Escape Literary Retreat
Wild Women in Lit: Reclaiming the Witch Narrative
Escape invites book lovers of all backgrounds to connect with others, expand your world views, and reflect on what literature can teach you about yourself. “Reading as medicine” will be layered into our core retreat model, featuring gentle movement such as daily yoga and forest walks, meditation, and a balance of meaningful group discussion and intentional time for curling up with a great book in one of our reserved quiet reading spaces.
For fans of Practical Magic, A Discovery of Witches, and Weyward - our October retreat will explore the representation of witches and witchcraft in literature, unpacking themes of sisterhood, gender equality and our fascination with the magical world.
What can guests expect to do or learn:
Book discussions unpacking your favorite literary witches and witchy tropes, creative writing workshop with a highly sought-after book doula, daily astrology-informed therapeutic yoga, guided intention and release rituals. Time to read, write, journal, nap.
Who's Invited
Women who love witchy stories! Readers, writers, book club members, or simply women who are looking for an escape into something different.
Led by Amber Alexander Solano, The Resting Wolf
Co-facilitators: Rea Frey and Sarah Jane Chapman
Rea Frey is the #1 bestselling author of a dozen books. As a book doula, she has helped hundreds of first-time authors land agents and publishing deals. A Silver Falchion finalist, Book Pipeline's Film Adaptation Winner, Target's Book of the Year Finalist, and voted one of Marie Claire's Best fiction writers, Rea's work has been optioned for film, featured on Good Morning America, CBS Saturday Mornings, and in The New York Times. To learn more, visit reafrey.com.
Sarah Jane is a Libra here to help you and your body be buds. She is a certified yoga therapist, astrologer, tarot reader, and co-creator of Be With Your Body Tarot. As someone in eating disorder recovery, type 1 diabetic and mom, she knows what it's like to weather many changes in her own body and can help you in your journey back home to yours. Her classes are simple, kind and intuitive ... the kind that feel like a big hug rather than kicking your ass. Learn more at bewithyourbody.com.
What's Included
All-inclusive- accommodations, workshops, food, a luxury welcome gift box.
Add-on 1:1 coaching or tarot/astrology readings are available.
Schedule & Pricing
Get the details...
Schedule:
- In early October, a virtual community will be created to connect retreat-goers with facilitators and each other, as well as vote on retreat details such as book(s) to discuss.
- Day 1: Check in at 3pm, opening circle at 4pm. Sarah Jane Chapman (Be With Your Body yoga, astrology, tarot) leads a discussion about what the stories get right (and wrong) about witches, followed by a guided release ritual to set the tone for weekend. Delicious farm-to-table dinner, followed by a book-club-style discussion around the campfire. The night ends with wind-down yoga and a sleepy tea or mocktail.
- Day 2: Gentle morning yoga at 9:30am, followed by a big brunch at the lodge. Rea Frey (#1 bestselling author and Book Doula) will lead an incredible session on creative writing and publishing your work, followed by a 90 minute restorative break. The afternoon group discussion will explore the deeper meaning behind why we are drawn to the characters we love, and what this can teach us about ourselves. A literary-inspired pop-up fair and flash tattoo station, and an amazing candlelit creek dinner round out the day’s agenda.
- Day 3: Breakfast at the lodge, followed by individual “blind date with a book” reveals. Closing group circle to discuss what was learned, finalize our TBRs, and complete a group guided visualization ritual to send everyone back into the world stronger and more inspired.
- Following the event: Virtual community will have the option to continue and will be added to the broader Founders Circle community, which will offer both virtual and Nashville-based events in the future.
How to Book
Follow these instructions to reserve your space.
- Click the button on this page for Reserve Your Space
- This will take you to another website for your retreat leader
- Follow the instructions provided by your retreat leader
Your Turn To Receive
Your feet hit the floor, and the day begins before you have had a moment to breathe.
You spend your days giving, carrying, nurturing, and showing up for everyone else. Somewhere along the way, you may have forgotten what it feels like to simply receive. If this sounds familiar, there is a place for you at White Lilies Journey, a restorative women's wellness retreat in Tennessee created for women who are ready to slow down, reconnect, and be cared for, too.
As a woman, you lead, nurture, and pour yourself into the world. With so many expectations and demands competing for your attention, it can become difficult to tune into you: your body, your inner voice, your joy, and the parts of your life that are quietly asking to be renewed. A timeless symbol of renewal and grace, the delicate white lily carries a gentle reminder: after seasons of giving everything to everyone else, it is finally your turn to bloom.
As a woman, you lead, nurture, and pour yourself into the world. With so many expectations and demands competing for your attention, it can become difficult to tune into you: your body, your inner voice, your joy, and the parts of your life that are quietly asking to be renewed. A timeless symbol of renewal and grace, the delicate white lily carries a gentle reminder: after seasons of giving everything to everyone else, it is finally your turn to bloom.
Over This Restorative Weekend, You Are Invited To:
- Rest deeply, entirely free of guilt.
- Reconnect with nature's quiet wisdom and return home with new insight and a renewed sense of self.
- Nourish your mind, body, and spirit through delicious meals, restorative yoga, reflection, and community.
- Celebrate the magic of womanhood within a soft, supportive sisterhood.
- Trade notifications, expectations, and constant motion for birdsong, creativity, and room to breathe.
