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.
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 don't need experience in Qi Gong, meditation or any of the practices — everything is guided and suitable for all levels
This is off-grid, not a hotel — the simplicity is the point, not a compromise
What’s included
The setting
5 nights at Cast Away, a remote off-grid eco retreat on the southern coast of Hvar
Simple wooden beach huts set among pine trees, sea or garden views
Two nearby beaches, hammocks, and a sea-view deck for Qi Gong
No Wi-Fi. Limited electricity. Solar-heated water.
Exclusive use of the retreat space for our group
Nourishment
Three fresh meals each day
Shared in the open-air dining space
Tea, coffee and water throughout the day
Meals are vegetarian; special diets may be catered for on request (please check before you book)
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)
The Experience
Small group — exclusive use of the retreat
Generous free time built into each day
Solo-friendly — many guests come on their own
Ferry crossing Split–Hvar included when travelling with the group
Shared transfer across Hvar to the retreat included
Not Included
Flights to Split.
Transfers to the Split ferry terminal.
Travel insurance (required).
Optional extras such as paddle board hire or local excursions.
Accommodation & Pricing
Garden View Hut (shared): from £679 pp
Sea View Hut (shared): from £699 pp
Sea View Apartment: from £899 pp
Reserve your place
Sea View Hut · £799 solo / £699 shared
Garden Hut · £749 solo / £679 shared
Sea View Apartment · from £899 sharing / £1,099 solo
Guarantee your place with a deposit. Balance due 60 days before the retreat.
Klarna available at checkout — payment plans available.
Beach Hut (Single Occupancy)
Simple wooden huts set among the pine trees, each with a memory foam mattress, linen and mosquito net.
Huts are single occupancy, offering your own private space to rest and sleep.
You can choose between:
• Sea View Hut – overlooking the Adriatic
• Garden Hut – nestled among the trees and greenery
Bathroom facilities are shared, with a shower and toilet block plus outdoor shower.
Sea View Apartment (Private Bathroom)
For those wanting more space or travelling together, there is one sea-view apartment available.
The apartment includes a bedroom, lounge, sofa bed and private bathroom.
It can accommodate up to four people sharing.
Pricing depends on the number of people sharing the apartment.
(please note this is an AI enhanced image as the original was too poor quality to share! Awaiting a better version of the real thing!)
What Women Say
"I didn't even realise how much I needed it." Yasmine
"I cannot speak highly enough of Jo and her retreats. 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 find it so beautiful and beneficial. I come home feeling so restored and ready to tackle life again." Jennie · Google Review
About Jo
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.
Not quite ready to book?
Get the full picture via the brochure, drop Jo an email with any questions hello@jodarling.co.uk, or book a free 15-minute chat.
What makes this retreat different?
Saltwater & Stars is intentionally simple.
Set on the wild southern coast of Hvar, this off-grid retreat invites you to step away from daily noise and return to a slower, more natural rhythm.
Guided by the principles of Chinese medicine and Yang Sheng, the art of nourishing life, our days unfold gently through movement, rest, saltwater swims and quiet evenings beneath dark skies.
There’s no pressure to open up and no expectation to transform.
Just thoughtful guidance, simple practices and the space to slow down, so your nervous system can settle and reset in its own time.
Questions that often come up
Participation & pace
Do I need experience with Qi Gong, meditation, or yoga?
No. Everything is guided, gentle, and suitable for all levels. You don’t need to be flexible or experienced — you’re encouraged to listen to your body and move at your own pace.
Do I have to take part in everything?
No. All practices are optional. You’re welcome to rest, sit something out, or take time alone whenever you need.
What does a typical day look like?
Each day gently balances movement, rest and learning. You can expect:
- Morning Qi Gong or gentle movement
- A nourishing breakfast
- Chinese medicine teaching or group sessions (not every day)
- Time to rest, journal or enjoy nature
- Evening meditation or Yoga Nidra (not every evening)
There is always space to opt out or rest if you need to.
I’ve never had acupuncture, is that OK?
Yes. Acupuncture is optional and always discussed beforehand.
Can I come on my own?
Absolutely. Many women attend on their own. The group is small and welcoming, with space for connection without pressure to share or socialise more than feels comfortable.
Wellbeing & nervous system support
Is this retreat suitable if I’m feeling emotionally fragile, exhausted or burnt out?
Yes — this retreat has been created especially for women who feel tired, overwhelmed or in need of gentle support.
