A Widow’s Getaway
10th – 13th October 2025
Andulusia, Spain
Rest, Reflect, Reconnect
A healing escape where movement, meditation, and deep connection bring you back to yourself
Come to Spain with Me
I know how hard it is to do something for yourself. To step into something unfamiliar. To even think about traveling alone. Because grief makes everything feel bigger, scarier, and exhausting before you’ve even started.
Even imagining stepping on a plane alone might feel impossible.
But here’s the thing—you’re already doing hard things every single day.
This retreat? This is the space where you finally get to set it down.
If there are tears, it is because they need to fall freely and without judgement. I can almost certainly guarantee that there will be laughter too – when we share this bond of loss and pain, everything feels easier.
This isn’t about forcing emotions or making you dig deep if you’re not ready. It’s about giving you the chance to breathe again—physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually.
More Than a Retreat, A Place to Breathe Again
This isn’t just a retreat. It’s a full-body exhale.
A chance to step out of your life—the endless to-do lists, the loneliness, the heaviness — and land somewhere that feels like it was built to hold you.
From our hilltop sanctuary, you’ll catch glimpses of the Mediterranean glittering in the distance, while the Andalusian sun warms your skin. The land here smells of wild herbs, olive trees, and earth baked golden by centuries of summer.
It’s the kind of place where time stretches out and the noise of everyday life just… fades.
Where you can hear your own breath again.
What is this Retreat about?
We’ll move each morning—gentle, grounding yoga and breathwork, designed to help you release what’s been stuck in your body for too long. We’ll sit in the sun with coffee, journaling through simple prompts that help you reconnect with the part of you that’s still dreaming. Days flow slow—sun on your skin, pool dips, siestas, shared meals full of fresh, local food. Evenings close with movement, sound, a delicious meal al fresco whilst watching the sky turn pink and gold.
True Connection
No one here will ask you “how are you doing?” with that pity face. Every woman here knows exactly what you’ve been through. No explanations needed.
Plenty of free time
To rest, to be, to feel the warmth of the sun
Movement
Mornings will start with gentle movement—yoga, stretching, breathwork—all designed to release tension, calm the mind, and bring you back into your body after everything it’s been through.
Meditation for the overwhelmed griefy mind
If your brain feels like it never stops, I get it. Guided meditations will help you slow down, breathe, and find some much-needed quiet inside the noise of grief. Even if you’ve never meditated before, you’ll be amazed at how grounding it can be.
Journaling for Clarity
Each morning, I’ll offer simple, guided journaling prompts—nothing overwhelming, just the right questions to help you reflect, gain clarity, and start thinking about what’s next for you when you return home.
The Beauty of Spain
We’ll be in the most peaceful place you can imagine—180 acres of olive and almond trees, fresh air, stunning sea views, and zero expectations.
No Decisions, No Stress
I take care of everything. You just book your flight. From the moment you arrive, you are looked after.
Laughter & Lightness
Yes, we talk about grief. But we also laugh, move, and remember what it feels like to live fully.
This is for you if...
👣 You hate the idea of taking a trip alone but need to get away
👣 You miss deep, real conversations with people who understand
👣 You’re exhausted from carrying it all and just want a break
👣 You’re ready to step outside your comfort zone, just a little
👣 You want to wake up in the Spanish sun and remember that life still holds joy
This is not about forcing yourself to be “better.” This is about giving yourself what you actually need
Location
Our home for this retreat is a 17th-century converted convent, tucked away in the hills above Malaga, surrounded by 180 acres of almond and olive trees that stretch as far as the eye can see. You can feel the history here—the walls that have stood for centuries, the land that’s soaked up sunshine and silence in equal measure.
The old stables have been lovingly transformed into seven charming apartments, each one simple, spacious, and steeped in character. The floors are cool terracotta tiles, the rooms are furnished with a nod to the convent’s past—nothing flashy, just honest, thoughtful touches that remind you of the lives lived here before us.
Apartments carry names inspired by the beauty that surrounds us—Bougainvillea, Jasmine, El Olivo, La Higuera. Names that roll off the tongue as softly as the warm breeze that drifts through the open windows.
Inside, you’ll find shared lounges and small kitchens—places to curl up with a book, sip your morning coffee, or chat quietly with a new friend. But honestly? It’s the outdoors that calls you.
