THE COURAGEOUSLY PLAYFUL WOMAN RETREAT:
A Transformational Retreat in Puglia, Italy for High-Achieving Women Ready to Trade Burnout for Joy, Perfectionism for Play, and Self-Criticism for Self-Compassion.
September 12-17, 2027
Is your life all about achieving, but not so much about feeling?
You’re successful, driven, and constantly pushing yourself to do more. On the surface, you have it all together. But underneath, something feels off.
The joy that used to come from success isn’t there anymore, and no matter how much you accomplish, it never seems to be enough.
Maybe you…
Feel exhausted from constantly striving for perfection
Are burnt out, but unsure how to slow down
Struggle to let go of control and just be present in the moment
Have tried meditation apps, weekend getaways—even “self-care Sundays”—only to feel like they don’t truly make a difference
You’ve tried everything to feel better, but nothing seems to stick.
So you tell yourself that things will get better after the next promotion, after you hit that next goal, or after you’ve proven yourself to the world—again.
But the truth is, the constant hustle and pressure to be perfect has only disconnected you from yourself.
The inner child in you—the part that knows how to play, how to rest, and how to simply enjoy life—has been silenced for too long.
The Courageously Playful Retreat can help.
Our wellness retreat in Italy is an ideal setting with expert support to guide you towards joy and meaningful change.
This isn’t just another wellness retreat or a temporary break from your busy life. It’s a chance to truly reconnect with the part of you that you’ve neglected: your joy, your creativity, your playfulness, and your ability to live in the moment without needing to achieve something to feel worthy.
Through a unique combination of beginner friendly somatic healing practices, creative exploration, playful activities, and inner child work, this retreat is designed to help you:
Let go of perfectionism and reclaim your right to rest and play.
Heal the wounds of your inner child, allowing you to feel lighter and more at peace.
Reconnect with your body and emotions in a nurturing, supportive environment.
Create lasting shifts in the way you approach life, work, and relationships.
We move gently here. Nothing is forced. Everything is offered as an invitation.
It’s time to stop just surviving and start playing again.
Hi, I’m Dez.
For over a decade I have helped hundreds of high-achieving women, supporting them through the process of healing trauma and breaking free from perfectionism and burnout, using somatic practices like yoga, breathwork, mindfulness, expressive arts, and guided imagery.
I have been running retreats for years, supported by a dedicated staff to make sure you get the attention you deserve.
Together, we’ll create a nurturing space where you can explore your past, let go of problematic over-functioning behaviors, and find new ways to embrace play and joy.
For high-achieving women struggling with perfectionism and the pressures of overwork, being courageously playful is a radical act of self-liberation.
In this wellness retreat in Italy, we'll be doing exactly that: stepping outside of rigid expectations, challenging deeply held beliefs about worth, and returning to a state of joy and freedom.
Why playfulness matters:
Embracing vulnerability: It takes courage to let go of control and allow yourself to be seen—flaws and all. Through play, you'll reconnect with your authentic self and foster deep healing.
Challenging internalized beliefs: Play helps you let go of the belief that your worth is tied to your productivity. We’ll work to dismantle the harmful narratives that say you are only lovable when you achieve.
Reclaiming agency: Playfulness gives you the space to make decisions based on joy rather than external expectations. You get to decide what brings you happiness.
Cultivating self-compassion: We often show compassion to others but neglect to offer it to ourselves. Play invites you to treat yourself with the gentleness and care you deserve.
Celebrating the present moment: High-achievers are often focused on future goals. Through play, you’ll learn to be in the present, savoring the simple pleasures and celebrating your progress.
Here’s what we’ll cover in our Courageously Playful Curriculum:
Healing the Past: We’ll uncover and process childhood wounds, releasing the developmental trauma and beliefs that have shaped you. By working with your inner child, we’ll get to the root of what holds you back.
Living in the Present: We’ll explore the societal pressures and roles that have cut you off from your true nature. Through creativity and play, we’ll tap into joy and freedom of expression.
Creating Your Future: You’ll learn how to show up softer and more present, build boundaries that protect your peace, and create a life filled with abundance and fulfillment.
How We’ll Do It:
Somatic practices such as Yoga, Breathwork, Meditation, and Visualizations.
Creative exploration through a variety of art mediums, including drawing, painting, and writing.
Daily guided therapeutic workshops led by a skilled facilitator, designed to connect you deeply with yourself and your community.
