CREATIVE RENEWAL

WINTER RETREAT 2025

Saturday, February 15th

PORT AUSTIN, MICHIGAN


CREATING BRIDGES TOWARDS HEALING


WHO ARE WE?

In late 2022 Alexander Vlachos and Karianne Spens-Hanna found a cabin home tucked away on 6 acres in Port Austin, MI. Alexander and Karianne's intention is to have an additional grounding space close enough to Detroit but far enough from the main city to comprehend and understand the immeasurable solace and healing that nature provides.

WHERE IS THIS?

Located at the tip of the thumb, the retreat space is in the Hume County area of Port Austin, Michigan near Port Crescent State Park.

We are about 1 Hour from Lapeer, 2 Hours From Rochester, 2.5 hours from Detroit, 2.75 hours from Ann-Arbor, and 3 hours from Ypsilanti.

WHAT WILL I EXPECT?

As we enter into the last of Winter, we welcome you to embrace the season with community, sauna, Lake Huron, and meditation. Our cold, Michigan weather offers the opportunity to hibernate and slow down, process change and embrace Wintering. The movement of water and sculptures of ice help us transition into a new phase of awareness. The chilly air also helps push our bodies into regeneration, especially paired with the contrast therapy of PONDR sauna. Alexander will offer thoughtfully prepared foods to nourish you throughout the day. 


We will hold space for deeper inquiry while the large trees will tower above, offering silence to hear answers. The stars will provide a moment to pause and gaze, unless blanketed by clouds. Fire in the sauna and bonfire will help to ignite intentions, and release self imposed limitations. Retreat with us to Star Forest Stay, where we will immerse ourselves in nature with compassionate community, meditation and reflective art making. 


Event Timing: Saturday, February 15th, 2025

10 am - Welcome, cacao, snacks, intentions

10:30 - Forest Bath/walk to water

11:30 - Eco Art Making 

12:30 - Lunch and guided conversation 

1:30 - sound bowls 

2:30 - fire + Ice contrast therapy: sauna, fire releasing ceremony, and plunge/cold air bath 

4:00 - Return to art, reflections, soup

6:00 - Stargazing, bonfire, music  

WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?

In order to raise awareness of the 6 acre space, Alexander and Karianne are offering private community retreats and donating funds back to the efforts made to revive the Greater Impact House.

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Creatives

Songwriters/poets/artists of all kinds are welcome to reserve a limited spot and be ready to share amongst other creatives. Participating in retreats like this helps raise the quality of each other with an honest approach towards listening and reviewing works in real time. 

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Practically

Infinite Inspiration

Get inspired by the stars in one of the darkest sky areas in Michigan. This retreat space is located right across from Port Crescent State Park.

0 FULL DAY

Arrive on a Saturday morning. Depart Saturday Night. Bring your swimming and winter gear on 6 acres surrounded pine, maple, a soft sandy ground and natural wildlife

APPLY TODAY FOR THE EVENT ON

Saturday, February 15th, 2025

FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW

Application deadline is Sunday, February 9th 2025 (MIDNIGHT: SUPER BOWL SUNDAY)

Vision board by Karianne Spens-Hanna 

© Copyright 2023-2025 by Star Forest Stay, LLC