Restore and Rewild
An unforgettable, once in a lifetime adventure reconnecting with nature in breathtaking southeast Alaska
July 23-27, 2024
Reconnect with the part of you that is playful and full of wonder
For those longing for a true retreat from technology and the stressors of daily life, for those who wish to reconnect to the part of you that is playful and full of wonder, this almost indescribable experience could be what your soul is seeking. This July, an intimate group will be invited to the only experience of its kind in the world! This is a priceless opportunity to remember the joy of communing with nature, eating what is grown from the ground beneath our feet or given from the waters that surround us, with as much tranquility and coziness or comfort zone-expanding excitement as you desire.
Majestic mountains, woods and water
This opportunity begins in Alaska’s Capital, Juneau, a quaint and richly historic city surrounded by majestic mountains, woods and water. Here, locals spend free time walking the area’s bountiful trails, taking in the sunrises on Douglas Island’s beach, or the sunsets at Auke Bay, not to mention enjoying our local Mendenhall Glacier complete with a dramatic waterfall. We don’t have to drive to get out into nature, we are fortunate to have it at our front door and we honor that privilege.
A thrilling adventure from the start
The only way to reach the remote Gull Cove Lodge is by sea plane. Our group will board two of them flown by the trusted local family business, Ward Air, for the 46 minute flight over the Tongass National Forest, the nation’s largest national forest surrounding the famous Inside Passage, to a secluded, wild place that no one who visits Alaska on a cruise will ever get to see.
Spectacular views, rustic luxury, rich in tradition
Gull Cove Lodge is rustic luxury; a fishing lodge that features three ocean front cabins and two additional cozy bedrooms in the main house. Spectacular views from the property look over at the remote Glacier Bay National Park often include humpback whales, otters, seals and bald eagles. Delicious meals are created from the garden and freshly caught bounty from the ocean (you might even enjoy a shrimp you harvested yourself that day!) The family that calls this cove home is ready to welcome us with open arms and make sure we have everything we need for an unforgettable, wild retreat; from extra toothpaste to Xtra Tuffs (the iconic Alaskan rain boot), they delight in sharing their peaceful, incomparable gem away from it all.
What a day on retreat at Gull Cove Lodge may look like:
Waking up in your comfortable bed in your sweet cottage with in-floor heating. Peaceful, heart-expanding sunrise meditation, coffee, tea or home made snacks, a rejuvenating, inspiring morning practice invites gratitude and awe for our precious surroundings and is designed to support your presence and receptivity (outdoors weather permitting). Breakfast is family style, featuring options like sourdough pancakes, egg dishes, oatmeal and fruit. (dietary restrictions can be accommodated).
Once well nourished, you may choose a guided exploration of the homestead and forest by those raised on this land and familiar with its sacred secrets. Botany, kayaking, paddle boarding, a dip in the cove or a sit in the new sauna followed by a delicious lunch served in scenic surroundings. Afternoons may include optional excursions to deep sea fish, to have the rare experience of being taken to a place few humans will ever go- a natural, white sulfur hot springs, a visit to historic Elfin Cove or a peaceful immersion in nature, a massage or reiki session by a skilled practitioner.
Late afternoon premium offerings of movement, mindfulness and meditation will be compassionately guided to support your soulful, transformative retreat, then when hunger returns, we gather for a sumptuous, farm and ocean to table dinner. Later, community, connection with others or with self. Finally, at the end of each day, rest; the sweet rest that comes after hours of fresh air, fresh water, fresh food and the fresh perspective of an experience that is so uniquely Alaskan, that it is unmatched and unforgettable.
What’s included:
Four nights, five days accommodation in the private, remote, completely off the grid, southeast Alaska homestead, Gull Cove Lodge (yes there is power from the private onsite hydro system). Arrival before noon July 23rd, departure after lunch July 27th (subject to flexibility with weather conditions)
Therapeutic yoga, mindfulness, meditation twice a day
Optional evening practices to support rest and sleep (some may include healing touch/reiki/pressure point massage)
All farm and ocean fresh meals
Guided exploration of the land and water including optional lessons on fish and shrimp harvesting and preparation
Yellow cedar sauna
An outdoor bouy swing experience for your inner child
Nature walks in the muskeg that can include a mud bath ritual in the muskeg pond
An optional edible hike foraging experience
Swimming with the lily pads in a remote Alaskan Alpine lake
Kayaking
Paddle Boarding
Cold plunge bath
Learn about the lodge’s hydroelectric green energy process including a hike to their river water source
Home made sea kelp face mask spa day
This an all inclusive experience with private use of the lodge.
