Oaks Retreat: The Power of Play

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Up to 30 in group
Date
June 13 - 15, 2025

About this Retreat

Details of this retreat

Price includes lodging, programming, fitness/yoga classes, contrast therapy and meals. Extra experiences (like massage or 1:1 coaching) can be added on separately after you register.

Everything on the schedule is optional. We want you to get what you need out of this weekend.

Check-in is Friday between 2:00-4:00pm. The first session is 4:30pm on Friday. We wrap up on Sunday around 10:30am, but we are about an hour outside San Diego and recommend planning some buffer time for travel and lunch so you're not rushed leaving. We also have an early-check in option* if you'd like to add an extra day and come on Thursday. Then you would have 3 nights and 2 full days of full access to the property amenities, classes, and pre-retreat programming. You'll see that add-on as an option when you register.

 



As adults, we’ve often forgotten how to truly play, thinking it’s only for children or too frivolous for our busy lives. But when we push play aside, we lose a vital part of ourselves—our curiosity, creativity, and connection. Without it, burnout and a loss of joy can easily creep in. It doesn’t all need to be hard; play is a crucial part of how we thrive.

This retreat is about reclaiming that lost part of ourselves. Play isn’t just a break from life; it’s a deeper way of engaging with it. By rediscovering play, we open up new possibilities for how we live, love, and find meaning. Together, we’ll explore why play is essential and, of course, we will play!

Pre-Session* Taking Inventory

Together, we'll assess our current relationship with play—when was the last time you played just for fun? What activities once brought you joy, and how often do they show up now? We'll explore how our past and societal expectations have shaped our approach to play. This self-assessment is about curiosity, not judgment, offering insights into what's holding us back so we can create a path to more joy, spontaneity, and freedom in our lives. Pre-session is offered to early check-in guests only.

 
Optional Workshops
1. The Science of Play and Well-being: Beyond Fun and Games
We often dismiss play as trivial, but science tells a different story. This workshop takes a deeper look at how play rewires our brains, enhances neuroplasticity, and fosters resilience. We'll explore how engaging in play activates the brain's reward centers, reduces cortisol levels, and even strengthens our capacity for empathy. By understanding the neurobiology of play, you'll gain insight into why it's a crucial element for adult well-being, not just a luxury.

 

2. Breaking Down Barriers: Overcoming the Adult Play Deficit
Many of us carry an unspoken narrative that play is indulgent or unproductive. In this workshop, we'll dive into these ingrained beliefs and how they've shaped our resistance to play. Through reflective exercises and group discussions, we’ll identify the cultural and personal barriers that keep us from giving ourselves permission to play. We'll also explore the deeper reasons we avoid play—fear of vulnerability, fear of judgment—and how these fears impact our ability to experience joy and connection.

 

3. Your Unique Play Fingerprint: Discovering What Brings You Joy

Play looks different for everyone—what brings one person joy might not resonate with another. This session is about uncovering your unique "play fingerprint," the activities and experiences that light you up and bring you a sense of delight. We'll explore how each of us has a distinct way of engaging with play, shaped by our personalities, interests, and life experiences. Through guided exercises, you'll identify what play means to you and how to embrace it in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling. By recognizing your unique play style, you can bring more personalized joy into your everyday life.

 

4. Creating a Playful Life: Integrating Joy into the Everyday
Incorporating play into our daily routines can feel daunting, especially when we're already stretched thin. This workshop is about finding the small, meaningful ways to infuse play into your life, transforming how you approach even the most mundane tasks. We'll explore techniques for cultivating a playful mindset and how this shift can enhance creativity, problem-solving, and emotional resilience. You'll leave with personalized strategies to make play a natural, integral part of your daily rhythm, creating more space for joy, spontaneity, and connection.

 



 

This retreat is for anyone ready to bring more joy, creativity, and connection into their life. If you've sidelined play, thinking it's not for you anymore, it's time to reclaim it.  Join us and rediscover how play can transform your well-being. Ready to invite more lightness and presence into your life? Sign up now!

 

Getting Here

Location icon The Oaks

Directions

From HWY 78, look for the large blue and gold GOLDEN EAGLE FARM SIGN and two tall Cyprus trees on your left. The best way to know your turn is coming if you are coming from the East will be the center turn lane. Turn Left on Golden Eagle Road and stay left to follow the signs to The Oaks, approximately 1.5 miles back off the 78.

Once you arrive to The Oaks gate, continue to the top of the circle drive to unload your belongings and then promptly drive back down to the first parking lot on your left. If that parking lot is full, please continue down the end of the driveway and park in the lot on your right.

