INTRODUCING
Essential SomaticsĀ®ļø Retreats:
What if you had a whole week, just for you?
Join us at one of our international Retreats, for a week of Clinical Somatic Education – beginner-friendly learning in stunning locations, surrounded by people who understand exactly where you are.
Awaken your senses to a new possibility for yourself, and your life while surrounded by beautiful locations and inspiring people.
INTRODUCING
Essential SomaticsĀ®ļø Retreats:
What if you had a whole week, just for you?
Join us at one of our international Retreats, for a week of Clinical Somatic Education – beginner-friendly learning in stunning locations, surrounded by people who understand exactly where you are.
Awaken your senses to a new possibility for yourself, and your life while surrounded by beautiful locations and inspiring people.
Does this sound familiar?
You’ve spent years – maybe decades – taking care of everyone else. Your family. Your work. Your responsibilities. And somewhere along the way, your body started reminding you of everything you’ve been putting off.
The stiffness when you wake up. The ache that won’t go away. The exhaustion that goes deeper than just being tired.
Maybe you’ve tried to fix it:
Physiotherapy that helped temporarily, then the pain came back. Massage that felt good in the moment but didn’t last.
Yoga classes where you couldn’t keep up or felt more pain afterward.Ā Exercises you were “supposed” to do but never quite stuck with.
And now you’re here, reading about retreats, thinking: “Is this just another thing that won’t work?”
You also might be thinking: “A whole week away? By myself? Can I really do that?”
Here’s what we want you to know: You’re in the right place.
Our retreats aren’t for people who want magic pills or instant miracles. They’re for people like you who are ready to finally understand why you feel this way, and learn skills that actually last.
Our retreats are designed for exactly where you are.
What makes Essential Somatics Retreats different?
Not just a vacation
This isn’t a cruise or spa getaway. You’ll learn Clinical Somatic Education – the same work Thomas Hanna pioneered – in an immersive setting.
Not another bootcamp
Morning sessions teach you movements. Afternoons are yours. Beach walks, rest, optional activities. We value rest and community.
Beginner friendly
Whether you’re brand new or returning for a refresh, everyone learns at their own pace. All ages and abilities welcome.
This isn’t spa pampering or wellness boot camp. It’s education. Real learning about Sensory Motor Amnesia, the three Stress Reflexes, and how to Pandiculate. You’ll leave with skills, not just good vibes.
This isn’t another thing on your list. This is the reset you’ve been craving.
In-person experiences create lasting change
Your nervous system learns through repetition.
Not occasional practice. Not when you can squeeze it in between errands. Real neuroplastic change requires focused, consistent practice over multiple days.
Here’s what happens during a retreat:
Days 1-2: Awareness Your brain begins noticing patterns it’s been ignoring. Tight hips. Shallow breathing. The way you hold tension in your shoulders.
Days 3-4: Release With practice sessions daily, sensory motor amnesia begins to let go. Your nervous system starts rewiring. You feel it: “I’m moving differently.”
Days 5-7: Integration These aren’t just movements you’ve learned; they’re skills you’ve embodied. New neural pathways have formed. The change feels natural.
This is why our instructors lead retreats. Some transformations can only happen when you step away from daily life and give yourself the gift of immersion.
Our Upcoming Retreats
Three locations. Three opportunities to transform your relationship with chronic pain. One decision: to finally prioritize yourself. The year will pass either way. What if you looked back in December and realized: that's when everything changed.
October 19ā24, 2026
- īVale de Moses, Amieira, Portugal
- īTeacher: Martha Peterson
- fLevel: All
- ļUS$1350-$1900 (lodging included)
January 16-23, 2027
- īMar de Jade Retreat Center, Nayarit
- īTeacher: Martha Peterson
- fLevel: All
- ļ$850 USD + Lodging
August 2027
- īHollyhock Lifelong Learning Centre, Cortes Island, BC
- īTeacher: Martha Peterson
- fLevel: All
- ļ$900 CAD + Lodging
Is an Essential Somatics Retreat right for you?
This retreat is perfect for you if:
- You’re dealing with chronic muscle pain, stiffness, or limited mobility
- You’ve tried other approaches – physio, massage, yoga – without lasting results
- You’re busy and don’t have time for a long program, but you can dedicate one week
- You want to understand why your body holds tension, not just get temporary relief
- You’re ready to finally prioritize yourself
- You’re coming alone and nervous about itāmost people do!
