upalong - wayfinding and intentional gathering
FAQs
Wayfinders
Retreat
Spring Homecoming, Grounding & Rewilding
What kind of spirit will it be?
(Very important :-)
This precious time together is all about belonging in a very special community, maybe the most belonging we have ever felt, with our own wild selves and others, in a magical place with delicious food, kindred spirits and souls of like-hearted womxn.
For some of us it may also be about reigniting and strengthening our vision, our values and our personal practices, our feeling ALIVE.
Our overarching theme is HOMECOMING and NOURISHMENT for body, mind, spirit and soul. As coaches, seekers, Wayfinders, empaths, creatives and sensitive peeps, and many of us also as mamas, we GIVE BIG, so we also need to RESTORE BIG.
Times are calling for healing and SAFETY IN COMMUNITY for our nervous systems as well as GROUNDING & REWILDING to RECONNECT with our deepest essence and life's calling, mission and purpose, to bring about TOGETHER the changes we need and have been calling in.​
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We are being very pampered by our host, Lou Calen, to support us in this endeavor, and use the beautiful communal areas and gardens to work and play together with Open Space facilitation, Wayfinding and circle.
Just like us, Lou Calen is growing every day, many new spaces and pockets have grown since last time I saw it, so we'll find some great spaces. All in all the whole vision and values of Lou Calen really mirror this project. The village of Cotignac is a pretty special mystical place, too.
To top it off, we will also go on some explorations in and around the village as well as - my personal favorite - a day hike/walk along the wild coast near legendary Saint Tropez, but far away from the jetset. We are talking a wild trail, lined with pine trees, evergreens, cork oaks and rocks. The air and soil are truly magnetic there.
When & where
is it?
WHEN Sun, March 30 - Friday, April 4, 2025
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A calm and sweet time off-season so we get the full attention and care of our host and Director of Marketing, Aurore.
🌿🌞 Early spring. Warm enough to enjoy lunch and time outside when we are doing small group breakouts so we can wander around and pick a quiet spot in the gardens or by the lavender field. End of March and early April when we are back to daylight saving and beautiful evening light. Sunday through Friday so we avoid the weekend rush.
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WHERE In the most charming rustic-chique authentic typical and quintessentially provençal village of Cotignac in the South of France at a beautifully and lovingly renovated Eco-friendly boutique hotel with a legendary history called LOU CALEN.
What's included?
- A small and intimate group setting of max 8-15 people (introvert, empath, HSP and ND friendly, LGBTQIA+ ♡)
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- An amazing community of kindred spirits & like-hearted souls
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- 5 nights single occupancy accommodation in the most dreamy, charming, rustic-chique boutique hotel
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- Daily organic locally sourced Green Michelin Star cuisine --- either lunch or dinner, excluding arrival and departure day - please let us know about your dietary needs - the rest is open so you can roam freely and explore the many beautiful options and choose your favorites
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- Daily activities for every taste and need, but also free time for rest and relaxation
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- A TOUR of the beautiful grounds and legendary history of our home for the week LOU CALEN
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- The magical light and spectacular sunsets that have drawn many artists, writers and creative souls to this special place in the world.
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VILLAGE EXPLORATION
wandering the pittoresque village streets and hidden alleyways peeking into beautifully tended gardens, and the mystical tuff stone cliffs that impressively hug the village to the north, plus wonderful views from the top into the provençal countryside and two newly restored Roman towers
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MARKET DAY
to get the full provençal experience
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DAILY
- circle time to forge connection and belonging
- play and creative time*
- time to relax and ground*
- open space for coaches to try out new tools in a safe space*
- open space to co-create*
- open space to choose your own activity or just rest and be and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and nature, explore at your own pace or with your favorite group buddies and new friends*
- open space for the conversations that matter
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- A tight-knit community and sweet exhale for your nervous system along the way and memories to never leave us again.
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WILD AND FREE COASTAL HIKE
​- One of many highlights will probably be our "wild & free" coastal hike - a full day of hiking or walking along the breath taking wild coast of Saint Tropez and Ramatuelle to reconnect with your own wild true self and bond with your new besties (travel by private mini bus and chauffeur)​
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​- Several preparation calls to co-create a sense of community and adventure already beforehand as well as after to re-enter culture and "reality", transform, integrate and implement in continuation of the safety and deep embodiment & connection we have created together.
