Oaks Retreat: Navigating Grief and Loss

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Up to 30 in group
Date
January 30 - February 1, 2026

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.

 



 
Grief is complex. It can leave us feeling lost, unsure, and wondering how to keep moving forward. No one really teaches us how to grieve, so when we lose someone or something important, it can be overwhelming to make sense of it all. This retreat is here to create space for you to catch your breath, explore what you are carrying, and begin to imagine a way forward.
Whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one, walking through the end of a relationship, facing a major life change, or mourning the life you thought you would have, this retreat is for you. It is a compassionate space for anyone overwhelmed by grief and longing for rest, understanding, and gentle support.
Over three days and two nights, you will have time to reflect, rest, and connect with others who understand. Together we will explore what keeps us stuck, what peace might look like, and how to honor our healing in real and personal ways. A special session is included for bereaved parents. This is not about easy answers or quick fixes. While this retreat is not a substitute for therapy, it offers a safe and guided space to explore grief in community and discover practices that help you carry it with greater compassion. It is about slowing down, honoring your story, and discovering that you do not have to do this alone.




Sessions and Workshops
Pre Session: Setting the Stage for HealingWe begin by arriving together and naming what we hope to receive from the weekend. This first gathering acknowledges the challenges of grief and creates a supportive space to begin. It is about accepting where you are and opening yourself to what may come and creating a safe container of support.
Making Space for Grief: Welcoming the QuestionsGrief rearranges our lives and brings up deep questions that do not always have clear answers. This session is about welcoming the questions rather than trying to solve them. Together we will explore what grief is asking of us and how a shift in perspective can help us engage with life in new ways.
The Invitation: Embracing the Complexity of Our StoriesLoss can invite us to see ourselves and the world differently. Whether through diagnosis, heartbreak, or death, we are often asked to carry beauty and difficulty side by side. This session invites you to explore all parts of your story and consider how even pain can become a source of strength. We will also touch on the neurobiology of grief and how our brains and bodies process loss, giving us insight into why it feels the way it does.
Honoring the Pain: Building Rituals for RemembranceWhen the world moves forward too quickly, where do we place our pain? This workshop explores how to create personal practices that allow us to remember and honor what we have lost. These rituals help us carry our grief in ways that foster healing rather than keeping us stuck.
Navigating the Future: Holding Dreams and DisappointmentsHow do we carry grief while also holding space for the future? This session offers practical guidance and reflection to help you consider what matters most and how to weave loss into a vision for what is ahead. The goal is not to replace what has been lost but to find a way to move forward with love and courage.
Bonus Session for Bereaved Parents: Healing Through Shared ExperienceFor parents who have experienced the loss of a child, this track creates space for connection with others who understand this unique and profound grief. Together we will honor the memory of your child while exploring how to carry their presence with you into the future. You do not need to attend with a partner.




Why This Matters
This retreat offers a thoughtful balance of reflection, guided workshops, and rest. It is not about letting go of your grief but about learning to carry it with greater compassion and care. Whether you are seeking clarity, a way to honor your loss, or a community that understands, this is an invitation to step into a safe space for healing, wherever you are in your journey.
 

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

Upper Ballena-One King

Accommodation
Upper Ballena is our stunning 12 bedroom, 6 bathroom lodge with breathtaking views of Oaks Equestrian, our 9 acre vineyard and the Ballena Valley. The lodge is set up with 3 wings, each wing has 4 bedrooms. 7 bedrooms have king beds, 5 bedrooms have two twins. This listing is for a king bedroom. Between every two bedrooms you will find a bathroom with a tub, sink and toilet. Each room has a private sink. Guests will be blown away when they walk in. The beautifully appointed space boasts vaulted ceilings, cozy couches to sink into the couch as you connect with new friends, built in bookcases, a dining table with seating for 12 and a fully equipped kitchen. As beautiful as the interior is, there's nothing compared to the oversized deck. Guests can enjoy rocking chairs, a private fire pit, and sunsets that candy color the sky and overlook our vineyard and equestrian center.   Recommended for individuals, couples, and friends that want a private luxury room that don't mind sharing a bathroom. Ballena can also be exclusively rented for your group or team. For more information about rentals, click here to begin your rental inquiry. To book multiple rooms, you will need to register for each room as a separate registration. Make note in your registration if you are attending with other guests and we will do our best to get you all together, although it is not guaranteed we can do so and help you with the registration process.  Click here take a virtual walk through Ballena

Upper Ballena - Two Twins

Accommodation
Upper Ballena is our stunning 12 bedroom, 6 bathroom lodge with breathtaking views of Oaks Equestrian, our 9 acre vineyard and the Ballena Valley. The lodge is set up with 3 wings, each wing has 4 bedrooms. 7 bedrooms have King beds, 5 bedrooms have two twins. This listing is for a 2 twin beds in one room. Each room has a private sink. Between every two bedrooms you will find a bathroom with a tub, sink and toilet. Guests will be blown away when they walk into the great room. The beautifully appointed space boasts vaulted ceilings, cozy couches to sink into the couch as you connect with new friends, built in bookcases, a dining table with seating for 12 and a fully equipped kitchen. As beautiful as the interior is, there's nothing compared to the oversized deck. Guests can enjoy rocking chairs, a private fire pit, and sunsets that candy color the sky and overlook our vineyard and equestrian center.   Recommended for individuals, couples, and friends that want a private luxury room that don't mind sharing a bathroom. Ballena can also be exclusively rented for your group or team. For more information about rentals, click here to begin your rental inquiry. To book multiple rooms, you will need to register for each room as a separate registration. Contact us if you are attending with other guests and we will do our best to get you all together, although it is not guaranteed we can do so and help you with the registration process.  Click here to take a virtual walk through Ballena

Lower Ballena-shared room

Accommodation
Lower Ballena boasts 4 extra large bedrooms. Each bedroom has 2 queen beds and 2 twin beds with sweeping views of the Ballena Valley. For every two bedrooms you will find a spacious bathroom with 4 private showers, toilets and sinks. Guests will also enjoy curling up with a great book off the shelf of our library, also located in Lower Ballena. Working on a writing project? The library also has a lovely table inspirational views out the window. As beautiful as the interior is, there's nothing compared to the oversized deck. Guests can enjoy rocking chairs and sunsets that candy color the sky and overlook our vineyard and equestrian center.   Recommended for friends and groups that want to be all together and don't mind sharing a bathroom. Ballena can also be exclusively rented for your group or team. Please note, to book multiple rooms, you will need to register for each room as a separate registration. Contact us if you are attending with other guests and we will do our best to get you all together, although it is not guaranteed we can do so and help you with the registration process.  Click here to take a virtual walk through Ballena

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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Amazing Family Weekend!
I just returned from Family Weekend at The Oaks with my two teenage girls. We all loved it! The staff was engaging, attentive, fun and kind. The facilities were updated and the grounds are absolutely beautiful. The weekend was full of family, time, growth and fun... and no screen time! We will definitely be back next year!

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!

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