Because in Spain, it’s always about the outside—the light, the sky, the land itself.
And that’s where we’ll spend our days:
Stretching out under wide open skies
Eating together, laughing together
Soaking up the sun, the stillness, the space
Your Space
Simple, Comforting, Yours
You’ll have your choice of room:
✔️ A double all to yourself, with your own ensuite—space to breathe, sleep, sprawl out
✔️ Or share a room (if you’re traveling with a widowed friend, or ready to make a new one—you’ll be surprised how fast connections form here)
There’s no pressure, no awkward small talk—just easy company, shared experience, and space when you need it.
Our shared meals will be fresh, nourishing, and taken outdoors whenever possible. The kind of food that fills you up but never weighs you down. Crusty bread, local olive oil, bright, ripe tomatoes, simple plates full of sunshine.
And when the day winds down, there’s always a spot to sit, glass of wine in hand, watching the hills turn gold as the sun dips low.
Solo Occupancy Room example
Twin room occupancy example
Lounge by the pool or get some laps in
Each converted stable has a cosy warm wood burning stove for cooler nights
It’s space, beauty, connection, and the deep comfort of being somewhere that asks nothing of you except that you show up exactly as you are.
Here's what's included...
✔ 4 days / 3 nights at our private Andalusian retreat — converted stables steeped in history and Spanish charm
✔ Daily movement & meditation — designed to ease the tension of grief that we hold in our bodies, and to enable the para-sympathetic nervous system to do it’s work. This is not performance – joining in is optional (but of course, highly recommended)
✔ Morning journaling prompts — simple, guided, no-pressure reflections
✔ All meals included — nourishing, fresh, locally-sourced, and served outdoors whenever possible
✔ Plenty of free time — pool, naps, walks, tennis, or quiet conversations in the sunshine
✔ Mindfulness hikes — in the Andulusian Hills
✔ Your choice of room:
– Private double with ensuite for full privacy
– Shared room if you’re coming with a widowed friend (or open to meeting your next bestie)
✔ Mealtime drinks (soft drinks, teas, coffees, limited wine available – you are welcome to bring your own tipple of choice)
✈ All you need to do is book your flight to Malaga Airport and make your way to our retreat. I’ll handle the rest.
faq
Let Me Answer What’s Probably On Your Mind
I’ve never traveled alone before… what if I feel nervous?
I get it—truly. But the second you arrive, you won’t be alone. I’ll be there, and so will a small group of women who know exactly what this feels like. We’re in this together from the moment you land.
How do I get to the retreat from Malaga Airport?
You’ll make your own way to the venue—it’s about a 30-minute drive from Malaga Airport.
🚗 Car hire is affordable if you book in advance and gives you the freedom to explore if you want.
🚕 Taxis are also easy to grab at the airport if you’d rather not drive.
Either way, I’ll give you full directions, and we’ll coordinate so you feel totally confident about where you’re going.
What’s the accommodation like? Will I have my own space?
The retreat is made up of six beautiful converted stables—simple, full of character, and designed to give you space without feeling isolated.
Each stable has 2 or 3 bedrooms, a shared lounge area, and a small kitchen—perfect for relaxing or making a cuppa in your pajamas.
✔ Private double with ensuite: If you want your own space.
✔ Shared twin room: If you’re coming solo or open to meeting a new friend.
✔ Group bookings: If you’re coming with 2, 3, or 4 widowed friends, you can share one of the converted stables. Just let me know when you book—all spaces in your group need to be booked together.
What’s included—and what else should I budget for?
✔ 4 days / 3 nights accommodation
✔ All meals, drinks (teas, coffee, wine), snacks
✔ Daily yoga, meditation, and journaling sessions
✔ Space to rest, connect, and just be
💸 Extras to budget for:
- Taxi or car hire from Malaga Airport (both easy and affordable)
Is this retreat just for women?
Yes. This is a women-only retreat—designed for the comfort, connection, and safety that comes from being with other women who truly understand this grief journey.
I don’t do yoga, I've never meditated. Is this retreat still for me?
Absolutely. The movement is about nervous system restoration, not flexibility or performance. You’ll move as much or as little as feels right for you. Or you can choose to side step all the woo-woo (I promise, it’s not woo-woo – it’s heartfelt, soothing, healing and so beneficial to your wellbeing)
What if I’m worried about the cost?
