Healing art retreats

The Berkshires

October 7th-11th 2026 4 nights | 5 days. All Inclusive

Meet the team

Jessica Young, M.Ed, LMHC

Founder | Licensed Psychotherapist | Intuitive Artist | Yoga & Meditation Guide

Our host for the retreat, Jessica Young, is an abstract intuitive artist, author and licensed psychotherapist. For the last 12 years she has worked with a wide variety of populations and demographics as therapist and currently works in private practice. Art became a means of creative healing and expression in 2014 after coming out of a difficult time in her life. She now uses abstract expression and mindfulness based, trauma informed healing modalities to help others find a healing path. She combines art-making, inner-child exploration, meditation, breath work, movement and emotional release to co-create creative spaces for deep transformative healing and radical acceptance.

Zaiden Shannon, LMT

Healer | Massage Therapist | Yoga & Meditation Guide | Sound Healer

We are always eager to welcome back Zaiden Shannon, healing practitioner, yoga teacher and massage therapist. Zaiden will be offering Yin yoga, breath-work, massage, sound healing hypnotherapy and guided meditation during the retreat. Zaiden will also be available for private healing sessions as well as massage, Reiki, sound-healing and hypnotherapy. Zai joined us in Sedona in May 2021 and it is quite impossible to put into words the energy she provides to the spaces she occupies. You will be glad you met her the moment you lock eyes.

Stephanie Vergati

Creative & Therapeutic Support | Artist

Kyle is our behind the scenes technical support and right hand man for everything and anything we may need during the retreat. Raised amongst a family of women, Kyle is a sensitive and empathic addition to our team. A licensed architect by day and Jessica’s creative assistant by night, we wouldn’t be where we are without his invaluable knowledge and support. Kyle will be our chauffeur, our extra eyes, hands and hiking support and will also be teaching a water-color class to give your art journaling skills a boost. He also makes sure Jessica stays fed and doesn’t forget anything :)

the retreat

4 nights, 5 days of creative healing, community and connection during peak foliage season in the most beautiful part of New England

“This retreat let me be totally myself among strangers. I experienced beauty and wonder and I came away with a sense of peace that I can easily reconnect with”

— Sue, 2022 Uvita Retreat Participant

What you will walk away with from this experience:

A shedding of old layers, identifying the mental and emotional narratives that no longer serve you, to make space for new growth.
A stronger foundation for navigating seasons of transition, with a plan for integrating your healing as you return to your daily rhythm.
A deeper connection to your internal seasons, learning to align your mind and body with the natural cycle of turning inward and slowing down.
The restorative power of sisterhood, building meaningful bonds with an intimate circle of women through shared reflection and fireside connection.
Nervous system grounding techniques designed to help you find stability and warmth even as the seasons of life begin to shift.
Expressive art skills that use the vibrant palette of autumn to explore the beauty in change and the necessity of letting go.
A newly begun art journal to serve as a roadmap and harvest of the insights gathered during our time in the mountains.
A sense of belonging within an intimate community, leaving you feeling nourished and prepared for your own season of rest and reflection.

REGISTRATION INCLUDES:

4 Nights’ Accommodations. Intimate lodging on a private estate tucked away in the heart of the Berkshires.
Farm-to-Table Local Organic Food. Prepared by a professional chef and delivered to us, allowing you to fully immerse in the experience without the hassle of worrying about what to eat.
Collaborative Menu Planning. Specific food options and dietary preferences will be determined as a group prior to the retreat to ensure everyone is nourished.
Full Access to Estate Amenities. Including a sauna and indoor pool for deep relaxation and integration.
Morning Yin Yoga. Gentle practice with breath-work and meditation to greet the mountain air.
Expressive Art Groups. Intimate community art experiences combining watercolor, acrylic painting, and collage to explore seasonal themes of shedding and renewal.
Therapeutic Healing Groups. Intimate discussions, Reiki healing, and communal processing.
Waterfall & Mountain Adventures. Guided excursions to plein air paint amidst the peak foliage and the highest waterfall in Massachusetts.
Plenty of Free Time. To relax by the fire, utilize the pool andsauna, journal, or explore the area.
All Art Materials & Supplies. Professional-grade tools provided for all workshops.
Retreat Welcome Bag. A curated collection of seasonal self-care essentials including an art journal and your own personal art supplies to use during the retreat.

