Created especially for women 40+, this hosted retreat is an invitation to slow down, reconnect with yourself and experience the Okinawan way of life in one of the world’s original Blue Zones.

Join Michelle Eckles of Mindful Soul Adventures and MTA Travel for a soulful 7-night journey through beautiful Okinawa, where longevity, community, purpose and gentle living are woven into everyday life. This is a retreat for women who are craving more than a holiday. It's for women who want meaning, connection, inspiration and the ease of travelling with a small group of like-minded women.

From the moment you arrive, everything is designed to feel supportive and easy. You will stay in your own ocean-view room at a 4-star resort with no single supplement, and most meals included, and be transported in comfort to included workshops, excursions and cultural experiences.

Throughout the week, you will experience a thoughtful blend of mindfulness, movement, nature, culture and adventure, including:

• Mindfulness workshops

• Qigong

• An Ikigai workshop

• A traditional tea ceremony with kimonos

• A pottery workshop

• A local cooking class

• A village of longevity experience

• A waterfall walk

• A yacht cruise with snorkelling

• Botanic gardens

• Henza Island, Memorial Park and Peace Prayer Park

Okinawa is one of the world’s five Blue Zones - places where people are known to live longer, healthier and more connected lives. Here, wellbeing is not treated as a trend. It is part of daily life.

In Okinawa, you will experience a culture shaped by:

• Nourishing food

• Strong community connection

• Gentle daily movement

• Nature and simplicity

• A deep sense of purpose

This retreat is your chance to step into that rhythm for yourself.

Whether you are feeling burnt out, ready for a reset, craving meaningful connection, or simply longing for a beautiful and inspiring experience, this retreat offers space to breathe, reflect and rediscover what matters most.

Come for the beauty of Okinawa.

Come for the ease of a thoughtfully hosted journey.

Come for the experience of travelling with like-minded women.

Leave with beautiful memories, fresh inspiration, deeper connection and a renewed sense of how you want to live.

This retreat has been created especially for women 40+ who are ready for a meaningful travel experience that feels supportive, inspiring and easy.

It may be a beautiful fit for you if you are:

• Craving time to slow down and reconnect with yourself

• Looking for purpose, peace, fun and genuine connection

• Interested in wellness, culture and personal growth

• Wanting to travel with like-minded women

• Drawn to Japan and curious about the Okinawan way of life

• Wanting the ease of a hosted journey where the details are taken care of

You do not need to be an experienced meditator or a seasoned group traveller. This retreat is designed to feel welcoming, down-to-earth and supportive from the moment you book.

There is something deeply special about Okinawa. Known as one of the world’s original Blue Zones, it is a place where people live with connection, purpose, gentle movement and a strong sense of community.

This retreat brings together the very best of Okinawa with the comfort and care of a thoughtfully hosted small-group experience.

What makes it special:

• Your own ocean-view room with no single supplement

• A beautiful mix of cultural immersion, wellness and adventure

• Meaningful experiences such as the village of longevity and Ikigai workshop

• Plenty of inclusions, with transport, workshops and most meals arranged

• The warmth and support of travelling with a small group of like-minded women

• Hosted by Michelle, so you can relax knowing the details are taken care of

This is more than a holiday. It is a chance to reset, reconnect and return home feeling lighter, clearer and inspired by a different way of living.

Each day of the retreat is designed to feel balanced, nourishing and enjoyable.

Mornings may begin slowly with a gentle Qi Gong class then breakfast overlooking the ocean, followed by a mindfulness session, cultural activity or local excursion. Some days invite reflection and gentle movement, while others bring creativity, connection and discovery.

Afternoons might include immersive experiences such as a tea ceremony, pottery workshop, cooking class, botanical gardens or time in nature. There is space for both shared moments and personal breathing room.

Evenings are relaxed and easy, with dinner included and time to unwind, connect with the group or simply enjoy the beauty of the resort.

This retreat is not about rushing from place to place. It is about experiencing Okinawa in a more meaningful, spacious and connected way.

• This retreat is hosted in Okinawa, Japan from 17–24 April 2027

• You will stay in your own ocean-view room at a 4-star resort.

• There is no single supplement.

• A $500 deposit secures your place

• Flexible payment plans are available

• Travel insurance is required and Michelle can organise this for you with Go or Covermore

• Flights are not included, but Michelle can book these for you

• Maximum group size is 14 to create a more personal and connected experience

If you are feeling called to this retreat but have questions, you are warmly invited to reach out. Michelle is happy to have an obligation-free chat to help you decide if it is the right fit for you. Just click on this link to book in a time or call her on 0438 915 830.