Excursions that encourage exploration and play—including beach days and a private boat tour of Sian Ka’an.
What makes the Courageously Playful Retreat special?
Inner Child & Parts Work:
Compassionate, guided experiences to reconnect with the younger parts of yourself that learned to earn love through achievement, perfectionism, people-pleasing, or over-functioning. Together, we'll create space for healing, self-understanding, and a deeper sense of worth beyond what you do.
Expressive Arts:
Engage in creative practices such as painting, drawing, writing, and visual journaling to explore your inner world with curiosity and compassion. These experiences invite self-expression, reflection, and integration, helping you connect with emotions, insights, and parts of yourself that may be difficult to access through words alone.
Trauma-Informed Somatic Practices:
Guided yoga, breathwork, meditation, and nervous system regulation to support you in slowing down, coming back into your body, and building a felt sense of safety. These daily and beginner friendly practices help you soften protective patterns, release stored tension, and reconnect with presence, steadiness, and ease.
Nature and Awe:
Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Puglia's countryside. Wander among centuries-old olive groves, savor the tranquility of the vineyard, lounge by the sparkling pool, and soak in the slow rhythms of Southern Italy.
Beach Excursion:
Spend a day soaking in the beauty of Puglia's coastline, where white sandy beaches meet crystal-clear turquoise waters. Relax, swim, and savor the slower pace of Southern Italy as you reconnect with joy, rest, and the simple pleasure of being by the sea.
Hands-On Cooking Experience:
Learn to make traditional Puglian orecchiette by hand, slowing down into the simple, sensory rhythm of working with dough. This hands-on experience invites creativity, presence, and the joy of sharing a fresh, homemade meal together.
Let's get into the big details…
Who: A Group of 12 women from all over who want to heal and create a meaningful shifts in their life. Also, Dez (and her skilled team of professionals) as your guide on this journey.
What: 5 night / 6 day transformational wellness retreat.
When: September 12-17, 2027.
Where: A stunning private Villa in the Puglia region of Italy. Nestled in the heart of Salento, Masseria Pezza is a beautifully restored 18th-century farmhouse surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, orchards, and rolling countryside. Rich in history and authentic Italian charm, the villa offers a peaceful retreat where rustic elegance, handcrafted details, and breathtaking views invite you to slow down, reconnect, and savor the beauty of Southern Italy.
(We know if can be scary to travel to a new place with a group of strangers, but we have so many women from past retreats who have made lifelong connections, because we are all here with the same purpose and the same goal)
Your tuition will include:
Thoughtful support every step of the way. From the moment you register, you'll receive personalized support to help you feel prepared and connected. Enjoy a detailed travel guide and itinerary, a pre-retreat Zoom meet-and-greet with fellow guests, and access to a private WhatsApp group for questions, updates, and community connection before, during, and after the retreat.
Transportation to and from the Bari airport. W hold your hand the whole trip from picking you up at the airport to dropping you off at the end of the week).
All meals and snacks provided when on onsite at the villa.
Daily somatic practices such as yoga, breathwork, meditation, and visualizations.
Daily guided workshops including inner child, parts work and expressive arts using a variety of art mediums.
Professional photography by Nota Lux- you will be able to take home at least 3-5 professional photos of your time in Tulum.
Meditative sound bath in our own private cave and cenote.
Excursion 1: Beach Day at Nomade Beach Club (lunch not provided)- immerse yourself in the vibrant, bohemian-chic atmosphere of Tulum’s most popular beach club.
Excursion 2: Private boat tour of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (lunch not provided)
Expanse wetlands, secluded bays, tranquil inlets, vibrant coral reefs, and thriving mangrove forests on the Caribbean coast.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, is a treasure trove of biodiversity.
Potentially see crocodiles, manatees, an array of birds, dolphins, sea turtles, and many other aquatic species.
Swimming in crystal clear waters
An opportunity to snorkel in the world's largest coral reef (weather permitting).
And Deep Connection with an incredible group of women.
***Please note, what is not included:
Airfare to and from Cancun, Mexico.
Food, drinks, or any shopping you do on excursions.
Massages are available at an additional cost.
Here’s what guests are saying about our wellness retreats…
Deposit:
A $500 deposit is required to reserve your spot. Payment plans are available and very flexible. The earlier you book, the better ;) Payment plans for remaining balance will be scheduled for you once your registration/deposit are complete. Full tuition is due by May 1, 2025
Cancellation Policy:
You may cancel and receive a refund (without your non-refundable deposit) prior to February 1, 2025. Partial refunds can be provided for cancellations you make February 2, 2025 and later. You may also sell or give your spot to someone else in the event that you can't come. If there is a waitlist, we may be able help you find someone else who may want your spot, however, it is not guaranteed.
