Participation & Booking Guide
Thank you for choosing to join us for Retreats in the Light.
Our intention is to create an experience that feels safe, welcoming and deeply restorative for every guest. This guide outlines everything you need to know before your retreat, including booking information, community guidelines and the practical details that help us create a beautiful experience together.
By confirming your booking, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the following information.
Booking & Payment
Your retreat place is confirmed once your booking deposit has been received.
The remaining balance must be paid by the date stated on your booking confirmation.
Early Bird pricing is available until the advertised closing date or until all Early Bird places have been allocated.
All prices are quoted per person unless otherwise stated.
Bookings are non-transferable without prior written agreement from Essensual Creative Retreats.
Retreat Confirmation
Our retreats are intentionally designed as intimate, small-group experiences.
Each retreat requires a minimum number of confirmed participants to proceed as planned.
Should the minimum number not be reached by the confirmation date, guests will be offered either:
• A full refund of all monies paid; or
• The opportunity to transfer their booking to the next available Retreats in the Light experience.
We recommend that guests avoid booking non-refundable flights or travel arrangements until the retreat has been officially confirmed.
Cancellation Policy
Should you need to cancel your booking, please notify us as soon as possible.
Refunds may be available depending on the timing of your cancellation and whether your place can be filled.
Any approved refunds will be processed less any applicable administration or booking costs.
Please refer to your booking confirmation for any retreat-specific cancellation arrangements.
Health & Wellbeing
Your wellbeing is important to us.
Please let us know before your arrival if you have:
• Medical conditions
• Allergies
• Dietary requirements
• Injuries
• Mobility concerns
• Any information that may help us support your experience
While our facilitators create a supportive environment, guests remain responsible for their own health and wellbeing throughout the retreat.
Our retreats are not intended to replace professional medical, psychological or psychiatric care.
Participation
All activities are entirely voluntary.
We encourage every guest to honour their own body, energy levels and personal boundaries throughout the retreat.
Activities may include movement, meditation, breathwork, light experiences, nature walks, swimming, creative practices and group discussions.
Participation is always by choice.
Responsibility & Liability
Guests participate in all retreat activities at their own discretion and risk.
Essensual Creative Retreats, Retreats in the Light, the venue, facilitators and organisers accept no responsibility for injury, illness, theft, damage or loss of personal belongings occurring before, during or after the retreat.
Guests remain responsible for ensuring they are physically and medically able to participate in retreat activities.
Community Guidelines
Our retreats are built upon kindness, respect and presence.
We ask every guest to help create an environment where everyone feels safe, welcomed and supported.
Please respect:
• Confidentiality within the group
• Personal boundaries
• Quiet spaces
• Nature
• The retreat venue
• Fellow guests
We believe every person arrives with their own unique story, and every story deserves respect.
A Clear & Present Environment
Retreats in the Light are alcohol and recreational drug-free experiences.
We ask all guests to support a clear, respectful and conscious environment throughout the retreat.
Smoking is permitted only in designated areas where permitted by the venue.
Photography & Media
Photographs and short video recordings may be taken during the retreat for future promotional purposes.
If you prefer not to appear in any photographs or recordings, please let us know before the retreat begins. We will gladly respect your wishes.
Children & Pets
Some retreats may welcome children or well-behaved dogs.
Where applicable, this will be clearly stated in the retreat information.
Parents and pet owners remain fully responsible for their children or animals throughout the retreat.
Caring for the Venue
Please help us care for the beautiful natural spaces that host our retreats.
We ask all guests to:
• Respect local wildlife and indigenous vegetation.
• Dispose of waste responsibly.
• Keep accommodation and shared spaces tidy.
• Observe all fire safety guidelines.
• Use water thoughtfully.
• Leave each space as you found it.
Intellectual Property
All retreat content, Light Literacy™ teachings, workshop materials, written resources, exercises and methodologies remain the intellectual property of Lara Light and Essensual Creative Retreats unless otherwise stated.
These materials are provided for your personal learning and may not be reproduced, distributed or taught without written permission.
Force Majeure
In the unlikely event that a retreat must be cancelled or postponed due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including extreme weather, natural disasters, political unrest or other unforeseen events, participants will be offered an alternative retreat date or an appropriate refund, subject to any non-recoverable costs already incurred.
Thank You
Thank you for choosing to spend this time with us.
