
Jun 29 – Jul 3
Joyful Journey Hot Springs
Moffat, Colorado
An intimate 4-night retreat for midlife women who want to love more deeply, lead from inner wisdom, and live with renewed vision and purpose.
After years of caring for parents, partners, clients, and children, this retreat will help you nurture your own needs and dreams with the same love you’ve so freely given.
Joyful Journey Hot Springs, where the magic happens.
You, dear woman, still need in-person retreats.
A circle of women sitting and breathing together in person creates a magic that online programs just cannot replicate.
To step out of your life and into a container like this is a profound act of care.
Listen to Marcella's closest students describe it in their own words.
—Meredith V.

I’m Marcella Friel, and since 2014 I’ve helped nearly 80,000 women heal the spiritual and emotional roots of body shame and self-abandonment.
In my early 50s, when my life went completely upside down, I experienced a moment of grace where I saw clearly: I am not my traumas.
That realization set me on a path of reclaiming who I was beneath the patterns, the past, and the stories I had carried.
Now in my mid-60s, I guide women like you through loving, forgiving, and returning to yourself in a way that perhaps you never have before.
If a yes is awakening in you to come join me, I would be honored to walk this path with you.
Our rhythm is structured and spacious: periods of teaching and inner work balanced with generous time for rest, reflection, and communion with the healing waters of Joyful Journey Hot Springs.
Schedules are subject to change, yet the daily flow generally includes:
You can find the daily schedule in the FAQ section below.
—Jane M.
Please give me a shout-out if you can't find your answer. I'm here for you!
Absolutely! Once you register for the retreat, you'll book your lodging directly through Joyful Journey Hot Springs. They offer a range of cozy, affordable accommodations to suit every comfort level:
Whether you prefer a plush room, a glamping experience, or sleeping under the stars, there's something for everyone.
Joyful Journey is located in Moffat, Colorado, in the San Luis Valley.
You can fly into either Denver International Airport (DEN) or Colorado Springs Airport (COS)—Colorado Springs is about an hour closer.
If you need ground transportation, let us know. We’ll do our best to connect you with fellow participants who might want to share a rental car or ride.
In late June/early July, you can expect warm, mostly sunny days and cool nights, with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Great conditions for soaking, ceremony, and restorative pause.
Be sure to check local weather conditions before you pack your luggage.
Schedules are subject to change, but the overall flow looks like this:
Monday, June 29: Arrival Day
Plan to arrive at Joyful Journey between 3 and 5 p.m. Mountain time to settle into your accommodations, meet your sister retreatants, and have supper from the Joyful Journey menu.
In the evening we'll convene for an opening ritual to begin your journey inward.
Tuesday, June 30: Intuition, Spirituality & Emotional Honesty
On the first full day of the retreat we'll turn inward to allow your inner voice to emerge, free from the world’s noise.
Through guided meditation, EFT Tapping, and reflective writing, you’ll strengthen your intuitive knowing and deepen your relationship with the power that is greater than your own being.
We’ll explore emotional honesty as a doorway to authentic connection and self-trust.
Gentle movement, silence, and ample resting time will help you integrate the day’s insights.
The timetable is subject to change but will unfold roughly as follows:
7:30 AM - Early-morning soak
8:30 AM - Breakfast
9:30 AM - Session 1
11:30 AM - Movement break
11:45 AM - Session 2
12:30 PM - Lunch and midday downtime
3:30 PM - Session 3
5:30 PM - Group labyrinth walk or optional supper
7:00 PM - Session 4
8:30 PM - Adjourn
Wednesday, July 1: Gratitude, Love & Purpose
On the following day we shift our focus from inner excavation to heart-centered regeneration.
Through gratitude practices, loving-kindness meditation, and creative expression, you’ll awaken the magnetic field of love that restores faith and gives life meaning.
The day culminates in a ritual of purpose that will clarify what it means to live as a light-bearer in your world.
Schedules are subject to change but will roughly follow the same pattern as yesterday:
7:30 AM - Early-morning soak
8:30 AM - Breakfast
9:30 AM - Session 1
11:30 AM - Movement break
11:45 AM - Session 2
12:30 PM - Lunch and midday downtime
3:30 PM - Session 3
5:30 PM - Group labyrinth walk or optional supper
7:00 PM - Session 4
8:30 PM - Adjourn
Thursday, July 2: Sacred Pilgrimage
After our morning soak and breakfast, we'll pack a picnic lunch and take an off-campus pilgrimage to local spiritual landmarks. We'll return to Joyful Journey for a spacious, restful late afternoon and a festive supper. We’ll close the day (and the retreat) with a sound bath under the stars to seal your transformation.
Friday, July 3: Departure
Morning soak, breakfast, and heartfelt goodbyes. Check-out by 10 AM Mountain time.
Here’s a suggested packing list:
✨ And leave room for a few take-home gifts and souvenirs!
To honor the integrity of the retreat container—and to support both your journey and the collective experience—we ask that all participants attend the full retreat from Wednesday’s opening circle through Sunday morning’s closing.
Every part of the pilgrimage is intentional, and your presence matters.
Our meals are designed to support gentle nourishment, digestive ease, and intuitive eating—all lovingly prepared by our private retreat chef.
We follow an intermittent fasting-inspired rhythm, offering:
Meals are served communal and casual in the Casita. While we can't customize every dish, the buffet-style setup allows you to build your own plate in a way that works for your body.
There will be no alcohol served during the retreat.
Cannabis is legal in Colorado, and Joyful Journey is a cannabis-friendly space. You’re welcome to bring your own alcohol or cannabis for personal use in the evenings, after sessions have concluded.
We simply ask that you arrive at all retreat activities in an alcohol- and cannabis-free state, to support the clarity and sacredness of our group container.
This retreat is for you if you’ve been feeling spiritually adrift in today's turbulent times, facing a crisis of meaning and feel exhausted by endlessly trying to fix yourself and worrying about the state of the world.
Retreat tuition is non-refundable, as your registration secures your space in a small, intimate group and supports significant planning on our end.
That said, if you need to cancel, I’ll gladly offer you a 6-month credit toward working with me—through private coaching, the Women, Food & Forgiveness Academy, or another program.
I strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for peace of mind in case of illness, emergencies, or unexpected changes.
Take a moment to review the FAQ page above, where you'll find the answers to most questions you might have. (Feel free to reach out to me if you need more clarity with anything.)
When you’re ready, click the button below to choose your registration option.
Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive an email from me with everything you need to prepare for your time at the retreat.
I look forward to welcoming you and supporting your transformation!


Tuition includes:
Lodging and transportation are not included.

Tuition includes:
Lodging and transportation are not included.
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