Turning Inward: A Coastal Wellness + Writing Retreat
November 10-14, 2024
with Trevor Corkum + Joshua Lewis
Photo credit: Oceanstone Resort
MAKE SPACE FOR YOUR WELLBEING
Drop into the restorative power of oceanside healing with this luxurious wellness retreat at the renowned Oceanstone Resort in coastal Nova Scotia. Combining flexible options for yoga and mindful movement, meditation and reflective writing while pampering yourself at a full service Nordic spa, this five-day retreat in one of Atlantic Canada’s finest seaside resorts will help you prioritize self-care and creativity as we venture into the darker months.
Join award-winning author Trevor Corkum and renowned yoga teacher Joshua Lewis to make time for your writing and wellness practise. Whether your goal is to prioritize wellness and rest, or if you long for time and space to dive into your writing project, this retreat is for you. With a schedule designed to offer a range of modalities to suit your mood and intentions, you can craft your own daily routine while you bask in the majestic power of the Atlantic Ocean. With a wide range of accommodation options—from private seaside cottages to budget-friendly suites—Turning Inward has something for everyone.
Retreat rates will vary depending on the accommodation option you choose. We’ve kept retreat options flexible to allow you to select both private and shared accommodation options - if you are looking for the most affordable option, we encourage you to bring a partner or organize a small group in order to take advantage of further discounts and the lowest rates available.
*The prices quoted reflect the full retreat rate, including accommodation of your choice, all workshops, opening reception, selected meals, and group activities.*
TREVOR AND JOSHUA PROVIDE A SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE SPACE FOR WRITERS TO EXPLORE THEIR CRAFT AND TO DEEPEN THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A WRITER THROUGH SELF-REFLECTION AND MEDITATION. IT'S A TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCE.
- TERRA DUNCAN
Retreat Overview
Photo credit: Oceanstone Resort
This luxurious retreat takes place at Oceanstone Resort, cradled along the Atlantic Ocean and just a few minutes from iconic Peggy’s Cove. While the resort features gourmet meal options, a Nordic spa, beach walks, and everything you need for a week of pampering, the neighbouring area is one of the most breathtaking in Atlantic Canada, featuring rugged cliffside hiking, a range of fine dining options, and scores of local artisans and Maritime crafts. All this less than 45 minutes from downtown Halifax, making the retreat ideal for pairing with further visiting and touring in Nova Scotia, and extra convenient for guests travelling to Nova Scotia from other parts of Canada.
Photo credit: Oceanstone Resort
Yoga and meditation practises are led by Joshua Lewis. Joshua has completed over 500 hours of yoga teacher training and is particularly passionate about sharing his experience and understanding of hatha, restorative and yin yoga, complementary therapeutic movement modalities, Buddhist meditation and Eastern philosophy. In 2021, Joshua graduated from a 5 year masters-level program in psychodynamic psychotherapy and practises as a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and Counselling Therapist (CT) in private practice working with individuals and couples.
Writing practice will be guided by Trevor Corkum, an award-winning author and creative writing instructor whose retreat offerings, workshops, and classes are sought out by writers and students across Canada. Whether you are curious about writing or have a specific fiction, nonfiction, or memoir project on the go, this retreat will give you space to commit time, energy and focus to your project. Workshop time features discussion on craft and technique, short writing activities, and the opportunity to receive feedback on your project.
Photo credit: Oceanstone Resort
Onsite at Oceanstone, guests will have access to a full Nordic spa, with hot and cold pools, saunas, and steam rooms. A wide range of massage and other spa treatments are also available.
An essential element supporting these personal adventures is the shared experience of connecting with your deepest creative self while in the community of others doing the same. Everything about the retreat experience is intentionally designed to drop you into a deep state of harmony, while also allowing maximum flexibility for you to explore and curate your retreat experience as you wish.
Check out the schedule or FAQ section below for more information.
To register, select the room you wish to book from our Accommodation Guide and visit the Booking page for information about next steps.
Photo credit: Oceanstone Resort
“Our intention for this retreat is to provide you with the space and time to rest and restore in a supportive community of others. With ample opportunity to dive deeply into your own creative gifts, and supported by self-care practises, our hope is that you can also take time to rest and absorb the nourishing energy of the ocean as we turn inward toward winter.”