*in Alaska, all experiences are dependant on weather conditions
What’s not included:
A shared private charter seaplane, payment of approximately $700 per person made to Ward Air on day of travel
Mandatory “Cancel for any reason” travel insurance
Optional white sulfur hot spring excursion- $200 pp
Optional halibut fishing or shrimping excursion- $100 pp for half day excursion, plus take/eat what you catch!
Optional Glacier Bay National Park excursion (an extremely rare opportunity) $200 pp
Air fare to Juneau if traveling from out of town
Gratuities for the lodge staff and seaplane pilots
Optional Massage and Reiki Sessions
Optional Pre-retreat package in Juneau details TBA
What to know:
Beach front cottages are shared and cozy and can accommodate three guests each. All beds have been outfitted with tempurpedic mattress covers.
Cottage one: Three twin beds.
Cottage two 2 Twins and a full futon (mattress cover for comfort).
Cottage three: Queen bed and a twin bed
Main house: 2 additional bedrooms each with a queen bed for those seeking individual accommodations for more privacy. Though there is no ocean view from these bedrooms, the main lodge itself has a stunning view from the communal area where guests gather for morning tea/coffee and movement if our practices happen indoors. *Note the main house has a “hunting lodge vibe” with trophies on walls
This retreat happens in Alaska, excursions are subject to weather conditions. If we experience the liquid sunshine of the rainforest, dancing in the rain is encouraged!
This is grizzly bear country. Our hosts, Alice and Rick grew up in this place and are both wilderness first responders. They will ensure we are guided on our outings and everyone is trained and outfitted with bear spray when exploring away from the lodge. Some excursions may end up being bear-viewing experiences from a safe distance on a boat,
What people have said about a yoga retreat at Gull Cove Lodge:
"I felt rejuvenated from being at this special location in Southeast Alaska . My body and mind were both thankful for the time spent doing yoga, being with wonderful individuals and relaxing. And the trip to White Sulfur Hot Springs was an extra bonus." - Carol
"I feel like I had an authentic Alaska experience, which I needed." - Melissa
"This was exactly what I needed to reset my mind and body. Gull Cove was outstanding and the ability to go and practice yoga and have some mindful time with likeminded people was excellent." -Abi
"There were so many wonderful moments - the yoga felt great, harvesting was abundant, solitude was perfect, and the time to participate in excursions was greatly appreciated." -Laurel
"Delightful, inspiring, invigorating." - Obie
The investment for this once in a lifetime experience:
$4195 USD per person- Cabin or Lodge Accommodation. I am offering a $500 discount for my Canadian friends!
$3195 USD per person- Glamping option in weather-proof tent, all comfortable cushioning and bedding provided. $500 discount for Canadians!
Retreat maximum is 12 guests in cabins and lodge, 4 in tents with a total maximum of 16 guests. In attendance will be your support crew which includes me, my formidable colleague who was born and raised in Alaska, a massage therapist, and the hosts of our lodge who are our guides and mentors when it comes to life in this wild place.
Gull Cove is remote -- really remote. This cost reflects the realities of providing for folks.
A non-refundable $500 USD deposit is required to save your spot
Monthly payment plans are available through my partner, Auke Bay Yoga
Campers may pay in monthly installments after making the initial deposit of $500 as well.
A travel insurance policy that includes the option to “cancel for any reason” must be acquired within 2 days of booking (paying your deposit). You can add the airfare to the policy at a later date. Canadian travelers can work with our Canadian based Travel Advisor to retain proper insurance. American guests can receive information from our retreat Travel Advisor regarding insurance and can purchase a policy through the John Hancock Insurance Company here.
Please email Robert McDowell, Travel Advisor of Pivot Travel BCCP # 66868 to discuss travel insurance options, make flight arrangements and arrange any pre or post-retreat travel. Remember you must purchase insurance within 2 days of booking the retreat (paying your initial $500 deposit).
American residents purchasing through John Hancock, please “select” the “cancel for any reason” choice which is available in either the silver or gold packages. We require you to send us a copy of your travel policy document. Expect to pay between 200 and 300 dollars for an appropriate travel insurance policy.
The Restoring and Rewilding Retreat is non-refundable and non-transferable. In the event of a cancellation, your mandatory “cancel for any reason” insurance policy protects your investment.
I welcome your questions and look forward to this incredible experience together!
Warmly,
Lisa
