The Sanctuary Retreat
A One-Day Escape for High-Achieving Women Who've Forgotten How to Pause
You excel at everything… except giving yourself permission to rest 👀
You're Not Imagining It
The constant mental checklists. The 3am anxiety. The guilt when you try to relax. The feeling that if you slow down, everything might collapse.
This isn't weakness. It's your nervous system, caught in a high-alert state, that has become your normal.
You've mastered the art of pushing through. Meeting deadlines. Exceeding expectations. Being reliable. Holding it all together. But at what cost?
• That knot in your stomach that never quite goes away
• The inability to fully enjoy moments that should bring joy
• The exhaustion that sleep doesn't seem to fix
• The nagging feeling that, despite all your accomplishments, something's missing
Why Rest Feels Wrong (Even When You Know You Need It)
There's a reason relaxation triggers guilt or anxiety for high-performing women. Your nervous system has been conditioned to equate constant activity with safety and worth.
The problem isn't lack of willpower. It's that your body and mind have forgotten how to downshift. When you try to relax, your system interprets the unfamiliar state as a threat, triggering the very stress responses you're trying to escape.
Introducing: The Sanctuary Retreat
A science-backed, soul-nourishing day designed specifically for women who excel at everything except slowing down.
This isn't just another self-care day that leaves you with temporary calm followed by the same old patterns.
This is a carefully crafted experience that combines cutting-edge neuroscience with deeply restorative practices, designed to recalibrate your nervous system, shift your mindset, and give you practical tools that work in your actual, busy life.
This Day Is For You If:
✅ You're successful and accomplished, but constantly feeling like you're running on empty
✅ You know you need to slow down, but find it nearly impossible to actually do it
✅ When you do take time for yourself, you feel guilty or anxious instead of relaxed
✅ You're tired of being told to "just meditate" by people who don't understand your reality
✅ You're curious about mindfulness and embodiment practices, but need them to make logical sense
✅ You want practical tools that work in a busy life, not just philosophical ideas
✅ You crave connection with other women who understand the unique challenges you face
What Makes This Different?
This isn't a fluffy spa day (though it will feel luxurious).
This isn't a productivity hack (though you'll likely be more effective afterward).
This is a uniquely powerful combination of science and soul, designed by two women who understand both your high-achieving mindset and the physiological patterns keeping you stuck:
Katie Williams spent 15 years in the fast-paced corporate world before retraining as a therapist, coach, and yoga teacher. She specializes in helping stressed-out, high-achieving women manage stress and feel confident so they can switch off from work and enjoy balanced lives.
Emmy Taziani brings her background as a human biologist, former teacher, somatic therapist, and Holy Fire Reiki master to create experiences that honour both the scientific and energetic aspects of healing. She places the nervous system at the root of her offerings with tangible results!
Together, we bridge the gap between evidence-based approaches and restorative practices that address the deeper dimensions of stress and overwhelm.
The entire day takes place in a stunning venue near Loch Lomond at the stunning CHARICLO, carefully selected to immediately signal to your nervous system that this is a calm place to unwind. Beautiful surroundings, comfortable seating, and thoughtful details create the container for transformation.
This experience is a blend of cognitive and somatic therapies, with movement and Reiki for a mind, body and spiritual approach.
🥗 Nourishing Lunch & Refreshments
Enjoy a delicious, energy-supporting lunch and refreshments throughout the day. All dietary requirements accommodated with advance notice.
🎁 Curated Self-Care Gift Bag
Take home a beautiful collection of self-care items including premium skincare, journal, and tools to support your continued practice. These aren't random products - each item is selected to reinforce the practices you'll learn.
👯♀️ Connection with Like-Minded Women
Perhaps most valuable of all, spend a day with women who understand your unique challenges. Form connections that can last beyond the retreat day with others who are navigating similar paths.
Your Investment: £250
What's the real cost of continuing as you are?
• The mental and physical toll of chronic stress
• The relationships strained by your constant busyness
• The moments of joy missed because you can't fully present
• The creative insights and opportunities lost to exhaustion
For less than the cost of a typical work project, you can give yourself the foundation for a more sustainable way of living and working. Limited to 10 women for an intimate experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
"I'm not into 'woo-woo' stuff. Is this retreat for me?"
Absolutely. While we incorporate practices like Reiki and meditation, everything is presented with clear scientific backing. Both Katie and Emmy come from analytical backgrounds and understand the need for approaches that satisfy the logical mind while addressing deeper needs. You won't be asked to accept anything on faith alone.
"I can barely find time for this retreat. How will I implement these practices in my busy life?"
This is exactly why we've designed this retreat the way we have. Every technique we teach has been selected specifically because it can be integrated into a busy schedule. We understand your reality and don't suggest impractical solutions.
"What if I feel uncomfortable in group settings?"
We create a calm, no-pressure environment. There's no forced sharing, no mandatory participation in any activity. You can engage at whatever level feels right for you. Many past clients who described themselves as "not group people" have found the collective experience surprisingly comfortable and beneficial.
"Do I need previous experience with yoga or meditation?"
None whatsoever. All practices are designed for beginners while still offering depth for those with experience. Everything will be thoroughly explained and guided.
"What should I wear/bring?"
Comfortable clothing you can move and relax in. All other materials, including mats and props, will be provided. Just bring yourself and an openness to the experience.
Ready to Give Yourself This Gift? Stay tuned, the booking link goes live soon!
A Personal Note from Katie & Emmy
We created this retreat because we've been where you are.
We know what it's like to excel professionally while feeling like you're failing at taking care of yourself. To understand the importance of rest intellectually, but find it nearly impossible to embody. To feel guilty for needing support when you're usually the one supporting everyone else.
This day isn't about adding more to your to-do list or giving you abstract concepts that sound good but don't work in real life. It's about giving you permission, space, and practical tools to reclaim the rest and presence that should be your birthright.
We can't wait to welcome you.
With warmth,
Katie & Emmy