Our four day mindful minimalism retreat in California is for those who want to disconnect and reconnect, to relax & renew, and connect with like minded people.

Each day brings an opportunity for guided mindful movement and meditation, moments for silence and introspection, and time for laughs and chilling out. We’ll take meaning walks and hikes, breathe in the fresh air, and bathe in nature. Healthy, delicious meals will be curated together as we nourish our bodies and connections.

Our mindful movement sessions will take us hiking to the Saddle Peak trail. Saddle Peak (elevation 2,805) is one of the tallest peaks in the eastern Santa Monica Mountains. Its proximity to the ocean makes for some dramatic views from the summit; on clear days, you can also see downtown L.A., the San Gabriels, the Santa Susana Mountains, Catalina Island and much more. Interesting geological formations near the top are another highlight.

We will socialise and connect over fireside chats, get to know each other and share our stories. Relax with an optional massage for some extra TLC to yourself.

Accommodation Saddle Peak

Inhabiting a spot of dramatic natural beauty, this strikingly modern AIA/LA Award winning home was designed in ultimate harmony with the landscape. Employing beautifully defined lines and structural composition, it’s an exquisitely crafted approach to minimalism.

We love the slide away walls of glass that create a seamless indoor outdoor habitat and the elegant economy of design. And what a view!

Nestled high above the Pacific on a secluded peak of the Santa Monica mountains, this meticulously crafted home is a study in light, texture and sublime geometry. Designed by award winning Sant Architects and constructed of monolithic concrete slabs, iron beams, wood and glass, the structure’s earthbound elements are punctuated by expansive walls of glass that illuminate the interiors while capturing the stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island and the mountain terrain. The effect is both elegant and simple, infusing texture, warmth and earthiness into an otherwise contemporary context.

Minimal in tone and style, the interiors are soothing and muted with elemental materials that are meticulously handcrafted and refined. All of the living areas feature interrelated spaces with oversized slide away doors that open out to differing perspectives and angles of the property.

The main living area with a clever slide away fireplace, dining area and fully equipped gourmet kitchen boasts some of the best views of the property and overlooks the pool and gardens. Two of the three bedrooms are on this level with the master one level below. The open air layout is paired with specially selected and contemporary furnishings including pieces by Hans Wegner, Jasper Morrison, Stefan Diez and more that complement the creative vision of the architectural environment.

The adjacent one bedroom studio can accommodate up to four and features identical design features, quality and detail and is perfect for vacationing with family and friends. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with native plants and incorporate the wild natural beauty of Topanga.

Modern, elegant and exquisitely detailed, this residence’s enviable placement, stunning views and graceful simplicity are flawlessly calibrated to both the natural and contemporary worlds.

AROUND

Set above the coast in the Santa Monica mountains, Topanga Canyon is a bucolic and peaceful mountain community that straddles the Pacific coast and the San Fernando valley. Featuring the largest state park within city limits in the US, there are miles of wilderness and land to explore. It’s just a short drive to Malibu or Santa Monica and a half hour from the greater Los Angeles area.

LOCATION

Topanga, California. Nearest Airport: Los Angeles International (25 miles)

Who the retreat is for…
For anyone looking to relax and renew in a gorgeous and covid-safe location

For anyone looking to connect with likeminded people and share a mindfully curated experience.

For anyone interested in personal development and self discovery

Your hosts

Katie Sandler – Impact Coach

Katie Sandler uses her life experiences and education to help her clients reach that “a-ha” moment, enabling personal and professional transformation. She’s not a life coach, instead Katie is an Impact Coach. Her goal is to help clients meet their unmet potential, find purpose in their lives, and ultimately make an impact on the world around them.

Katie herself has overcome immense physical and mental hurdles, including being born without an ear, overcoming paralysis at age 17 and subsequently facing depression head-on. After struggling to keep her head above water, Sandler discovered the benefits of mind-body medicine. With over a decade of experience, including a Master’s in Mental Health Counselling, a Bachelor’s in Psychology, and a background as a psychiatric research assistant from Johns Hopkins, Katie uses her expertise to impact her clients through one-on-one consultations, group consultations and her Impact Retreat and Group Impact Adventures, which take place all around the world.

Impact Method Workshops

There will be two impact method workshops during the week. Our introspective and personal discovery workshops teach you how to think differently – providing a space for you to challenge yourself to grow, have a shift in perspective and introduce you to kind awareness and compassion

We cover the basics of mindfulness and practice it in many forms. We discuss our internal dialogue, our origin, the biology behind being human, the sum of our parts, acceptance and authentic, realistic balance, purpose, alignment and so much more. There will also be the option for a personal discovery coaching session with Katie.

Ultimately you walk away knowing yourself a bit more, deepening your presence in yourself, this moment, and this existence. You walk away wanting to make the world a better place by simply being a better you.

Cuisine

Meals will be prepared together in the sake of connecting over nourishing ourselves. We will mindfully prepare meals together.

Our menu will be prepared ahead of time with the input of each guest. We will learn from one-another and enjoy slowing down while caring for ourselves through organic healthy and homey meals.