INTIMATE RETREAT EXPERIENCE
Join Us
September 28-29, 2026
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Attendance is capped at 25
Reservation lottery opens June 1st.
Click here to enter the lottery and make your $25 non-refundable payment.
WHAT THIS IS
A gathering for women who want to keep learning, connecting, laughing, and saying yes to new experiences.
You’ll hear from engaging speakers on topics that actually matter to us,
aging, relationships, health, wellness—and how to navigate it all with strength, humor, and intention.
And just as important, you’ll have space to reflect, think a little bigger, and get excited about where you’re headed next.
Warm, welcoming garden setting
Journaling, movement, and quiet reflection
Thoughtful round-table conversations designed for connection
Inspiring guest voices paired with guided conversations
who is it for
There's something really exciting about this stage of life...
You know yourself better. You care a little less about the noise. And at the same time, you’re still curious, still growing, still open to what’s next.
This is a gathering for women who feel that energy.
Women who want to keep learning, connecting, laughing, and saying yes to new experiences.
what we'll explore
Optimism & Mindset
Your imprint
Wardrobe Refresh
Lasting Love
& Connection
Movement
A Life of Meaning
and Joy
Our Speakers
About
Ilene Schaffer is a coach and speaker with a passion for helping women live with greater joy, meaning, and purpose at every life stage. She's a regular speaker at Rancho La Puerta, the host of the What's Possible podcast, and, for over 20 years, has had a practice dedicated to women navigating change. Ilene is a professional certified coach (PCC) with master's degrees in Counseling Psychology and Applied Positive Psychology. She blends science and heart as she helps women flourish.
Ilene grew up in San Diego, raised her two daughters here, and loves a great beach walk with her husband, friends, and clients. Yes, when possible, Ilene coaches while walking - in person and virtually!
About
Jennifer Chappell Marsh is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10yrs experience specializing in couples therapy, trauma recovery, communication, and attachment dynamics. She helps individuals and couples strengthen emotional connection, navigate conflict, and rebuild intimacy through practical, emotionally focused approaches. Jennifer is passionate about helping couples move from disconnection and loneliness toward deeper understanding, vulnerability, and partnership. She’s been featured in The Huffington Post, The Atlantic, PBS and the E network.
http://www.chappelltherapy.com/
About
Laing Rikkers is the award-winning author of Morning Leaves: Cultivating a Life of Beauty, Meaning, and Joy, a reflective work exploring grief, resilience, and renewal through art, nature, and personal insight. Drawing on a career that spans human resources, private equity, and entrepreneurship, Rikkers brings a deeply human perspective to change and growth. Recently, Laing has been on a national book tour and was featured in Katie Couric Media and Writer’s Digest. Through writing, grief workshops, and keynote speaking, Laing Rikkers helps individuals and communities transform loss into self-awareness and renewed joy. She lives in Southern California with her husband and spirited little dog and is the proud mother of two adult children.
laingrikkers.com
About
A contemporary impressionist artist. Although reared in the South, she has spent her adult life in Southern California. After spending 15 years in the Employee Benefits Consulting industry, she took a break to spend more time with her children. As they grew up and out of the home, she dedicated her time to pursuing her creative passion through art. She is a versatile artist, having started with working in oil and then falling in love with the immediacy of watercolor paints. Although floral still lifes are her favorite subjects, she has been exploring the excitement of plein air. However, color drives her work regardless of the subject. For Jill, her art expresses her view that the beauty of God’s creation, in each moment in time, surrounds us and should be celebrated. jilltreadwellsvendsen.com
About
Inspiring Style & Confidence for Women 50+
Former Nordstrom Fashion Show Coordinator, Personal Shopper & Special Events Coordinator
With more than 30 years of experience in fashion and styling, I am passionate about helping women in midlife look and feel their very best. My goal is to open the door to new style possibilities, inspire confidence, and encourage women to embrace fashion at every stage of life with authenticity and joy.
My background in Art Education — where I studied color theory, sculpture, graphic arts, painting, and design — deeply shaped my understanding of texture, proportion, and the power of color. Those artistic foundations continue to influence my approach to personal style today.
I believe style should evolve with us. A wardrobe consultation should feel insightful, modern, encouraging, and fun. Most importantly, I believe it is never too late to redefine your style, step into confidence, and look absolutely fabulous.
FAQ
Registration Lottery: How does it work?
To keep our inaugural retreat intimate and meaningful, participation is limited to 25 women.
Starting June 1, you can submit a $25 deposit to enter the registration lottery. On June 15, we will randomly select the 25 women who will attend this special gathering.
Once attendees are confirmed, we will also create a waitlist in case a spot opens up.
I have a conflict and I’m unable to attend in September. Do you plan to host another event?
We hope this is just the beginning. Our vision is to offer these gatherings 1–2 times a year in different locations, creating space for women to connect, reflect, and grow together. We’ve been deeply encouraged by the response to this first event and look forward to what’s ahead.
This sounds amazing — thank you for creating such a fun event. Some of the topics may not appeal to me. Will there be opportunities to choose which activities or speakers I participate in?
Yes. We know different topics will resonate with different women, and we want everyone to feel comfortable engaging in the activities and conversations that interest them most. We also hope to offer alternative activities and quiet space throughout the event.
