Southern Charm & Seaside Calm: A Women's Weekend Retreat

Dates: April 22–25, 2027
Location: Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Your hostesses, Jennie and Jenstar, have curated a special Women’s Weekend Retreat experience where the pace is a little slower and Southern hospitality is alive and well.

For three nights, we'll make ourselves at home in a charming seven-bedroom beach bungalow on Isle of Palms, just steps from the ocean and a short ride from the cobblestone streets, colorful homes, and unmistakable charm of Charleston.

Mornings will start simply — yoga, bare feet in the sand, and an intention-setting meditation with the ocean providing the soundtrack. Then we'll wander back to the house for coffee, a beautiful breakfast, and days that are at our leisure.

There will be plenty of time to enjoy the reason we came to the coast in the first place — to relax! Grab a book and head to the beach. Take a walk and dine at a local restaurant just down the way. Sit on the front porch and enjoy conversation with your bestie or make a new connection…

And, of course, we can't come all the way to the Lowcountry without enjoying Charleston.

We'll spend Friday's early afternoon downtown with time to wander at your own pace — shop, explore, grab lunch, or simply see where those charming streets take you. On Saturday night, we'll trade our beach clothes for something a little prettier and head back into Charleston for a special dinner together followed by a ghostly walking tour through one of America's most historic cities.

Back at the bungalow, expect easygoing conversations, shared stories, and laughter, perhaps a game of mahjong or two in a cozy home that feels made for connecting. We'll bond over comforting food and a special dinner prepared by Jennie, and leave room for the magical kind of moments you can't really put on an itinerary.

Sample Itinerary (this is only an example, subject to change)

Thursday, April 22

• 12:00 pm: Welcome! Arrivals begin throughout the afternoon
• 4:30 pm: 30-minute Gentle Yoga Stretch
• 5:30 pm: Welcome Toast + Charcuterie
• 6:00 pm: Opening Circle
• 7:00 pm: Free Time

Friday, April 23

• 7:30 am: Yoga
• 9:15 am: Breakfast
• 10:30 am–4:00 pm: Explore Charleston / Beach Time
• 6:00 pm: Dinner
• 7:00 pm: Free Time

Saturday, April 24

• 7:30 am: Yoga
• 9:15 am: Breakfast
• 10:30 am–4:00 pm: Beach Time / Free Time
• 6:00 pm: Dinner in Charleston
• 8:00 pm: Ghost Walking Tour

Sunday, April 25

• 7:00 am: Yoga + Closing Circle
• 8:30 am: Breakfast
• 9:30 am: Departure

Included in Your Retreat

• Three nights in a charming beach bungalow, just steps from the ocean
• Four thoughtfully curated group yoga and mindfulness sessions with Jen
• Round-trip transportation to Charleston on Friday, with free time to explore at your leisure
• Meals: Welcome evening appetizers and charcuterie, daily breakfasts, snacks, and a very special homemade dinner prepared by Jennie on Friday evening
• A special group dinner at a local Charleston restaurant on Saturday night
• A Charleston ghost walking tour
• Complimentary coffee, tea, and sparkling water
• House amenities: Complimentary Wi-Fi, bath and beach towels, a washer and dryer, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash to make packing a little lighter!

Not Included

• Airfare to Charleston (CHS)
• Transfers to/from the retreat house for arrival and departure
• Any additional meals not mentioned in inclusions (daily lunch) and alcoholic beverages
• Tips/gratuities for excursions

Retreat Pricing

• Private Room (Full Bed): $2,200 per person
• Two-Person Room (Shared Queen Bed or Twin Bunk Beds): $1,875 per person

**Please specify who your roommate is on the Inquiry form and preferred bed choice.

Once your room request is accepted, each person will have 48 hours to make a deposit to secure their spot.

Accepted Payment: Cash or check preferred. Credit cards can be accepted with an additional 3.5% fee added for each payment through this link: PayPal – Jenstar Yoga.

Ready to book? Fill out the Retreat Inquiry Form Here.

Payment Timeline

• $550 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot.
• Second payment: 50% of the remaining balance (after the $550 deposit) is due by February 22, 2027.
• Final payment: Remaining balance is due by March 22, 2027.

PLEASE NOTE: As of February 22, 2027, the entire retreat investment becomes non-refundable, including any remaining payments due.

Cancellation Policy

• All retreat deposits are non-refundable, non-transferable, and not redeemable for account credit.
• If you cancel before February 22, 2027, you will receive a refund of any payments made beyond the $550 non-refundable deposit, less any associated transaction fees.
• Beginning February 22, 2027, the entire retreat investment is non-refundable. Any outstanding balance remains due according to the payment schedule, with final payment required by March 22, 2027.
• Trip insurance is highly recommended to protect your retreat investment in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
• Due to our commitment to the property and its policies, we cannot offer refunds, transfers, or credits for cancellations on or after February 22, 2027, including circumstances such as illness, injury, family emergencies, or other unexpected events.
• No refunds or credits will be issued for early departure or failure to complete the retreat.

For any additional questions, please email [email protected].

Travel Notes

• Airport: Charleston International Airport (CHS)
• You might consider arriving in South Carolina on Wednesday and enjoying an extra night in Charleston since retreat guests can begin check-in on Thursday from 12pm onward…
• There are restaurants and a convenience store near the house walking distance (15 minutes). If you would like to rent a car, please confirm with retreat hosts before doing so.

Meet Your Retreat Guides

Jen Berres

A former professional dancer with a lifelong passion for movement, Jen has spent over 15 years sharing her love of yoga and wellness with others. As the owner of Jenstar Movement Studio in Green Bay, Wisconsin, she encourages students to look beyond the physical practice and discover how movement, self-awareness, and a little curiosity can enrich their lives.

For Jen, the magic of hosting retreats lies in the people and the stories they share. Bringing together women of different ages, backgrounds, and walks of life opens the door to meaningful conversations, fresh perspectives, and unexpected friendships. She believes stepping away from our everyday routines gives us the opportunity to see our lives through a different lens. Having fallen in love with Charleston's charm (and incredible food!) on a previous visit, Jen looks forward to sharing this special corner of the world with everyone who attends.

Jennie Gafvert

Some souls are simply born to belong to the Lowcountry, and Jennie Gafvert may have a better claim than most. Having spent many childhood summers beneath Charleston’s moss-draped oaks, she has long carried a soft spot for its salt-kissed breezes, crumbling grandeur, and beautifully haunted charm.

For this Isle of Palms retreat, Jennie will work her magic in the kitchen, preparing a very special homemade dinner to nourish the body, warm the spirit, and bring everyone together around the table. After all, in the South, a good meal is more than sustenance—it’s a love language, a sacred ritual, and occasionally the beginning of a tall tale.