In the words of Past Participants
I feel …lighter, empowered and leaning into joy. And I’m not exaggerating. I finally felt heard and acknowledged. I came home, put on my big girl pants, and set to work on chores and tasks that I’d been absolutely dreading. One by one, I checked them off my to-do list. I’m heading into winter feeling prepared. Yay!
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 feel …lighter, empowered and leaning into joy. And I’m not exaggerating. I finally felt heard and acknowledged. I came home, put on my big girl pants, and set to work on chores and tasks that I’d been absolutely dreading. One by one, I checked them off my to-do list. I’m heading into winter feeling prepared. Yay!
2024
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 feel …lighter, empowered and leaning into joy. And I’m not exaggerating. I finally felt heard and acknowledged. I came home, put on my big girl pants, and set to work on chores and tasks that I’d been absolutely dreading. One by one, I checked them off my to-do list. I’m heading into winter feeling prepared. Yay!
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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!
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 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 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!
2017
What to expect
Starting at least four weeks before the retreat, you will meet weekly via Zoom for 1.5 hours as part of your "Widow Wellness" Discover Life Again™ education course. During this time, you'll have the opportunity to connect with the other participants while learning about various tools and resources to enhance your well-being during your grief journey.
This is a lovely way to begin our journey together; by the time we meet in person, we will have already established a safe and welcoming foundation with each other.
Upon arrival, you can 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 (note that our retreats are not co-ed), and relax. After settling in, take a moment to breathe in the fresh air, calm your mind, visit with others, or enjoy a relaxing one-hour massage. Soon, we will gather for icebreakers, introductions, and opening ceremonies!
We do everything possible to ensure everyone feels comfortable and relaxed.
As the smell of dinner wafts through the air, laughter signals the deepening connections among us and the start of a magical weekend. Guided activities will lead us to shared understandings, helping us to feel less alone. Fireside stories will welcome the stars as the sun begins to set.
And yes, there will be CHOCOLATE!
We’ve heard giggles, snores, and everything in between. Whether you retire to bed by eight or laugh under the stars is entirely up to you! This weekend is designed for you to replenish, rejuvenate, and re-ignite. Regardless of your choice, we will return to our rustic, charming home away from home, surrounded by our circle of new friends.
Please remember: what is shared at the retreat stays at the retreat!
We will greet the sunrise with gently guided movement and mindfulness practices. The laid-back mornings give you time to enjoy a cup of coffee, receive a massage, journal, or take a stroll before we begin our activities. A family-style breakfast will fuel our bodies for the adventures of the day. You’ll immerse yourself in nature, engage in creative expression, learn wellness tools, and have plenty of time to relax while the land, trees, birds, and sky aid in your healing.
Dinner will bring us back to the family table, followed by more guided activities, fireside magic, and, of course, chocolate!
On Sunday, we will again greet the sunrise with guided mindful movement designed to calm, restore, and recenter. Grab your tea or coffee as we continue our program, followed by one final brunch meal together.
Finally, during the closing ceremonies—well, we’ll leave some elements to your imagination. You can expect to leave the retreat by midday.
As you drive away, many have shared a feeling of hope, connection, and renewed energy.
After the retreat, we will continue meeting via Zoom for four more weeks to help you integrate everything you experienced during the retreat into your daily life at home. Your circle of support continues.
Join us in discovering your next stepping stone and springboard of hope!
widow retreat at Fairfield Idaho Hidden Paradise
More Details
Weekend Retreat
Discover Life Again ™
Discover Life Again ™
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.
Repleni
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.
2025 Retreat options:
Friday through Sunday
May 2-4, 2025
September 19-21, 2025
The retreat begins at 12:00 PM on Friday, and you will leave at 12:00PM on Sunday.
