ForREST Retreat: Summer Slowdown Weekend

In a world that glorifies constant motion, intentional rest is a radical act. This summer, we invite you to remember you are nature—to honor the ancient rhythms that call us outward when the forest blooms and the days stretch long.

The ForREST Retreat is a sanctuary for deep summer rest, designed to help you reconnect with the restorative wisdom that lives in the abundance of the season. Here, in the embrace of 54 acres of forest, you'll experience rest not as an indulgence, but as a return to your wild, natural state.

Let yourself expand. Let yourself flow. Let yourself drift into the warm, golden ease that summer offers.

"In the summer forest, the air hums with life and you can feel your own energy rising to meet the endless daylight".

Nature knows what we have forgotten: summer is not a season to rush through, but to luxuriate in. As bees dance among wildflowers and rivers flow freely, the forest teaches us that rest is how we absorb, integrate, and celebrate the fullness of life.

This retreat honors the ancient practice of summer leisure—slowing down, turning outward, and allowing your senses to fully awaken. Summer rest is not idleness; it's vitality wisdom. It's how nature ensures we store sunshine for darker days ahead.

Feel the warmth on your skin. Feel your body soften. Feel yourself being held by the long, golden light.

1. FOREST THERAPY

Step into the verdant embrace of the summer forest. Through guided Forest Therapy, you'll be invited to slow down, open your senses, and let the trees remind you that you belong to this abundant world. The forest invites you to simply be.

Breathe in the green. Let the birdsong fill your ears. Let the warmth soak into your bones.

2. REST AS REVELATION

In a culture that measures worth by productivity, choosing rest is an act of defiance. Here, you have permission to move slowly, to be free, to let go of the endless doing. Rest is how you reclaim your energy, your joy, your wild nature.

Let your body move languidly. Let your mind wander. Let yourself flow.

3. REST AS RENEWAL

This is your opportunity to renew your spirit, to release the heaviness you've been carrying, to remember what true vitality feels like. Let this weekend be the deep breath that allows you to return to your life with lightness and renewed joy.

Feel the brightness returning. Feel the ease settling in. Feel yourself blooming.

4. THE BEST SLEEP UNDER ENDLESS LIGHT

Imagine falling asleep as twilight lingers, cocooned in comfort, with the gentle sounds of a summer night. Our cozy private container rooms are designed for deep, restorative sleep—the kind that lets you wake naturally with the early sun.

Drift into the warm evening. Surrender to the gentle darkness. Sleep as the forest breathes around you.

FOREST REST is your permission slip to do absolutely nothing—or everything your heart whispers. This is not a retreat with rigid schedules. This is pure, flowing time to remember what summer rest actually feels like.

Read by the river. Nap in dappled shade. Walk barefoot in meadows. Listen to birdsong. Move when you want. Be still when you don't.

Everything here is optional. Everything here is for you.

Located along the banks of the Nottawasaga River on Anishnabeg territory, BlackHouse is a masterpiece in sustainable architecture and intentional design. Built by Toronto-based artist, designer, and builder Carl Cassell, this extraordinary space was created to host lifelong memories using repurposed materials and innovative thinking.

Constructed from 20 high cube shipping containers, recycled refrigerator doors for windows, a rescued spiral staircase, and endless creative solutions, BlackHouse stands as an art piece highlighting our intertwined connection to the natural world.

Situated on 54 acres of forest land, streaming waters, wild flower meadows, and gardens, BlackHouse is perfectly nestled into its surroundings, bringing indoor comforts to outdoor beauty.

Each guest enjoys a private room in our one-of-a-kind shipping container home. These cozy, thoughtfully designed spaces are built for deep rest and gentle awakening:Private, cozy container room for one night

• All meals: arrival snack, lunch, dinner, early breakfast (optional), and brunch
• Optional energizing yoga class (Saturday)
• Optional morning yoga class (Sunday)
• Elemental care package: wood-burning sauna and steam room
• Guided Forest Therapy walk
• Tour of the 54-acre property
• Access to multiple fire pits and lounge areas
• Complete freedom to wander, explore, create, or simply be
• The most alive you've felt in years
• Connection to the wisdom of spring and the power of presence

Your own quiet cocoon. Your own peaceful haven. Your own place to surrender completely.

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