SOUL ALCHEMY™
RETREAT 2027
YOUR SOUL'S BLUEPRINT
20-23 May 2027
What if the life you’re looking for is already within you?
A small-group retreat for women ready to reconnect with who they truly are, discover what makes them uniquely themselves, and find a clearer sense of direction for the life they want to live.
You don’t need to become someone new. You need to discover who you already are.
Perhaps you’ve spent years meeting expectations, fulfilling responsibilities and being the person others need you to be. Somewhere along the way, you may have lost touch with parts of yourself that once felt natural, or found yourself wondering what you really want from life.
You might know that something needs to change, without being quite sure what that change looks like. Or perhaps you’re ready for a new chapter, but want it to feel true to you rather than shaped by what other people expect.
Beneath the roles you play and the beliefs you’ve gathered along the way, there is a unique combination of qualities, gifts, passions, experiences and wisdom that makes you who you are.
Your Soul Has Its Own Blueprint
Your Soul's Blueprint Retreat is an invitation to step away from everyday life and explore yours.
Through guided inner work, time in nature, creative expression and shared experiences, you’ll have space to discover what matters most to you, recognise the strengths already within you, and consider how to bring more of your authentic self into your life.
This isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about remembering who you are.
Imagine Giving Yourself 4 Days To Explore What Is Possible
Imagine arriving somewhere you can slow down, breathe more deeply and put the demands of everyday life to one side.
There’s time to be quiet, time to explore, and time to connect with other women who are also seeking something more meaningful. You can turn your attention inwards without needing to have all the answers, make big decisions or work everything out at once.
As the days unfold, you’ll be guided to look at yourself from different perspectives. You’ll explore what has shaped you, reconnect with the qualities that feel most authentic, and spend time in nature and creative practice, allowing new insights to emerge.
There is no expectation to share more than you wish, and no need to arrive with a clear idea of what you want to discover. You simply need to be open to exploring.
WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER
The retreat follows a journey of Discover, Explore and Create, helping you move from reflection towards a more personal understanding of your own blueprint.
Discover What Makes You Uniquely You
Explore the experiences, beliefs, qualities and values that have shaped your life. Begin to distinguish between who you are at your core and who you may have learned to be.
Reconnect With Your Gifts, Passions And Inner Wisdom
Give yourself space to notice the strengths, interests and possibilities that may have been overlooked or set aside. Explore what feels meaningful to you now, and what you want to make more room for.
Create A Tangible Expression Of Your Blueprint
Bring your discoveries into a creative practice inspired by the natural world. Using elements gathered from nature, you’ll create a unique artwork that reflects your personal exploration, giving you a meaningful reminder of your time at the retreat.
Find Space For Clarity, Connection And Reflection
Through guided practices, time outdoors, sound and ceremony, you’ll have opportunities to settle your mind, listen to yourself and consider what you want to carry forward into everyday life.
A retreat designed for you
Your Soul's Blueprint Retreat may be right for you if:
You feel ready for a new chapter but aren’t entirely sure what it should look like.
You’ve spent a long time putting other people’s needs first and want to reconnect with your own.
You sense there is more to you than the roles and responsibilities that fill your days.
You want to understand your gifts, passions and values more deeply.
You’re looking for a more meaningful connection with yourself and a clearer sense of direction.
You’d value time away from everyday demands to reflect, explore and simply be.
You don’t need to be at a crossroads or have a particular problem to solve. You may simply feel called to give yourself the time and space to explore who you are and what comes next.
4 days to reconnect with yourself
Each part of the retreat offers a different way to explore your blueprint. The programme balances guided inner work with time in nature, creativity, rest and shared experience.
Thursday | Arrive and settle
Arrive, make yourself at home and begin to leave everyday life behind. The Stables will become your home away from home for the duration of the retreat.
We’ll come together for a welcoming opening session and dinner, creating space to meet one another and settle into the retreat.
Friday | Discover and explore
Through guided exploration, workshops, reflection and time to integrate what emerges, you’ll begin to investigate the elements of your own blueprint. The day concludes with a sound bath, offering time to rest and receive.
Saturday | Connect with nature and create
Spend time forest bathing and gathering inspiration from the natural world. In the afternoon, you’ll create your own unique artwork using natural materials, bringing your exploration into a tangible form.
We’ll come together for a fire ceremony to mark and reflect on the experience.
Sunday | Take your discoveries home
Enjoy breakfast and a final farewell before returning to everyday life with the insights and reminders you’ve gathered.
