(Updates are added to the end of this post)

Last year, 25 women from across the country met in Charlottetown, PEI, for four days of fun and fitness. We Nordic walked and cycled by the sea, ate delicious Island fare, and made lots of new friends. You can read all about it here and watch a slideshow here.)

Due to popular demand, my colleague Nina LePage and I will be offering our PEI Fitness Retreat once again this September 15-20!

We all thoroughly enjoyed last year's event, but our goal is to make the 2023 event even better.

While details are not yet confirmed, here is what we are considering at this early date (much based on feedback from last year's participants):

• We'll be back at the beautiful Shaw's Hotel in Brackley Beach. It is steadily recovering from the hurricane that devasted the island shortly after we departed last year. We are very happy to be supporting Shaw’s again this year.

• We have reserved several cottages and deluxe hotel rooms with a goal to have everyone in the best accommodations available.

• We’re adding an extra day this year, so we’ll have almost five full days of programming.

• We’ll enjoy more of what the hotel has to offer: a lobster dinner, its award-winning seafood chowder, a picnic outing, etc.

• We'll start each day with early morning yoga!

• We'll have more getting-to-know you evenings and ocean swims (for the bravest of the bunch).

• There will be more local guest speakers giving short 30-minute talks at lunches.

• We are planning on cycling outings again but on new bikes and to new locations (all of Shaw’s bikes were lost in the hurricane).

• Optional events might include visits to the Mysa Nordic Spa, a local cèilidh, and/or Charlottetown’s Confederation Centre to see Anne of Green Gables.

• And, of course, there will daily Nordic walking!

NOTE:
We encourage you to register ASAP as we have an extensive list of people interested!

If you are interested in possibly joining us for this year’s event (and have not already contacted us), please let us know here (with a quick message) and we will keep you posted on details as they become available!

Questions? Contact us at SeaSandSoulGetaway@gmail.com
or call Barb at 416-543-2606 or Nina at 613-290-4285.

Your hosts and fitness leaders:

Barb Gormley is director of education for Urban Poling Inc., a personal trainer & group exercise instructor.  She is the author of The Urban Poling Ultimate Guide to Nordic Walking, The Urban Poling Ultimate Guide to Nordic Walking For Instructors & teaches a popular Zoom Cardio, Weights & Poles exercise class.

Nina LePage is a longtime personal trainer, a group exercise instructor, & master trainer for Urban Poling Inc. She is a Hatha Yoga teacher, holistic nutrition educator & Heart Wise fitness instructor. She teaches on Zoom, at local community centres, senior centres & at Ottawa’s Rideau Sports Club.

“Barb & Nina, I want to thank you both for organizing such an amazing trip & experience! I absolutely loved it! 5 out of 5 stars!”

Sandy Fusaro
Ottawa

MARCH 10 UPDATE

Hello everyone:

We are in the last steps of finalizing our itinerary and pricing for our event. 

In the meantime, here's the latest info we have to share:

1. To meet the availability of some of our Island suppliers and experts, our new date has been shifted slightly and is now September 15-20. We have our fingers crossed that this new timeframe will work for everyone.

2. PRICE : TBA (keep paging down for Updates with prices!)

   PRICE INCLUDES:
   1.) all fitness activities & outings including: Nordic walking, yoga, kayaking, cycling.; loan of Nordic walking poles, yoga mats, kayaks & bicycles (including water bottle, water bottle cage & helmet); professional instruction for Nordic walking, yoga, kayaking, birding & nature photography, etc.; guest speakers; transportation for visit to Charlottetown and for Charlottetown historical walking tour; post-dinner activities.

   2.) 6 days/5 nights accommodation at Shaw’s Hotel with shared double occupancy/two beds. For single room, add $TBA.

   3,) 14 healthy meals at the inn: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners (all dietary needs can be met)

   PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

   1.) airfare/transportation to and from PEI

   2.) transportation between the inn & airport (20-minute trip)

   3.) medical & trip cancellation insurance (both highly recommended)

   4.) lunch at Fin Folk restaurant

   6.) any alcoholic drinks

   7.) related taxes

   TENTATIVE SCHEDULE (updated August 21):

JUNE 2 UPDATE

Hello everyone:

Here’s the final information you’ve been waiting for!

Registration Day will be this Monday, June 5. We will begin accepting Registration Forms and your $500 deposit at 9:00am.

Here are the latest details:

PRICE:

• $2,099 - based on Double Occupancy (2 beds in a cottage or the hotel)

• Single Occupancy (one bed in one room in a cottage or the hotel): add $300

• If you like, we will connect you with another participant for sharing.

• Are you attending with one or more friends? Let us know, and we will arrange to have you in the same cottage.

PRICE INCLUDES:

• all fitness activities & outings, including daily Nordic walking & yoga, kayaking, cycling, etc.; loan of Nordic walking poles, yoga mats, kayaks & bicycles (including water bottle, water bottle cage & helmet); professional instruction for Nordic walking, yoga, birding & nature photography.

• 6 days/5 nights accommodation (at Shaw’s Hotel) with shared double occupancy (two beds) or single occupancy ($300 extra).

• 15% hotel gratuity

• 14 healthy meals at the hotel: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• airfare/transportation to and from PEI

• transportation between Shaw’s Hotel and the airport (20-minute trip)

• medical and trip cancellation insurance (both highly recommended)

• one restaurant lunch

• any alcoholic drinks

• 15% HST (PEI)

NOTE:

• We encourage you to register ASAP as we have an extensive list of people interested!

• Please wait to book your flight until you hear from us.

FAQs:

1. What if I have food allergies or food sensitivities? No problem. The chef is very accommodating.

2. How do I get from the airport to the hotel? Any cab driver at the Charlottetown airport will know Shaw’s Hotel. We will share everyone’s flight information so you can organize cab sharing. We also have a wonderful driver with a small bus who we may be able to make arrangements with once we have everyone’s flight information.

3. Should I bring my yoga mat, bike helmet, Nordic walking poles, etc.? No, we will be supplying all equipment for all activities.

4. Will there be any time for reading or relaxing? Yes! For example, the hour before dinner will be quiet time. None of the activities are mandatory, so sleep in or skip an activity if that’s best for you. We’re aiming for an active but relaxed pace.
   When we cycle to FinFolk restaurant there will be beach/swim/relaxation time. Too relaxed or too tired to cycle home? We may be able to arrange to pick up you and your bike.

5. Do most people come on their own or with a friend? About 50/50. Last year’s group was super friendly, and we all went home with new friends. We had one mother and daughter team!

6. What should I pack? We’ll send packing suggestions closer to the date. (Mostly a variety of casual clothes for all types of weather.)

Questions? Contact us at SeaSandSoulGetaway@gmail.com
or call Barb at 416-543-2606 (Toronto) or Nina at 613-290-4285 (Ottawa).

“I can’t say enough about how much I have enjoyed this retreat. Highlights have been yoga in the sunshine, cycling by 10 herons, swimming in the ocean first thing in the morning, and eating delicious seafood…but most of all laughing and having great conversations!”

Mandy Shintani
Vancouver