REGISTRATION DOES NOT INCLUDE:

Transportation to the Property.
Alcoholic Beverages. This is a dry retreat and request that folks do not drink during the retreat.
Gratuity for the Chef: While meals are included, tips for our professional chef are encouraged and will be collected before the retreat begins. We suggest a $30-35+ dollar tip per person.
Optional Excursions that can be decided on as a group:
- Trip to the The Mount (Edith Wharton Estate) for a guided ghost tour ($30 per person)
- A visit to the TurnPark Art Museum
- A visit to the Berkshire Botanical Garden

“This retreat really helped me crystallize some really important lessons and obstacles and helped me move forward and changing my life. The camaraderie, the compassion, the creative exploration, the time for reflection in a peaceful respite away from the world, all of it was magical.”

— Nicole, 2021 Sedona Participant

Example Itinerary

This is just a rough outline of how our day might go.

8am | Restorative Yoga, Meditation and Movement

9am | Breakfast

10am | Plein Air Painting & Art Journaling on the property, in the mountains, meadows or by a waterfall

12pm | Lunch

1pm | Free Time

4pm | Therapeutic Art Group

6pm | Dinner

8pm | Healing Group Circle and Fireside Chat

* excursion trips will be decided on together as a group before the retreat.

Film by Karli Fisco from our October 2022 Healing Art Retreat in Costa Rica

Our Berkshires retreat is an intimate, women-only sanctuary designed for those seeking a quiet, deeply personal channel into transformative therapeutic work. Held amidst the breathtaking gold and crimson of peak New England foliage, this experience is intentionally curated to be a small, private gathering that offers a sacred space to intuitively guide you through the parts of yourself that need tending to most. Whether you are looking to reignite your creative spark, heal a broken heart, or navigate a major life transition, our time together in the mountains provides the stillness and sisterhood needed to identify, process, and heal. Through gentle movement, meditation, expressive art, and therapeutic workshops, we will co-create a safe, nurturing environment for profound growth and radical self-acceptance.

Through embodied movement, meditation, expressive art, creative journaling and therapeutic workshops, we will co-create a safe space for processing and healing.

No prior art or Yoga experience necessary to participate in this retreat

The Location

Private Estate in West Stockbridge, MA

Tucked away in the ancient, winding woods of the Berkshires, our estate sits right where the air starts to turn sharp and the hills break into a vibrant palette of Fall colors.

This isn't just a place to stay, it's a sanctuary that invites you to drop into the seasonal rhythm of shedding what’s heavy and finding space for what’s next.

Property Features:

A sprawling 6-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom sanctuary tucked away on a private road with no neighbors in sight—offering total seclusion for our intimate group.
Sweeping mountain views from almost every room, providing a constant connection to the gold and crimson of peak New England foliage.
Full access to an incredible indoor pool, designed for restorative morning swims or a quiet evening float regardless of the crisp autumn air.
An on-site sauna located right off the pool deck, perfect for warming your bones and detoxifying after a day of mountain exploration.
Multiple living spaces and cozy dens featuring a fireplace and plenty of quiet nooks for journaling, reflecting, or shared sisterhood.
Expansive outdoor decking with Adirondack chairs—the perfect spot for a morning coffee overlooking the rolling hills.

The Magic of the berkshires

Historic mountain villages, ancient forests, and the quiet power of a New England autumn.

There is a specific kind of magic that settles over these mountains in October. The air gets sharp and crisp and the entire landscape transforms into a vibrant, living palette of gold and crimson. It’s a place that practically begs you to slow down and breathe.

The Berkshires have long been a sanctuary for the outsiders, the artists, the rebels, and the seekers. Our retreat is tucked away in the heart of this energy, offering a landscape that mirrors the deep internal work we’re here to do. Whether we’re watching the mist rise off a hidden waterfall, walking through a sun drenched meadow, or simply sitting by the fire on our private estate, these mountains provide the stillness needed to finally hear your own voice. It’s more than just a beautiful backdrop; it’s a natural container for shedding what’s heavy and finding your way back to a radical kind of self-acceptance.

