Saltwater & Stars - An Off-Grid Women’s Retreat in Croatia
Deep Rest & Nervous System Reset on the Island of Hvar
Something shifts when you leave the road behind.
Wild Rest is a women-only, off-grid retreat on the southern coast of Hvar, Croatia, a place where wooden huts sit above the Adriatic Sea, where the nights are dark and filled with stars, and where life returns to a simpler rhythm.
Set in a remote coastal settlement surrounded by coves, sea birds and pine-covered hills, this retreat offers space to completely unplug and deeply exhale. With no WiFi, limited electricity and shared simplicity, the distractions of everyday life fall away creating the conditions for true rest.
Designed as a deeply restorative women’s retreat, this experience supports your nervous system, replenishes your energy and allows you to reset away from noise, pressure and constant connection.
Each day we will practice gentle Qi Gong at sunrise, restorative yoga and meditation overlooking the sea, and quiet walks along the coastline. There will be long stretches of unstructured time to lie in hammocks, swim in clear saltwater, read, journal or simply do nothing at all.
This is not a luxury hotel retreat. It is intentional simplicity. Wooden beach huts, shared bathrooms and conscious water use are part of the experience an invitation to slow down and return to what truly matters.
You’ll return home rested, softened and steady with a calmer nervous system, clearer mind and a renewed connection to your body and inner rhythm.
Hidden at the edge of the island of Hvar, this secluded eco-retreat is exclusively ours for the week - a rare opportunity to gather in wild nature, in community, and in deep rest.
Saltwater & Stars Croatia Retreat
Join Jo for this 5-night retreat, Friday to Wednesday, on the island of Hvar, Croatia.
Set within a secluded off-grid eco retreat by the sea, this is a place to truly switch off, surrounded by pine trees, salt air and the rhythm of the water. Simple wooden huts, open skies and starlit evenings create the perfect setting to pause, ground and restore.
Reaching the retreat is part of the experience, with a scenic ferry crossing from Split followed by a transfer across the island, arriving somewhere that feels a world away from everyday life.
Sea swims. Quiet mornings. Evenings under the stars.
A chance to rest deeply and return home renewed.
Sea View Hut (shared) – £[insert]
Garden View Hut (shared) – £[insert]
Private Apartment – £[insert]
Includes all meals, tea, coffee and water + all activities with Jo.
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Single Ensuite Lodge
For those travelling solo. All lodges are crafted from reclaimed Anatolian wood, blending eco-luxury with natural charm for a restful and welcoming stay. They feature high-quality linens, comfortable beds and spacious bathrooms, with private garden terraces to enjoy the mountain air. Each lodge is designed to offer peace, comfort and a close connection with nature.
Twin Ensuite Lodge
Ideal for friends or those happy to share*. All lodges are crafted from reclaimed Anatolian wood, blending eco-luxury with natural charm for a restful and welcoming stay. They feature high-quality linens, comfortable twin beds and spacious bathrooms, with private garden terraces to enjoy the mountain air. Each lodge is designed to offer peace, comfort and a close connection with nature. There are a limited number of 3 berth lodges.
*dependent on another sharer booking.
Restore & Revitalise in Gocek, Turkey
Do you need a little sunshine pick-me-up at the beginning of Spring?
Do you feel your skin could do with some sunshine and your energy needs a boost?
Join Jo on the Ground in Nature Retreat. This extended 4-night weekend retreat to Gocek, Turkey. Surrounded by olive trees, thyme and lavender, you’ll restore your energy with seasonal acupuncture, simple Qi Gong, and self-care workshops — all while enjoying nourishing local food and time to simply be.
Join Jo To Pause, Ground and Restore under Blue Skys and Sunshine:
- Fully submerge yourself in the peace and quiet of the lush green valley of Gocek
- Enjoy the time and space to rest, away from the demands of everyday life
- Restore your wellbeing with ancient healing seasonal acupuncture and simple, self-healing Qi Gong
- Return home with simple tools and practices to support your daily life
Restore Your Energy Surrounded By Olive Groves:
- Move your body and calm your mind with daily self-healing qi gong practice in the great outdoors
- Support your body’s rhythm with acupuncture designed to help you move with the season
- Relax by the pool, breathe in mountain air and wander peaceful forest trails
Revitalise Your Life With Greater Self Knowledge
- Discover simple self-care practices to ease stress and restore balance
- Learn how to use acupressure and essential oils to support your wellbeing
Return Home Revitalised
- Leave feeling grounded, calm and re-energised in body and mind
- Take home tools you can return to whenever life feels overwhelming
Your Revitalisation Doesn’t End When The Retreat Does
Jo will help you weave your new practices into everyday life, so the benefits of your retreat ripple on — supporting not just you, but those around you too.
