YOUR ESSENCE

Signature Retreat

| JOIN YOUR ESSENCE|

YOUR ESSENCE

(Signature)

Women’s Retreat | THE DEEPENING PATHWAY

YOUR ESSENCE are our Signature retreats that we hold a few times a year. There comes a moment when the whispers of your soul grow louder, calling you back home—to yourself, to your essence, to the truth that has always been within you. Your Essence Retreat is more than just a retreat — it is a sacred passage into the deepest layers of your being. A space where you are invited to soften, unravel, and remember. Through somatic healing, ceremony, and sisterhood, we journey beyond the surface into the core of who you are, peeling back the layers that time, expectations, and life’s demands have woven around you.

This is part of THE DEEPENING PATHWAY — a journey for those already carrying the foundation and are seeking more depth in healing, embodiment, devotion, and remembrance. Held in the embrace of nature and sacred space, you will be guided through soul-awakening practices, ritual, and reflection, awakening the radiant essence that has been longing to rise. Come home to yourself. Come home to your essence.

JOIN YOUR ESSENCE | SIGNATURE RETREAT

THE INVITATION

This is for the woman who..

Feels a longing to reconnect with the wisdom of her body, heart, and soul.
Is ready to soften, surrender, and trust the unfolding of her path.
Desires to deepen her connection to her feminine essence and inner truth.
Is navigating a transition, yearning for clarity, renewal, and remembrance.
Craves soulful sisterhood — being seen, held, and supported by other women.
Wants to release old patterns, emotions, or stories that no longer serve her.
Is ready to reclaim her radiance, sensuality, and authentic expression.
Desires to root deeply into her essence and rise in her fullness.
Feels the pull to engage in Ceremony, Prayer, and Ritual as a path to self-discovery.

JOIN YOUR ESSENCE

THE EXPERIENCE

| INCLUDED OFFERINGS |

Reawaken and reclaim the wisdom of your body through feminine embodiment practices, softening into your innate power. Through sensual awareness, energetic awakening, and deep presence, you will cultivate a profound relationship with your feminine nature.
Aligning your body, mind, and soul with the vibrant energy of spring. These different practices will prepare you to embrace the day’s offerings to create balance, presence, and inner stillness. These practices will support your nervous system, enhance emotional regulation, and open space for deeper self-connection.
Honouring the wisdom of the natural world, these rituals will connect you to the elements — Earth, Water, Fire, and Air — each representing different aspects of life, transformation, and inner balance. Through ceremony, guided journeying, and elemental practices, you will deepen your connection to nature and the sacred cycles within you.
Exploration of the nervous system, body awareness, and emotional resilience. You will be guided through advanced somatic techniques to regulate, release stored tension, and cultivate deep inner safety. Through touch, breath, and subtle movements, you will learn to access a more grounded and integrated state of being.
Open your heart and connect deeply to yourself and women during our sacred Cacao Ceremony. This ancient ‘fruit of the Gods’ invites you to honour your inner wisdom, creativity, heart and takes you on a beautiful journey.
A practice to activate self-expression by opening the voice from the womb space, connecting the throat chakra to our sacral through sound and toning. Moving stagnant energy & invite release — allowing for an unapologetic expression of deep-held emotions.
Through dance, free-form movement, and somatic exploration, this session invites you to move beyond limitations and express yourself freely. Movement is a gateway to release, self-discovery, and empowerment, allowing you to tap into your joy, sensuality, and inner strength.
Sisterhood is a sanctuary — a space where you are met exactly as you are, with no need to hide or shrink. You are invited to surrender into connection, allowing yourself to be seen, held, and supported in your fullness. Together, we weave trust, vulnerability, and deep belonging, remembering that true strength lies in rising together.

JOIN YOUR ESSENCE | SIGNATURE

THE PACKAGE

| INCLUDED |

Six days, five nights at Cara Creek Eco Lodge
Three daily fresh, organic, lovingly made meals
Materials for the Workshops & Ceremonies
A fully curated schedule of ceremonies, rituals, workshops, movement and teachings facilitated with space for rest, deep felt connection and enjoying self initiated activities in and around Grounded Roots.
Use of Cara Creek facilities — sauna, natural swimming pool and more.
Transport from Coimbra B to and from Cara Creek.

| NOT INCLUDED |

Flights to and from Portugal
Train tickets to and from Coimbra B
Travel and Health Insurance

