The Oaks

I've been on THREE wonderful retreats here, each time leaving with a full heart and so much gratitude. I've done two flagship retreats and the women's equestrian weekend. Not one is better than another but rather exactly what I needed at that time. Food and accommodations are always lovely. Stephanie's passion for this work is beautiful to be in the presence of, much love for this place and all who make it feel like the soul medicine it is

I attended this retreat hoping to find healing after a difficult period in my life, only to leave feeling even more hurt and alienated. I encountered two instructors, Stephanie and Mary Kay, who seemed to go out of their way to single me out and judge me—making repeated, pointed comments about my appearance and personal belongings. This felt not only unnecessary, but also deeply unprofessional, especially for individuals in a position to help others heal. What’s worse is that I later found out about the personal struggles some of the staff faced, including Stephanie’s insecurity issues and her husband’s involvement at the retreat, which perhaps explained—but certainly did not excuse—their behavior. It’s unfortunate that those chosen to guide others through healing seemed unable to put their own biases aside. Despite being promised follow-up after voicing my concerns, I never received a response from the owner or anyone involved in organizing the retreat. It’s disheartening to know that a place claiming to foster non-judgment and support can actually leave someone feeling so isolated and judged. Now, almost a year later and after much personal healing, I can confidently say this retreat was a waste of my time, energy, and money. I hope that no one else seeking healing has to go through a similar experience here.

Great people. Stunning location. So much fun to be out here for a few days for some quiet time and growth!

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed a long weekend here. It’s a beautiful place with warm engaging professional staff that make it a 5 star experience. There is a lot to do or you can do nothing but chill. Hats off to Stephanie B! If you get time with her…you will come away wiser.

Muy buen lugar para un retiro

We really enjoyed our weekend here, the wonderful food and accomodations were only surpassed by the amazing sights and sounds of the nature that surrounds you. The team at the Oaks puts on a top notch experience. Great venue.

We took some time to attend the inaugural self-guided retreat at The Oaks Center outside of Ramona, California in September 2020. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from a retreat, a self-guided one, and especially during this...time. If you have a few minutes, read on. If not, get there when you can; you won't be disappointed. The Oaks Center, a beautiful and newly renovated retreat center, infuses a sense of intentionality and purpose into a space lovingly crafted to allow both personal reflection and group interaction (with all the safety protocols of the moment, of course). While it was hard to imagine what a self-guided retreat would look like in general, surprises and special touches met us all along the way. Bearing the inviting design fingerprints of the loving and sophisticated Maria Goff, our room and the common areas evoked a casual and welcoming luxury. The spaces around the location to tuck in or explore brought an added, unexpected depth to our experience. For those of us who participated in the facilitated sessions -choosing to do so or not is the self-guided part- we sat in a huge shady circle under sprawling oak trees. The pool, various athletic courts, trails, tree swings, shady benches, and other amenities were all ours to make use of as we wished. Our retreat agenda itself was deliberately crafted to help us intentionally and purposefully focus, to engage deeply, and to ponder and reflect. The influence of Bob Goff, Miles Adcox, and others is evident throughout the sessions, but the skillful and compassionate facilitation of our guide, Stefanie, encouraged a participant-centered engagement in a wholly personal and intimate level -however deep we wanted that to be. Be warned, though, the opportunity to participate and engage in everything or nothing or somewhere in between produces a tension that each of us has to work out according to wherever we are on our journeys. The Oaks Center was supposed to open in May 2020, but like many of the plans we have, that had to be pushed back. I'm certain given the choice of opening then or now, they would have preferred then. However, the delay served to make the whole experience better. There were little odds and ends awaiting a bit more tweaking, but it was as if the whole of the property and all those who had labored to open it exhaled collectively when we arrived. Their excitement and anticipation were palpable the entire time, and I have no reason to expect anything different in the future.

My wife and I did a #SelfGuideRetreat together at The Oaks. It was an amazing weekend of #calm #fun #sharing #growing #learning. What a blessing.