Your Host Jo Darling
Jo has been helping people live happier, healthier lives for almost 20 years. She has a degree in Acupuncture and years of extensive study and practice utilising the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine.
With deep expertise in the art of Yang Sheng, the practice of nourishing life, Jo creates a truly transformative wellness retreat. Blending acupuncture, Qi Gong, and self-care wisdom, she guides participants in how to eat, sleep, move, and feel in harmony with their bodies and nature. At each retreat, Jo ensures that every aspect of the experience is thoughtfully tailored, offering a deeply personal and enriching journey toward lasting well-being.
Through her retreats and Acupuncture practice she has witnessed the profound impact that self-knowledge coupled with bespoke, natural self-care practices can have on people’s lives. She has curated her retreats to give you the rare opportunity to do just that.
In any room type, what is included?
Your stay
- 5 nights accommodation in simple, off-grid wooden lodges
- Comfortable beds with proper mattresses, quality linens and mosquito nets
- Shared bathroom facilities
- A back-to-basics, nature-immersed experience designed for rest and reset
Nourishment
- Three meals per day
- Tea, coffee and water available throughout the day
The space
- A peaceful, off-grid setting surrounded by nature and the sea
- Direct access to the water for swimming and time by the coast
- Outdoor spaces to rest — shaded areas, terraces and quiet corners
- Open-air spaces for all practices and sessions
Getting there
- Pre-organised ferry transfer from the mainland to the island of Hvar
- Transfer across the island to the retreat location included
- The port is a short drive from the airport, making travel straightforward
Your Retreat Experience with Jo
- Chinese medicine self-care workshops woven throughout the retreat
- 1 x group acupuncture session
(deeply relaxing, supporting the seasonal shift and nervous system reset) - 3 x Qi Gong sessions
(gentle, accessible movement — no experience needed) - 2 x guided wellness sessions
(may include acupressure, meditation or rest practices)
What’s Not Included
- Flights
- Transfer from airport to port
Optional Extras
- 1:1 session with Jo (reflexology or personalised support session)
- Massage with a local therapist
Closing line (this really matters for expectation setting + attraction)
This is not a luxury retreat.
It’s something far better.
Simple. Wild. Restorative.
Space to switch off, slow down, and come back to yourself.
Testimonials
Jo is a great teacher, extremely talented and so much fun. She held the space for us all to be safe and open and flawlessly had the balance to be on the same level as everyone else.
Her healing talents are in her listening, understanding and communication as much as in her teaching and treatment sessions
Jayne
Molino Del Rey 2023
Retreating with Jo was life-changing for me. And the impact is still strong. The changes that I’ve made to certain aspects of my life feel permanent as there’s been some kind of fundamental shift in me It feels much easier now, as that’s just who I am now!
Sasha
I had never been on a retreat before so I didn’t really know what to expect - it was the most incredible experience! It was a week to step away from daily life into a bubble of self care and laughter with a wonderfully supportive group of ladies. Jo’s knowledge, empathy and skill in leading the retreat gave us the perfect balance of learning, guided practice and also time for ourselves. Molino del Ray is a beautiful centre lovingly and sympathetically created in the stunning Andalusian mountains, the food was perfect, freshly homemade and nourishing and the massages were a real treat! Thank you Jo.
Vanessa
Via Email
Frequently Asked Questions
Terms and Conditions
What's Included
What is group acupuncture?
The opportunity to experience relaxing and energising acupuncture treatment in a group setting.
If you're new to acupuncture with Jo, you'll be asked to complete a new patient form before you retreat so that she knows your full health history.
If you have any concerns about the treatment please email hello@jodarling.co.uk before travelling.