The programme is thoughtfully paced, with space for reflection and integration rather than a packed schedule of activities.
THE RETREAT VENUE
Set in the heart of Royal Deeside, The Stables is a peaceful haven surrounded by the natural beauty of Blackhall Forest and just a short walk from the River Dee.
This retreat offers a change of pace and a chance to spend time away from your usual routines.
With its luxurious yet cosy feel, this tranquil retreat offers the perfect blend of comfort and serenity.
Over 3 nights, you’ll have space to turn your attention inward, enjoy time in nature, and share the experience with a small group of women.
With a maximum of 9 participants, the retreat is designed to feel personal and supportive, with room for individual reflection as well as connection with the group.
A range of accommodation options are available to choose from.
WHOLESOME, HEARTWARMING CUISINE
All meals are included from the beginning to the end of your retreat, thoughtfully prepared to nourish both body and soul.
Mornings begin with a laid-back, self-service breakfast where you can ease into the day at your own pace.
Lunch brings comforting homemade soup, paired with a delicious selection of cheeses and fresh bread.
In the evening, gather together to enjoy a lovingly cooked two-course vegetarian dinner, prepared by our wonderful in-house cook, Joan, whose meals are as nurturing as a hug from your gran.
Tea, coffee, water, and healthy snacks are available throughout the day.
All food is wholesome and vegetarian.
Please note: This is an alcohol-free retreat.
If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know on your booking form.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
3 nights accommodation
Tea and coffee throughout the day
Delicious and nutritious vegetarian meals and snacks*
Parking
Morning and evening sharing circles
Guided workshops and reflective practices
Guided meditation and inner exploration
Sound bath
Nature-based activities
Time and space for rest, reflection and connection
Fireside gatherings and ceremony**
Gift bag with retreat goodies
*Food will be vegetarian, healthy, balanced, seasonal and locally sourced where possible. Please ensure you inform us of any dietary requirements.
**Weather permitting
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Transfers and transport to and from the retreat
Insurance
Additional nights before or after the retreat
Additional meals and snacks outwith the retreat start and end times
Add on treatments
YOUR STAY AND INVESTMENT
Your retreat price includes the accommodation, meals and programme elements listed above.
With only 9 places available, the group will remain small and personal.
Choose the accommodation option that suits you.
Master Suite (LODGE)
For one retreat guest seeking a touch of luxury and personal space, the beautiful master suite within the lodge offers the perfect sanctuary.
This light, airy, and elegantly furnished room provides privacy, comfort, and calm. A space to unwind and integrate your retreat experience in peace.
The master suite features its own ensuite shower room for your exclusive use.
£625
(£595 for Soul Alchemy Sisterhood members*)
Private Room with Shared Bathroom (ANNEX)
Located in the annex just next to the main lodge, this cosy and comfortable room is perfect for a single guest seeking privacy during the retreat.
While compact, it provides a quiet, restful space to unwind, reflect, and integrate your retreat experience.
The room shares a shower room with the twin room in the annex, and all essentials are provided for a comfortable stay.
£595
(£565 for Soul Alchemy Sisterhood members*)
Twin Room with Ensuite Bathroom (LODGE)
Located within the main lodge, this room is perfect for two friends sharing. If you are booking with a friend, please list their name on your booking form.
This room can also be booked for two single retreat participants, allowing the opportunity to make new lifelong friends.
This room has its own ensuite bathroom. If you prefer a shower, you will have the use of the shared facilities nearby.
£525 per person
(£495 for Soul Alchemy Sisterhood members*)
Twin Room with Shared Bathroom (LODGE)
Located within the main lodge, these bright and spacious twin rooms offer a peaceful view over the gardens at the rear of the property.
Perfect for two friends sharing or for solo guests open to connecting with a like-minded soul, they provide comfort, warmth, and the chance to create lasting memories.
Each room features a wash hand basin and central heating for a cosy stay. A shared bathroom with shower is conveniently located between the two twin rooms.
If booking with a friend, please include their name on your booking form.
£525 per person
(£495 for Soul Alchemy Sisterhood members*)
Twin Room with Shared Bathroom (ANNEX)
Located within the annex right next to the main lodge, this room is perfect for two friends sharing. If you are booking with a friend, please list their name on your booking form.
This room can also be booked for two single retreat participants, allowing the opportunity to make new lifelong friends.
This room shares a bathroom with the other room in the annex.
£520 per person
(£490 for Soul Alchemy Sisterhood members*)
*You must be a paying member of the Soul Alchemy Sisterhood at the time of booking to take advantage of the members' price.
