The Golden Pause: A Muskoka Lakeside Autumn Retreat for Women
A women’s retreat with yoga, meditation, forest hiking, and space to rest, reflect, and renew.
DATE
October 23-25, 2026
LOCATION
Muskoka
Gravenhurst, Ontario
LED BY
Catharine Tombs
Yoga, Mindfulness & Breathwork Teacher, Registered Physiotherapist, Wellness Mentor
Overview
As the leaves turn and the air softens, The Golden Pause invites you to step away from the pace of everyday life and into the quiet beauty of autumn in Muskoka.
Set in the heart of Muskoka during peak fall colours, this women’s wellness weekend retreat in Ontario is a space to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with yourself — away from the roles, responsibilities, and constant doing that so often fill your days.
If you’ve been searching for a yoga and meditation retreat in Muskoka or a weekend retreat for women close to home, this intimate experience offers a beautiful blend of rest, nature, and gentle adventure.
Over this nourishing weekend, you’ll be guided through gentle yoga, meditation, breathwork, and reflective journaling, alongside guided forest hiking and time to unwind by the lake. Each day is thoughtfully designed to support your nervous system — balancing mindful movement with spacious time for rest and meaningful connection within a supportive circle of women.
Surrounded by crisp autumn air, quiet forests, and the golden hues of the season, this fall retreat in Muskoka offers a chance to soften, release what you’ve been carrying, and return to yourself with greater clarity, calm, and ease.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, navigating a life transition, or simply craving time away, this Ontario wellness retreat for women is an invitation to rest, reset, and reconnect with what matters most.
What’s included
2 nights in the Muskoka Soul Luxury Cottage
Daily yoga & meditation sessions
Nature walks at Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area
Guided cycling tour with curated winery tastings (bikes are provided)
Curated artisinal chocolate tasting
Dinner at Bocado (Spanish-inspired, family-style)
Sunday brunch at Waupoos Estate Winery
Welcome & closing circle
Community connection with like-hearted women
All bookings processed through a TICO-certified travel agent as required by law
Limited to 8-10 people.
RETREAT VENUE
Muskoka Soul Luxury Lakeside Cottage
Nestled among the trees in a quiet bay on Lake Muskoka, Muskoka Soul is a private lakeside sanctuary where luxury meets the raw beauty of nature. Just minutes from the charming town of Gravenhurst, this stunning post-and-beam lake house offers an intimate and peaceful setting designed for deep rest, connection, and renewal.
Surrounded by crystal-clear water, forested trails, and abundant wildlife, the space invites you to slow down and soften into the rhythm of the season. In autumn, Muskoka comes alive with vibrant hues of gold, amber, and crimson—an invitation to reflect, release, and turn gently inward. Whether you’re watching the morning mist rise off the lake, walking beneath falling leaves, or breathing in the crisp, fresh air, every moment here feels grounding and restorative.
Inside, you’ll be held in comfort with thoughtfully curated details—plush hotel-quality beds, soft linens, and warm, welcoming design. Our yoga and meditation practices will take place in the beautiful Great Room, where golden autumn light filters through the windows and the stillness of the surrounding forest and water gently holds the space. With soaring ceilings and exceptional acoustics, it becomes a sanctuary for movement, breath, and quiet reflection.
Muskoka Soul is more than a place to stay—it’s an experience. With complete privacy for our group, access to nature-based activities like forest bathing and lakeside moments, and a deep commitment to sustainability, this retreat space allows you to fully unplug, reconnect, and come home to yourself.
A place where the pace slows, the layers begin to fall away, and you are gently invited to return to what matters most.
“A place where you can exhale, soften your edges, and gently return to yourself.”
Itinerary
Friday
7:15 AM – Optional nature walk
8:30 AM – Morning yoga & breathwork
10:00 AM – Continental breakfast
Afternoon – Guided bike tour & wine tastings
6:30 PM – Gentle yoga & Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep) practice.
Saturday
7:15 AM – Optional nature walk
8:30 AM – Morning yoga & breathwork
10:00 AM – Continental breakfast
2:00 PM – Gourmet Chocolate Tasting
6:30 PM – Gentle yoga & Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep) practice.
