Sea, Sand & Soul — How It All Started
In 1989 Nina and her husband Marc, who live in Ottawa, began holidaying in Prince Edward Island.
As their family grew to include four children, they moved to progressively larger rental cottages in the tiny community of Sea View.
Today Nina and Marc are still cottaging in Sea View, and their grown children still visit the island each summer.
In 2021, Barb was visiting a friend in PEI whose cottage was coincidentally also in Sea View.
On a bike ride along the ocean one day, the friend pointed out Shaw's, a beautiful historic hotel uniquely nestled in PEI National Park.
She suggested it would be a perfect home base for a fitness retreat and insisted that they cycle over to inquire.
Not surprisingly, Shaw’s said they’d be happy to host a group.
A Happy coincidence
"My Sea View neighbour Nina is also a fitness pro and would be the perfect person to partner with," said Barb’s friend.
As it turned out, Nina and Barb were already well acquainted. They both worked as master trainers for Nordic walking company Urban Poling!
Year 1—so Fun
The first retreat happened in 2022. It took months to work out the accommodation and meal details with Shaw's. It took additional time to schedule local speakers and experts, map out Nordic walking and cycling routes, source yoga mats and Nordic walking poles (so participants wouldn't have to bring their own), plan evening activities, and organize bike rentals and other transportation.
Registration maxed out quickly with 24 women from B.C. to Nova Scotia signing up.
That week in September was gloriously sunny and warm. And registrants were a super-fun and interesting group!
There was a full program of morning ocean swims and beach walks, outdoor yoga, Nordic walking to nearby destinations, a lobster supper, a bit of browsing in lovely shops, and a day of cycling.
There was also an amazing show at the Confederation Centre and an outstanding dinner at a quaint restaurant on a cobblestone street.
Year 2—A real Adventure
In 2023, another lively and lovely group of women registered. And several of the previous year’s participants returned for a second time.
The format that worked so well in 2022 remained much the same but with several tweeks: participants enjoyed additional guest speakers, an historic tour of Charlottetown with a local company, and an outing to North Rustico.
For some extra excitement, the tail end of Hurricane Lee brought a power outage one evening. No problem—the group gathered around a roaring fire in the biggest cottage to tell spooky ghost stories by lantern light. On a second blustery evening some talented musicians in the group led everyone in song around the piano.
People later agreed that the crazy weather actually added to the fun.
Year 3—Looking Great
At this early date (March 2024), plans for the 2024 retreat are well underway.
Lots of cottages have been booked, bikes are reserved, new speakers and experts have been scheduled, Nordic walking poles are ready to be shipped, and treats for swag bags are being gathered.
There are plenty of registrants at this early date—some coming back for a second and even third time!
Here’s Your Chance
Interested in an active holiday in our tiniest and most beautiful province? Want to meet some fabulous women? Does the idea of "adult summer camp not boot camp" sound appealing?
Come join us!
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Happy Testimonials
“Truly, I had such a wonderful time. I cannot compliment you both enough for all that you did and the fantastic warmth, energy and vibe that you created from day one...”
“I left feeling exhilarated and find it hard to even put into words how energized I felt as I shared the experience with my friends and family!!…”
“Thank you! These days have been rejuvenating and inspiring in so many ways!…”
“Merveilleuse equipe!…”
“This has been such a wonderful retreat, my first. Your calm and inspiring way and your infectious love of PEI is wonderful. Thank you for a wonderful experience…”
“Another year of adventures punctuated by great food. Thanks!…”
“I so appreciate the thought and attention to detail that you put into planning such an amazing event. Couldn't have been better!…”
“There are no words I can say to express what it has meant to meet you and experience this amazing retreat. So grateful!…”
“I feel as though I'm still in the afterglow of the warmth and joy that we had the past five days together. It was definitely magical!”
“No words to describe what it has meant to me to meet you and join you all. Thank you so much!”