ARRIVALS & LOCATION
The retreat site is located near Banchory, Aberdeenshire. Directions will be provided upon booking.
If you are travelling by public transport, we can pick you up from the centre of Banchory at no additional cost.
Transfers from Aberdeen International Airport and Stonehaven Railway Station can be arranged.
(An additional fee will be charged for this service.)
Arrival and Opening Circle
Arrivals at The Stables are between 3pm and 4pm.
The retreat will begin promptly at 5.00pm on the first day with the Opening Circle.
This session is an essential part of the retreat, covering introductions, rules, bonding, and intention setting. Guests are required to arrive in good time to settle in before this start time.
Late arrivals may miss important opening content, and participation in the Opening Circle is considered a compulsory element of the retreat experience.
MEET YOUR HOST
SUZ MCDONALD
Suz is an experienced retreat facilitator having run and collaborated on more than 20 retreats over the past 10 years.
She is a certified Spiritual Life Purpose Coach and Holistic Wellbeing Specialist who guides others to rediscover their confidence, self-worth, and authentic selves.
Her work blends the practical with the deeply spiritual, helping people reconnect with who they truly are beneath the layers of life’s conditioning.
A certified ThetaHealing Master Instructor, Reiki Master Teacher, yoga teacher, and sound therapist, Suz brings a wealth of wisdom and a deeply intuitive approach to her work.
Since 2016, she has led transformative retreats in Vietnam, Dubai, Morocco, and Scotland, supporting hundreds of people to heal, grow, and awaken to their true potential.
Through her unique blend of experience, intuition, and heart-centred guidance, Suz creates a safe and nurturing space for profound inner transformation.
Her passion lies in helping others find the freedom, joy, and clarity that come from living in alignment with their soul.
BOOK YOUR PLACE TODAY
A deposit of £95 (non-refundable) is required to secure your place.
50% of the remaining balance is to be paid by 20 January 2027.
The final remaining balance is to be paid by 20 April 2027. Bookings made after this date require full payment at the time of booking.
Payment plans are available. Please check the box on the booking form, and I will send you details.
TESTIMONIALS
Tracy
“The Alchemy of Light Retreat May 2026 has been such a magical grounding experience.
A journey that has brought me closer to myself and has given me so much clarity on where I am going next.
Gathering with a circle of women who are all on their own journeys, so different and yet still so similar we realize that although each of our circumstances are different, we are all feeling so many of the same emotions.
Thank you Suz for bringing us all together and holding the space for us to grow.
Arriving with no expectations and leaving with so much more than I could dream, including the strengthened bonds and newly formed bonds with such amazing soul sisters.
Tracy 💜💜
Kat
My first-ever full retreat with Suz, and absolutely not the last! Already looking forward to next May!
I arrived extremely tired, sad and quite emotional but I was soon warmly welcomed by you all, completely surrounded by a bunch of women, like me, escaping our lives to give ourselves some quality “me” time! Which every woman deserves.
Lots of tears, lots of talking, lots of healing from everyone in their own unique way, and much laughter and love with tears of joy!
I recommend this retreat to every woman who deserves it to release the old and light that inner flame within and shine brightly going forward!
This was one transformational journey for me!
Most of all, we supported and loved each other without judgement! Accepting each other for just being ourselves in a perfect, quaint highland cottage surrounded by forest!
Thank you Suz for creating a safe space to bring us all back to our light!
Love and brightest blessings to you all, my awesome, majickal, beautiful tribe of women !
Kat 🧚🙌🌳😍🌹🙏🔮💜
Sharon
I’ve just returned from the most beautiful Alchemy of Light retreat hosted by the lovely Suz, and I can honestly say it was such a special experience.
Although I’ve attended a couple of Suz’s retreats before in the UAE, this was my first time attending one here, and I arrived with a little trepidation — but I was so pleasantly surprised.
To spend time surrounded by such supportive, kind, generous women who were simply there to lift each other up was incredibly moving and a bit of an emotional journey. The retreat included sound bath healing, forest bathing, yoga, meditation, crystal skull therapy, amazing food, and so much more.
If you’re someone who feels a little reluctant but deep down knows you need some time for yourself, I would wholeheartedly recommend it. It was exactly what my body and mind needed.
Sharon x
Angela
I am just home from my 5th retreat with Suz & as always, was a fantastic experience.
I felt cared for and supported by you and the other beautiful ladies who attended.
Suz, you create a safe space for us all to be vulnerable & reconnect with our true selves.