Discover Life Again ™
Discover Life Again ™
Discover Life Again ™
This is the next step beyond grief support groups and counseling. In this class you will find education and tools for navigating life after the death of your partner. Our 8-week course is an interactive comprehensive approach that includes weekly sessions on health and grief education. Each week, you’ll explore different aspects of your
This is the next step beyond grief support groups and counseling. In this class you will find education and tools for navigating life after the death of your partner. Our 8-week course is an interactive comprehensive approach that includes weekly sessions on health and grief education. Each week, you’ll explore different aspects of your personal grief journey with topics including:
- Honoring Grief: Understand the science of grief and how it affects our whole way of being. Discover different ways to acknowledge and work with the lifelong grief experience.
- Emotional Resilience: Techniques to build emotional strength and cope with grief.
- Physical Well-being: Gentle exercise routines, nutrition advice, and self-care practices.
- Mental Health: Strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Stress management techniques designed to calm, heal and restore your nervous system.
- Social Connection: Building a support network and maintaining healthy relationships.
Our Online Community
Discover Life Again ™
Our Online Community
Join our vibrant online community, where you’ll find continuous support, resources, and connections before, during and long after the retreat and class. Our platform offers:
- Discussion Forums: Share your experiences, ask questions, and find comfort in knowing you’re not alone.
- Monthly Webinars: Engage in interactive sessions covering topic
Join our vibrant online community, where you’ll find continuous support, resources, and connections before, during and long after the retreat and class. Our platform offers:
- Discussion Forums: Share your experiences, ask questions, and find comfort in knowing you’re not alone.
- Monthly Webinars: Engage in interactive sessions covering topics related to grief, wellness, and personal growth.
- Resource Library: Access a curated collection of articles, videos, and tools to help you on your journey.
More Details
Who is This For and Why
Our program offers experiential education opportunities aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of widowed women navigating life after the death of their partner.
Here, you will find connections, deep understanding, resources, education, inspiration, and, most importantly, hope.
Sunrise Retreats was founded in 2017 by Marni Henderson, who envisioned an experience to fulfill her deep desire to connect, grieve, heal, and grow alongside other widows. Despite having more than 23 years of experience as a health and wellness educator, she felt unprepared to navigate her own well-being as a widow. You can read more about the beginnings of Sunrise Retreats on our website.
The death of a partner is a natural part of the human experience, and the challenge of living without the person with whom we hoped to share our future is profoundly devastating. We believe that spending time in nature, engaging in creative expression, participating in movement and bodywork, embracing adventure, enjoying good food, utilizing practical tools, and engaging in self-inquiry can offer powerful moments of healing.
Grief is a deeply intimate and sacred journey that affects the whole being—body, mind, and spirit. Our retreats provide a safe space for connection, support, and inspiration. The curriculum is carefully designed to offer numerous opportunities for nurturing, healing, and growth as participants navigate the complexities of life. Together, we honor our shared humanity, acknowledging the past with tenderness while being aware of the present and striving to create a hopeful future.
*While our program is professionally designed and facilitated by credentialed health professionals, the retreats are non-therapeutic.
COST
Our Sunrise Retreats Program is an investment of $1,249.00 that includes the weekend retreat, 8-week class and online community. With our fundraising efforts and commitment to supporting life after loss, we do have payment options and a personal fundraising tool. For more information, please see the registration page.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
- An eight-week online class that begins four weeks before and continues four weeks after the retreat. Discover Life Again ™ offers specific information about the grief journey and tending to personal health and well-being. It is filled with connections, education, coaching, and more, facilitated by Marni Henderson, B.S., WHE, a credentialed Health Educator who was widowed in 2013.
- Access to our Sunrise Retreats online community, including professionally-led educational sessions.
- Join us for an all-inclusive weekend getaway that includes:
- Lodging at Hidden Paradise Camp in Fairfield, ID
- All meals and beverages (please note that no alcohol will be served)
- Accommodations in double occupancy rooms (limited single occupancy available upon request)
- An hour-long massage
- Professionally facilitated workshops
- Art supplies and recreational equipment
- Opportunities for connection and meaningful experiences
- Guided morning movement and mindfulness sessions at sunrise
- Access to a professional support team
- A springboard of hope and plenty of time spent in nature
- A gift bag and much more!
Retreat 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.
widow retreat in Fairfield, ID at Hidden Paradise Camp Idaho
