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Health and Wellness Retreats in United States/
Health and Wellness Retreats in Mills River/
The Elements of Her - Transformative Wellness Retreat
The Elements of Her - Transformative Wellness Retreat
April 17 - 20, 2026
Mills River, NC, United States
3 nights, 4 days
12 person retreat
Highlights
Nervous System Regulation
Immersive Excursion to the Asheville Salt Cave
Clinical & Intuitive Wellness Practices
Luxury Private Estate in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Five Elements Curriculum
Shamanic Sound & Botancial Healing
Ayurvedic Seasonal Nourishment
Sustainable Integration Support
Details
Imagine a morning where the only requirement of you is to wake with the mountain mist. Elements of Her is hosted in a light-filled, private sanctuary tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The atmosphere is one of "Quiet Luxury"—think soft linens, wood-burning warmth, and the expansive silence of the forest. This is not a high-performance fitness retreat; it is a spacious, unhurried immersion designed to feel like a deep, collective exhale. The Intent This sanctuary was created for the woman navigating the quiet exhaustion of survival mode and chronic stress. Our intent is to help you "unplug" from the demands of your daily roles and plug back into your own vital energy. By moving through the archetypes of the Five Elements—Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit—we provide a framework for you to ground your body, clear your mind, and remember the woman you are when you aren't "doing" for everyone else. The guests leave the mountains with more than just a memory; they leave with a regulated nervous system. Through Liz’s unique methodology, you will experience a reduction in the "noise" of anxiety and a renewed sense of presence. You can expect to feel a physical lightening of the body, improved digestive ease through our Ayurvedic-forward nourishment, and a mental clarity that only comes from deep, intentional rest. You will return home with a personal "Sanctuary Toolkit" of breathwork and rituals that actually fit into a real-world routine. What sets this experience apart is the bridge between science and soul. Led by a guide with a background in Holistic Nutrition from Harvard Medical School and specialized training in Nervous System Regulation, the retreat offers a clinical understanding of stress paired with the mystical healing of Shamanic Sound and herbalism. From our "Founder’s Circle" legacy gifts to our specific focus on trauma-informed movement, every detail is curated to honor your human experience with both intelligence and intuition.
Venue
Luxe Retreat in Mills River, North Carolina
★ Reviews
It's time to unwind. Upscale mid-century meets cozy farmhouse atop Old Forge Mountain (borders Pisgah). The perfect getaway for spreading out & celebrating with friends and family. Enjoy exceptional mountain views surrounding this 5000sf home, soak in the private hot tub, or explore nearby breweries, trails, and mountain towns.
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Garden
Hot Tub
Laundry
Towels
Housekeeping
Coffee / Tea
Kitchen
Free Parking
Accommodation
King Suite - Private or Shared
4 Spots Left
2-person shared room
$2,295 USD / person
Queen Suite
4 Spots Left
4-person shared room
$2,025 USD / person
Bunk Room — Shared Community Space
4 Spots Left
4-person shared room
$1,485 USD / person
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Step into your own private retreat within the retreat. The venue offers a spacious, serene sanctuary designed for deep rest and effortless luxury. Featuring a plush king/queen beds, warm natural textures, soft lighting, and curated boho décor, this room is ideal for the guest who desires privacy, stillness, and space to unwind. Enjoy quiet mornings, evening journaling rituals, or simply time to breathe without interruption. This room is perfect for solo travelers craving restorative solitude or couples attending together. Includes: -Private king/queen bedroom -Highest level of privacy -Premium linens + cozy blankets -Access to all shared retreat amenities -Welcome ritual gift Best for: Those wanting deep rest, luxury comfort, and personal space.
Meals
Meals provided
Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Diets catered
Vegan · Vegetarian · Gluten-free · Dairy-free · Nut Allergy Friendly · Diabetic Friendly
Nourishment at our sanctuary is centered around the Ayurvedic principle of Agni—the digestive fire. We believe that true healing begins in the gut, and our menu is intentionally designed to replenish the mineral stores of women navigating burnout. Rather than restriction, we focus on abundance, vitality, and seasonal alignment. Our menu is primarily Plant-Based and Gluten-Free, utilizing the "Elements" framework to guide each day. While the meals are designed to be light and clearing for the spring season, they are deeply satisfying and grounding. Each dish is prepared with organic, locally sourced ingredients from the Blue Ridge region, ensuring high prana (life force) in every bite. A Typical Day of Nourishment: Morning: Warm, spiced Ayurvedic porridges with stewed seasonal fruits and adaptogenic elixirs. Lunch: Vibrant "Element Bowls" featuring protein-rich legumes, roasted root vegetables, and mineral-dense greens. Evening: Warming, slow-simmered dhal or medicinal soups designed to soothe the nervous system for deep, restorative sleep. All Day: A curated tea and elixir bar featuring customized herbal infusions for hormonal balance and grounding. *Special Dietary Needs* We are an inclusive kitchen. While our base menu is vegan and gluten-free to support ease of digestion for all, we can seamlessly accommodate additional dietary requirements or allergies with advance notice. Our goal is for every woman to feel deeply cared for and sustained throughout her stay.
Host
Liz McLaughlin
Pelzer, SC, USA
Liz | Founder of The Alma Sanctuary Yoga & Embodiment Guide • Holistic Wellness Practitioner Liz believes that the modern woman wasn't meant to carry the world alone. With a decade of practice and a ...
1 language
English
Teaching for 3 days
Joined Insight Timer in Feb 2026
What's Included
Luxury Mountain Accommodations Four days and three nights at our private Blue Ridge sanctuary. Choose between a private suite for total solitude or a shared companion room for community.
All Ayurvedic-Forward Meals Daily chef-prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus intentional snacks and botanical elixirs designed for nervous system replenishment.
A Comprehensive Curriculum Daily guided meditation, breathwork, yoga and energy work sessions specialized for relaxation and nervous system regulation.
The Five Elements Workshop Series Interactive sessions exploring herbalism, seasonal wellness rituals, and practical tools for sustainable well-being.
Shamanic Sound Healing Evening sound immersions using sacred instruments to facilitate deep rest and emotional release.
Not Included
Travel and Airfare Guests are responsible for their own transportation to the Asheville/Greenville area.
Shuttle Transfers Ground transportation from the airport to the sanctuary is not included, though we provide a list of preferred local car services.
Travel Insurance We highly recommend (and may require) personal travel insurance to protect your investment in the event of unforeseen travel disruptions.
Additional Personal Expenses Any items of a personal nature or off-site purchases made during spacious integration hours.
FAQs
Guest requirements
An Open Heart and Mind - No prior experience with yoga, meditation, or Ayurveda is required. Beginners are warmly welcomed and fully supported.
Physical Mobility - Participants should be comfortable walking on uneven mountain terrain and moving through a gentle physical practice. (Please note: Our sanctuary involves some stairs).
Health Disclosure - We ask that all participants complete a brief health and dietary intake form upon booking so we can safely support your unique needs.
A Desire for Rest - We ask that guests arrive ready to embrace a slower, more intentional pace.
Cancellation policy
The remaining balance for the retreat is due 14 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 14 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 14 days before the retreat begins.
