Let us embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey—a magical, healing summer weekend that will forever linger in your heart.
It would be my honor to orchestrate and share this enchanting retreat with you, a sublime escape like no other!
Whether you seek a thrilling escapade with friends or yearn for a solitary journey to mend your spirit alongside a highly creative, skilled wellness and empowerment coach, I would be honored to guide you!
Picture yourself immersed in the crystal-clear, aqua-blue waters of Michigan's northern coast, as we delve into experiences you’ve only dared to dream. By morning, we shall seek and collect precious lakeside gems in a kaleidoscope of colors, then bask on gentle hills and scenic vineyards, shimmering blue waters in the distance. We’ll sip delightful, locally sourced wines and savor exquisite cheeses, reveling in nature’s bounty. Perhaps a bike ride along the picturesque, paved trails, to absorb miles of breathtaking vineyards, rolling hills, charming barns, and welcoming orchards.
Delightful endeavors beyond those mentioned above—such as art therapy, yoga, massage, and rock polishing classes—can be orchestrated.
To ensure a truly magical experience, I graciously host only intimate gatherings of 1 to 6 adventurers at a time. If the idea of a retreat dances in your thoughts, I recommend reaching out at least 60 days in advance (the sooner, the better!). As the summer sun blesses this hidden gem of Michigan, accommodations tend to fill quickly, often months ahead.
While escaping south Florida’s summer heat, I developed a deep affection for this enchanted area of The Great Lakes, specifically, Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula, often dubbed "The Land of Delight," alongside finger lakes, just to the east, called Old Mission Peninsula.
The infinite selections of colorful, exquisite stones that await collecting are beyond alluring! The area's shimmering coastlines overtook me, offering an almost spiritual journey, a gentle reminder of the importance of staying grounded amidst life’s relentless hustle. The act of collecting these magical, colorful, ancient stones, known by locals as “rockhounding” is a delightful pursuit that unfolds a tapestry of incredible diversity—rocks, minerals, and fossils, shaped by the region's unique geological make-up. The easily accessible shoreline unveils a treasure trove of stones, including Unakite (deep emerald green), Jasper (vibrant hues of orange and red), The Petoskey Stone (with its iconic weblike pattern) colorful cold-water agates, fossil-rich wonders, and sparkling rose quartz amongst only a few! Many of these gems are remnants of ancient coral, believed to be hundreds of millions of years old, carried to this very shore by glaciers long past. The stones are coveted treasures for seekers and collectors alike. More adventurous souls can engage in nighttime scavenging for the enchanting glow-in-the-dark stone referred to as "Yooperlites," an extra magical dimension to the rockhounding experience.
I was utterly taken by the beauty and energy of the place! The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, a treasure trove boasting over 100 wineries, including at least 20 award-winning establishments, all set against stunning backdrops. These exquisite wineries evoked memories of my European adventures from years gone by. The region’s prime grape-growing conditions are a gift of its position on the 45th parallel, a line that lies halfway between the equator and North Pole, creating the perfect climate for ripening grapes. Remarkably, this same 45th parallel traverses celebrated wine territories, including Italy’s Piedmont region, Oltrepò Pavese, and Monferrato, France's Rhône Valley and Bordeaux, as well as Oregon's Willamette Valley, California's Napa Valley, and New Zealand's Central Otago wine region!
With scenic biking being yet another of my passions, I revel in the 17-mile paved, vehicle-free rail-to-trail pathway, linking Traverse City to Suttons Bay, known as the Leelanau Trail. Each ride along this enchanting route fills one with joy and invigorates the spirit with breathtaking vistas of endless rolling hills, vineyards, charming barns, and delightful orchards.
To be informed of upcoming retreats and excursions as they are made available or to request a fully customized experience for yourself or a group, email info@LifeDesignLady.com or call 305.224.2499.
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