This may not be for you if:
- You’re looking for a luxury spa vacation with no active participation
- You want instant, magical results without practice or commitment
- You’re not willing to do floor-based movements (some of the practice happens lying down)
- You’re seeking medical diagnosis or treatment for acute injuries (this is education, not medical care)
- You prefer highly structured, jam-packed schedules from morning to night
Ā
“Martha is a master at using analogies and descriptive language, and breaks down concepts beautifully so they can be understood by all”
– S. Bewza
What you’ll experience at an Essential Somatics Retreat
Whether it’s in the mountains of Portugal or by the sea in Mexico, we know going on a retreat can be a transformational experience – even in the memories alone. But what does a retreat with us actually involve?
In-person learning
- $Discover an approach to pain-relief that is more effective that other methods
- $Learn how and why muscles become tight and painful
- $Identify your movement habits and personal responses to stress
- $Understand the cause of low back pain, neck, shoulder, hip and joint pain, sciatica, and chronic headaches
- $Improve your self-awareness
Expert Guidance
- $Small group instruction with hands-on feedback
- $Learn pandiculation technique to reset muscle function
- $Understand how stress creates holding patterns
- $Understand how you are moving and ways to improve efficiency
- $Learn walking movements to restore a free and easy gait
- $Integrate your new learning, movement, and growth through walks, hikes, and quiet activities during downtime
Course Materials
Essential Somatics Retreat Workbook is an easy-to-follow guide that contains helpful tips and photos for creating and maintaining your personal home movement practice.
With space for taking notes, articles about the history of Somatics, and much moreāthis workbook helps you stay on point, focused, and inspired.
Integration Time
Your time in amongst the guided sessions are exactly that, yours. Spend your afternoons walking around the nature we sit within, rest, or take part in some of our selected optional activities.Ā
Take time to process and embody what you’re learning, make connections with others in the community during meals and downtime. Spend a moment considering what your new daily practice can look like.Ā
Your questions answered
We want you to feel confident in your decision. Here are the questions we hear most often.
I don't have a lot of movement experience. Is that okay?
Absolutely. These retreats are open to all ages and backgrounds. Anyone who wants to learn how to feel better and move their body pain-free is welcome.
I have scoliosis. Is this course appropriate for me?
Yes. You will be guided to go slowly and gently. You may find that smaller movements are best for beginning to address the muscle tension inherent in scoliosis. We will show you what to do so it works well for you and your needs.
Do I have to get down on the floor?
Yes. While we will do a seated routine, most of the movements will be done on the floor.
Am I responsible for my transportation, accommodations, and meals?
Each of our retreats is different. Depending on the location, you may need to make your travel arrangements. Check the location’s page for more info on this.
Do you plan to add more dates and locations?
Absolutely. As they become available, we will update everyone who is on our email list and connected with us through social media.
What type of payment do you accept?
We accept credit cards and Apple Pay using PayPal and Stripe.
Are these movements guaranteed to work for me?
Like anything in life, you have to put in the time and effort to experience results consistently. While the methods and movements you will learn are not a magic pill, most people walk away feeling better than they have in years.
More questions? Visit the FAQs page
“The location was stunning and the hands-on aspect with Martha and Gena was invaluable. We are already making plans to return next year“
– Betty D.
Our Upcoming Retreats
Three locations. Three opportunities to transform your relationship with chronic pain. One decision: to finally prioritize yourself. The year will pass either way. What if you looked back in December and realized: that's when everything changed.
October 19ā24, 2026
- īVale de Moses, Amieira, Portugal
- īTeacher: Martha Peterson
- fLevel: All
- ļUS$1350-$1900 (lodging included)
January 16-23, 2027
- īMar de Jade Retreat Center, Nayarit
- īTeacher: Martha Peterson
- fLevel: All
- ļ$850 USD + Lodging
August 2027
- īHollyhock Lifelong Learning Centre, Cortes Island, BC
- īTeacher: Martha Peterson
- fLevel: All
- ļ$900 CAD + Lodging
Not ready for a full retreat yet?
If a week away feels like too big a step right now, our Pain Relief Through Movement workshops are a great place to start. They’re shorter, more accessible and designed to give you a taste of what Clinical Somatic Education can do, without the full commitment of a retreat.Ā