MEET YOUR FACILITATORS

Manouk works as a Trauma-Informed Somatic Mentor, Space Holder, Ceremonialist, Women’s Facilitator, Community weaver, founder of SĀCRED REMEMBRANCE and Retreat Leader. She is a visionary in Women’s Empowerment and dedicated to guide and gather women in sacred spaces to invite deep heartfelt feminine remembrance, healing and transformation.
After being diagnosed with a chronic autoimmune dis-ease, she embarked on a transformative holistic healing journey, uncovering the intricate links between emotions, trauma, and physical health. Through somatic practices, natural therapies, and And deep inner work, Manouk healed herself. This decade long holistic journey is the womb of all creation and the inspiration behind her deep-felt offerings.
Her approach creates a nurturing safe environment to help women release limiting beliefs, patterns and step into their raw authentic essence. It is her path to inspire, be of service and work as a portal to blossom beings to wholeness. She guides from head to heart — listening, remembering and feeling. Inviting you to explore your body’s innate intelligence, deepening self-love and empowerment that ripple into every aspect of life.

Isa Nijman is a Goddess Embodiment Mentor, Women’s Work Facilitator, Cacao Priestess, Chakra Energy Healer and Dharma & Prosperity Coach.
She bridges the realms of yoga, divine feminine wisdom, ancient goddess teachings and Egyptian alchemy and is here to guide you to unlock your unique prosperity & abundance codes.
She supports women on the path of awakening transformation and divine feminine healing through sacred ceremony, ritual arts, yogic & goddess philosophy, plant medicine (Cacao, Blue Lotus and Rapeh) ceremonies, 1:1 energy healing sessions, and guidance.

THE VENUE —

CARA CREEK ECO LODGE

Welcome to the majestic Portuguese valley where two rivers meet—Cara Creek Eco Lodge. To retreat here is to surrender into the soothing embrace of Pachamama herself. Created in symbiosis with the land’s beauty, every structure is handmade using solely natural materials, maintaining a low carbon footprint and deep respect for the earth. This off-grid sanctuary is a place to breathe, rest, move, feel, nurture, heal, gather, explore, and be held—by the earth, the river, the warmth of the sun, and the lush forest surrounding us.

The retreat center has been intentionally chosen to support a process of rewilding — a return to our primal roots and essence. Here, we embrace simplicity, stripping away excess to reconnect with what is true. You will sleep in handcrafted sacred geometry eco-pods, each sustainably built to harmonise with the natural world. This is not a place of luxury, but rather a sanctuary of deep presence, where comfort is found in the raw beauty of the land. It’s a place to disconnect from the distractions of modern life and reconnect with the earth, the elements, and the untamed parts of ourselves This environment invites deep reflection, grounding, and a reconnection to nature’s rhythms.

Natural Swimming Pool
Overlooking the valley and surrounding woodland. The swimming pool is kept clear and chemical-free using a sand filter, UV filter, and diverse aquatic plants.
Temezcal (Sweatlodge), Hot Tub & Sauna
A Hobbit-style wood-fired sauna and solar powered hot tub with the pool close by to cool off in between sessions.
Private River with Waterfall & Forest
With our own private river beach and nearby waterfall and lush green forest hikes. With river clay mud baths and paddle boarding along the river.
Indoor & Outdoor Shala
With stunning views of the pool and soothing sounds of the river we gather here to practice Yoga, Meditate or hold a Ceremony.
Communal Spaces
For a break from nature's elements, we have cozy communal dining spaces and chill-out areas. Grab a cup of tea, a good book, and cuddle up with one of the animals.
Garden to Table Meals
Organic garden to table meals prepared with so much love and intention throughout the retreat. Grown mostly in their own garden.

