Shine! in Garden Valley
Garden Valley, Idaho (May 29th-31st 2026)
Many women navigate a complex web of expectations, responsibilities, and relationships while trying to sustain their own emotional well-being. We are often deeply skilled at caring for others, yet far less practiced at offering ourselves the same grace. Beneath the busyness and self-judgement, there is often a quiet knowing… A sense that another way of being is possible. One that feels more authentic, more compassionate, and more alive. Still, knowing there is another way, doesn’t always make it easy to find. Join us for a three-day retreat in the mountains to reconnect with ourselves, other women and the surrounding land.
Built in 1868, the historical McBride House in Garden Valley carries a steadiness that can be felt upon arrival. Set on four acres of private land, the location offers space to breathe. The property includes a main house, a cozy cottage, and a carriage house. The surrounding land invites reconnection with the natural world through fresh mountain air, open space, and unhurried presence.
We advise that all participants read the “Know Before You Book” below the accommodations selection. Please click on each accommodation for more details on the available spaces.
Our Journey Together
Over these three meaningful days, we’ll explore emotional intelligence and self-compassion through a natural rhythm of:
Day One: Arriving and Emotional Awareness
Afternoon: Arrival and settling in
Evening: Opening circle, intention setting and emotional intelligence fundamentals
Day Two: Deepening and Integration
Morning: Gentle movement, breathwork and guided activities for self-compassion and emotional awareness
Afternoon: Art therapy and personal space for reflection, plus additional experiential workshops to deepen group connection and affirmation
Evening: Creative expression and restorative rest
Day Three: Gathering and Expressing Wisdom
Morning: Integration and affirmation; closing circle
Please note: This is a sample agenda subject to change. All activities are optional.
What’s Included
Our intimate group of no more than 16 women includes:
Two nights’ cozy accommodations, shared or private rooms available
Nourishing meals and snacks that warm body and soul
Guided workshops and materials
Take-home emotional intelligence and self-compassion toolkit
Optional breath work, somatic yoga, and sound bath sessions
Optional art therapy
Access to private grounds (includes jacuzzi and firepit) and surrounding trails in the fresh, mountain area of Garden Valley
Self-compassion assessment and activities focus on your needs
A post-retreat hour-long individual coaching session with Michelle for accountability and continued development
Choose your stay
Please complete an inquiry form found under “Contact” if interested.
Know Before You Book
Accessibility Notice
We want every guest to feel informed and supported when considering this retreat experience. Please note that the retreat property is a historic home and unfortunately, is not fully ADA accessible. The house includes stairs, uneven pathways, and architectural features that may present challenges for those with mobility-related needs. Please consider that the “shared spaces” for both the Main house and Carriage house, as well as the Summer Bunkroom are located on the second floor of each home.
If you have questions about the layout or would like to discuss whether this environment will comfortably support your participation, we encourage you to reach out prior to booking. We are happy to provide additional details so you can make the accommodation that feels best for you.
FAQ
What is an En Suite?
Rooms listed as en suite include a full bathroom with a shower, reserved exclusively for guests in that room.
What is a Shared Space?
Shared spaces include one full bed and one bunk bed. Sleeping arrangements within these rooms are available on a first-come, first-serve basis unless otherwise noted. If you would like to attend with a friend and share a room, please book at one time by adding two of the shared spaces into your cart, so we know that you are rooming together. If this option does not work, it means that the shared spaces have been booked.
What is the difference between Main House, Cottage House and Carriage House?
The McBride House property includes three distinct living spaces: The Main House, the Cottage House, and the Carriage House. Each offers its own atmosphere, while remaining just steps from the heart of the retreat. The Main House serves as the central gathering space for the retreat and is home to the primary dining and living areas, where many of our shared moments will take place. Guest rooms here feature private full bathrooms for added comfort and convenience. The Cottage House is located just behind the main and includes private spaces with a shared full bath, as well as an additional kitchen and living room space. The Carriage House is located besides the Main House and includes a shared space with a shared bathroom, that can be used by guests who choose to use the jacuzzi area.
What is the “Bring A Buddy” add-on?
If you would like to add-on a friend or guest into a private queen room, they can attend at the “Bring-A-Buddy” price of $650. Please select this under accommodations in addition to your private queen room.
What is the “Summer Bunkroom”?
The McBride House offers a unique, fun experience of going back in time to summer camp. The Summer Bunkroom offers four full beds, located on the second floor of the cottage house. This room is attic-styled and meant for retreaters that want to truly travel back in time. We encourage a group of friends to book this room and will include a discount if all four beds are booked at once. Each bed is typically $600, but if booked all together, the room will become $2,000.