A day retreat in a heritage garden and ancient woodland
to reconnect with nature and explore your innate creativity.
There’s a particular kind of magic that an ancient woodland holds.
Allow yourself to be enchanted by it; and to reconnect to something wild and free within, where your creativity can flourish.
We will begin with a cuppa and introductions, then talk about techniques that influence how we see the world. We’ll walk with Tom and Pam through the walled garden to explore the built and natural heritage. Jules will awaken our imagination through simple mark-making — an intuitive way of accessing our creativity that needs no artistic experience.
After lunch, we’ll find inspiration in the ancient woodland, one of Ireland's last surviving fragments of true old-growth. Here, we slow right down: Look, listen, and breathe. As curiosity stirs, pencils find their way to paper.
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Jules will guide you into close and thoughtful observation of nature through drawing, so this day suits complete beginners and seasoned creatives alike. It’s not an art class, and no artistic skill is needed. We are all innately creative. This is a chance to absorb what you see and feel, and to respond in your own authentic way to this enchanting place. The drawings you make and take home will be a visual memento, a symbol of your experience here.
Summary Details
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Full-day workshop, vegetarian lunch and art supplies included
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Saturday 3 October, 2026, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
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Ballin Temple Nature Sanctuary, Ardattin, Co. Carlow
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Limited places – Book your spot at astraea.net/shop – only €10 thanks to Creative Carlow’s support.
Hosts
Astraea was founded by Tom and Pam Butler in 1999 to help people broaden perspectives and live happier lives. Tom is an eco-entrepreneur, author, smallholder and steward of this Special Area of Conservation. He has extensive experience in supporting business and personal transformation. Pam helps people cultivate self-awareness and explore personal change through yoga. She manages a rural enterprise, and is an an MII-accredited mediator.
Jules Michael is a visual artist (MFA (NCAD)), member of the Nine Stones Artists and coordinator of Creative Drummin, the creative component of the Drummin Bog project. Jules brings her gift for gentle, inclusive art facilitation, supporting total beginners and seasoned creatives alike with their own authentic mark-making.
Stop for a moment.
Relax.
Take a breath.
Reconnect with yourself.
Reconnect with the world around.
Rejuvenate and reset for a new beginning.
We offer a "do nothing" retreat over a long weekend to help disconnect from the worries of the day, relax and reconnect to what's important to you.
The programme is light, to allow space for reflection, and we take care of the important elements. You'll eat delicious plant based meals, rest well and we'll offer breathing and awareness guidance to nurture your soul. The open approach allows the issues that matter to you to surface. Conversations and space to wander are a recipe that brings out your inner self.
This retreat is offered at our smallholding (and life lab) in Ireland during the warmer months and also in Gozo, Malta for those wishing to escape the grey and cold for a warmer climate in cooler months.
Everyone enjoys a different experience yet it is always positive.
Below are some messages received from guests.
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Gozo, Malta
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Carlow, Ireland
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Thank you for a weekend that clearly left a positive impact on all of us. What you have created is something remarkable. The space, the people, the pace of it and all the delicious food! It had a way of nourishing me in body, mind and spirit. That's no small thing. I'm so grateful to have been part of it, and delighted meeting [other guests]. Entrepreneur, Archaeologist, Communications, Parent. |
It was a wonderful weekend indeed. It definitely brought me new perspectives and shifts in my energy. I felt very welcome in this home and felt completely accepted by everyone there. I really felt a shift in my experience and started to really understand how special this home is as well as the people that populated it for these few days. Entrepreneur, Fine Dining Chef, Yoga and Mindfulness Master |
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A wonderfully relaxed, yet fruitful time. You really have created an amazing paradise there. It is such a lovely place, and you had gathered some thoughtful and amusing people. Entrepreneur, Financier, Anthropologist, Parent |
It was a feast for all the senses and soo much fun with wonderful people. You are such relaxed gracious hosts making us all feel at home and cooking us the most delicious plant based food that makes me salivate when thinking about! It was just what we all needed and will carry us through the year ahead. You have inspired me to properly give up sugar (cancer loves sugar!) and to eat more plant based food. I'm feeling the benefits of gentle stretching exercises, particularly on my lymphodema puffy left arm and hand, it is now part of my morning movement and of course focussing on breathing too. I'll never forget the surprising warmth of our exhilarating sea swim and soo enjoyed the bit of culture vulture to the Ggantija temples and the spoiling lunch afterwards in that beautiful town. Hanging out with Joseph on the inclement last day was fascinating, his passion and way of explaining the flora and fauna was inspiring. Didn't we pack in a lot to just 2 full days and it never felt hurried or busy - the perfect tempo. Entrepreneur, PR Specialist, NGO Manager, Parent, Cancer Survivor |
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8-11 January 2026
Gozo, Malta
Relax after the holiday season.
Stop for a moment.
Take a breath.
Reconnect with yourself.
Reconnect with the world around.
Rejuvenate and reset for a new beginning.
This retreat is a chance to step away from the noise of modern life and come home to yourself.
A beautifully designed private villa set on a two-hectare coastal estate with mature Mediterranean gardens, seafront, swimming pool, tenni, bocce and more.