5:00 PM – Group Dinner at Bocado Restaurant in Picton
Sunday
7:15 AM – Optional Morning Nature Walk
8:30 AM – Sunrise movement & meditation
12:00 PM – Brunch at Waupoos Estate & closing
Your wellness package options
To reserve your spot:
Solo Getaway
Enjoy the quiet luxury of a bedroom to yourself with a King bed - a quiet space to rest, reflect and reconnect.
Ideal for those who feel nourished with more solitude or are craving more stillness and spaciousness to recharge.
2 Solo Rooms Available
$1,495 CAD per person
inclusive of all fees, taxes and tips
Shared Getaway
Register with a friend, or come solo and be thoughtfully paired with another woman. You will share a room and have your own XL Twin bed , creating space for connection, laughter and new friendships.
Ideal option for those who feel energized by shared experiences and conversation.
3 Shared Rooms Available
$1,095 CAD per person
inclusive of all fees, taxes and tips
Submit your $400 deposit
Final balance is due September 1, 2025
Bookings are processed through Origin Travels Inc. – a licensed Ontario travel agent (TICO #50023504).
You will receive an email from Sandra Ulewicz, my travel-agent partner at Origin Travels Inc, with confirmation of your $400 deposit.
Full retreat details package will be emailed by September 15.
The spirit behind our retreat
At Wellness in Bloom, I’m deeply committed to supporting and uplifting other women-owned and operated businesses.
From our cycling tour company and select wineries to the beautiful June Motel and the travel agent I’ve partnered with, I believe in the creativity, expertise, and heart of women entrepreneurs.
When you join a retreat, you’re not just nourishing your soul—you’re also helping to sustain and celebrate the work of these incredible women. Together, we’re creating ripples of empowerment, collaboration, and shared success.
Cancellation policy
Life happens, and plans can change. To honour both your investment and the commitments made to my retreat partners, the following policies apply:
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The $400 deposit is non-refundable under any circumstance, unless the retreat is cancelled by the organizer.
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If you cancel on or before September 8, 2025, you will receive a full refund of any amount paid minus the deposit.
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If you cancel after September 8, 2025, no refund is available. If we are able to fill your spot, we are happy to refund your payment (minus the deposit). You are welcome to transfer your spot to another woman if you're unable to attend. We’ll support that transition as best we can.
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If the retreat is cancelled by us due to unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund, including your deposit.
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All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to cathtombs@wellnessinbloom.ca
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We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance, including cancellation coverage, to protect your investment in the event of personal emergencies, illness, or other unexpected disruptions.
Frequently asked questions
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Absolutely! I commend you for your courage in be willing to try something new and listening to the nudge that is calling you to register.
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Yes! If you are feeling called to attend you may find that in being able to solely focus on Self you may experience even greater benefits of a weekend away. You are sure to make some lovely new connections!
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Yes, please bring comfy clothes, so you can dress in layers depending on the weather. Pack some comfortable and supportive shoes for walking and biking, a water resistant jacket for biking, a few dressier outfits for our evening out and brunch. Please also pack your journal, and a small pillow and light blanket for the yoga practices. Yoga mats and props will be provided.
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That won’t be a problem, please just be sure to let me know what you need. The venues chosen have chefs who are very accommodating.
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Please let me know what injury you are experiencing, as a physiotherapist I am well equipped to offer you modifications or alternative rest poses. The yoga practice is gentle and completely optional.
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The retreat participant numbers will be a maximum of 12 people to create a more intimate experience.
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That is completely natural and understandable to feel nervous and at the same time curious to try something new. Sometimes the hesitation is being together with a group of women you don’t know well. I can assure you, my retreats attract lovely open-hearted and welcoming women just like you.
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Attending this wellness retreat offers a unique opportunity to reset and nourish yourself through active adventures and culinary delights. You’ll reconnect with your body and spirit by cycling scenic country roads, savoring fresh, local foods, and sampling local wines. Amidst the gentle rhythm of movement and mindful eating, you’ll rediscover the joy of living fully in the moment—returning home feeling energized, inspired, and deeply satisfied.
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In Prince Edward County, Ontario, typical daily high temperatures in mid-October range from 19°C (66°F) to 8°C (46°F)
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You could fly into Toronto or Ottawa International and drive to the County. Please let me know if you’d like assistance with travel arrangements and my travel consultant will assist.
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Absolutely! I am happy to connect you with other attendees to suggest ride-sharing for those coming from the same area.
“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”
Eleanor Roosevelt