Flights & Transportation:
You are responsible for your own flight. Private group transportation will be included in the cost of your tuition and provided ONLY to and from Cancun airport on May 17th and May 22nd, 2025 and for off-site excursions. If you choose to be transported to/from the Cancun airport to/from the Retreat venue with the group, you MUST agree to meet at the pick-up location as detailed by Tender Arrow, LLC staff and facilitators.
FAQ
-
To be Courageously Playful means embracing the freedom to let go of control, perfectionism, and the fear of judgment in order to reconnect with your authentic, joyful self.
It takes courage to step outside of the societal and internal pressures to always achieve, succeed, and appear "perfect."
Courageous playfulness is about rediscovering the joy of being present, allowing yourself to make mistakes, and nurturing your inner child—the part of you that thrives on creativity, spontaneity, and fun.
-
Inner child work is an approach to recognizing and healing emotional injuries and wounds that took place in early life. By using play and exploration with a ‘beginner’s mindset’ (discovering new things and viewing experiences with a fresh perspective), you can reparent your inner child and heal old wounds. We believe that once you learn to heal your inner child, you can reconnect to your divine feminine and become your truest self.
-
NOPE, our wellness retreats are NOT therapy and they are not a substitute for mental health counseling or any other healthcare service.
Our wellness retreats operate under a support model. When we work together in this way, we will be supporting you towards your specific and self-identified goals for wellbeing or self-improvement.
It’s important to note, that while we are also licensed therapists, our wellness retreats are NOT mental health counseling, nor are they considered a healthcare service, and should NOT be used as a substitute for any healthcare service.
If you require mental health support or any healthcare service, we will provide you with referrals for a healthcare provider.
-
We completely understand how intimidating it can be to travel alone to a foreign country as a woman. We want everyone to feel safe and comfortable, so we have built all of our retreats to be very hands-on. We pick everyone up directly from the airport so you do not have to find your way to the center on your own. We help ease anxiety by helping arrange everything beforehand, from packing lists to clear instructions on flight times to even scheduling calls with those who may need a bit more assurance. We plan to hold your hand every step of the way.
-
We have been so very lucky to have had incredible women attend our retreats. The women have come from all walks of life and all age groups, but have formed very deep and long lasting relationships. We believe this is because we all come together with the same purpose. We all want to heal and grow and experience transformation. With this being the guiding force leading women to our retreats, we find that everyone can connect, no matter their background.
-
Re·treat /rəˈtrēt/ - an act of moving back or withdrawing.
Retreating can be seen as a negative thing, but when it comes to doing deep exploration and inner child work, withdrawing from our busy world of distractions allows us to focus, to retreat into ourselves, without all of the outside noise.
You get 6 uninterrupted days of profound self-exploration at this retreat in Italy. This is something we rarely get at home. We believe that by giving ourselves the time and space to retreat we can unleash a transformation.
-
Each full day will include accessible yoga, meditation, and/or breath work that is designed to teach skills for soothing, up to 2 therapeutic workshops, and optional process groups to assist with integration of the material and curriculum you will be learning on the retreat, as well as free time to enjoy the grounds, connect with nature, engage in play, and seek adventure.
-
This retreat is for women, trans women, and femmes who want to explore their femininity and womanhood.
-
Yes! No yoga experience is required. The yoga at this retreat will be accessible for all bodies and all skill levels.
-
The yoga that is offered on this retreat is a mixture of Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Yoga Nidra, meditation, guided imagery, and breath work. Yoga offered in the morning will be an invigorating flow designed to help you wake up the mind and body and yoga offered in the evening will be a relaxing and restorative practice to help you prepare for deep sleep.
All of the yoga offered is therapeutic in nature and trauma-informed. Unlike some classes you may find in a typical yoga studio, this yoga is really meant to help you manage distress and calm the central nervous system so that you can be more fully present and receptive of the therapeutic process.
-
Please bring a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, swimsuit, and clothes you feel comfortable moving in.
Yoga mats will be provided. However, you may prefer to bring your own.
-
Yes, please! Schedule a free consultation call with one of our hosts to make sure this program is a good fit for you. Click here to schedule: https://www.breeanddezretreats.com/contact