Space to wander through the quiet farming valley and along coastal walks.
Plenty of time to rest, read, or simply enjoy the quiet.
Feel the dawn of civilisation at Ggantija, the oldest standing megaliths in the world, a UNESCO site older than the pyramids.
Enjoy a guided walk through the garden and valley to explore the fascinating landscape, flora and geology of this ancient island.
Disconnect from the rush and pause. Take time for you to be you.
Daily movement and breathe-work will revitalise you. Light nourishing meals will renergise you.
No need to perform, achieve or explain. Just come as you are Explore what arises when distractions fall away.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Book Here
What’s included:
• Reside in our luxurious villa by the sea, choose a private or shared en suite bedroom.
• Daily guided movements.
• Introduction to breathing and daily practice.
• An invitation to step away from devices if you choose.
• Tour to Ggantija Temples
• Guided tour of the farming valley and coastline with renowned gardener Joseph Bonello
• Spacious time in nature, to wander the garden, with benches among the flora from which to enjoy the views and your own inner world.
• Use of pool, flat rock beach, tennis court, bocce pitch and other villa amenities.
• Plant-based home cooked meals.
• Optional journaling and deep conversations with your hosts and other guests.
Openness is a cornerstone of our ethos and we enjoy sharing our experience, offering guidance and gentle structure when helpful. We aim to create situations in which each of us can connect to ourselves and find our path with confidence and clarity.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Book Here
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Book Here
12-15 February 2026
Gozo, Malta
Stop for a moment.
Relax.
Take a breath.
Reconnect with yourself.
Reconnect with the world around.
Rejuvenate and reset for a new beginning.
This retreat is a chance to step away from the noise of modern life and come home to yourself.
A beautifully designed private villa set on a two-hectare coastal estate with mature Mediterranean gardens, seafront, swimming pool, tenni, bocce and more.
Space to wander through the quiet farming valley and along coastal walks.
Plenty of time to rest, read, or simply enjoy the quiet.
Feel the dawn of civilisation at Ggantija, the oldest standing megaliths in the world, a UNESCO site older than the pyramids.
Enjoy a guided walk through the garden and valley to explore the fascinating landscape, flora and geology of this ancient island.
Disconnect from the rush and pause. Take time for you to be you.
Daily movement and breathe-work will revitalise you. Light nourishing meals will renergise you.
No need to perform, achieve or explain. Just come as you are Explore what arises when distractions fall away.
What’s included:
• Reside in our luxurious villa by the sea, choose a private or shared en suite bedroom.
• Daily guided movements.
• Introduction to breathing and daily practice.
• An invitation to step away from devices if you choose.
• Tour to Ggantija Temples
• Talk with renowned gardener Joseph Bonello, including the Zen Garden, farming valley and coastal geology.
• Spacious time in nature, to wander the garden, with benches among the flora from which to enjoy the views and your own inner world.
• Use of pool, flat rock beach, tennis court, bocci pitch and other villa amenities.
• Plant-based home cooked meals.
• Optional journaling and deep conversations with your hosts and other guests.
Openness is a cornerstone of our ethos and we enjoy sharing our experience, offering guidance and gentle structure when helpful. We aim to create situations in which each of us can connect to ourselves and find our path with confidence and clarity.
Zen Garden Retreat - March
19 - 22 March 2026
Gozo, Malta
Stop for a moment.
Relax.
Take a breath.
Reconnect with yourself.
Reconnect with the world around.
Rejuvenate and reset for a new beginning.
This retreat is a chance to step away from the noise of modern life and come home to yourself.
A beautifully designed private villa set on a two-hectare coastal estate with mature Mediterranean gardens, seafront, swimming pool, tenni, bocce and more.
Space to wander through the quiet farming valley and along coastal walks.
Plenty of time to rest, read, or simply enjoy the quiet.
Feel the dawn of civilisation at Ggantija, the oldest standing megaliths in the world, a UNESCO site older than the pyramids.
Enjoy a guided walk through the garden and valley to explore the fascinating landscape, flora and geology of this ancient island.
Disconnect from the rush and pause. Take time for you to be you.
Daily movement and breathe-work will revitalise you. Light nourishing meals will renergise you.
No need to perform, achieve or explain. Just come as you are Explore what arises when distractions fall away.
What’s included:
• Reside in our luxurious villa by the sea, choose a private or shared en suite bedroom.
• Daily guided movements.
• Introduction to breathing and daily practice.
• An invitation to step away from devices if you choose.
• Tour to Ggantija Temples
• Talk with renowned gardener Joseph Bonello, including the Zen Garden, farming valley and coastal geology.
• Spacious time in nature, to wander the garden, with benches among the flora from which to enjoy the views and your own inner world.
• Use of pool, flat rock beach, tennis court, bocci pitch and other villa amenities.
• Plant-based home cooked meals.
• Optional journaling and deep conversations with your hosts and other guests.
Openness is a cornerstone of our ethos and we enjoy sharing our experience, offering guidance and gentle structure when helpful. We aim to create situations in which each of us can connect to ourselves and find our path with confidence and clarity.