Creative Sanctuary Retreat
Isle of Wight · 22nd–25th May 2026
Rest your mind. Revive your spirit. Rediscover your creativity with God.
What’s included:
• Three nights’ full-board accommodation (Friday–Monday)
• All creative workshops and art materials
• 3-hour luxury spa session at Lakeside Spa
• Morning reflections and evening worship with live music
• Complimentary pick-up for foot passengers from Ryde Pier Head
• Discount codes available for Red Funnel car ferry travel
✨ The Creative Sanctuary Retreat – Isle of Wight
22nd–25th May 2026
£425.00 – £499.00 per person
(depending on room type and occupancy)
You’re warmly invited to step away from the noise of everyday life and spend a long weekend on the beautiful Isle of Wight — a space to rest your mind, revive your spirit, and reconnect with God through creativity.
Held at a peaceful countryside retreat centre surrounded by apple orchards and rolling green fields, this 3-night experience blends faith, art, and rest in a setting that feels homely, heartfelt, and holy.
Through gentle workshops in mixed media, nature journaling, and reflective portrait drawing, you’ll rediscover the joy of creating with God — no experience needed, just a willing heart.
Each day includes morning reflections, nourishing home-cooked meals, and free time to walk, pray, or explore. You might wander through Carisbrooke Castle, once home to King Charles I, or visit Queen Victoria’s Osborne House, her cherished seaside retreat — both just a stone’s throw away.
On Sunday afternoon, you’ll unwind completely with a luxurious spa experience — the perfect way to let body, mind, and spirit rest as one.
Enjoy up to three hours of pure relaxation at the Lakeside Spa, including use of the indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, two experience saunas, and access to the thermal garden. Let peace soak into every part of you.
Whether you come alone or with a friend, you’ll be welcomed into a community of kind-hearted women who value faith, creativity, and stillness.
You don't need to be an artist to create beautiful things .
If you can fold, doodle, cut and stick.....then you can create!
🌿 The Creative Sanctuary Retreat – Isle of Wight
🌿 The Creative Sanctuary Retreat – Isle of Wight
Friday 22nd – Monday 25th May 2026
Held at Verbum Dei Retreat Centre, Newport, Isle of Wight
Step into a weekend of peace, purpose, and creativity. The Creative Sanctuary Retreat is your invitation to rest your mind, revive your spirit, and reconnect with God through art and reflection.
Set in the peaceful Verbum Dei Retreat Centre surrounded by nature, this three-night experience blends faith, art, and gentle community. You’ll create a mixed-media piece on a wooden board — incorporating texture, paint, collage, and even tile fragments to symbolise restoration and transformation.
Through daily creative sessions, guided reflections, and times of rest, you’ll rediscover your creative confidence and sense of spiritual renewal. Whether you’re new to art or experienced, you’ll leave with a beautiful artwork — and a heart that feels lighter, calmer, and closer to God.
All materials, meals, and accommodation are included, with optional nature journaling and a relaxing spa afternoon at Lakeside Spa.
✨ Suggested Schedule
.Friday – Arrival & Reflection
From 4:00 pm – Check-in and Welcome Refreshments
Arrive, unpack, and enjoy tea and homemade (or shop-bought!) cake as you settle into the peaceful surroundings.
5:30 pm – Welcome Circle & Creative Reflection
Introductions, gentle prayer, and journaling to set your intentions for the weekend.
6:30 pm – Supper Together
A relaxed, home-cooked meal in community.
8:00 pm – Devotional & Creative Journaling
You’ll receive your retreat journal and devotional booklet. We’ll explore a quiet time of doodling, simple lettering, and writing a letter to God — a gentle, Zentangle-style exercise to calm your mind and open your heart.
Guests are welcome to bring their own craft supplies or use the art materials available in the studio space.
Saturday – Create & Explore
8:00 am – Morning Reflection or Optional Quiet Walk
A peaceful start with scripture, journaling, or a gentle walk through the retreat grounds.
9:00 am – Breakfast
10:00 am – Mixed-Media Workshop (Part 1)
Begin your artwork on a wooden board using collage, paint, and natural elements. Explore texture, layering, and reflection as part of your creative prayer.
1:00 pm – Lunch
2:00 pm – 5:30 pm – Free Afternoon
Enjoy unhurried time to explore the island — visit Carisbrooke Castle, Osborne House, or relax by the sea.
6:30 pm – Dinner
8:00 pm – Worship & Reflection in the Chapel
A peaceful evening of worship led by Adam Jessup on guitar — time to rest in God’s presence through music, prayer, and quiet reflection.
Sunday – Restore & Renew
8:00 am – Guided Prayer & Journaling Practice
9:00 am – Breakfast
10:00 am – Spirit-Led Portrait Workshop
Create a portrait inspired by your identity in Christ. Use any medium you like — pencil, paint, ink, or mixed media.
1:00 pm – Lunch
2:30 pm – 5:30 pm – Spa Afternoon at Lakeside Spa
Enjoy up to three hours of relaxation: indoor pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, and thermal garden.