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- A what (not) to pack/bring list and travel tips.
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*We will structure most days in two halfs, one half open space style, one half exploring eg village or market day. The Open Space time is for various types of activities or free time or solo/rest time, to freely choose from. You are warmly invited to bring your own ideas and initiate an activity, e.g. let's have coffee together in this cute café we saw during the village tour, let's meditate by the lavender field at 3, let's co-create a business idea, let's talk about xyz by the fire place, Who can help me launch my dream project about X?, let's go on a sketchbook tour by the old amphitheater... DETAILS SEE BELOW.
How will we spend our time together?
We will structure most days in two halfs, one half open space style, one half exploring eg village or market day, SEE "What's included?" ABOVE.
The OPEN SPACE TIME is for various types of activities or free time or solo/rest time, we can co-design and co-create this together with lots of free flow to choose from.
You are warmly invited to bring your own ideas and initiate an activity. This is YOUR time with YOUR Cahoot gang.
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Here are some ideas:
- Let's have coffee together in this cute café we saw during the village tour and
talk about X,
- Let's meditate by the lavender field at 3,
- Let's co-create an all female queer run business idea on coaching and wildlife,
- Let's brainstorm and group coach together and then start a quiet revolution on eg How can we live our wildest dreams as cyclical creative beings without burnout in a capitalist patriarchal white suppremacist het-cis dominated culture? - bringing in the big stuff right away, Oh là là !
- Let's talk about XYZ by the fire place,
- Who can help me launch my dream project about tulips and sea shells for seniors in Antwerp?
- Let's go on a sketchbook tour by the old amphitheater.
- Let's brainstorm what we do next.
- Let's just chat or paint the afternoon away by the fountain and meet the villagers.
There will be a daily program overview and flip chart of what the day will look like plus space to fill in for you all to see who would like to do what, when, with whom, where to meet, who would like to join etc. You can also already send your ideas in advance to office@katharinakapsamer.com
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The rest of the time we can explore the beautiful premises, the village, market day and during our coastal walk day the reconnect with the wilderness of the beach and rocks and vegetation, eat delicious food, thank the wonderful staff... give each other hugs and laugh. Wake up in the morning already hearing laughter out on the patio or by the olive trees.
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Brené Brown
"This is when you reach deep into your wild heart and remind yourself: I AM THE WILDERNESS."
What should I pack?
You will receive a detailed packing list and also a list of other things to bear in mind for peace of mind well in advance.
How much is it?
​​Early bird price until Dec 17, 2024: EUR 8.990.-
(Memo to self: Verlängerung bis 3. Jänner 2025 möglich, wenn sinnvoll.)
Book until Jan 25, 2025, 2025: EUR 10.000.-
(Voraussichtlich D-Day ob es was wird = ca. 2 Monate vor Retreat-Start)
Book after Jan 25, 2025: 11.000.-
From Feb 15, 2025 the price will be EUR 12.000.-
(ist das sinnvoll?)
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Awareness of our vast variety of financial and social realities / DEI:
If you feel like you really need to be with us but really cannot meet the budget, do not despair. Please reach out. You may be eligible to one of several solutions including a reduced social sliding scale of up to 50%, in exceptional cases up to 70%, support. Email Katharina office@katharinakapsamer.com
Brené Brown
"True belonging doesn't require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are.”
How do I get to Cotignac?
Please don't book any flights or other travel or other accommodations yet. We will get an official GO date when we know for sure with ample time to get good deals.
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Once we have the official go, our travel and booking partner will assist you with any questions regarding this.
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A group transfer Is foreseen to be arranged from Nice Airport on March 31 mid-day.
Please arrive at Nice Airport, by 12pm local time.
Feel free to reach out for travel planning support available to our retreaters.
Europe switches to daylight saving time in the night from March 29 to 30.
Are flights included?
Your flights are not included in your booking.
Should I...
Please wait until we get the official go.
... already book my flight or other accommodation for before or after the retreat?
What's NOT included?
- Flights and other travel
- Travel insurance
- Tips for the wonderful staff
- Any of the gorgeous souvenirs, handmade local arts and crafts, fabrics, clothes, ceramics and spices you might want to buy.for your loved ones at home or as a token for yourself.
