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Who It's For
This retreat is designed exclusively for mid-career academic women who are:
Feeling overwhelmed
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Feel overwhelmed and stretched thin by the demands of academic life—and long to just pause.
Crave time to breathe, reflect, and be inspired—under rays of sunshine, far from busywork and everyday stress
Want to prioritize themselves and put their email auto-reply on “not available at the moment”
Craving calm
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Are seeking peace to reflect on their academic vision and make space for what truly matters
Want to reconnect with their deeper “why” and move forward with clarity and confidence
Want to become a stronger, calmer version of themselves—anchored in purpose, not pressure
Want to grow
Long to meet new people and share experiences with like-minded women navigating similar challenges in academia
Hope to rest and regroup, but also make meaningful progress on something important—a writing project, or a career plan or a new creative idea
Are ready to find energy, inspiration, and self-trust again
Join us in Spain!
Location
Villa Sunshine, Andalucia, Spain
This retreat takes place at Villa Sunshine, a serene and soul-soothing haven nestled in the hills above the Spanish coast. Run by a warm Swedish couple who’ve made it their mission to care for sun-hungry, overworked souls, this space offers everything you need to rest, recharge—and gently return to yourself.
Why This Retreat Is Different: The Power of Your Academic Archetype
At the core of this retreat is the Her Academic Archetype Framework—a lens to understand yourself as a scholar in a way that plays to your strengths and helps you out of self-sabotaging patterns in a compassionate way.
You’ll discover your archetype, recognize your patterns of burnout or self-sabotage, and learn to navigate your career based on your values - not external pressure.
Through the Academic Archetype Framework You Will:
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Reconnect with your strengths, values, and aspirations
Understand what’s been holding you back—and how to release it
Rediscover what your academic life can look like when it’s rooted in intentional, meaningful, and sustainable work practices.
Sign up for the retreat here!
- Best Value
Early Bird - Shared Room
1,500€The Recharge and Refocus Retreat: Professional Development for Women in Academia- Ample free time to rest, create and write
- Stay at Villa Sunshine 6 days/5 nights in a shared twin room
- All meals - Delicious, home-cooked and vegetarian.
- Daily group coaching sessions
- Supportive space for 'priority' project writing
- Yoga sun salutations during sunrise
- Daily Yin yoga session with mountain views
- 1:1 coaching session for personal archetype discovery
- BONUS: 1:1 coaching session online after the retreat
Early Bird - Shared Room (plan)
500€Every monthThe Recharge and Refocus Retreat: Professional Development for Women in AcademiaValid for 3 months- Ample free time to rest, create and write
- Stay at Villa Sunshine 6 days/5 nights in a shared twin room
- All meals - Delicious, home-cooked, and vegetarian
- Daily group coaching sessions
- Supportive space for 'priority' project writing
- Yoga sun salutations during sunrise
- Daily Yin yoga session with mountain views
- 1:1 coaching session for personal archetype discovery
- BONUS: 1:1 coaching session online after the retreat
Early Bird Retreat - Single Room
2,400€The Recharge and Refocus Retreat: Professional Development for Women in Academia- Ample free time to rest, create and write
- Stay at Villa Sunshine 6 days/5 nights
- All meals - Delicious, home-cooked and vegetarian
- Daily group coaching sessions
- Supportive space for 'priority' project writing
- Yoga sun salutations during sunrise
- Yoga sun salutations during sunrise
- 1:1 coaching session for personal archetype discovery
- BONUS: 1:1 coaching session online after the retreat
Early Bird - Single Room (plan)
800€Every monthThe Recharge and Refocus Retreat: Professional Development for Women in AcademiaValid for 3 months- Ample free time to rest, create and write
- Stay at Villa Sunshine 6 days/5 nights in a single room
- All meals - Delicious, home-cooked and vegetarian
- Daily group coaching sessions
- Supportive space for 'priority' project writing
- Yoga sun salutations during sunrise
- Yin yoga with mountain views
- 1:1 coaching session for personal archetype discovery
- BONUS: 1:1 coaching session online after the retreat
“I can’t go… November is so busy!”
I hear you. November is when the semester kicks into high gear.
Deadlines are stacking up. The weather is dark and heavy. Colleagues are stressed. Students are tired.
And that’s exactly why this is the perfect time to pause.
You’ll probably feel a little guilty about leaving your inbox, or saying no to yet another meeting. But you’ll return with clarity, warmth, and renewed energy—ready to finish the semester strong and head into the holidays with more presence, peace, and purpose.
Sometimes the most radical thing you can do… is take a break before you hit the wall. Let the sun, space, and stillness work their quiet magic.
Most academic events leave you more tired than inspired. This isn’t that.
This retreat was designed to be the exact opposite—supportive and soul-filling. Let’s compare what usually happens at a typical conference... versus what you can expect from this retreat.
Typical Academic Conference
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Stuffy rooms and tight schedules
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Stressful prep and performance mode
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Endless panels and passive listening
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Superficial networking and business cards
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Performing your “academic self”
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Leaving drained and overloaded
Her Academic Archetype Retreat
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Beautiful surroundings and open space
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Gentle, no-pressure presence
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Interactive, reflective sessions rooted in your reality
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Real, soul-level connection with like-minded women
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Rediscovering who you really are as a scholar
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Leaving rested, clear, and energized
This retreat isn’t another event to perform at. It’s a pause. A return. A deep breath in the middle of your academic life. You won’t need your “conference face.” Just bring yourself. As you are.