The Invitation
White Lilies is your whimsical escape back to yourself. Hidden among the whispering trees and butterfly meadows of Bask, this intimate women's nature retreat asks a simple question: What has been waiting within you, just longing for your attention?
Remember Your Magic
This is not about changing who you are. It is about remembering who you have always been.
Together, we will share slow mornings, sudden laughter, nourishing food, quiet reflection, and the gentle alchemy that happens when women gather with open hearts. Whether you are navigating a transition, craving clarity, feeling burned out, or simply longing to feel more like yourself again, White Lilies Journey offers a safe place to land.
The retreat will balance guided experiences with spacious personal time. You will be invited to participate at your own pace, listen to your body, and choose what feels supportive. No previous retreat, yoga, or meditation experience is required.
The retreat will balance guided experiences with spacious personal time. You will be invited to participate at your own pace, listen to your body, and choose what feels supportive. No previous retreat, yoga, or meditation experience is required.
This Retreat Is For Women Who:
- Are ready to trade notifications for birdsong and make space for fresh creative energy.
- Miss the version of themselves that felt light, playful, and fully alive.
- Are ready to exhale the overwhelm and release the feeling of never being enough.
- Believe that slowing down does not mean falling behind.
- Are moving through a personal, professional, or relational transition.
- Long for deeper connection with themselves, the natural world, and other women.
- Want to attend alone, with a friend, or with someone they love.
Can I Attend Alone?
Yes. Many women attend retreats on their own. White Lilies is intentionally limited to a small group so solo guests can feel welcomed and naturally connect, while still having room for solitude, rest, and personal reflection.
Led by Aylin Ozgener
"I am listening to my inner wisdom and the integrated energies of life to lead White Lilies. This is an 'invitation' and an 'initiation' for women seeking their purpose. This will empower you for your highest calling."
A Women's Nature Retreat Near Nashville
White Lilies retreat takes place at Bask Retreat Center in Middle Tennessee, approximately 90 minutes from Nashville. Across 42 acres of protected forests, native grasslands, gardens, meadows, and waterways, the land becomes an active part of the retreat experience. Here, the pace softens. Mornings begin close to the natural world. Paths invite wandering, gathering spaces invite connection, and quiet corners make room for the thoughts and feelings that everyday life can drown out.
A Space To Come Home To Yourself
We invite you to join us for a weekend of renewal, sisterhood, and remembering. Your cup deserves to be filled, too. To preserve the depth of connection and create a truly personal experience, White Lilies retreat is limited to 15 women.
What's Included In White Lilies Retreat?
Bask is a nonprofit retreat center rooted in holistic health, education, and land restoration. White Lilies reflects that relationship between personal renewal, meaningful community, and care for the living world. The final retreat itinerary will be shared with registered guests. The White Lilies experience is being thoughtfully shaped around the following confirmed elements:
Schedule & Pricing
- Arrive Friday, November 13 at 3:00 PM
- Depart Sunday, November 15 at 11:00 AM
- Retreat fee is $960 per person
- Lodging is additional and booked separately
Beautiful Accommodations
Specific options for this retreat and corresponding prices will be provided during the registration process. Overall space is limited to 15 women, so early reservation is encouraged.
White Lilies Journey FAQ
What is White Lilies Journey?
White Lilies Journey is a restorative women's wellness retreat at Bask Retreat Center in Middle Tennessee. Taking place November 13-15, 2026, the retreat brings women together for nature connection, restorative yoga, nourishing meals, reflection, rest, and meaningful community.
Where is the White Lilies retreat?
The retreat takes place at Bask Retreat Center in Middle Tennessee, approximately 90 minutes from Nashville, across 150 acres of protected forests, grasslands, gardens, meadows, and waterways.
Can I attend White Lilies by myself?
Yes. Solo guests are warmly welcomed. The intimate group size makes it easy to connect naturally while still having space for privacy and personal reflection.
Do I need experience with yoga or wellness retreats?
No. White Lilies is designed to be accessible to first-time retreat guests and women with a wide range of movement, meditation, and wellness experience. Participation is invitational, and guests are encouraged to honor their own pace.
Is White Lilies a religious retreat?
No. White Lilies is not affiliated with a specific religion. It is a holistic wellness and nature retreat that welcomes women from a variety of spiritual, cultural, and personal backgrounds.
Are accommodations included in the $960 retreat fee?
No. The retreat fee is $960 per person, and accommodations are additional. Available lodging options and prices will be shared during registration.
What should I bring?
Registered guests will receive a complete packing list. Comfortable layers, walking shoes, personal toiletries, a journal, and weather-appropriate clothing will likely be recommended.
What makes White Lilies different from other women's retreats?
White Lilies combines an intimate group of just 12 women, personal guidance from Bask founder Aylin Ozgener, restorative practices, and a deeply immersive natural setting. The experience is intentionally spacious, gentle, and rooted in remembering rather than reinventing yourself.
Your Cup Deserves To Be Filled, Too
White Lilies Journey is an invitation to step out of the noise and into a restorative weekend rooted in nature, sisterhood, and the quiet magic of returning to yourself. Join us at Bask Retreat Center in Middle Tennessee from November 13 – 15, 2026. With space for only 12 women, this intimate Journey is designed to feel personal, heartfelt, and deeply renewing.