FAQ

YOUR ESSENCE is part of our DEEPENING PATHWAY, meaning this retreat is for those who feel the call to move into the raw, untamed depths of their being. For women that already have done the foundational work and are now ready to dive deeper. This is a descent into the unseen — into the elemental, the shadow, and the unspoken parts of self. Through primal embodiment, deep somatic processing, and ritual, you will meet what is ready to be transformed. Held in true sisterhood, guiding you back to your essence — revealing, reclaiming, and embodying the truth of who you are.
If you're unsure whether you're ready for this journey, trust what your body tells you. This retreat is not about seeking more but about remembering what has always been within you. If you feel the pull—an ache in your bones, a whisper in your heart — this is your invitation. Apply for the retreat, and we can schedule a call to explore if this sacred journey is meant for you.
The retreat includes daily guided movement, rituals, and ceremonies, accommodation and workshop materials in a beautiful natural setting, nourishing meals, and facilitation by Manouk de Bijl and Isa Nijman. It also offers time to rest, integrate, and connect with the surrounding landscape.
We aim to create an inclusive, supportive environment. If you have any concerns, please reach out before booking so we can discuss how to best support you.
Yes, YOUR ESSENCE is part of the DEEPENING PATHWAY, which is designed for women who have already laid a foundation in their personal growth and healing. While prior experience with embodiment practices, somatic work, ceremony or rituals isn’t required, this retreat is intended for those who are ready to move beyond the foundation and dive into deeper layers of self. It’s a space for women who have already begun their journey and are now called to explore the raw, untamed depths of their being.
If you're unsure if this applies to you, trust what your body tells you — if you feel the pull, we invite you to apply, and we can schedule a call to ensure this journey is the right fit.
We will send a full packing list upon registration, but essentials include comfortable clothing for movement, a journal, water bottle, and anything that supports your personal ritual practice.

Hannah, as a part of the Cara Creek team will be our amazing chef for this weekend. She will create daily fresh, organic and farm to table, nourishing, plant based wholesome meals that support your well-being. Dietary needs and preferences will be accommodated as best as possible — you can mention these upon applying.
TO PORTUGAL
Fly to Porto or Lisbon in the morning (July 8) or the night before (July 7). If you choose to arrive the day of, July 8, make sure you get in Lisbon or Porto really early in the morning.
TO CARA CREEK
Once arrived in Lisbon or Porto you can take a train or bus to Coimbra B. (Advice to take the train). Here we will pick you up with a scheduled shuttle (included).
Train schedule and tickets found here: www.cp.pt
TRAVEL TIME
Porto - Cara Creek (2 hours)
Lisbon - Cara Creek (3 hours)
CAR
Another loved option is to rent a car and split the cost with other women from the retreat.
Check in at Cara Creek — July 8, 14:00.
A scheduled shuttle will bring you from Coimbra B train station to Cara Creek. (This takes one hour). Meeting at Coimbra B around 13:00 on July 8. Exact time to be confirmed.
Check out from Cara Creek — July 13, 11:00
After our last breakfast the shuttle will drive you back to the train station at Coimbra B. Book your departure flight not earlier then 17:30 on July 13.
Advised to add a few days in nature to integrate the retreat before you leave Portugal.
Yes it is possible to pay in instalments. You’ll find different payment plans available to choose from after you filled in the application form. Please reach out if you need other payment plan options. We can find a suitable plan for your needs and desires.
The journey begins with an intake form, where you’ll share more about yourself, your intentions, and what’s calling you to this retreat. After submitting the form, you’ll be guided to book a personal connection call to connect deeper and answer any questions you might have. For those ready to commit, you’ll find your way straight to payment. Once your place is confirmed, you’ll receive an official welcome email. We’re deeply excited to welcome you into this sacred space.
This call is a moment to connect, feel into alignment, and answer any questions you may have. If we both feel this is the right space for you, we’ll invite you to secure your spot with a €50 deposit, which will be deducted from your retreat price if you decide to join.
Once your place is confirmed, you’ll receive an official welcome email with all the details, including payment options, travel guidance, and pre-retreat preparations. We can’t wait to welcome you into this sacred space.

INVESTMENT
- CABANA
  EARLY SISTER (till March 31st)
  - 1 PAYMENT — €1650 incl. tax
  - 3 PAYMENTS — €550 incl. tax
  REGULAR SISTER (from April 1st)
  - 1 PAYMENT — €1710 incl. tax
  - 3 PAYMENTS — €570 incl. tax
- TRI & TETRA POD
  EARLY SISTER (till March 31st)
  - 1 PAYMENT — €1690 incl. tax
  - 3 PAYMENTS — €563 incl. tax
  REGULAR SISTER (from April 1st)
  - 1 PAYMENT — €1750 incl. tax
  - 3 PAYMENTS — €583 incl. tax

| ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS & INVESTMENT |

We would love to receive you,

8 — 13 JULY 2025 | CARA CREEK, PORTUGAL

We have space for an intimate group of 12 women, and our retreats tend to fill quickly. If you feel called to join, we invite you to apply soon to ensure your place — your space is waiting. If you’re seeking an alternative payment provider or plan, please reach out — we’re happy to explore options with you.