Jo is an experienced Chinese medicine practitioner who has spent many years working with women who are stressed, depleted or going through periods of change. She is very used to supporting people who are not feeling their best, and the retreat is held with care, sensitivity and flexibility.
How physically demanding is the retreat?
Practices are gentle and accessible. The optional walk is just that — optional — and there’s no expectation to push yourself physically.
What age group usually attends?
Most guests tend to be women in midlife, often balancing work, family and the many demands of everyday life.
You don’t need to fit a particular age bracket — the retreat simply attracts people who are ready for a slower pace, time in nature and space to reset.
Will there be enough downtime?
Yes. Spaciousness is a key part of this retreat.
While we gather for morning Qi Gong, shared meals and a few guided practices, much of the day is intentionally left open.
Practical details & booking
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes, depending on when you book Payment plans are available to make the retreat more accessible. There is a small admin charge.
You can reserve your place with a deposit and pay the balance in instalments as a payment plan before the retreat begins.
Full payment is required 60 days in advance.
You can pay via Klarna via this website, at checkout, spreading the cost.
If you'd like a bespoke payment plan there will be an additional cost. Please contact me via the contact form and I can arrange that for you.
What if I need to cancel?
Booking terms and cancellation policies are shared clearly with the full retreat details so you can make an informed decision before booking. Deposits are non refundable. You can transfer to another person.
How do I book?
You can request the full pricing, room options, and booking details via the form on this page or book directly here. Booking is completed securely online when you’re ready
Accommodation, comfort & what’s included
What’s the accommodation like?
Accommodation is intentionally simple and comfortable, reflecting the off-grid nature of the retreat.
You’ll stay in wooden beach huts set among pine trees, with either sea or garden views. Each hut has twin memory foam mattresses, linen and mosquito nets.
Bathroom facilities are shared, with a main shower and toilet block plus an outdoor shower.
There is also one sea-view apartment available with a private bathroom, bedroom and lounge.
The retreat centre is remote and off grid, with no Wi-Fi, limited electricity and solar-heated water — part of what makes the experience so peaceful.
Full accommodation details are included in the retreat brochure.
What’s included in the price?
Your stay includes accommodation, three daily meals, all Qi Gong and restorative practices, Chinese medicine self-care guidance, a group acupuncture session, the ferry crossing from Split to Hvar when travelling with the group, and the transfer across the island of Hvar to the retreat.
Flights to Split, transfers to the Split ferry terminal, travel insurance, and any optional extras are not included.
Do I have to share a room?
No. The wooden beach huts are single occupancy, so you’ll have your own private space to rest and sleep.
Each hut contains a memory foam mattress with linen and mosquito nets, with either sea or garden views. Bathroom facilities are shared, with a main shower and toilet block plus an outdoor shower.
There is also one sea-view apartment available which can accommodate up to four people, with a bedroom and sofa bed, lounge and private bathroom.
Is there wi-fi?
No. And that's deliberate. The absence of connectivity is part of what makes this retreat feel so different. Worth knowing before you book.
What's the weather like in October in Hvar?
Warm and settled, typically 20–25°C. The sea is still swimmable. Evenings are cooler — a light layer useful after dark.
Travel Info
How do I get there from the airport?
The nearest airport is Split (SPU).
From Split Airport you’ll travel into Split town, where we’ll take the ferry to the island of Hvar (approximately 60 minutes). The ferry crossing is included when travelling with the group.
From Hvar town, a shared transfer (included) will take us across the island to the retreat (approximately 30 minutes).
Full travel guidance and recommended arrival times will be sent once you book, so the journey feels straightforward and well organised.
If you have any questions before booking, feel free to email hello@jodarling.co.uk
How remote is the retreat?
Cast Away is intentionally remote and off grid.
There is no Wi-Fi, electricity is limited and water is solar heated. The simplicity is part of what makes the retreat so peaceful.
It’s a chance to step away from constant connection and settle into a slower, more natural rhythm.
If this feels right
If something in you softened as you read this, trust that.
You don’t need to arrive feeling clear, well or ready for anything in particular.
Just a willingness to pause, slow down and step away from the noise of everyday life.
Saltwater & Stars is an invitation to live simply for a few days, to move gently, swim in the Adriatic, rest beneath dark skies and let your nervous system settle.
Have a question?
If there’s something you’re unsure about, you’re very welcome to get in touch.
Whether it’s about the retreat, accommodation, travel, or whether this is the right fit for you - I’m happy to help.
I’ll always reply personally.
