A different kind of retreat
Set on the wild southern coast of Hvar, this is an intentionally off-grid experience — no Wi-Fi, no noise, no pressure to be anywhere.
Each day unfolds gently through Qi Gong, saltwater swims, shared meals and quiet evenings beneath dark skies, guided by the principles of Chinese medicine and Yang Sheng, the art of nourishing life.
No pressure to perform. No expectation to transform. Just simplicity, good food, and space to properly rest.
Simple, spacious days
This retreat is guided through the lens of Chinese medicine and Yang Sheng — the practice of nourishing life. Your time here is shaped by the natural rhythm of the day and the season, with a gentle structure that leaves plenty of space to rest, swim and simply be.
Practices are gentle, restorative and intentionally simple — designed to support your system without asking more from it.
There's no pressure to open up. No expectation to transform. Nothing to keep up with.
Just thoughtful guidance, the wild simplicity of the Croatian coast, and the space for things to settle in their own time.
This retreat is for you if...
You're craving nature — properly in it. Wooden huts, open-air meals, dark skies and the sound of the sea.
You want to completely disconnect — no Wi-Fi, no signal, no demands.
You want fresh, nourishing food cooked daily and eaten together outdoors.
You're ready to slow down and let the sea, the pine trees and the rhythm of the day do their work.
You're drawn to simple, intentional living — even just for a few days.
Would you rather explore the full details via my brochure?
Ready to dive into everything about Saltwater & Stars?
Leave your email on the next page and you'll get direct access to the full brochure.
A Typical Day
Our days follow a simple, unhurried rhythm — enough structure to bring us together, with plenty of space to rest, swim and simply be.
Morning
We begin the day with gentle Qi Gong overlooking the sea — simple movement to wake the body and settle the nervous system. Breakfast follows, shared and relaxed. After breakfast there may be an opportunity for a group acupuncture session or a simple self-care practice inspired by Chinese medicine.
Daytime
Lunch is shared later in the day, followed by time to yourself. Swim in the Adriatic, rest in a hammock, wander the coastline or simply enjoy doing very little.
Afternoon
The rest of the day remains mostly open. You might read, journal, take a quiet walk or sit by the sea and watch the day unfold.
Evening
As the light softens we gather for dinner together. On two evenings we'll also share a guided Yoga Nidra — a deeply restful practice to help settle the body and mind before sleep.
Nothing is compulsory. Rest is always a valid choice.
What's included?
A small, thoughtfully held retreat designed to support rest at every level.
Your stay
- 5 nights accommodation in simple, off-grid wooden huts
- Comfortable beds with proper mattresses, quality linens and mosquito nets
- Shared bathroom facilities
- A back-to-basics, nature-immersed experience designed for rest and restoration
Nourishment
- Three fresh meals each day, shared in the open-air dining space
- Tea, coffee and water available throughout the day
- Meals are vegetarian; special diets catered for on request
Guidance & practices
- Daily morning Qi Gong overlooking the sea (all levels)
- Group acupuncture session
- Chinese medicine self-care practices
- Two guided evening meditations (Yoga Nidra)
- Restorative movement
The space
- Two nearby beaches, hammocks and shaded spaces to rest and unwind
- Sea-view deck for Qi Gong and morning practice
- No Wi-Fi. Limited electricity. Solar-heated water.
- Exclusive use of the retreat space for our group
Ease
- Ferry crossing Split–Hvar included when travelling with the group (approx. 60 minutes)
- Shared transfer from Hvar town to the retreat included (approx. 30 minutes)
Not included
- Flights to Split
- Transfers to the Split ferry terminal
- Travel insurance (required)
- Optional extras such as paddleboard hire or local excursions
Beach Hut
Simple wooden huts set among pine trees, each with a memory foam mattress, linen and mosquito net. Single occupancy — your own private space to rest and sleep. Bathroom facilities are shared.
- Sea View Hut: £799
- Garden View Hut: £749
- Sea View Hut shared: £699
- Garden View Hut shared: £679
Sea View Apartment
Ideal for friends or those happy to share*. One apartment available with a private bathroom, bedroom, lounge and sofa bed. The most spacious option on the retreat, with sea views and privacy. Ideal for friends booking together or those happy to share — accommodates up to four people.
From £899 sharing · £1,099 solo
*dependent on another sharer booking.
Simple. Wild. Restorative
This is not a luxury retreat. It's something far better.
Simple. Wild. Restorative.
Space to switch off, slow down, and let the sea do its work.
Your Host Jo Darling
I'm Jo Darling — acupuncturist, retreat guide, and practitioner of Chinese Medicine.
I create retreats for women who are ready to slow down, live simply, and reconnect with the natural rhythm of life. My work is rooted in Chinese medicine and the understanding that we are part of nature, not separate from it.