- Any supplementary food or dinners outside the ones see above
- Beverages
- Supplementary Consumptions at the hotel or restaurant including mini bar, massages etc.
- Airport pick-up - please let us know if you need one, we can arrange it for you.
- Breakfast - please let us know if you'd like one
Which airport should I fly into?
Please do not book any flights or other travel or other accommodations yet. We will get an official GO date when we know for sure with ample time to get good deals.
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Once we have the official go, our travel and booking partner will assist you with any questions regarding this. They are adorable, experienced, professional and a sweet hug to the nervous system.
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For the dreamers and schemers who love looking up flights well in advance to aid manifesting: Best option in most cases is flying into Nice. Alternatives are Marseille and Paris. If you decide to fly into Paris you will need to take the train to Aix en Provence.
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I repeat. This info is just for your personal research pleasure. Please don't book any flights or other travel or other accommodations yet. We will get an official GO date when we know for sure with ample time to get good deals.
When should I arrive?
Please wait with travel arrangements until we get the official go.
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This might be TMI for now. Do your nervous system a favor and check this when we have the official GO and you can start looking at flights. ;-)
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For the overly excited fact checkers, here are the deets:
Considering jetlag or general travel fatigue and a gentle way to arrive for your nervous system we strongly recommend to come a few days early, also to make the most out of your stay.
However, we will start with a sweet and slow entry on Sunday to accommodate those who do arrive the day of.
If you would like to come sooner or stay longer after the trip, at our wonderful hotel LOU CALEN, other parts of the South of France or a few extra nights before or after - in Paris maybe? - please reach out for tips and advice: office@katharinakapsamer.com
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It may make a big difference for how this adventure goes if you give yourself the tranquility of one or two nights before we start in one of the beautiful cities you'll be flying into - Paris, Marseille or Nice.
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IMPORTANT:
Please remember if you are coming from a different continent your departure date and your arrival date may not be the same day. Bear that in mind to make sure you don't miss the start. You should be at LOU CALEN at 3pm on Sunday, March 30 at the latest.
I repeat: Please wait with travel arrangements until we get the official go.
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Travel time from the airports Nice and Marseille or the train station in Aix en Provence will vary depending on traffic. Pickups can be arranged with our travel partner. If you prefer you can also rent your own car and enjoy the beautiful ride. Especially if you want to stay longer in this beautiful region it is highly recommended to have a car. Or you book a group pickup back to the airport on the final day and then take public transport in one of the bigger cities. Nature buffs, you need a car.
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I repeat: Please wait with travel arrangements until we get the official go.
Do I need travel insurance?
Absolutely YES, please, dear. For everybody's peace of mind. Our wonderful travel and booking partner will assist you with any questions regarding this. They are adorable, experienced, professional and a sweet hug to the nervous system.
What happens when I get sick or anything else happens?
Our wonderful travel and booking partner will assist you with any questions regarding this. They are adorable, experienced, professional and a sweet hug to the nervous system. Remember to ask them what kind of travel insurance you need for this kind of question.
What's the cancellation policy?
Our wonderful travel and booking partner is currently working out the details for this. They are adorable, experienced, professional and a sweet hug to the nervous system. Updates coming soon.
Who is Katharina?
Meet your guide and host: KATHARINA. To get to know Katharina please Click/Tap KATHARINA above.
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A note from your host:
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My time in Wayfinder Life Coach Training has taught me a BIG LESSON on the Power of Community and investing in myself, my personal growth and transformation, despite financial scarcity and thinking. There is something books can't teach and doing it alone all by ourselves can't reach. Let's use each other as amplifying forces to bring about the changes we've been longing for and working towards.
Me offering this retreat and calling it into being would still be a mere diary entry from the distant past without the tremendous support and community from my Wayfinder Life Coach Support Squad. Together we can bring about the calling in of the big new chapters we are meant to bring into the world.
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We are Wayfinders. We've been waiting for this.
WE WERE MADE FOR THIS.
So let's do this.
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Love
Kathy
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Katharina loves Playlists to set the mood and dance things into being.
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Homecoming Playlist: https://music.apple.com/at/playlist/fall-homecoming/pl.u-oZylKApC3YDq6o?l=en
​Provence - France - French Riviera Playlist: https://music.apple.com/at/playlist/provence-2021/pl.u-kv9lRRvsvP64Ge?l=en
Playlists on Spotify coming soon.
