Branch Out Retreats Petite Retreat at Capel Sound - Nov 2025

Our specially selected teacups for our tea leaf reading sessions

With no expectations other than hoping our guests would have a fabulous time with us at our inaugural Petite Retreat, our excitement levels were through the roof! This was an achievement in itself given that Louise and I had just finished four-day consecutive shifts including sleepovers.

Upon leaving work, we headed to Costco for all the fresh produce, a shot of Gin, then home to pack our cars full of Branch Out Retreats paraphernalia, before hitting the road and heading along the Mornington Peninsula.

We were feeling on top of the world! Feeling tired? Sure. Looking haggard? Of course. You don't get to our precious age and combine it with shiftwork and walk around looking refreshed and fine. But, alas, we were full of all the wonderful feels of what this weekend meant to us.

Extra thrilled about arriving the afternoon before our guests, which would give us ample time to settle in, unpack and organise the house for a two-night retreat that would afford our guests a peaceful and relaxing setting, with stimulating entertainment and meaningful activities.

Unlocking the door to our charming 1950's beach house, we stepped inside, only marginally perturbed that the floors seemed a bit untidy, yet keen to see the rooms for our guests, and the house overall. Walking through, seeing an untidy kitchen, beds unmade, dirty towels piled up in the bathrooms, our hearts deflated. Louise and I looked at each other, unusually speechless, yet determined that all would be well. And thank goodness for responsive Air-BNB Hosts - who were as equally determined to make things right.

We were asked to leave the premises until all was as is should have been. We left for an early Thai dinner, followed by a drink on the beach and returned to our retreat location three hours later. Very satisfied with our clean space, we spent the next five and a half hours preparing and setting up for our retreat, to calm music, copious amounts of tea and good humor - we were done and tucked up into bed by eleven pm, ready for our guests to arrive.

A sweet, calm space for sharing

We woke, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, and despite the rain - and the weekend that was marked as the coldest weekend in November in 80 years, we were set to make dreams a reality!

As our guests started to arrive, their excitement was evident. Smiles shone brightly, enthusiasm was aplenty and Branch Out Retreats was off to a shining start.

I don't know how many times Louise and I pinched ourselves throughout the entire weekend as everything flowed smoothly.

And, although I wasn't brand new to retreats, we were both brand new to hosting, and were advised by many experienced souls, not to stress out if mistakes were made. They were bound to happen after all - Yet, if mistakes were made, we were non-the-wiser. Our passion in providing our wonderful guests a profound weekend in every way, erased any mistakes that may have arisen. Even my foot-in-mouth-habit, behaved itself, and Louise's cooking was beyond delicious and plentiful. Having such positive resilient women attend, no doubt, added to the success of our inaugural Petite Retreat.

Celebrating our Besoms after a fun and creative workshop!

We had darling Jules whom I met at the Ausmumprenuer Awards in 2019, along with her and her phenomenal Mama, Anita. Dear Cate and her bestie, Jessica, who is the sweetest soul I've ever met. And, my wonderful sister, Leah, who stepped in as sous chef for Louise, and entertainment to all. Bellyaching laughter flowed until tears matched the heavens outside, as we shared stories and opened up about life and things in general. The space we created, and the purpose behind each activity were both joyful and deeply meaningful, helping our guests to feel truly seen, heard and supported. Our workshops for our Petite Retreat were Tarot Reading. Tasseography. Creating a Besom. Creative Writing. Creating Smudge Sticks.

One guest shared that the activities were an 'unusual and enriching journey'. Music to our ears.

To wrap this blog up, we thank our very special guests. Julia, Anita, Jessica, Cate, Leah and dear Alannah who couldn't make it, but was there in spirit, and is looking forward to attending the next retreat. All these gorgeous ladies brought the magic with their open hearts, positive vibes and willingness to give everything a go, for the greater good of mindfulness, connections and most of all... peaceful fun. Because of you, this retreat was simply fabulous. We thank you with much love and look forward to hosting you one day in the near future!

Louise & Mickey - your Branch Out Retreats Team. xx