Ageing Well: peri-menopause and beyond

Our 40+ women’s retreat - NSW, Australia March 28-30th, 2025

Welcome to our exclusive Ageing Well: peri-menopause and beyond retreat, designed to address key symptoms of the ageing process including mental wellness and changes in physiology. Nestled in the elegant surroundings of the Hunter Valley, 2.5 hours from Sydney, this retreat offers a holistic approach to embracing the inevitable change and feel more empowered to step into the next chapter.

 

An all inclusive retreat:

  • This boutique resort is located in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine region, Pokolbin. The resort has 10 bedrooms with ensuites overlooking the Shiraz vineyard. The resort also features a day spa, indoor heated mineral pool, jet spa, steam room, yoga room/gym and outdoor pool with sundeck.

  • We have dedicated caterers on site to meet all your dietary requirements. Our meals are designed to support this particular stage of life.

    All meals are provided: breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

  • Our facilitators bring with them decades of experience in the naturopathic, nutrition and counselling arenas. View their profile on our webpage.

  • Your retreat inclusive of accommodation, food and workshops - $1,890 for a private room or $1390 for twin share.

    EARLYBIRD SPECIAL -30%

    $1,323.00 (private room)

    $973.00 (twin share)

    Deposit to secure your spot $360. Full payment required 30 days prior to retreat (25th February).

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Welcome

2pm: Arrive at the venue and settle in. Time is allocated to meet as a group and get to know each other through a fun ‘ice-breaker’.

Ageing Well session 1: what really is happening in the period of peri-menopause and beyond? Removing the stigma of this period of life, and understand the needs of this natural process.

Dinner is served.

Philosophy Circle: After dinner we hold our ‘talked about’ philosophy circle - discussions around femininity and what this stage of life means to us.

Day 2 - The Work

Start the morning with a jet spa, steam room, swim or a walk around the grounds (optional) followed by a choice of breakfast options.

Self-discovery session 1: regulating the nervous system - understanding the biology of stress, it’s role in hormone regulation and implementing management strategies.

Free time followed by lunch.

Ageing Well session 2: After lunch we look at the physiology of peri-menopause symptoms and the ageing process - your questions answered. Followed by a food tasting of functional foods and afternoon tea.

Free time followed by dinner.

Day 3 - The beginning

Start the morning with a jet spa, steam room, swim or walk around the grounds (optional) followed by a choice of breakfast options.

Self-discovery session 2: understanding self and embracing the next chapter of life. Support, supplements and lifestyle medicine discussed.

Meet the Facilitators

We always pride ourselves on the wealth of experience our facilitators bring to the table. But don’t just take our word for it …

  • Director of SDL

    Despina has over 20 years clinical experience in naturopathic and nutritional medicine, specialising in stress and anxiety disorders, and has helped patients implement positive lifestyle habits using education and nutritional guidance. She has attained post graduate education in Nutrition, Counselling and Education and she currently lectures at Western Sydney University and Torrens University in the Health Science faculty.

    Despina has combined her passions for women's health, mental health and education, and has developed ‘Self Discovery Lab’ to support individuals in dealing with the emotional challenges of today.

    She has also partnered with AnxietyAwareness.com to apply their evidenced based workshops and residential retreats for those looking for further direction and meaning in their life.

  • A naturopath and nutritionist since 1989, Sue has focused on women's health for over 30 years with an established clinic in Neutral Bay. Her counselling qualification also assists her in looking for sustainable health care by incorporating physical and emotional solutions.

    Sue has been teaching at Torrens University for the past 12 years and been invited to present at industry conferences to practitioners. She has also supported her community with local workshops at community centres.

    Sue has collaborated with other naturopaths and released her online menopausal program 'Thrive through Menopause' to support women in addressing underlying drivers and finding equilibrium.

Our aims:

Personal:

  • To compassionately reflect on ‘who we are’ from a reflection of the past – our innate abilities.

  • To apply these innate abilities to our future.

  • To empower the female lineage.

Physical:

  • To understand the basic biology of peri-menopause, menopause and ageing.

  • To develop an ability to down-regulate stress hormones to combat symptoms.

  • To explore the art of dietary and lifestyle interventions.

  • “Great relationships, amazing women, brilliant friendships made … go girl power!!”

    Aggelki

  • “I’ve always been told ‘knowledge is king’, why don’t we know this stuff? I now have the tools. Thank you to the SDL team … oh and did I mention the food.”

    Janey Mac

  • “The real deal. I shifted my perspective about what the next 10-20 years could look like (it doesn’t have to be doom and gloom), feeling quite confident.”

    Charlise V

  • “Always felt anxious about my symptoms and hyper-managed them. I now understand the ‘why’ and have choice in making change”

    Subha

  • “Particularly loved the meditations, so relatable, so powerful – wonderful that we can take them home with us.”

    Beth

Start a new relationship with yourself now.

Book your free 15-30min chat to help you decide whether this retreat is right for you.