Please follow event details for specific check in procedures.
If the gate is locked, please wait in the parking lot outside the gate or call The Oaks main line.
www.OaksCenter.com

Accommodation

STANDARD includes (1) private room, shared bathroom

Accommodation
This selection includes: (1) Shared Bedroom, shared bathroom. (2) Queen/Twin Beds. Great for individuals that are attending as an individual and open to a roommate of the same gender. This booking is for 1 bed in a shared room. Max occupancy per room is (2). If placed in a room with a bunk, you will have access to a bottom bunk.  Please note by booking this selection, you are agreeing to The Oaks placing one additional guest of the same gender in the room you may not know. 

DELUXE includes (1) private room, semi-private bathroom

Accommodation
This selection includes: (1) Private Bedroom. (1) King/Twin Bed. This room may have an additional bed but no roommate will be assigned. Great for individuals that want their own private bedroom. These rooms are located in Ballena, our 12 bedroom, 6 bathroom lodge. For every two rooms, there is a bathroom shared with one other person of the same gender. In addition, each bedroom has its own sink and mirror. All the doors to the bathrooms and bedrooms lock.

PREMIUM includes (1) private room, private bathroom

Accommodation
This selection includes: (1) Private Bedroom and Bathroom for one. (1) Queen Bed. Great for individuals that want a private bedroom and bathroom. 

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY includes (1) private room with K/Q Bed, private bathroom

Accommodation
This selection includes: (1) Private Bedroom. (1) King/Queen Bed. Great for couples or friends that don't mind sharing a bed.

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY includes (1) private room, 2 beds (size varies), private bathroom

Accommodation
This selection includes: (1) Private Bedroom, Private Bathroom. (2) Queen beds or (1) Queen and (1) Twin Bed. Great for couples or friends that prefer their own bed in the same room.

Venue & Amenities

A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent

Meals

Menu Types

Customer Reviews

5.00 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Attention to Detail with all the personal touches
Wow. What a spot. The Oaks has everything you need to rest and make a memory or two. Instagram-worthy decor - imagine if Joanna Gaines remodeled a youth camp - makes this place cozy and comfortable. The staff was so friendly and kind and learned everyone's name the first day. The food was on the level of any resort you could go to. And the pool - let's just say that you HAVE to do the slide and high dive. I'd say more but let's do our best to keep this gem of southern California a secret.

5.0
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A wonderful escape to slow down and focus on one's self
I registered for a weekend retreat, and was rewarded with a place to rest, find some clarity (and tools to use for later), make connections with others, and relax. The weekend had emotionally challenging conversations and workshops, as well as time for fun. I would like to go back again, and make The Oaks part of a regular rhythm of my life. You have to show up, and make the space to do the emotional, and spiritual work. You will get out what you put into the program. The food was delicious- in a way that you were not stuffed and, never left feeling hungry, to be fueled for the day. I am sure that the menu was intentionally designed to provide you a healthy foundation for the weekend. The property is gorgeous. I often just laid under the oaks to read and reflect, and enjoyed sitting on the deck, in a rocking chair, connecting with others.

5.0
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Amazing grounds, staff and food!
Loved everything about The Oaks! The room was lovely, very clean and well furnished. I stayed in the Kendall building. The food was EXCELLENT and was able to accommodate for my gluten-free and dairy-free food options. The staff was SUPER friendly and helpful, esp with the golf carts bringing you back and forth to your car and helping with the bags. The atmosphere was very relaxed and peaceful. My favorite part was the trail riding and also the hike to the water tower to watch the sunset. Highly recommend for a solitary retreat or group retreat or any other type of retreat event!
My only advice would be to allow extra time to get there- depending on where you are driving from. I drove from the Orange County area and it took over 3 hours to get there on a Friday afternoon (left at 2pm and got there around 530pm). On the way home- late Sunday afternoon- it only took an hour and half to get back (no traffic).

5.0
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Absolutely Fantastic
This was my second time at a Flagship Retreat at The Oaks.
The property is well appointed, comfortable, and not at all cluttered.
The staff is delightful and very hospitable. I felt right at home the moment I arrived and all throughout the weekend.
The pace of the Flagship Retreat is spot on. They have truly crafted all of the right elements for a thoughtful, restful, and very fun retreat.
I'll be back!

5.0
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WOW
I just finished a Flagship Retreat with Stephanie!!! WOW and WOW again is what is on my heart. She lead from a place of peace, love, and GRACE. The weekend was exactly what I needed. From her, the crew of volunteers (Ellie, Ellie 2 (Stephanie's daughter), Rossi, Rica, Jeremy, Maggie and hub Zane, and the chef's - EVERYTHING was fantastic. I highly recommend this retreat and The Oaks for any event or meeting. Thank you!