It makes you understand that being a woman amongst other women doesn’t need to be competition, just supporting and bonding together, bringing each other up & with no judgement.
Thanks again Suz.
Until the next time...
Angela xx
Mary
The Awaken & Align retreat was a truly transformative experience—thank you so much, Suz, for another wonderful and enriching journey.
Through your thoughtful guidance, I’ve reconnected with myself and with nature, finding a deeper sense of clarity and purpose.
This retreat offered space to look inward, reflect, and step forward with renewed excitement and zest for what lies ahead. I’m especially grateful for the powerful, positive energy of the supportive group of like-minded women you brought together—a circle of rediscovery, strength, and inspiration.
I highly recommend Suz’s retreats.
Mary W 💖 x
Sally
Thank you Suz, for facilitating another wonderful retreat.
Time to meet up again with past "retreaters" and welcome new ones - such lovely companionship, bringing love, laughter and joy.
Once again I have been able to take time to be still, recharge and be ready to move forward again in an amazing place with amazing women.
Thank you again for inviting me to facilitate the Forest Bathing - I do believe everyone enjoyed their visit to fairy land!
Thank you, Suz, and all you beautiful ladies for sharing openly unconditional love.
Looking forward to next year ......
Sally 🪶🪶🪶🌳🌿🧚♀️💚
Jenna
Alchemy of Light 2026 was exactly what my soul needed.
A beautiful, grounding retreat filled with healing, reflection, connection and genuine care. Every detail was so thoughtfully created and the space felt safe, welcoming and deeply authentic.
I left feeling calmer, lighter and more connected to myself again.
So grateful to Suz who holds this space and to all the amazing women who shared the experience
Jenna 🤍✨
Fiona
I attended my second Alchemy of Light retreat.
Suz created a safe and nurturing space for us to open up and dive deeper into our emotions.
Connections were made with a wonderful, supportive group of powerful and beautiful women. I left feeling refreshed and renewed and ready to step into my next chapter.
Thank you Suz for allowing all of us amazing women the space to come together and support one another.
Love and light
Fiona🙏💜
Carol
I went to my first Alchemy of Light retreat and at first I was a bit nervous about what it was going to be like.
I think it took all of 5 minutes to relax and feel a part of a lovely group of women.
Everything we did over the weekend- sound bath, yoga, ThetaHealing etc. was wonderful.
Just being outside and being a part of nature calms everything.
Highly recommend Suz, who just makes you feel so special. Would definitely go back.
Carol S
GOT QUESTIONS?
I'm always happy to answer any questions you might have. Please reach out via the social media links below. Or book a Virtual Coffee with me to discuss if this retreat is right for you.
BOOKING POLICY
By booking this retreat, you acknowledge that:
You must be a woman aged 18 or over to attend.
A £95 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place.
Each participant must purchase a retreat pass, which includes the chosen accommodation. Prices vary depending on room type.
50% of the remaining balance must be paid by 20 January 2027.
The final remaining balance must be paid by 20 April 2027. Bookings made after this date require full payment at the time of booking. (Payment plans are available.)
Cancellations must be made in writing no later than 7 days before the event. Please see our cancellation policy below.
A retreat waiver must be signed prior to attendance. This will be emailed individually to all participants.
You may transfer your place to another person if you can no longer attend. Any changes to attendees must be confirmed in writing and approved by the organiser. Please be aware of scammers attempting to sell tickets they have not purchased.
You will arrive no later than 4pm on the first day. (The retreat begins promptly at 5pm on Thursday, 20 May 2027 with the Opening Circle. This session is an essential part of the retreat for introductions, bonding, and intention setting. Please ensure you arrive in plenty of time to participate.)
CANCELLATION POLICY
The £95 deposit is non-refundable.
Cancellations made more than 30 days before the retreat start date will receive a full refund of any payments made, excluding the deposit.
Cancellations made between 29 and 7 days before the retreat start date will receive a 50% refund of any payments made, excluding the deposit.
Cancellations made less than 7 days before the retreat start date are non-refundable.
No-shows will not be eligible for a refund.
If the balance payment is not received 30 days prior to the retreat start date, your booking will be released and all payments made will be forfeited.
TRANSFER POLICY
If you can no longer attend, you may transfer your place to another person.
All transfer requests must be made in writing and approved by the organiser before the new participant is confirmed.
It is your responsibility to arrange payment with the person taking your place.
Please be aware of scammers attempting to sell places they have not legitimately purchased. Always confirm any transfer directly with the organiser.
No transfers will be accepted within 7 days of the retreat start date.
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