscious living.

And you don't need to arrive ready to become someone new.

Come as you are.

WHAT WE'LL EXPLORE

Movement + Ritual

Our mornings will begin with Liz and simple practices designed to bring us back into our bodies and into the day.

Yoga, movement, breath, meditation and ritual become opportunities to practice presence—not another thing to perfect.

Brave + Blunt Somatics with Becca

Becca will guide us through her signature somatic work exploring dexterity, capacity and focus in the body.

Through movement, play and embodied exploration, we'll practice expanding our capacity to be with the full experience of being human—not just the peaceful parts.

Her work invites us to develop greater internal safety, become more available for what we want, and experience more possibility, pleasure and aliveness without making our current selves or lives a problem first.

Personalized 1:1 Integration

Each guest will have dedicated one-on-one time with Becca.

These sessions create space to explore how the practices of dexterity, capacity and focus can translate into your actual life—your relationships, ambitions, routines, challenges and desires.

Because the retreat isn't the destination.

It's the practice ground for the life you're going back to.

The Forest Practice

One of the gifts of our retreat property is that we don't have to leave to find nature.

You'll be invited into a solo walking meditation through the property's private forest paths, moving entirely at your own pace and in your own time.

Along the way, thoughtfully placed prompts will invite you into practices of embodiment, nervous-system regulation, somatic awareness and forest bathing.

You might pause beneath a tree.

Notice your senses.

Change the way you move.

Take a few intentional breaths.

Listen.

Or simply stand still long enough to notice what your body is telling you.

There is no performance and no right way to do it.

Just you, the forest and an opportunity to practice being fully present.

Yoga + Sound

We'll gather for an extended yoga and sound experience with Liz—movement giving way to stillness and an immersive sound bath.

Nothing to accomplish.

Nothing to get right.

Simply an opportunity to experience your body, your breath and the moment you're in.

Creativity + Play

Conscious living isn't only about introspection.

It's also about curiosity. Creativity. Pleasure. Beauty. Doing something simply because it feels good to make something with your hands.

Creative practices will be woven throughout our days as another way of experiencing ourselves—and the world around us—a little differently.

Fire + Conversation

We'll gather around the fire for the kind of conversations that happen when nobody is rushing off to the next thing.

Reflection. Storytelling. Laughter. Honesty.

Space to talk about what we're noticing, what we're questioning and what we might want to carry home.

Closing Water Ritual

On our final morning, we'll return to the intentions and practices we began with.

Through a simple closing water ritual, we'll create an everyday anchor for what we've experienced together—something that doesn't require a retreat, a special room or another free weekend to access again.

Every time you drink.

Wash your hands.

Step into water.

An invitation to remember:

Come back to your life.

THE RHYTHM

We aren't giving you a minute-by-minute itinerary.

That's intentional.

Our days will move through a gentle rhythm of:

Movement + ritual
Somatic exploration
Nature + solitude
Creativity + play
Beautiful nourishment
Sound + stillness
Conversation + connection
Reflection + integration
Unstructured time

There will be places to go and things to experience.

There will also be space to take your coffee outside, wander into the woods, take a nap, read, talk with someone you just met, or simply sit somewhere beautiful.

Rest isn't the space between the retreat experiences.

It's part of the experience.

THE SETTING

Ellijay, Georgia

Our home for the weekend is tucked into the North Georgia mountains, surrounded by forest and its own walking paths.

Close enough to reach without turning wellness into an expedition.

Far enough away to feel like you've stepped outside everyday life for a while.

The property gives us space to gather and space to disappear.

Long meals around the table.

Quiet mornings.

Forest walks.

Firelight.

Room to move.

Room to rest.

Room to pay attention.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Your Art of Living experience will include four days and three nights in our North Georgia retreat home; all meals, snacks and beverages; daily movement and embodied practices; Brave + Blunt somatic work with Becca; personalized 1:1 integration; yoga and sound with Liz; guided rituals and reflection; the solo forest practice; creative experiences; evening gatherings; welcome gifts; and plenty of unstructured time to rest and explore.

Everything is included unless otherwise noted when final spring details are released.

THIS ISN'T ABOUT ESCAPING YOUR LIFE.

A beautiful retreat can give us perspective.

But eventually we go home.

Back to the alarm clock.

The kitchen.

The inbox.

The people we love.

The hard conversations.

The school drop-offs.

The ambitions.

The ordinary Tuesday mornings.

That's where The Art of Living actually matters.

We're not interested in sending you home with another list of wellness practices you're now supposed to maintain perfectly.

We want to explore what happens when presence, embodiment, creativity, connection and conscious living become something you can access in the middle of your actual life.

You can want more without making what you have wrong.

You can grow without rejecting who you are.

You can dream enormously and still pay attention to today.

You can be rooted and still becoming.

The retreat is the practice ground.

Your life is the point.

SPRING IS CALLING.

April 16–19, 2027
Ellijay, Georgia

Our spring dates are officially confirmed, and we're currently putting the final details into place.

