Women’s Experiences - from past retreats

“I absolutely can’t tell you enough how you two spirit women have changed my life.  To finally be tapped back into the truest spirit of the universe and the support of the female community with its deep ancestral and tribal love is such a gift.  For that I will be eternally grateful.  The healing I have experienced in your presence and in the presence of these beautiful and empowered women is huge, and because of the portal you have created, the shifts in my life I believe are going to be absolutely profound.”   Pamela

“‘I am worth a week in warm waters and women weaving stories in safe circles,’ was the spark that inspired me to sign up for the journey to Akal-ki.  Like the ancient heroines, I had to overcome certain obstacles to get there.  But as soon as Karen kissed me gently on the cheek upon setting foot on the white sun-drenched path in the southern tip of Mexico, the translucent water of Laguna Bacalar lapping at the blades of grass, I knew I was home.  Wisdom abounds in this women’s den.  Karen and Ceci hold the group, each in her way, by creating a warm container to float in, sometimes in pairs, sometimes all together, sometimes alone.  I found all that I was ready for, and enough new space in the crevices of my soul and body to expand into later on.  For this week I got to practice being full of freedom and joy.”  Marga

“I want to thank everyone for everything...the insights, the wisdom, the strength, the power, the encouragement, the beauty . . . you all possess and have shared with me.  I had a wonderful experience in Isla and I am looking forward to many more powerful and transformational events in my life.”     Mary Kay

“If you only have one trip to take, take it to Isla Mujeres with Ceci and Karen.  The sea, the sun, the sand, incredibly excellent food and fresh juices make it memorable.  Isla Mujeres is a healing place and a good place to lay down your burdens and pick up a new life.”   Mary Frances

“The combination of the spiritual strength and confidence I received during the Isla Mujeres retreat gave me the confidence to pursue my dream.  To Ceci and Karen, thank you and God bless for rising to a higher calling - the call of service to others through your exceptional retreats.  You gave me the strength to ‘pay it forward’!”    Kathleen

 “I have always been strong, resourceful and brave, however now after my retreat to Isla Mujeres I don't feel alone in my journey of life.  Now I feel like the Verizon ‘Can you hear me, man’ . . . like I have a large team of supporters behind my every step of the way . . . my new Isla circle sisters and all the ancestors, my own and those of the island.  I feel them all encouraging me and I am more confident.  I feel blessed to have experiences this circle . . . and much gratitude.”  Dianna

“Thank you for a week of rest, rejuvenation and community.  I was so exhausted when I arrived, and felt absolutely fed by the circle of women, the sun, the water, the beach, the food, the workshop.  That new energy is installed in my being as a golden wick down the center of my spine.  I still can re-ignite that light many weeks later here at home.”   Naomi

“Besides the stunning location, over-the-top service by the hotel staff, and the energies of countless women before us on that island, besides the fabulous yoga and the most authentic ‘let our hair down and get real with each other’ group experience I’ve had to date, not counting the pleasures of ocean, beach, snorkeling, massage and all that stuff, what amazes me most six weeks after this trip is its impact on my life today.  I’m convinced that we each hold the key to heal ourselves and the world, and that it’s critical for each of us to take a time out in a safe, nurturing environment to find that key within.  Thanks, Karen and Ceci, for helping me find that key in me.”    Wendy

“The Isla Women’s Retreat was nourishing and refreshing - what a pleasure to meet up with diverse women belonging to our tribe - just the right amount of free time and going deeper together.”   Elizabeth

“Unlike any experience I’ve ever had and exactly as described on the website, the program was inspiring, thought provoking and fun!  The accommodations were excellent and the food fresh, plentiful and delicious.  I felt nurtured from the moment I stepped into the palapa for my first women’s circle until the day I left the island.  Lisa led our yoga classes with a spiritual intention that was perfect for the island.  Karen and Ceci were caring, attentive, and charming.  I would recommend this retreat for all women at least once.  It truly nourished my feminine soul.”    Judy

“I had a friend ask me at work yesterday, following my sharing pictures and stories with my colleagues, if this experience had changed me.  There was no hesitation in saying yes . . . but the how will continue to unfold as time passes.  I know that the physical challenges, the energy of the jungle, the outward experiences will leave a lasting impression, but what will always lie deep within me are the connections, the witnessing of strength and vulnerability of women whom I am forever grateful for, and proud to call friends.”   Nancy

“The circle, as always, was wonderful and the women extraordinary.  Such unique and luminous individuals we all are and how great to see that shine in each other’s eyes.   The massage for me was a high point, and I will forever remember the transformative movement of his hands and the shift it created in my body to a feeling of reverence for my own sacredness.  That was an unexpected gift.”   Chris

“As I ponder the experience on the island, I smile and am filled with gratitude.  The blue-ness is still with me as are my feet on the path.  I loved letting the interactions during the week develop without expectations.  I found that it was a safe environment for me to try on new behaviors.  Thank you for a remarkable and lasting experience.”    Kathy

“Thank you for an incredible week in Tulum.  I loved the retreat...the facilitators were awesome, the food was fantastic and the accommodations splendid!  I had an amazing time, very enriching for me...a wonderful way to take a break and meet like-minded women.”    Alaura

“I am still soaking in all the wonderful experiences of Isla.  You created such wonderful opportunities for joy and growth.  I have never had such healthy, nourishing, fun and healing experiences all at once. My heart is more open because of this trip and my load is lighter.  It seems that Isla is an incredibly powerful place and that the waves of this healing are felt far and wide.”    Jenny