I'll be guiding you throughout the retreat — gently, practically, and with plenty of space for rest.
What women say about my retreats
"I didn't even realise how much I needed it."
Yasmine
"I got on the plane feeling sluggish, low and fed up. I came home feeling like a new person."
Helen · Google Review
"If you want to nourish your soul, Jo's expertise will surpass your expectations."
Gina
"I come home feeling so restored and ready to tackle any challenges."
Jennie · Google Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Terms and Conditions
Do I need travel insurance?
Do I need travel insurance? Yes — required. Jo recommends taking out a policy as soon as you book that covers the retreat dates and any medical costs abroad.
Can I extend my stay before or after the retreat?
Personal choice — Split and Hvar are both worth exploring if you want to make a trip of it.
Is the retreat suitable if I have limited mobility?
The terrain at the retreat space is natural and uneven — pine forest paths, steps down to the beaches and outdoor spaces that aren't designed for accessibility. If you have limited mobility or any concerns about the physical environment, please email Jo at hello@jodarling.co.uk before booking so she can help you decide whether this retreat is the right fit for you.
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?
Three freshly prepared meals each day, shared together in the open-air dining space.
Meals are cooked on-site using fresh, seasonal ingredients — think wood-fired pizza, BBQ and simple, nourishing food that fits the setting. Unlike some of Jo's other retreats, meals at Saltwater & Stars are not exclusively vegetarian, though vegetable-forward dishes will always be available. Special dietary requirements can be catered for — please let Jo know at least a week before you travel.
Tea, coffee and water are available throughout the day. All other drinks are at extra cost.
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?
Getting There
Fly to Split (SPU).
Check in at the retreat is after 3pm, but it's normally fine to arrive and enjoy the space before this time. There's a welcome gathering on the first evening and the retreat begins after dinner on Friday 2nd October.
Arriving in Croatia
The journey to the retreat is part of the experience — a scenic ferry crossing from Split to Hvar followed by a transfer across the island.
If flying from Gatwick or Stansted, aim to arrive into Split by early-mid afternoon to allow time for the ferry crossing (approx. 60 minutes) and island transfer (approx. 30 minutes).
Group transfers and the ferry crossing are included when travelling with the group. I'll share suggested flight times and arrange everything once you've booked — so the journey feels straightforward, especially if you're travelling on your own.
Departing for home
Check out is midday on Wednesday 7th October.
I'd suggest booking a return flight from Split in the early-mid afternoon to give you a relaxed morning before leaving.
Full travel details, suggested flights and arrival windows will be sent once you book.
If you have any questions before booking, email hello@jodarling.co.uk
How much is the transfer?
A taxi from Split Airport to the ferry terminal takes about 30 minutes and costs €45–65. Bolt and Uber are both available and typically cheaper — around €25–40.
There's also a bus (number 37) for €3, taking about 45 minutes, though it doesn't stop directly at the ferry terminal.
The ferry crossing (when taking it with the group is included in the cost of the retreat).
Transfer from the ferry on Hvar to our retreat is also included and takes 30mins.
There is a possibility that we may charter a speedboat direct from Split to the retreat centre. Although this is a more expensive option it saves time and allows us to arrive in style. This will be discussed once you've booked.
Location And Facilities
Is there a hairdryer in my room?
The huts are simple and off-grid with limited electricity — we'd recommend bringing your own hairdryer or travel dryer if needed. A small battery-powered one works well.
Do I need to bring towels?
Yes — please bring your own bath towel and a beach towel for swimming. Unlike some of Jo's other retreats, towels are not provided as part of the off-grid setup.
Is there Wifi?
No — and that's deliberate. The absence of connectivity is a significant part of what makes this retreat feel so different. It's worth knowing before you book, and most guests find it one of the things they value most by the end of the week.
What is the temperature?
October in Hvar is warm and settled — typically 20–25°C during the day with cooler evenings. The sea is still swimmable and the light is beautiful. It's one of the best times of year to be on the island.
What's the accommodation like?
Simple wooden beach huts set among pine trees, each with a memory foam mattress, quality linen and mosquito nets. You'll have your own private space to rest and sleep, with either sea or garden views. Bathroom facilities are shared, with a shower and toilet block plus an outdoor shower. There is also one sea-view apartment available with a private bathroom, bedroom and lounge.
Tell me more about the local area
The retreat space sits on the remote southern coast of Hvar — one of Croatia's most beautiful islands. The retreat itself is intentionally secluded, surrounded by pine trees and within walking distance of two coves. Hvar town, with its restaurants, harbour and old town, is a short transfer away if you want to explore during free time. October is a lovely time to visit — quieter than summer, warm and unhurried.