I'm new to Qi Gong what does it entail?
The type of Qi Gong that Jo shares is self healing Dao Yin style. She chooses simple, meditative practice to share with you so that you can get maximum benefit in minimum time.
Jo's mantra is 'if you like it take it home'. She sincerely hope you will.
What happens during the workshops?
Jo curates your stay to harness the energetics of the Chinese energetic clock. Helping to make 'one day feel like three'.
The workshops on this retreat include seasonal support moving energy from Winter to Spring, one of the hardest seasonal transitions. From hibernation to growth.
Plus, Jo creates your personalised astrology chart so that you can take full advantage of the Chinese new year predictions for 2025.
What food is included?
All meals are vegetarian. Special diet meals at no
extra cost, please advise Jo 1 week before departure.
Breakfast – 9am
Start the day with a nourishing buffet breakfast — fresh fruit, local cheeses, olives, eggs, homemade breads and jams, alongside tea and coffee. Everything is prepared with seasonal produce from the region, including thyme and lavender from the gardens.
Lunch – 1pm
A light and colourful lunch of wholesome salads, vegetables and grains, designed to keep you energised yet light for afternoon practices. Meals are vegetarian, full of flavour, and made with the retreat’s own olive oil.
Dinner – 7pm
Each evening enjoy a freshly cooked, generous dinner featuring warm vegetarian dishes, soups, grains, and seasonal vegetables. Meals are hearty but balanced, offering comfort after a day of practice and rest. Wine and drinks are available from the bar if you’d like.
Do I have to pay extra for drinks?
Tea and coffee is served with all meals. Water is available throughout the day. All other drinks are an extra cost.
Payment
Do you offer payment in installments
Yes, you can pay by instalments, email Jo hello@jodarling.co.uk to arrange.
Can I pay by Klarna?
Yes, choose Klarna payments at checkout.
What payment methods do you take?
Shop pay, Google pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard and Amex.
Getting There
How do I get there?
Fly to Dalaman to arrive for lunch or dinner.
Check in is after 3pm, but it's normally fine to arrive and enjoy the space before this time.
There's a welcome chat at 5pm on the first day and the retreat starts with a Yoga Nidra after dinner on Wednesday 15th.
Arriving in Turkey
If flying from Gatwick you could take the EasyJet flight
Departing 06.30 arriving 12.35 (gives you an afternoon to relax)
If flying from Stansted you could take the Ryanair flight
Departing 06.15 arriving 12.20
Group transfers will be arranged around 1-1.30pm for these flights
Departing for home
Check out is midday Sunday 19th April
If returning to Gatwick I suggest the 3pm flight arriving at LGW for 17.25 (a morning to gather yourself slowly!)
Flight times are just over 4 hours
Transfers take 30 mins and will be arranged before we travel. The cost is approx £10 for a shared taxi.
If everyone's flights arrive around 1ish we can transfer together.
How much is the transfer?
Transfers will be arranged before we travel. The cost is approx £10 for a shared taxi.
If everyone's flights arrive around 1ish we can transfer together.
Location And Facilities
Is there a hairdryer in my room?
There are hairdryers in every room.
Do I need to bring towels?
You don't need to bring towels with you. Bathroom and pool towels are supplied.
Is there Wifi?
Yes there is WiFi throughout the centre.
What is the temperature?
Daytime temperatures can reach 22 degrees and above.
Night times are cool.
You will receive a suggested packing list once your final payment has been received.
What's the accommodation like?
All lodges are crafted from reclaimed Anatolian wood, offering options for single, twin or double beds. Each features high-quality linens, comfortable bedding and spacious ensuite bathrooms. Private garden terraces provide space to enjoy the mountain air, while natural wood design and thoughtful touches create a restful, grounding stay. Specially selected toiletries are supplied.
Tell me more about the local area
Relax and unwind at this stunning boutique hotel, just a 30-minute drive from Marrakech, nestled in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.
A hidden gem in a small Berber village, its narrow alleyways
and flat-roofed village houses made from packed mud and water giving them an earthy colour and warm glow.
Discover serene plunge pools, hidden terraces, and enchanting gardens, each offering a peaceful corner for reading or unwinding.
