The Medicinal Foodie - Spring Retreat

Escape to the serene beauty of Sacred Owl Retreat, nestled in the rolling Corralitos Mountains, for a soul-nourishing day of herbal delights and mindful connection. Hosted by Go Ask Alice founder and herbalist Nicolina Ammerman, this immersive retreat invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and experience the healing magic of plants in community.

Through gourmet herb-infused dining, hands-on workshops, yoga, mocktail alchemy, tea ritual and guided meditation, you'll awaken your senses and rekindle your relationship with nature. Whether you're new to herbs or a seasoned plant lover, this day is designed to harmonize your body, calm your mind, and leave your spirit glowing.

Retreat Offerings:

Digestive Yoga Session

Mocktail Hour & Grazing Table

Five Course Herb-Infused Lunch

Create Your Own Herbal Seasoning Salt

Tea Ceremony & Meditation

Why Join Us?

Because something sacred happens when we gather in nature, with herbs in hand and intention in heart.

This retreat is more than a day of activities—it’s an invitation to reconnect with your body, your senses, and the ancient wisdom of the plants. Set in the serene embrace of Sacred Owl Land Retreat, this immersive experience brings together the healing arts of herbal medicine, gourmet herb-infused cuisine, yoga, tea ritual, and meditation—all designed to nourish you from the inside out. Whether you're taking your first steps into the world of herbs or deepening an ongoing relationship with plant allies, you’ll find inspiration, guidance, and community among kindred spirits.

Each participant will get to take home a special goodie bag, jar of personalized herbal seasoning salt, and lots of herbal knowledge!

Spaces are intentionally limited to keep the experience intimate, heart-led, and personal. If this speaks to something stirring within you, we invite you to join us. Let this be your moment of transformation, connection, and rooted joy.

Info: Begin your transformative journey with a soothing yoga session led by Vaza, a renowned Women's Empowerment and Transformation Coach based in Santa Cruz. With a deeply intuitive and holistic approach, Vaza empowers individuals to step out of survival mode and embrace a radiant, balanced life.

In this specially curated class, Vaza will guide you through gentle postures and mindful breathing techniques designed to stimulate your digestive system, enhance nutrient absorption, and promote overall well-being. This practice not only prepares your body for the nourishing experiences ahead but also fosters relaxation and inner harmony.

Info: Gather in circle for a spirited and sparkling Mocktail Hour, where herbal enchantment meets culinary artistry. Sip on a variety of handcrafted, alcohol-free elixirs featuring springtime allies like Dandelion, Lavender and Kava. Each mocktail is a celebration of seasonal wellness, thoughtfully blended to awaken your senses and soothe your spirit.

Alongside these botanical beverages, enjoy a beautifully curated grazing table filled with organic, locally sourced delights designed to nourish you from root to crown. This is a time to mingle, savor, and share stories—an invitation to build connection, slow down, and simply be in the blooming beauty of community.

Info: Savor a gourmet, five-course luncheon artfully curated by chef Chef Tanya Robinette of Trail to Table. With over 15 years of experience and a deep-rooted love for wild foraged foods, Chef Tanya brings the forest and field to your fork—celebrating seasonal abundance through elegant, herb-infused dishes that are as healing as they are delicious.


Each course is thoughtfully designed to support whole-body wellness —balancing vitality, digestion, clarity, immunity, and inner calm—while highlighting the subtle magic of spring's most revered herbal allies.

This is not just a meal; it's a sensorial ritual of nourishment and connection. As you savor each dish, we will share insights into the featured herbs, weaving stories of their traditional uses and health benefits, enriching your culinary journey with knowledge and connection to the natural world.​

Come hungry for flavor, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the healing power of plants.

Info: Join herbalist Nicolina Ammerman of Go Ask Alice for a hands-on workshop where kitchen alchemy meets herbal tradition. Create your very own custom-blended herbal seasoning salt—designed to nourish, uplift, and bring a touch of magic to every meal.

Nicolina will guide you through working with healing herbs, sharing their culinary uses and wellness benefits. As you explore textures, aromas, and tastes, you’ll learn how to blend botanicals with salt to craft a blend that’s as unique as you are! You’ll leave with a handcrafted jar of your own herbal salt and the inspiration to turn everyday cooking into a delicious ritual of self-care and connection.

Info: We will end our day with a soul-soothing tea ceremony—a ritual of presence, connection, and deep nourishment. Sip thoughtfully chosen herbal infusions crafted to calm the nervous system, open the heart, and invite stillness into your body and breath.

As the warmth of the tea settles within, Nicolina will guide you through a gentle meditation designed to center your mind, restore balance, and root you deeply in the moment. Wrapped in the scent of steeping herbs and the hush of the natural world, this ceremony offers a sacred pause—a return to yourself.

Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Santa Cruz, Food & Drink events in Santa Cruz, Workshops in Santa Cruz.