Accommodations

Private King Suite | King bed, Private Bath

Semi-dorm accommodations feature 2 full sized beds. It's described as a ‘semi-dorm’, because each bed has its own set of doors that can be closed for privacy while still sharing the same main room and bathroom as the other beds. All accommodations are air conditioned. $2700
Private Queen | queen bed, shared bath

The newest additions to the Synergy Retreat center. Each room is private and has a full size bed and dresser, with a shared bathroom. These rooms are surrounded by bamboo and the largest tree on the property to ensure a great night sleep. All accommodations are air conditioned. $2500
Private Queen | Queen Bed, Shared Bath

The Kogi Temple was created with a beautiful hexagon design and elevated cupola for beautiful light and refreshing natural airflow. This space has 2 beds, 1 twin and 1 double, with a shared bathroom a few steps out the front door. All accommodations are air conditioned. $2500
Private Twin | Twin Bed, Shared Bath

This luxury cottage suite provides all the privacy and modern comforts you'll need on this retreat. You'll have a queen-sized bed with extra thick, deluxe pillowtop mattress, private bathroom, a closet, a shower that opens out to the garden, Bose sound system, and a private patio to sit out and enjoy nature. All accommodations are air conditioned. $2300
Shared queen | Two Queen Beds, Shared Bathroom

The Flower of Life is a shared double room with a private bathroom. It contains two stacked beds with extra-thick, deluxe pillowtop mattresses, a large closet with shelves and drawers, a couch seating area and a private bathroom. It shares a patio with the adjacent Hamsa room, a secluded nook to relax and to enjoy the sights and sounds of the lush surrounding nature. All accommodations are air conditioned. $2200pp
Shared Loft | Four Twin Beds, Shared Bath

Loft with Spiral Staircase and four twin beds and access to shared bathroom $1995pp

Formal Living Room for Nights by the Fire

Kitchen & Breakfast Nook with Pool Access

ReTREAT APPLICATION

Please allow 24-48 hours for us to review your application. $750 deposit required to reserve your spot. Deposit must be paid within 48 hours of applying unless otherwise arranged with Jessica. Up to 10 month payment plans available.

payment plan options

Pay in full

Pay in full at time of booking and receive $150 off your booking.

6 month payment plan

6 regularly scheduled monthly payments after $750 deposit is secured.

10 month payment plan

10 regularly scheduled monthly payments after $750 deposit is secured.

3 month payment plan

3 regularly scheduled monthly payments after $750 deposit is secured.

8 month payment plan

8 regularly scheduled monthly payments after $750 deposit is secured.

Weekly Payment Plans

If you’d like your payments broken up weekly to accommodate your budgeting/income this is an option!

FAQ

Is the retreat for women only?

No. However we carefully and ethically vet each participant to assure everyone is a safe addition to the healing space. This retreat is for anyone looking for a healing adventure and is open to all genders and gender non-conforming individuals. If you are male presenting we request that you book a room to yourself or bring a friend/partner.

How will you accommodate couples amongst the singles?

We are experts at holding space for a diverse group of individuals, we will cater every healing session and class to the individual needs of the group, that includes people on a solo journey and couples.

Is traveling in Costa Rica safe?

We think so! You just have to be travel smart like with any new country you visit. We’ve been to Costa Rica several times now and hosted 15 people for our first retreat in 2019 again in 2022 without any issues. We advise daytime travel because the roads can be dark and unpaved. We also strongly recommend using a guide for any exploring you might be doing out in the jungle or beyond. During our retreat we will be spending most of our time on the amazing property or at the beach. One coordinated group excursion will be offered. We will be available every step of the way during your planning process.

This is my first time traveling alone, anything I should know?

Costa Rica was the first country I visited solo also and the experience changed my life. I will be available for any and all nerves you might have about traveling alone, feel free to text or email me to discuss your thoughts and concerns and we will work through it together. We will coordinate everyone’s info before the retreat so participants can try to coordinate flight times and shuttles so you don’t have to do the whole thing alone! There is a shuttle we can arrange for an additional fee that will pick you up from the airport and drive you directly to ArtVillas. Once you arrive on location, all of your stress will melt away.

Do I need prior art experience to attend?

No! Our retreats are designed for everyone and it’s okay if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush. We will guide you through everything and you’ll walk away with new skills to express yourself creatively.