Retreats

What is a retreat?

A retreat is an intentional time away from the routines and demands of everyday life.

Unlike a holiday, a retreat is not about sightseeing or activity, but about giving yourself time and space to be still, to reflect, and to reconnect — with yourself, with nature, and with what truly matters to you.

A retreat house is different from a hotel or guest house. It is a dedicated, contemplative space where guests arrive with similar intentions. The atmosphere, the rhythm of the day, and the history of the place all support a sense of calm, silence, and presence. Staff are there not simply to host, but to gently facilitate the retreat process, offering guidance and support when needed.

Retreats offer an opportunity to press the pause button on life and an invitation to rest, to unwind, and simply to be.

Retreats can be especially helpful if you are at a crossroads in life, recovering from a significant life event, or feeling close to burnout. Regular retreats are also a valuable way to maintain wellbeing, helping you take stock of life and return home with renewed energy, clarity, and insight. For many, retreats become times of deep restoration and healing.

At their heart, retreats support personal development and wellbeing — of body, mind, and spirit — and often include time spent alone and in silence.

The idea of intentional silence can feel daunting at first, yet many people discover it to be deeply healing and empowering. Retreats take many forms, and at Hummingbird Retreat House we work with you to tailor your retreat so that your time here is meaningful, restorative, and right for you.

Below are some of the ways you may choose to retreat with us. Your stay can be shaped around one or more of these options.

'We must come to stillness. In the silence of our hearts, we must wait patiently for the compass needle to be steady. Then it will point to True North, the still centre, the fine point of the soul and we will be enabled to move forward again' (Margaret Silf)

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Spiritual retreats

Spiritual retreats are individually guided retreats to help you to be more intentional in spending time with God (or however you name the sacred).
Spiritual retreats may also focus on what gives your life meaning, living authentically in line with your values and reviewing your life's direction.
You would meet a spiritual accompanier who may suggest a piece of Scripture or other reading to focus on each day.
These meetings give you an opportunity to share what is surfacing for you in your thoughts and prayers and to reflect on where God might be at work in your life.
Silence is a key aspect of retreats and is an opportunity to allow ourselves time to really hear what is deepest within us and to listen to the Divine's voice.

Therapeutic retreats

Therapeutic retreats are individually guided and support psychological wellbeing and personal development.
The slower pace and quiet of a retreat can sometimes allow suppressed emotions, memories, or past hurts to surface. When this happens, therapeutic support is available in a safe and compassionate setting.
Individual sessions may explore anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or other psychological challenges.
Therapeutic retreats can also be designed for couples seeking time together supported by couples counselling.
Eco-therapy walks, art therapy, and spa treatments may be included as part of a therapeutic retreat.
Sessions can also offer guidance on how to maintain psychological wellbeing beyond your time at the retreat.

Themed retreats

Themed retreats bring guests together around a shared focus or intention.
They may be silent and individually guided, include facilitated group sessions, or offer a blend of both. Themes vary and may include spirituality, wellbeing, creativity, or seasonal reflection.
Hummingbird Retreat House also offers retreat days for non-residential guests, providing opportunities for silence, individual reflection, and group connection.
Please contact us for details of upcoming themed retreats.

Wellbeing retreats

Wellbeing retreats focus on nurturing overall health, reducing stress, and restoring balance.
They may include daily yoga or Pilates, gentle exercise, sports, meditation, and time for stillness and reflection.
Some retreats also offer consultations with our in-house herbal specialist.
One-to-one sessions allow for an individualised approach, beginning with an assessment of your current wellbeing and fitness levels.
You will receive practical guidance and exercises to support your wellbeing both during and after your retreat.

Creative retreats

Creative retreats offer dedicated time away from distractions to explore creativity or work on a specific project.
The quiet and rhythm of retreat life can be especially supportive for writing, painting, crafting, or planning new projects.
Our Creative Space provides a range of art and craft materials, and guests are welcome to work indoors or outdoors.
Staff are available to offer gentle suggestions, encouragement, or practical guidance for those seeking inspiration.

Personal retreats

Personal retreats are unstructured, allowing you to use the retreat house for a retreat that feels right for you.
A digital detox may be part of this experience, offering a break from phones and screens.
For some guests, slowing down initially brings a deep need for rest and the permission to do nothing at all.
If you would like some gentle structure, you are welcome to join the daily contemplative rhythm of the house, offering simple morning and evening points of focus.

Eco-retreats

Eco-retreats focus on reconnecting with nature.
They may include birdwatching, wildlife observation, countryside walks, eco-therapy sessions, or eco-meditation.
Some retreats involve trips to Grenada’s rainforests, waterfalls, beaches, and other natural beauty spots.
Creativity may also be woven into eco-retreats — such as sketching, journaling, or using natural materials for creative expression.

Volunteer retreats

Volunteer retreats combine stillness and reflection with serving the local community.
Opportunities may include helping with turtle conservation during nesting season, beach clean-ups, community reading programmes, gardening, or helping with maintenance at the retreat house.
These retreats offer a meaningful balance of contemplation and contribution.