- Joshua & Trevor
What you’ll get
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Four nights of luxurious accommodation of your choice at world-famous Oceanstone Resort
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Four optional yoga/mindful movement workshops led by renowned yoga teacher Joshua Lewis
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Four optional writing workshops and discussion facilitated by award-winning author Trevor Corkum
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Meditation and grounding activities
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Access to a full service Nordic spa, with a wide range of spa treatments (spa access and treatments extra)
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Access to local hiking trails, beach access, bonfires, onsite fitness centre and meditation hut
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Opening welcome reception
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Daily buffet breakfasts
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Two generous gourmet group dinners
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Quiet personal writing, wellness, and rest time
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Final celebration and optional group reading
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Discounts on private writing coaching, private yoga sessions, and future editorial consultations
Early Bird Rates *EXTENDED* Until Sept 30/24
Early Bird Rates *EXTENDED* Until Sept 30/24
COASTAL LUXURY AT ITS FINEST
The resort itself is a peaceful oasis, a tranquil island of calm with its own beach access and gorgeous viewpoints. If you’re hoping to explore a little further, the vibrant city of Halifax is less than an hour away, and Oceanstone is very close to the historic town of Lunenburg, a UNESCO heritage site, as well as the artsy haven of Mahone Bay.
PAMPER YOURSELF WITH A SPA DAY
One of the benefits of enjoying a retreat at Oceanstone is indulging in the luxury of a full-service Nordic spa. Enjoy the hydrothermal circuit, soak your body in the warm pools, or spend the afternoon pampering yourself with a wide range of luxurious spa and body treatments, including massage, reflexology, skin and facial treatments, and more.
Artful design, celebrating health in nature, the Oceanstone Nordic spa offers guests the opportunity to enjoy wellness journeys steeped in the deep traditions of Hydrothermal Bathing; yet enriched by the local hand, talent, rituals, and riches of the Nova Scotian landscape and community.
The Oceanstone hydrothermal journey features:
Outdoor Showers
2 Warm Vitality Pools (Warm & Hot)
North Atlantic Plunge Pool
Kneipp River Walk (Seasonal)
Salt-Inhalation Hammam
Aromatherapy Sauna
Restore & Relax Areas
Nourishment & Hydration (at the Lighthouse)
Fireside Recovery Stations
Please note that spa treatments and access to the Nordic spa must be pre-booked and are not included in the retreat price. For more information on the full range of spa treatments offered at Oceanstone, and to learn more about the Nordic spa, visit the Oceanstone website.
Photo Credits: Courtesy of Tourism Nova Scotia; Peggy’s Cove Tourism and Oceanstone Resort
Oceanstone Resort is located along the gorgeous windswept South Shore coastal region of Nova Scotia. Famous for its rugged cliffs and rocky beaches, the area offers endless opportunity for beach combing, sunset walks, coastal hikes, and simply gazing out at the power and beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. With world-famous Peggy’s Cove just five minutes up the road, you’ll be blessed with the opportunity to explore the lighthouse, local artisan shops, the Peggy’s Cove Preservation area hiking trails, and more—with ample time to return to your cabin or suite for an afternoon nap!
TRANSPORTATION TO OCEANSTONE
The Oceanstone Resort is conveniently located about 45 minutes south of Halifax. Halifax is served by direct daily flights from Toronto, Montreal, and other cities in Canada. Vehicle rentals are available from the Halifax airport, or you may wish to take a 45-minute taxi ride to the resort destination, if your aim is simply to settle in for the week.
USEFUL LINKS
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
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No prior yoga or writing experience necessary! This is a safe, supportive space for you to begin exploring gentle, therapeutic movement and/or your creative voice. The retreat will combine optional workshops, wellness activities, and plenty of unstructured self-care or writing time in the afternoon.
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Movement and meditation classes are taught from a slow, integrative approach, incorporating elements of yoga, breathwork, qigong and self-massage.
Writing workshops are open to folks working in any genre. We’ll use writing prompts and creative exercises to bring a sense of play, curiosity, and presence to our writing. Each participant will have the chance to share a a short piece of writing and receive feedback from the instructor and the group, though this is entirely optional.
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We’ve designed the retreat to offer you what you need in the most flexible schedule possible, and we encourage participants to feel free to design their own retreat by attending the programming that most suits their needs and intentions for this retreat time. You will also have the option of enjoying a full Nordic spa, receiving spa treatments, hiking nearby trails, enjoying the fitness facilities and meditation hut, or simply resting or spending hours gazing out at the ocean. Some may wish to dive deep into a writing project, others to spend time on individual yoga practices. This is your time to recharge, reconnect with your deepest self, and structure your time in a way that suits you best.
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It’s up to you! Long walks along the beach, hiking world-famous coastal trails, visiting local antique shops and artisans, kayaking, or napping. Some participants may wish to indulge in Oceanstone’s wide array of body, spa, and wellness treatments.
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Canada’s leading airlines offer daily direct flights to Halifax from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and other parts of Canada. Oceanstone Resort is a 45-minute drive from Halifax.
