What it feels like to Linger

“It was honestly one of the most beautiful and grounding experiences I’ve ever had. The women were kind, open-hearted, and refreshingly unpretentious. There was an ease to it all, an atmosphere filled with beauty, warmth, and genuine connection. Everything was curated with such care and thoughtfulness, from the details in the decor of the table settings to the incredible food, the little poems and sprig of lavender on my pillow each night. The hosts were generous, laidback, and deeply sweet.”

“I would tell anyone thinking about a Linger retreat that it can be whatever they want it to be, and to do their best to enter with an open mind. I would assure them that they will feel cared for and it will be a true opportunity to heal decision fatigue and burnout. I would tell them, just wait for the food! And they the Linger team is so warm, gentle, funny, and welcoming.”

“What surprised me most was how easily the layers fell away. How natural it felt to be open, quiet, even vulnerable in the presence of people I’d only just met. That, to me, speaks to the magic Linger created.”

“I've just never experienced this before. I'm not saying that my friends at home or my partner don't care for me, but in this particular setting it felt all encompassing. I think too that the trip, the team, the guests were all so generous with each other.”

“What moved me most was how naturally the group bonded. I had been a bit nervous beforehand, wondering how we’d all get along, but the connections were so genuine and easy. That, for me, was a tender and unexpected gift. I was also surprised at how much we all laughed, I was so relieved at how relaxed it all felt. Nothing felt forced.”

“I really appreciated how spacious and intuitive the itinerary felt. There was a beautiful balance of structure and flow, and it never felt rigid or overwhelming. On days when the group’s energy was lower or we needed more rest, you adjusted things with such care and sensitivity. It felt like you were truly tuned in to what we needed, and that kind of flexibility made the whole experience feel even more nurturing and considered.”

“I was craving presence, connection, and a space that allowed me to simply be and Linger offered exactly that. The experience unfolded with far more depth than I had imagined. I expected calm, but what I found was a kind of belonging.”

“If you’re feeling nervous and curious then you're probably ready for something meaningful just like this retreat. I was nervous too. I wasn’t sure if I’d fit in, if I’d feel out of place, or if I was in the right headspace to meet new people. But from the moment I arrived, all of that melted away. There was no pressure to be anyone other than yourself. The space was welcoming, the energy was calm and genuine, and the women who showed up were thoughtful, kind, and real. It’s not about being “on” it’s about being open to connection, rest, beauty, and a little bit of magic.”

“[On] opening night, I was exhausted and nervous, unsure of how much of myself to share, and wondering if I truly belonged there. But as soon as the cocktails and appetizers came out and I watched these incredible women begin to connect with such authenticity and laughter, something in me softened. I felt safe. I knew I was exactly where I needed to be. And that first dinner with all the candles, it was magical!

[Then, during] our dinner in the olive groves, I stepped away briefly to take a photo of everyone and suddenly found myself tearing up. I felt a bittersweet sadness knowing we’d all be leaving soon, but also this immense gratitude for the beauty of the moment and the connections that had formed. It felt like I’d made friends for life.”

To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect going into it. I knew there would be creative workshops, and there would be a lot of down time to make art and relax. But I think the surprise of the ways the day unfolded was part of the joy.  

I didn’t really expect to be taken care of the way we were. The smallest details really made the retreat so special. From the quotes and dried flowers on our pillows every night, to having snacks brought to us poolside, to not allowing us to lift a finger after our meals - I don’t remember the last time I felt so cared for and carefree. I felt like it gave me the space to relax and focus on the things I wanted to during the retreat.