our 2024 Retreats
Weekend Retreats in Fairfield, IDAHO
Spend a weekend being totally cared for while surrounded by the Idaho prairie near Fairfield, Idaho. During this weekend retreat, you will have an opportunity to connect with other widows, enjoy some quiet time, receive a massage, practice wellness tools, let your creativity soothe the soul, and discover ways to create new life.
Replenish, rejuvenate and re-ignite your whole self while navigating life after the death of your partner.
Join us for a professionally facilitated, life-changing weekend with our Sunrise Retreats Team.
2024 Retreat options:
Friday through Sunday | May 3-5, 2024
Friday through Sunday | September 20-22, 2024
The retreat begins at 12:00 PM on Friday, and you will depart at noon on Sunday.
What is Included?
- all-inclusive weekend
- meals, beverages, and chocolate (no alcohol served)
- accommodations, double occupancy (with limited single occupancy available*please request)
- hour-long massage
- professionally facilitated workshops
- art supplies and recreation equipment
- connection and meaningful experience
- guided sunrise morning movement and mindfulness
- access to a professional team of support
- a springboard of hope and lots of nature time
- gift bag and so much more
Who is This For and the Why
Our retreats are facilitated experiential education opportunities to enhance the health and well-being of women navigating life after the death of their partner.
You will find connections, deep understanding, guidance, inspiration, and most of all, hope.
When our founder and retreat facilitator, Marni Henderson, dreamed of an experience that would fill her deep desire to connect, grieve, heal, and grow with other widows, Sunrise Retreats was born. Although she spent more than 23 years as a health and wellness educator, she was completely unprepared to navigate the journey and her well-being as a widow. You can read more about the beginning of Sunrise Retreats here.
The death of a partner is a natural part of the human experience, and the challenge of living without the one we'd hoped to spend our future life with is devastating. We believe that spending time in nature, creative expression, movement, bodywork, adventure, good food, practical tools, and self-inquiry offer powerful moments of healing.
Grief is a preciously intimate and sacred journey. It affects the whole being- body, mind, and spirit. Our retreats provide a safe space to connect, support, and inspire. The curriculum is thoughtfully curated with many opportunities to nurture, heal, and grow while navigating the fullness of life. Together, we share our common humanity in honoring the past with tender awareness of the present while also creating a hope-filled future.
*Although our program is professionally designed and facilitated and the team has credentialed health professionals, the retreats are non-therapeutic.
What to expect
Upon arrival, please expect to be warmly welcomed by our team of fellow widowed warriors. There will be time to set up your room, meet the other participants (our retreats are not co-ed), and have some time to relax. After settling in, breathe in the fresh air, slow your mind, visit, or receive a relaxing one-hour massage. Before long, we will gather for ice breakers, introductions, and opening ceremonies!
We do everything we can to help make everyone comfortable and relaxed!
The smell of dinner lingers as the sound of laughter signals the deepening connection between each other and the beginning of a magical weekend. Guided activities lead us to shared understandings where we begin to feel not so alone. Fireside stories welcome the stars as the sun starts to set.
Oh yes, there is CHOCOLATE!
We've heard giggles and snorts, snores and all. In bed by eight or laughing under the stars, it all depends on what you need! It truly is a weekend for you to replenish, rejuvenate and re-ignite. Either way, we retire to our rustic, charming home away from home, surrounded by our circle of new friends.
Please remember what is shared at retreat, stays at retreat!
Greet the sunrise with gently guided movement and mindfulness practices. The laid-back morning gives time to grab a cup of coffee, a massage, a journal, or a stroll before we begin! The family-style breakfast fuels our bodies so we can take part in the adventures of the day. Find yourself in nature, playing with creative expression, learning wellness tools, and plenty of time to relax while the land, trees, birds, and sky tend to your healing.
Dinner calls us back to the family table, followed by guided activities and fireside magic ... and CHOCOLATE!
On Sunday, we'll again greet the sunrise with our guided mindful movement designed to calm, restore and recenter. Grab your tea or coffee as we continue our program, followed by one more brunch meal together.
Finally, the closing ceremonies- well, we need to leave something for your imagination. You can expect to leave the retreat mid-day.
As you drive away, we have been told there is a feeling of hope, connection, and renewed energy.
Join us in discovering your next stepping stone and springboard of hope!
In the words of Past Participants
I love the caring and compassionate team, the friendship developed with the other widows and the location was beautiful and peaceful. I left the retreat with a sense of clarity, feeling accepted, understood and hope filled.....ready for the next chapter of this life.
I am feeling very much healing inside since coming home, my heart feels a bit more open which is something I have been trying to capture. I feel refreshed. I feel cared for. I feel less alone. Understood, heard, full of compassion, uplifted, interested in doing more activities like this. I also felt like I grew so much by listening to my new friends tell their stories. We gave each other a judgment free zone to share our true feelings that we feel we cannot share with others who have not walked in our shoes.
I am feeling very much healing inside since coming home, my heart feels a bit more open which is something I have been trying to capture. I feel refreshed. I feel cared for. I feel less alone. Understood, heard, full of compassion, uplifted, interested in doing more activities like this. I also felt like I grew so much by listening to my new friends tell their stories. We gave each other a judgment free zone to share our true feelings that we feel we cannot share with others who have not walked in our shoes.
2023
I am feeling very much healing inside since coming home, my heart feels a bit more open which is something I have been trying to capture. I feel refreshed. I feel cared for. I feel less alone. Understood, heard, full of compassion, uplifted, interested in doing more activities like this. I also felt like I grew so much by listening to my new friends tell their stories. We gave each other a judgment free zone to share our true feelings that we feel we cannot share with others who have not walked in our shoes.