“The experience of the retreat was so powerfully restorative to my soul’s being.”   Vera

“I’d been feeling the need for change for several years, and more recently, the need to take time for reflection, for regrouping and returning, and for drawing on the strength of others.  It has been my experience that a circle of women holds tremendous power for healing, so when my sister told me about Isla, I jumped at the chance.  I’m so grateful for the gifts of Isla. The concept of Goddess is one I haven’t entirely wrapped my brain around yet, but it felt so right to me, to be in that sacred place, to be in touch at last with the divine feminine!  I’m amazed at how quickly a group of 18 women, 16 of them total strangers to me, began to feel like my sisters, mothers and daughters all at once.  I feel a fondness for the people of Isla, too.  They were so welcoming, so ready to smile!”   Eileen

“I’ve been given this awesome gift of a week filled with insight, instruction, inspiration, encouragement, companionship.  To sit in a circle of women... with poems...with stories...with dance...with song...with yoga...with meditation...with solitude.  It has been a most amazing time where the opportunity to live in a moment of inner transformation was encouraged and supported.”   Fran

“I want to tell you what a wonderful, spiritual, thoughtful, joyous week I had in Tulum!  I feel energized and connected to our circle even now...without being there...and I so appreciate and love that connection.  I met some fabulous women that I can continue to get to know better.”   Lissa

“The night sky is bright with stars and the air is sweet with the smell of the sea.  The procession of women makes their way across the land bridge to the temple.  The sun rises to greet the Yucatan on the left and Mother Moon says her morning good-byes on the right.  We each make our own private dedications as we step through the portal into the actual temple.  As I close my eyes I can see the ancient Mayan women getting off their boats at what appears to be the ruins of a dock below.  I am drawn to what’s left of a lunar observatory or altar.  One of the women in our group dances at an outcropping, chanting, her beautiful scarves blowing in the wild sea breeze.  These are just a few of the wonderful images I brought home with me from a recent women’s retreat to Isla Mujeres, an island off of Cancun. The retreat is a 7-day adventure hosted by co-madres Ceci McDonnell, the statuesque Mother Goddess who brings her children together to light their torches and send them forth and Karen Rosenberg, the bi-lingual amazement who organizes details - a woman who is nourishing in the truest sense of the word.”   Deb

“I have been soaring so fully since Isla!  Thank you for creating a place where the Goddess and archetypal figures of women can dance and express.”   Holly

“Every moment was so filled with colors, beauty, life, and abundance.  I couldn’t have picked a more perfect week.”    Elaine

“I was trying to explain at dinner tonight - just how it was that the circle and the healing all worked.  To build the kind of trust we had and the deep sharing takes so long in a ‘normal’ sort of group. The structure I understand.  The magic I can’t explain.  Grace is a good word.”   Mary Frances

“The week was absolutely fabulous.  I’ve never had an experience like it…the circle just blew me away.  It’s hard to describe the experience but to say I was personally transformed is not an exaggeration.  I would never have imagined that a group of strangers, from very different backgrounds and experiences, could find such a deep connection.  I discovered what it means to be more openhearted and the wonderful things that can happen when I am.  I discovered new ways of loving and being with others. The location is ideal.  I stayed really busy but found lots of time to relax and rejuvenate.  I will be forever grateful for all the love, support, mothering and laughter.”   Liz

“The hotel itself was incredible, and that gentle, relaxing environment contributed so much to the overall experience of the retreat. The graciousness of the staff made it a true paradise...what was best about it was that it was so ‘organically’ beautiful...there was no fabricated, ostentation about the space, so it allowed us to be more comfortable and authentic in a way that supported the rest of the retreat experience.  The structure of the retreat itself - the ways in which we met together for meals and group work - was really effective in enhancing the relationships among the people in the group and also in tending to the individual needs of each participant.  Overall, the experience was so positive for me, so deeply enriching and healing.  It was a tremendous, life-changing gift for me, and I will remain grateful for all the effort and grace that made it possible.”   Elizabeth

“This morning I felt a new pleasure in life, nature and love.  My relationships both with myself and others are now enriched by the beauty and grace that filled my heart on Isla Mujeres.  I have found a circle of supportive, nurturing and incredible women.”   Abby

“What a wonderful experience. I feel really changed, more open...just better.”   Catherine

“The place was lovely, as was the food, service and attentiveness of everyone concerned. I thought the facilitation of the circle was excellent...I liked how the facilitators opened up the work to adventurous, willing others.”   Germaine

“You encouraged us to believe in our dreams, use our imagination and to come together connecting our experiences in a lovely circle of spirit here on Isla.”   Carol Anne

“I walked away having had not only a good time, but feeling refreshed, renewed and re-invigorated.  It also felt good to get ‘new blood’ in my veins from all the different women and their souls that were shared so easily at our circles.  I am so happy I went.  It was a highpoint in my life.”   Maureen

“The setting was wonderful. I can see why you keep returning...the beach, the rooms, the food!  The workshop was a loving validation of who I am.  In that environment of open spaces, the sea and sky, I seem to flourish easily.  My body dances and my eyes and hands want to create.  I began to feel my loving self.  It was an honor and such a pleasure to watch the week unfold and to watch the hearts open.”   Mie