I know how hard it is to spend money on yourself, especially now. But this is an investment in your heart, your body, your healing, your current and future self—and you deserve that.
You can secure your spot with a deposit, then split the balance into two payments if that helps.
Ready to Join Us?
I know how hard it is to say yes to yourself — especially after everything you’ve been through.
But you don’t have to do this alone. Not anymore.
This retreat is your chance to breathe, rest, laugh, move, and feel understood — all in the warmth of the Spanish sunshine, surrounded by women who truly get it.
You are so welcome here. And I’d love nothing more than to share this experience with you.
Spots are limited — when they’re gone, they’re gone
Pricing & What’s Included:
Private Double Room (Ensuite) £1450 per person
✔ Your own room and ensuite bathroom
✔ Space, privacy, and comfort
Payment Options:
✔ Pay in Full Today to secure your place
✔ Or pay a £275 deposit now — with two easy payments invoiced later. Deposits are non-refundable
Shared Twin Room £1150 per person
✔ Share a twin room
✔ Thoughtful room pairings if you’re coming solo
Payment Options:
✔ Pay in Full Today to secure your place
✔ Or pay a £275 deposit now — with two easy payments invoiced later. Deposits are non-refundable
Both options include:
✔ 4 days / 3 nights accommodation
✔ All meals, drinks, (limited) wine, and snacks
✔ Daily yoga, meditation, journaling
✔ Full support, connection, and space to breathe
Travel and transfers are not included — but Malaga Airport is just a 30-minute drive away
Not sure about sharing a room?
You’re not the only one.
It’s completely normal to feel unsure about sharing a space — especially with someone you haven’t met yet.
But here’s the truth:
Every woman attending this retreat is a widow.
Someone who gets it.
Someone who knows the weight of silence and the ache of sleeping alone — and who is probably feeling just as nervous as you are.
What I’ve seen time and time again is that room sharing often becomes part of the healing.
Not forced connection — just gentle companionship.
Late-night chats… or peaceful coexisting.
The quiet reassurance that you’re not alone anymore.
🛏️ Every shared room is a spacious twin — no bunk beds, no sharing beds.
🧘🏽♀️ You’ll be matched thoughtfully if you’re coming solo (sleep style matters, I promise).
💬 And if you’re coming with a friend, just let me know — you can absolutely share together.
This is a space designed to feel safe — even in the unknown.
You might arrive feeling unsure.
But you might just leave with someone who feels like family.
You deserve this space. You deserve this break. And I would love to welcome you
P.S. Got questions? Email me directly — hello@orlablackburn.com — I’m happy to chat through anything, no pressure
Meet Orla, your retreat leader
I’m a Holistic Widow Guide — but first and foremost, I’m widowed too. I know exactly how heavy and isolating this road can feel. The desire to get away… to be taken care of, cooked for, surrounded by adults who truly understand — and yet feeling too scared to do it alone.
In those early days, I desperately wanted space like this — somewhere I could just be. Not a singles holiday, not a family trip — but a place where I wasn’t the only one carrying grief. A place where it was safe to laugh, cry, or sit quietly without feeling like the odd one out.
That’s why I created this retreat.
Over the years, I’ve guided multiple widows’ retreats in the UK, always with that same mission — to create a space where you don’t have to explain yourself. Where you can simply show up, be held, and feel deeply understood.
Alongside that, I bring my professional experience to this space:
Certified Hatha, Yin, and Yoga Nidra Teacher — with a deep understanding of movement and rest for grief
Certified Grief Educator — trained in the unique methodology of world-renowned grief expert, David Kessler
Co-leader of a grief support membership for widows alongside Karen Sutton, The Widow Coach
Guest speaker and facilitator at bereavement and widowhood events and retreats
Volunteer for WAY (Widowed And Young) — supporting others through the messiness of this life none of us chose
I know the courage it takes to say yes to something like this. The mental gymnastics of “Can I really do this?” and “What if I don’t know anyone?”
That’s why I’ll be there — not just as your guide, but as someone who truly gets it. Ready to welcome you, support you, and remind you that you belong here.
Once you arrive, it will feel like exactly where you’re meant to be.