Our hope is that you leave feeling more rested, more connected and more at home within yourself than when you arrived.
We look forward to welcoming you into Retreats in the Light.
Frequently Asked Questions
Retreats in the Light
“Everything you need to know before joining us.”
Choosing a retreat is an important decision, and we understand you may have questions before booking. We’ve answered some of the most common ones below. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, we’re always happy to hear from you.
Is this retreat suitable if I’ve never attended one before?
Absolutely.
Many of our guests are attending their very first retreat. You don’t need any previous experience with meditation, yoga, breathwork or personal development.
Everything is gently guided, and you’re always encouraged to participate at your own pace.
Will I be expected to share personal experiences?
No.
Some group conversations invite reflection, but there is never any expectation to speak or share more than feels comfortable.
Listening is also participation.
Your experience is your own.
What if I’m not very spiritual?
That’s perfectly fine.
Retreats in the Light are designed for people from all backgrounds and beliefs.
Our work is grounded in nature, presence, creativity, perception and meaningful human connection.
You don’t need to follow any particular philosophy or spiritual tradition to benefit from the experience.
What is Light Literacy™?
Light Literacy™ is the philosophy that gently underpins many of the experiences we offer.
Rather than asking you to adopt a new belief system, it invites you to become more aware of how light, colour, perception, attention and your relationship with the natural world influence your everyday experience.
You don’t need to understand the framework before attending.
The retreat is designed to be experienced first, with understanding unfolding naturally.
What activities can I expect?
Every retreat is unique, but experiences may include:
• Guided meditations
• Breathwork
• Gentle movement
• Nature immersion
• Creative practices
• Reflective journalling
• Immersive light experiences
• Group discussions
• Quiet time for rest and integration
Participation is always optional.
Will there be free time?
Yes.
Rest is an important part of the retreat.
The programme intentionally includes spacious moments to walk, read, journal, swim, enjoy nature or simply do nothing at all.
What should I bring?
We recommend bringing:
• Comfortable clothing
• Walking shoes
• Warm layers for evenings
• A journal and pen
• Swimming costume (where applicable)
• Sun hat and sunscreen
• Water bottle
• Torch or headlamp
• Any personal medication
Closer to the retreat, you’ll receive a detailed Welcome Guide with a suggested packing list.
What are the accommodation arrangements?
Accommodation varies slightly between retreats and venues.
Details of room types and sharing options are outlined on each retreat page.
If you have specific accommodation needs, please contact us before booking.
Are meals included?
Yes.
Your retreat investment includes nourishing meals throughout your stay.
Please let us know about any allergies or dietary requirements when booking, and we’ll do our best to accommodate them.
Can I attend on my own?
Absolutely.
Many guests arrive on their own.
Small group retreats naturally create opportunities for genuine connection while also respecting your need for personal space.
You’ll be warmly welcomed whether you come alone or with a friend.
Is transport included?
Transport to and from the venue is not included unless otherwise stated.
We’ll provide detailed directions before the retreat and, where possible, can help connect guests wishing to arrange shared transport.
Is there Wi-Fi and mobile reception?
Most of our venues offer limited Wi-Fi and varying mobile reception.
We encourage guests to see this as an opportunity to slow down and enjoy a little more presence with themselves and nature.
What happens after I book?
Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive:
• Your booking confirmation
• Payment information (if applicable)
• A Welcome Guide
• A suggested packing list
• Arrival information
• Retreat preparation notes
• Emergency contact details
We’ll stay in touch as the retreat approaches to ensure you feel fully prepared.
What if I need to cancel?
Our cancellation policy is outlined in our Participation & Booking Guide.
If you have any questions before booking, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
How many people attend?
Each Retreat in the Light is intentionally limited to a small group.
For our Founding Circle retreats, we welcome a maximum of 13 participants.
This allows us to create a warm, personal and deeply supported experience where every guest is seen, heard and given the space they need.
What makes Retreats in the Light different?
We don’t believe transformation comes from doing more.
We believe it begins by creating the right conditions for clarity to emerge.
Our retreats combine beautiful natural settings, thoughtful facilitation, meaningful conversation, immersive experiences and intentional moments of stillness.
Rather than leaving with another list of things to do, our hope is that you leave feeling more grounded, more connected and more at home within yourself.
Still have a question?
We’re always happy to help.
If there’s anything you’d like to know before booking, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.