7:00 pm – Dinner
8:30 pm – Creative Sharing Circle
Reflect on the weekend, share your artwork, and celebrate what God has been doing in your heart.
Monday – Integration & Farewell
8:00 am – Morning Gratitude & Journaling Practice
9:00 am – Breakfast
10:00 am – Final Creative Session
Add finishing touches to your artwork and reflect on what you’ve learned and created.
12:30 pm – Lunch & Closing Blessing
3:00 pm – Departure
🌿 Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an artist to come to the retreat?
Not at all. Whether you’re completely new to art, rediscovering your creativity after a long break, or already love to paint and make things, this retreat is about expression, not perfection.
You’ll be gently guided to explore your creative voice through journaling, mixed media, and reflection — with no pressure and plenty of encouragement.
What happens after I book the retreat?
Once you reserve your place, you’ll receive a confirmation email and short online form to complete.
Four weeks before the retreat, you’ll receive a Welcome Pack with everything you need to know — what to bring, how to travel, and how to prepare your heart and mind for this time away.
How can I reach the venue?
The retreat takes place at Verbum Dei Retreat Centre, Newport, Isle of Wight.
🚗 By car: You can bring your vehicle across via Red Funnel (Southampton) or Wightlink (Portsmouth or Lymington) ferries. Discount codes are available after booking.
🚆 By train or coach: Travel to Portsmouth Harbour, Southampton Central, or Lymington Pier, then cross as a foot passenger.
🚐 Free pick-up is available from Ryde Pier Head for foot passengers.
We’ll help coordinate your travel once your place is confirmed.
Do I need to bring any equipment?
No — all creative materials are provided. You’re welcome to bring a few of your favourite pens, brushes, or journals if you like, but everything you need will be here.
What is the group size?
To keep the experience personal and peaceful, this retreat is limited to a maximum of 30 women.
Tell me more about the Isle of Wight.
The Isle of Wight is often called “England in miniature” — full of rolling countryside, beaches, and historic sites.
You’ll have free time on Saturday afternoon to explore places like Carisbrooke Castle, Osborne House (Queen Victoria’s seaside retreat), or the nearby coastal paths.
What are the meals like, and are they included?
All meals are freshly cooked on site and designed to be nourishing, balanced, and homely.
Meals, tea, coffee, and snacks are fully included in your stay.
We cater for most dietary requirements — just let us know any needs on your booking form.
Accessibility
Verbum Dei Retreat Centre has a ground-floor bedroom and bathroom, dining area, and lounge with level access suitable for guests with mild mobility needs.
While not specifically adapted for wheelchairs, the layout is accessible and our team is happy to offer support where possible.
What time should I arrive and depart?
Please arrive from 4:00 pm on Friday, and depart by 3:00 pm on Monday after lunch and our closing reflection.
If you need to arrive later or leave early, just let us know in advance.
Do you serve alcohol at this retreat?
No — this is a space for restoration, creativity, and spiritual reflection. We serve tea, coffee, herbal infusions, and fruit juices instead.
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is designed for Christian women (and women exploring faith) who want to slow down, reconnect with God, and express their faith through creativity.
You don’t need any artistic skill — just a willingness to be open, reflective, and gently creative.
Can I bring a friend or family member?
Absolutely. You’re welcome to book together and share a room if available. It’s a wonderful experience to share with a friend, sister, or mum.
Can I bring a pet?
We love animals, but unfortunately, the retreat centre doesn’t allow pets.
This weekend is designed to be your personal time of rest and reflection.
Are the bedroom doors lockable?
The retreat centre has a trusting, community feel rather than a hotel-style setup.
Bedroom doors are not lockable from the outside, but the venue is safe and peaceful. Guests are encouraged to keep valuables with them or in their vehicles.
I have more questions…
We’d love to help.
Please email [email protected] or message via WhatsApp +44 7854 258766, and Bev will personally respond.
Here’s what women experience when they step into this creative, Spirit-led space.
" Like a butterfly coming from an egg, God has developed me and has let my emotions out. It has helped me get lost in paint and colour and not overthink"
Katrina
" It has taught me that I don't need to hold onto the pain..I can let go. I felt I received a warm embrace and together we are strong"
Sian
" God's give me things visually and we need to value ourselves and see ourselves in the way God sees us"
Shelley
Watch Karen as she turns her prayer letter into rocks and collages it to her seascape background.
"It speaks of my journey...out of the brokenness, God has brought a lot of good things...amazing things for me over a period of time and shows a way forward."
Sue
Watch Beverley relax with Christian music in the background soaking up God's love & creativity
Faith, creativity, and connection—all in one space. I finally found what I’d been searching for.”
Jaceen (Australia)
“The Creative Calm Challenge helped me combine creativity with my spiritual life—and the insights go deeper that way. It’s a safe, inspiring space where we all grow together.”
Ilse (Holland)
“I had a deeper sense of release and healing than I’ve felt in a very long time. Wow.”
Suzanne
You don't need to be an artist to create beautiful things .
If you can fold, doodle, cut and stick.....then you can create!
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