A Week of Stillness and Strength: Reflections from My Yoga Retreat in Croatia
This fall, I had the joy of stepping away from my busy Greensboro real estate life and joining friends for a yoga retreat on the island of Brač, Croatia. What unfolded was a journey that blended travel, culture, movement, and deep restoration.
The Journey There
On the way to Croatia, we enjoyed a two-day layover in London. Somer Burke, a professor at the University of South Florida specializing in experiential learning, and Ashleigh Reier, a frequent traveler through her work, helped with flight planning and organizing our London tour. Their expertise made the journey seamless, and we were able to explore Mayfair together before continuing east.
I traveled alongside Johanna Godwin, Phoenix French, and Meredith—women who all knew each other but were newer friends to me. Traveling together quickly turned acquaintances into companions, and that spirit of connection carried us into the retreat itself.
From London, we flew into Split, Croatia, and then boarded a ferry across the Adriatic to Brač Island.
Life on Brač Island
Our private seaside villa became home for the week. Perched at the water’s edge, with a pool, hot tub, and direct paths to the Adriatic, it was the perfect setting for both adventure and rest.
Days unfolded in a beautiful rhythm: energizing yoga in the morning, followed by long brunches, free time for exploring or relaxing, and restorative yoga in the evenings.
One of the most special parts of the retreat was the food. Chef Kruno prepared two meals for us each day, using many ingredients from the villa’s garden just behind the house. Every dish was rooted in the flavors of Croatia—fresh, seasonal, and full of care. We shared our meals outdoors, often lingering in conversation as the sun sank into the sea.
Highlights of the week included:
Hiking to Vidova Gora, the highest peak on the Adriatic islands, then cooling off at Zlatni Rat, Croatia’s most iconic beach.
A boat trip to Hvar and the Pakleni Islands, where we explored turquoise coves and hidden inlets.
A visit to a family-run olive oil museum, with tastings of fresh oils and local products.
Strolling the fishing villages of Sutivan and Supetar, with their stone houses, narrow streets, and harbors dotted with boats.
We were also guided by Sasha, our Croatian host, whose knowledge of the island added richness to every excursion. And of course, we all adored her little dog, Mierco, who brought daily joy to the group.
The Community We Built
Beyond the scenery, what made the retreat extraordinary were the women I shared it with. I had the chance to deepen friendships with Somer, Ashleigh, Johanna, Phoenix, and Meredith, while also meeting and learning from Mary Lewis, Sarah Gribbin, Becca Knuth, Katy Brooks, Theresa Abbamonte, Susan Henderson, Julia Goff, and our yoga teacher, Cathy Knuth Yonaitis of Unite Us Yoga.
Together, we laughed, practiced, shared stories, and supported one another. It was a reminder of how travel has the power to create bonds across generations, cities, and even continents.
Staying Connected While Away
Though I made every attempt to have my real estate work on autopilot, I had five transactions in play while I was abroad. That meant carving out moments between yoga, meals, and excursions to check in with clients, respond to updates, and make sure every detail was moving forward smoothly back home.
In many ways, that balance was at the heart of the retreat itself: fully present in the moment while still honoring the privilege I have to walk alongside people in Greensboro and the surrounding area as they buy and sell their homes.
The Journey Home
On the way back, our flights gave us a 12-hour layover in London—just enough time for one last whirl through the city before returning stateside. It was the perfect punctuation to a trip that held both bustling energy and deep stillness.
Coming Home
More than just a retreat, this journey was a reminder of the importance of balance—to move and to rest, to connect with others and to recharge in solitude. I came home with a stronger body, a clearer mind, new friendships, and a grateful heart.
📸 See moments from the journey here: Croatia Retreat Photos