Early birds receive a 1:1 post-retreat coaching session to support integration.
What You’ll Experience
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Recharge
Slow down. Breathe. Step away from the endless demands of academia.
Enjoy peaceful mornings, nourishing meals, unstructured time, and spaciousness to do nothing—or everything. Yoga, journaling, walks, or curling up in the hammock with a book—this is time to restore yourself.
You don’t have to be “on” here. You just get to be.
Reconnect
Reconnect with your inner compass, your academic archetype, and a circle of like-minded women who get the struggles of academic life. Through group coaching, reflection, and meaningful conversations, you’ll come back to yourself—and what you truly care about.
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Refocus
This is your time to explore what a different way of being in academia could look like—one that feels more human, intentional, and true to who you are.
Daily program
8:30 AM: Yoga sun salutation on the rooftop terrace (sunrise)
9:00 AM: Breakfast
10:00 AM: Personal time or writing time
1:00 PM: Lunch
2:00 PM: Her Academic Archetype group coaching session
3:00 PM: Personal time or writing time - siesta
5:00 PM: Yin yoga with spectacular mountain views
6:30 PM: Personal time or writing time
8:00 PM: Dinner
Evening: At your own disposal
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What’s Included
Ample free time to rest, create, write, or simply be
Daily group coaching based on the Academic Archetype Framework
1:1 coaching session for personal archetype discovery + tailored guidance
Supportive space for legacy project writing (book, paper, grant, etc.)
Yoga sun salutations during sunrise
Yin yoga in the late afternoon with a view of the mountains
All meals - Delicious, home-cooked, vegetarian and gluten-free meals. Meat options can be purchased some days for dinner.
You’ll be surrounded by:
Avocado trees and mountain views
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Nourishing vegetarian meals made from local ingredients (many from their own garden!)
A glimpse of the sea in the distance
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A stunning yoga deck facing the mountains
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Quiet corners and open air for writing, thinking, and dreaming
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A peaceful swimming pool and walking trails at your doorstep
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There are limited spots, and the early bird rate ends July 1st.
Spots are limited as this is an intimate retreat with space for max 10 people.
Register by July 1st, 2025 to receive:
€200 off the regular retreat price
A free 1:1 post-retreat coaching session with Sanne to support your integration and next steps (Value: €140)
Early bird pricing is available until July 1st or until all rooms are filled—whichever comes first.
Retreat Pricing
Regular Price
€1700
€2600
Room Type
Shared Room (twin beds)
Private Room
Early Bird Price
€1500
€2400
Flexible Payment Plans Available
To make joining more accessible, you can pay in three monthly installments:
33% due at sign-up (to secure the early bird rate)
33% due August 1st
33% due September 1st
Only the first installment must be paid by July 1st to access the early bird pricing and bonus.
All payments must be completed by September, 2025.
Let me know if you need an email template to apply for reimbursement by your university.
“These sessions helped me get clear on what I want—and how to get there
There is so little time as academics to focus on our development and how we stand in our own way sometimes. These sessions really helped solidify what I want my life to look like and gave me some concrete ideas about how to get there.”
Claire, Senior Lecturer
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When is the retreat in 2025?The retreat takes place from November 15–20, 2025 (6 days / 5 nights) at Villa Sunshine in Andalucía, Spain.
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What is the price?Early bird pricing (until July 1, 2025): Shared room: €1500 Private room: €2400 Regular pricing (after July 1): Shared room: €1700 Private room: €2600
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Is there a deposit?Yes. To secure your spot, you pay either in full or via the installment plan. Signing up is binding, and the first payment confirms your place.
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Can I pay in installments?Yes. You can choose to pay in three monthly installments: First installment due at sign-up Second installment due August 1 Final installment due September 1 All payments must be completed by September, 2025.
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How many participants will be there?The retreat is limited to a maximum of 10 women to allow for deep connection, conversation, and individual support.
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Do I need to know my academic archetype before the retreat?No. You’ll discover your archetype during our time together through guided exercises and coaching. If you already know your archetype, this is a chance to go deeper and apply it more fully to your academic life.
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Is this a writing retreat?Not exclusively, but there is plenty of free time to work on your writing or legacy project if that’s part of your intention. Many participants use the retreat to make meaningful progress on something important to them—without pressure.
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What if I don’t feel “burned out” but just need a break?Perfect. This retreat isn’t just for burnout—it’s for any academic woman ready to pause, reset, and reconnect with what really matters.
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How structured are the days?There’s a gentle rhythm to our days (group sessions, meals, yoga), but you’ll also have plenty of unstructured time for rest, reflection, writing, or doing absolutely nothing. You’ll never feel rushed.
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Can I come alone?Absolutely. Most participants come solo, and you’ll be warmly welcomed into a small, supportive group of like-minded women.
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Do I need to organize my own travel and transfers?Yes, you’re responsible for your flight to Málaga Airport, but Villa Sunshine can help arrange private transfers to the retreat location.
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Do I need travel insurance?Yes, travel insurance is required for all participants.
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Can I book a massage or facial treatment during the retreat?Yes. Local wellness professionals are available and come to Villa Sunshine to offer optional massages and facials during your stay.
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Can we talk before I decide?Of course. If you’re considering the retreat and have questions, just reach out and we’ll arrange a short online conversation to talk through any details.