Join the waitlist now and you'll be the first to receive:

First access to spring enrollment + accommodations
Early retreat details and announcements
Waitlist-only offers and opportunities
Behind-the-scenes updates as the experience takes shape

There is no commitment required to join.

Just an invitation to stay close.

A Guide to Our Suite Collection

Waitlist guests will receive first access to accommodation selection when spring enrollment opens.

Our retreat accommodations are intentionally designed to offer a blend of privacy, comfort, and community. Whether you prefer a private sanctuary or a shared experience with fellow guests, each option provides a restful space to unwind between retreat sessions.

Rooms are reserved on a first-confirmed basis, and because this retreat is intentionally small, availability is limited.

✧ Private King Suite - $2,495

Our most spacious and private accommodation.

This suite features a luxurious king bed and serene retreat environment, ideal for guests who prefer a quiet sanctuary to fully relax and recharge.

Perfect for those attending solo who value privacy or for guests who simply want a little extra space to retreat at the end of the day.

✧ Shared King Suite - $1,650

A beautiful king suite shared with one other guest.

This option allows you to enjoy the comfort of a spacious king room while sharing the experience with a fellow retreat guest or friend. It's a wonderful choice for those who enjoy connection while still having a comfortable and elevated sleeping environment.

Guests may request a specific roommate or be thoughtfully paired with another participant.

✧ Private Queen Suite - $2,095

A cozy and peaceful private room featuring a comfortable queen bed.

Ideal for solo travelers who prefer their own space while still enjoying the warmth and community of the retreat. This room offers the perfect balance of privacy and comfort.

✧ Shared Queen Room - $1,595

A welcoming shared room with individual beds for two guests.

This option is perfect for solo travelers who are comfortable sharing a room and enjoy the communal spirit of retreat experiences. It also works beautifully for friends attending together.

Each guest enjoys their own bed and personal space within the room.

✧ Bunk Room — Premium (6 Guests) - $1,295

A thoughtfully designed shared retreat room with comfortable single beds.

This elevated communal space offers a cozy, supportive environment for guests who enjoy the social nature of retreats while still having their own individual sleeping space.

Perfect for those who want to connect with other women while keeping the experience affordable.

✧ Bunk Room — Standard (4 Guests) - $1,1950

Our most accessible accommodation option.

This shared room includes individual single beds and offers a relaxed, community-oriented retreat experience.

Guests choosing this option still receive the full retreat experience, programming, meals, and excursions, while enjoying a more budget-friendly room option.

Investment

Your retreat investment includes three nights of accommodations, daily wellness programming, nourishing meals, curated workshops, and all retreat experiences.

Each guest receives:

• 3 nights in our private mountain retreat home
• Daily yoga, movement, and meditation
• Guided workshops and reflective sessions
• Nourishing meals throughout the retreat
• Evening gatherings and fireside connection
• Thoughtfully curated retreat materials and gifts
• Access to the property’s wellness amenities and peaceful natural setting

Travel to and from the retreat is not included.

Because this is an intentionally small and intimate retreat, space is limited and rooms are reserved on a first-confirmed basis.

Retreat Deposit — Reserve Your Spot

To secure your place, guests may reserve their room with a retreat deposit.

The remaining balance will be due prior to the retreat date.

Due to the limited nature of the retreat, deposits may be transferable should your plans change.

Many guests attend Alma retreats solo. If you're unsure which room option is best for you, we're always happy to help you choose.

Meet Your Guides

Liz McLaughlin
Founder, The Alma Sanctuary | Retreat Guide

Liz created The Alma Sanctuary as a place to explore what wellness can look like when it becomes part of everyday life rather than another standard we're expected to meet.

Her work brings together yoga, meditation, breathwork, sound, ritual, nature and conscious living with a grounded approach centered on presence, curiosity and meaningful connection.

Throughout The Art of Living, Liz will guide movement, ritual, yoga, meditation, sound and practices designed to help bring the experience of the retreat back into ordinary life.

Becca Ploener
Founder, Wild Woman | Somatic Guide

Becca helps women reconnect with their bodies, expand their capacity and create more aliveness, ease and possibility in everyday life.

Her work combines movement, somatic practice, play and embodied exploration through what she calls the Siren State—a way of accessing greater connection, focus, capability and availability for the experiences and possibilities we desire.

At The Art of Living, Becca will guide guests through her Brave + Blunt somatic work exploring dexterity, capacity and focus, alongside personalized opportunities for reflection and integration.

Her work asks us to stop treating the body as something to overcome or fix and begin experiencing it as a source of information, wisdom, pleasure and possibility.

The Setting

Our retreat takes place on a secluded 20-acre estate in the North Georgia mountains near Ellijay.

Surrounded by forests, open meadows, and fresh mountain air, the property offers the perfect environment for slowing down and reconnecting with what matters.

The spacious gathering home features vaulted ceilings, warm natural materials, and beautiful spaces designed for both connection and quiet retreat.

Mornings begin with birdsong and mountain mist.
Evenings soften into candlelight, fire circles, and star-filled skies.