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The Marcella Principle

June 29 - July 3, 2026

Moffat, CO, United States

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Hosted By

Marcella Friel

601 followers

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5 days

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20 person retreat

Highlights

  • Sacred desert setting in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains

  • Daily sunrise soaks in geothermal mineral hot springs

  • Guided labyrinth walks for personal reflection

  • EFT Tapping to release anxiety, fear, and hopelessness

  • Spiritual pilgrimage to local sacred sites

  • Health-supportive meals prepared by private chef

  • Journaling, movement, and soulful circle sharing

  • Daily gong baths and sound healing concert at end of retreat

Details

In the fourth century A.D., as the Roman Empire collapsed, St. Marcella of Rome gathered a circle of women devoted to prayer, wisdom, and inner strength. In our own age of fragmentation and fatigue, The Marcella Principle calls us to do the same: to turn inward, remember what is sacred, and regenerate our spirits for the times we’re in. Through seven timeless practices—self-creation, intuition, spiritual connection, emotional honesty, gratitude, love, and purpose—you’ll replenish the well within you and rediscover what it means to live with grace and vitality amid the world’s decline. Join a circle of women cultivating faith, tenderness, and courage—becoming the light that outlives the empire.

Location

Moffat, CO, United States

Moffat, CO 81143, is a small, unincorporated community nestled in the expansive San Luis Valley of Colorado, United States. Known for its vast, open landscapes and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, Moffat offers a peaceful, rural setting characterized by agricultural lands and sparse population. This area attracts those seeking solitude and a connection with nature, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife watching, and enjoying the stark beauty of the high desert environment. The community serves as a quiet retreat from the hustle of city life, offering a slower pace and a chance to experience the rugged charm of Colorado's less-traveled paths.

Venue

Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa

4.4 1137 Reviews

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Welcome to Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa, located in the northern gateway to the beautiful San Luis Valley. We invite you to join us at our peaceful spa for a relaxing retreat. Enlighten your senses with our rejuvenating waters, relaxing massage therapies, and magnificent views of the Sangre De Cristo mountain range. Joyful Journey offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from our comfortable Hotel Rooms with private bathrooms and aspen-wood furniture to our native Tipis, all-season Yurts, or RV and campsites.

A/C in Rooms

A/C in Rooms

Free Wifi

Free Wifi

Pool

Pool

Sauna

Sauna

Hot Tub

Hot Tub

Free Parking

Free Parking

Bathroom

Bathroom

Accommodation

Retreat Access without Accommodation

3 Spots Left

Participants to organize their own lodging or commuting.

$1,167.30 USD total

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Meals

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Meals provided

Breakfast · Lunch

Diets catered

Vegetarian · Gluten-free · Dairy-free · Organic · Keto Friendly · Diabetic Friendly · Paleo Friendly

All meals are crafted with love to support intuitive eating, gentle nourishment, and digestive ease. We'll follow intermittent fasting principles, offering: Breakfast (light and hydrating): Fresh juices and hearty bone broth-based soups with a vegetarian option Lunch (main meal): A beautiful buffet bar of simple, whole foods with house-made sauces, dressings, and condiments for mix-and-match nourishment Supper: Not formally served, though women may choose to dine from the Joyful Journey supper menu Snacks and teas available will be made all day in the retreat Casita. Meals are communal, casual, and deeply nourishing, served in the cozy Casita kitchen/dining space. We'll share the first few minutes of breakfast in silence, and we'll open each lunch with a group blessing to honor the sacred act of feeding ourselves with love. (Note: Guests with unique dietary needs are welcome to supplement meals using the Casita’s fridge and pantry space.)

Schedule

This four-day retreat unfolds as a living embodiment of The Marcella Principle—a pilgrimage of spiritual regeneration for women called to renew their faith, vitality, and purpose in a world that feels in decline. Our rhythm is both structured and spacious: periods of teaching and inner work are balanced with generous time for rest, reflection, and communion with the healing waters of Joyful Journey Hot Springs. Schedules are subject to change, yet the daily flow generally includes: Sunrise soak in the mineral springs Light, hydrating breakfast of juices and broths Morning session: teaching, EFT Tapping, and journaling Midday buffet lunch followed by restorative downtime Afternoon gathering: creative practice, movement, or ritual Optional evening ceremonies: labyrinth walk, star-lit soak, or sound healing Early adjourn for deep, replenishing rest

Testimonials

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“At first I told myself all the reasons I couldn’t go: money, timing, family, altitude, being a homebody. I decided the retreat was a luxury I didn’t need. But then I remembered my intention for the year: Trust and Surrender. When someone on one of Marcella's group calls said she’d booked her flight, everything clicked. I asked my family for support, and they gave it. I tackled each resistance one by one. The emphasis on deep feminine energy came at exactly the right time. If you’re feeling the pull but also feeling the resistance, I encourage you to listen to the deeper voice calling you forward.”

Meredith V., USA

"Marcella's brilliance in facilitating transformation is truly remarkable."

Mary Sheila G., USA

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Host

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Marcella Friel

Crestone, CO, USA

Marcella Friel is a transformational mentor who helps health-conscious women like you love and forgive yourself, your food, and your figure. In 2018, Marcella founded the Women, Food & Forgiveness A...

1 language

English

Teaching for 1 year

Joined Insight Timer in May 2024

What's Included

All retreat programming with Marcella Friel

Three days of nourishing meals (light breakfast, full lunch, snacks) prepared by a private chef

Group altar, journaling prompts, guided EFT Tapping

Off-campus spiritual pilgrimage and picnic lunch

90-minute sound healing experience to culminate the retreat

Not Included

Transportation to and from the retreat

Lodging

Optional massage or spa treatments

FAQs

Guest requirements

  • Participants should plan to attend and participate in the entire retreat.

  • No prior experience with EFT Tapping, journaling, or movement necessary.

  • This is not an appropriate retreat for women who struggle with clinically diagnosed mental health or eating disorders.

Cancellation policy

The remaining balance for the retreat is due 60 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 60 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 60 days before the retreat begins.