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Participants have the option of staying in private cottages, luxurious suites, or more cozy Oceanstone guest rooms. All accommodation options offer access to the waterfront and the resort facilities. Check out our Accommodation Guide for more information about options.
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If you’re flying into Halifax, we encourage participants to consider renting (or sharing) a car during their time at Oceanstone, to make the most of your visit and to explore the nearby region. However, this is not mandatory and participants may wish to arrange for a shuttle or taxi from the airport.
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Taxis are available from the Halifax airport. It’s about a 45-minute ride.
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Variable. It’s the Atlantic Ocean, after all! Fall on the coast is the perfect time to snuggle up beside a warm fire, gazing out at the ocean, or pampering yourself at Nova Scotia’s newest Nordic spa…only steps from your cottage or suite. It’s also a great time for hiking and exploring the gorgeous Nova Scotia outdoors. The choice is yours!
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For both new and experienced practitioners, having the opportunity to step away from the responsibilities of careers, family, and other obligations—particularly in a beautiful setting like Oceanstone—can inspire and help re-ground us in our practise and routine. For some, it’s a chance to reconnect with our practise after a prolonged absence. Others may take the opportunity to dip their toes into the creative waters and movement practices for the first time.
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The retreat price covers optional writing and yoga workshops, meditation and grounding activities, four nights of accommodation, all breakfasts, a welcome reception, two gourmet group dinners, access to the onsite fitness centre and meditation hut, access to common areas for writing and yoga practise, feedback from instructors, and future discounts on One Life and Yoga with Joshua retreats, workshops, and courses. See the section above for more information.
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The retreat cost includes all breakfasts, two group dinners, and the group welcome reception. Other meal costs and alcohol are the responsibility of retreat participants. There are multiple dining options onsite and in the nearby area and all accommodations have access to kitchen facilities if you prefer to prepare your own food.
Spa treatments (including access to the onsite Nordic spa - hydrothermal passes start at $60) are also extra and must be booked in advance.
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Yes. Those living close by or those making other accommodation arrangements can choose a non-residential retreat option. Non-residential participants (those with their own accommodation) are welcome to join the retreat for the non-residential rate of $1455 + HST, which includes all workshops, selected meals (not including breakfasts), meditation and ground activities, opening reception, group activities, and future discounts. Visit the Booking page for more information.
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The Hollyhock suites at Oceanstone are wheelchair accessible, and Hollyhock Suite 5 has an accessible bathroom. Be in touch with any specific questions or concerns about accessibility.
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The retreat cost includes all breakfasts, two group dinners, and the group welcome reception. Other meal costs and alcohol are the responsibility of retreat participants. There are multiple dining options onsite and in the nearby area and all accommodations have access to kitchen facilities if you prefer to prepare your own food.
Spa treatments (including access to the onsite Nordic spa) are also extra and must be booked in advance.
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Great! We offer a special incentive and discount for friends joining the retreat together. Check out our Accommodation Guide for more information.
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Absolutely. Your partner can enjoy the retreat while you dive deeper into your retreat experience. Non-retreat participants sharing a bedroom or suite (such as partners) are welcome to join the retreat for a non-participant rate of $1480 + HST, which includes all breakfasts, optional activities, selected meals, workshops, and accommodation and administrative costs.
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Come find out :)
Retreat Schedule
November 10-14, 2024
Retreat participants should plan to arrive at Oceanstone between 3:00 and 5:00 P.M. on Sunday, November 10, in time for the opening reception and welcome dinner.
Our week together will feature a combination of relaxed writing and yoga workshops, unstructured free time to write, enjoy the spa, hike, and explore, as well several meals together.
*Please note that the schedule below is subject to change.
Oceanstone Retreat
Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia
SUNDAY, NOV 1O
Participants should plan to arrive at Oceanstone Resort between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM to check-in. No early arrivals, please.
Group welcome reception
Group dinner at Oceanstone Resort
MONDAY, NOV 11
Continental breakfast
Morning yoga/gentle movement
Morning Writing workshop
Afternoon Free time
Unstructured writing time
Indulge in a spa treatment
Visit local artisans
Evening Writing workshop & discussion
Evening yoga
TUESDAY, NOV 12
Continental breakfast
Unstructured writing/self-practice time
Visit the Nordic spa
Check out the local Atlantic beaches
Explore Peggy’s Cove or Halifax
Evening Writing workshop and discussion
WEDNESDAY, NOV 13
Continental breakfast
Morning yoga/gentle movement
Writing workshop
Afternoon Free time
Visit the spa
Hike or explore Peggy’s Cove
Afternoon yoga
Evening Final group dinner
Group reading and closing celebration
THURSDAY, NOV 14
Continental breakfast
Check-out and departures (11am)