"Michelle created one of the most thoughtful, seamless and deeply meaningful travel experiences I have ever been part of through the Lionhearted Okinawa journey. From the very beginning, every detail was handled with care, professionalism and heart. Michelle’s planning was exceptional, but what truly set this experience apart was the way she made every woman feel safe, connected, supported and inspired throughout the entire trip. She brought together culture, wellbeing, learning, joy and genuine human connection in a way that felt effortless. From beautiful accommodation and curated experiences to the pacing of the journey itself, everything reflected intention, wisdom and deep care for the group experience. Michelle has a rare gift for creating spaces where women can both explore the world and reconnect with themselves at the same time. Her leadership throughout the trip was calm, organised, generous and deeply inclusive. Okinawa was not just a trip. It became a transformational experience and lifelong memory for so many of us because of Michelle’s vision and extraordinary ability to bring people together. I could not recommend her more highly."

Jeanette Allom Hill

"This is absolutely the best retreat I have ever done. There was an excellent mix of activities and I enjoyed them all. Everything was well organised and there was such an atmosphere of friendship, support and fun. I would do it again. Thank you so much, Michelle."

Carole Bond

"Having attended many of Michelle's events and adventures, I can say they are second to none. Her care and attention to detail is extraordinary. Michelle's commitment to making each event transformational and memorable is evident. I always come away feeling energised, rejuvenated and extremely cared for. Highly recommend Michelle and any event that she creates, you will not be disappointed."

Tonia Harding

Arrive in beautiful Okinawa and settle into your ocean-view room at our 4-star resort. From the moment you land, everything is designed to feel easy, with airport transfers arranged for you so you can simply exhale and arrive. In the evening, meet Michelle and the other women in your group over a relaxed welcome dinner, where you will begin to connect, unwind and ease into the gentle rhythm of the week ahead.

We begin the day by slowing down and arriving fully in the experience with a gentle mindfulness workshop led by Michelle. This is your chance to step away from the pace of everyday life, reconnect with yourself and set an intention for the retreat. Later, immerse yourself in one of Japan’s most beautiful traditions with a tea ceremony experience, including kimonos. Elegant, grounding and rich with meaning, this cultural experience offers a deeper appreciation of presence, ritual and simplicity.

Today invites you to continue your inward journey while also expressing your creativity. After another nourishing mindfulness session, you will enjoy a hands-on pottery workshop where you can experience the calming, meditative nature of working with clay. It is a chance to create, play and be present, while connecting with Japanese culture in a meaningful and memorable way.

Okinawa is known for its nourishing cuisine and healthy way of life, so today is all about flavour, culture and discovery. Enjoy a local cooking class and learn more about the ingredients and traditions that support the Okinawan lifestyle. Later, take in the beauty of the botanic gardens and soak up the tropical atmosphere, with time to wander, reflect and enjoy the natural surroundings.

This is one of the most special days of the retreat. Visit a village of longevity and gain insight into the lifestyle habits, community values and daily rhythms that have made Okinawa famous as one of the world’s Blue Zones. You will also enjoy an Ikigai workshop, exploring the Japanese concept of purpose and what gives life meaning. Surrounded by nature, the day also includes a waterfall walk, offering gentle movement, fresh air and time to absorb all you are learning.

Today brings a sense of lightness, fun and adventure as we head out on a yacht cruise to experience Okinawa from the water. Enjoy the beauty of the coastline, breathe in the sea air and, if you wish, snorkel in the clear blue water. This is a day to relax, laugh, connect and simply enjoy the magic of being somewhere extraordinary.

A little space is built into the retreat so you can enjoy Okinawa in your own way. Relax at the resort, enjoy quiet time, book a massage, or join an optional shopping expedition or Teppanyaki experience. Whether you want rest, exploration or a little indulgence, this day gives you freedom to follow what feels good.

On our final full day, we continue exploring Okinawa’s rich cultural and historical landscape. Visit Henza Island and reflect at places of significance including Memorial Park and Peace Prayer Park. This final day offers a thoughtful close to the retreat - a chance to take in the beauty, depth and spirit of Okinawa before returning home with new friendships, fresh perspective and meaningful memories.