I am feeling very much healing inside since coming home, my heart feels a bit more open which is something I have been trying to capture. I feel refreshed. I feel cared for. I feel less alone. Understood, heard, full of compassion, uplifted, interested in doing more activities like this. I also felt like I grew so much by listening to my new friends tell their stories. We gave each other a judgment free zone to share our true feelings that we feel we cannot share with others who have not walked in our shoes.
I am feeling very much healing inside since coming home, my heart feels a bit more open which is something I have been trying to capture. I feel refreshed. I feel cared for. I feel less alone. Understood, heard, full of compassion, uplifted, interested in doing more activities like this. I also felt like I grew so much by listening to my new friends tell their stories. We gave each other a judgment free zone to share our true feelings that we feel we cannot share with others who have not walked in our shoes.
2022
I would encourage others to attend, for sisterhood and so they know they are not alone on this journey. Also so they can discover that their feelings are valid and they are allowed to feel what they need to feel whenever they feel them. This is a safe space to be with others that completely understand this.
I am feeling very much healing inside since coming home, my heart feels a bit more open which is something I have been trying to capture. I feel refreshed. I feel cared for. I feel less alone. Understood, heard, full of compassion, uplifted, interested in doing more activities like this. I also felt like I grew so much by listening to my new friends tell their stories. We gave each other a judgment free zone to share our true feelings that we feel we cannot share with others who have not walked in our shoes.
I would encourage others to attend, for sisterhood and so they know they are not alone on this journey. Also so they can discover that their feelings are valid and they are allowed to feel what they need to feel whenever they feel them. This is a safe space to be with others that completely understand this.
2022
Although I was a bit nervous and scared, I pushed myself to step out of my comfort zone. I left the retreat feeling seen, validated, rejuvenated, calm, peaceful, and stronger. I loved being pampered!
I love being in nature, which is my favorite place to heal. The facilitators were attentive, sensitive, good listeners, and asked insightful questions. I could speak my truth, feel supported and surrounded by amazing people.
I would encourage others to attend, for sisterhood and so they know they are not alone on this journey. Also so they can discover that their feelings are valid and they are allowed to feel what they need to feel whenever they feel them. This is a safe space to be with others that completely understand this.
2019
YES! This is a chance of a lifetime, and it will change your life. I was surrounded by others who understood my journey and treated me with respect, compassion, and love. I feel ready to take another step.
I love being in nature, which is my favorite place to heal. The facilitators were attentive, sensitive, good listeners, and asked insightful questions. I could speak my truth, feel supported and surrounded by amazing people.
I love being in nature, which is my favorite place to heal. The facilitators were attentive, sensitive, good listeners, and asked insightful questions. I could speak my truth, feel supported and surrounded by amazing people.
September 2019
I love being in nature, which is my favorite place to heal. The facilitators were attentive, sensitive, good listeners, and asked insightful questions. I could speak my truth, feel supported and surrounded by amazing people.
I love being in nature, which is my favorite place to heal. The facilitators were attentive, sensitive, good listeners, and asked insightful questions. I could speak my truth, feel supported and surrounded by amazing people.
I love being in nature, which is my favorite place to heal. The facilitators were attentive, sensitive, good listeners, and asked insightful questions. I could speak my truth, feel supported and surrounded by amazing people.
2019
I learned so much, despite my own resistance, and everyone was so incredibly supportive. The weekend was nourishing, relaxing, and fear-busting. I drove away feeling stronger, hopeful, and renewed.
I learned so much, despite my own resistance, and everyone was so incredibly supportive. The weekend was nourishing, relaxing, and fear-busting. I drove away feeling stronger, hopeful, and renewed.
I learned so much, despite my own resistance, and everyone was so incredibly supportive. The weekend was nourishing, relaxing, and fear-busting. I drove away feeling stronger, hopeful, and renewed.
2018
I learned a lot about myself with the art and discussions. Hearing others' stories helped me to see there is no right or wrong way to figure this all out. I know I will make it!
I learned so much, despite my own resistance, and everyone was so incredibly supportive. The weekend was nourishing, relaxing, and fear-busting. I drove away feeling stronger, hopeful, and renewed.
I learned so much, despite my own resistance, and everyone was so incredibly supportive. The weekend was nourishing, relaxing, and fear-busting. I drove away feeling stronger, hopeful, and renewed.
2017
I totally enjoyed this retreat. I leave feeling empowered and would wholeheartedly recommend this retreat. I only wish I would have known about it sooner in my journey.
I learned so much, despite my own resistance, and everyone was so incredibly supportive. The weekend was nourishing, relaxing, and fear-busting. I drove away feeling stronger, hopeful, and renewed.
I totally enjoyed this retreat. I leave feeling empowered and would wholeheartedly recommend this retreat. I only wish I would have known about it sooner in my journey.
2017
location
Hidden Paradise Camp in Fairfield, Idaho
Hidden Paradise Camp is located in Fairfield, Idaho, part of Camas County, just south of the Soldier Mountains in the Sawtooth National Forest. With breathtaking views of the Camas Prairie and the peak of Smoky Dome, this hidden gem is the perfect getaway to find respite and healing relief in our Idaho outdoors.
Much of the year, this beautiful property is home to many other Idaho nonprofits seeking healing experiences. As the camp continues to remodel and build new facilities, we are delighted to host our retreats in this quiet, expansive, and nature-inspired place. "Rustically gorgeous" welcomes you with many moments to relax, explore, slow down, and transform.
Located between the Treasure Valley, Magic Valley, and Wood River Valley, Hidden Paradise is uniquely situated to serve conveniently and safely, many while still feeling like a secluded, restful retreat.
