SOVEREIGN
Private Self-Guided Retreat
check availability
A private lakeside retreat, with structure when you want it and space when you don't.
18 Sept– 31 Oct 2026 ONTARIO, CANADA Ages 30+
SOVEREIGN | A retreat that gives the time back to you.
Life can keep you responding for so long that you stop noticing your own pace.
SOVEREIGN creates deliberate distance from the roles, demands and constant input of ordinary life.
Silence is available to you. It is never imposed.
The Ottawa River, outdoor fire area, hammocks, open sky and seasonal watercraft are there when you want them.
Nothing has been turned into an activity you need to complete
Explore nearby Westmeath Provincial Park and the wider Whitewater Region — or go nowhere at all
The programme is written.
The schedule is yours. Follow it closely, use parts of it, or let your own rhythm take over.
Three days at Westmeath Oasis on the Ottawa River. A therapist-designed retreat framework, private SoulScape Wellness Studio, nature, water and uninterrupted time.
3 days / 2 nights · CAD $1,999 for 1–2 guests.
This isn’t about doing more. It’s about unplugging from the noise, slowing down, and remembering who you are.
Use SoulScape Wellness Studio for self-guided movement, stretching, yoga, Pilates, meditation, journalling or reflection.
Warm up by the wood stove in the 1915-built log cabin.
Warm up by the wood stove in the 1915-built log cabin.
Structure without surveillance.
SOVEREIGN gives you enough structure to create meaningful time away without turning your retreat into another programme to perform.
Reconnect.
Rest. Reflect.
This isn’t about “doing” a retreat.
It's about having enough space to stop responding to everything else and return to your own rhythm.
You're done with over-scheduled, over-curated retreats. You want space to breathe, think, move and be on your own terms — not according to a guru or one-size-fits-all formula.
You have been taking in more than you have had time to process. You want somewhere quiet enough to hear yourself think without somebody else deciding what the experience should look like.
The last thing you want is more noise or another list of things to do. You want water, fire, open sky and permission to do very little — or follow wherever the time takes you.
No rigid schedule. No guru.
Just a well-designed space where you choose your own rhythm.
This is your moment to transform.
You’ve already cracked open, now you’re ready to put the pieces back together with intention, purpose, and power.
SOVEREIGN suits people who value privacy, autonomy and thoughtful structure more than being entertained, facilitated or kept busy.
What happens at Sovereign?
This is for people who want real space, not a performative version of rest.
MOVE WHEN YOU WANT. Use SoulScape Wellness Studio for self-directed movement, stretching, yoga, Pilates or meditation. The vibration plate is also available for optional use.
PAUSE WITHOUT PRESSURE. Journal. Read. Stargaze. Rest. Sit beside the fire. Spend time in silence. Take an afternoon nap. You decide what restores you.
GO OUTSIDE. Walk. Sit beside the river. Explore nearby trails. Paddle when weather and river conditions allow. Watch the leaves change. Or simply stay exactly where you are.
SOVEREIGN | Retreat Your Way.
18 September – 31 October 2026 · Ages 30+
SOVEREIGN | Retreat Experiences:
A VARIATION OF THE FOLLOWING WILL BE AVAILABLE at WESTMEATH OASIS LAKESIDE RETREAT.
SOVEREIGN is intentionally self-catering.
Westmeath Oasis has a fully equipped kitchen. Bring whatever food and drinks work for you and eat whenever you want.
Cook. Keep it simple. Eat early. Eat late. Eat alone. Share meals with the person you brought.
A simple retreat food guide and suggested grocery list are provided if you would rather not spend mental energy planning. Groceries and prepared meals are not included.
Food, your way.
Autumn at SOVEREIGN
Changing leaves. Cooler mornings. Quieter water. Crisp evenings beside the fire.
SOVEREIGN works with the season rather than programming over it. Spend time outdoors when the day invites it. Retreat into SoulScape when it doesn't. Water activities remain available only when weather, temperature and river conditions allow.
Three days. Your rhythm
ARRIVE + EXHALE
Settle in. Put the outside world down. Let your pace change before deciding what you need from the retreat.
LISTEN + DEEPEN
Use the workbook. Move. Read. Walk. Paddle when conditions allow. Spend time in SoulScape. Sit beside the river. Rest. Spend time in silence.
INTEGRATE + RETURN
Notice what became clearer when the noise dropped away — and decide what deserves to come home with you.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Everything essential to the SOVEREIGN experience is included in your retreat fee: the property, the framework, the workbook, SoulScape and the spaces and tools that allow you to retreat on your own terms.
NOT INCLUDED: Travel to the retreat location, optional excursions, or personal items.
CHECK AVAILABILITY
3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS · PRIVATE RETREAT
Investment
CAD $1,999
Includes 1–2 guests
Exclusive use of Westmeath Oasis + SoulScape Wellness Studio + the complete SOVEREIGN self-guided retreat experience.
Private groups of up to 8 are available:
3–4 guests · CAD $2,499 total
5–6 guests · CAD $2,999 total
7–8 guests · CAD $3,499 total
18 September – 31 October 2026 · Ages 30+
Tell us your preferred dates and number of guests.
Availability is confirmed before payment.
WI-FI
Available if you choose to remain connected.
OUTDOOR FIRE AREA
Available subject to local fire regulations and conditions.
FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHEN
For completely self-directed meals and meal times.
ECO-SAFE LINENS
Provided throughout your stay.
DIGITAL DETOX LOCKBOX
Disconnect for an hour, a day or the retreat. You choose.
KAYAKS, CANOE + STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD
Available when seasonal, weather and river conditions permit.
PRIVATE OTTAWA RIVER WATERFRONT
170 ft of private waterfront access.
SOVEREIGN RETREAT WORKBOOK
A psychologically informed workbook with prompts and practices to give your retreat structure when you want it.
SELF-GUIDED MOVEMENT + REFLECTION OPTIONS
Use SoulScape for whatever practices serve you, including movement, stretching, meditation, breathwork or quiet reflection.
PRIVATE SOULSCAPE WELLNESS STUDIO.
Dedicated space for movement, meditation, journalling, reflection and stillness.
3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS OF EXCLUSIVE USE OF WESTMEATH OASIS.
Private use of the four-bedroom waterfront property for you and your chosen guest or group. No unrelated retreat guests.
"I set my own rhythm—some mornings I journaled by the wood stove, other afternoons I kayaked until sunset. I laughed with others when I wanted connection, and I rested in silence when I needed solitude.
For the first time in years, I felt both free and deeply held. I left knowing I can create this pace for myself, even after the retreat. Sovereign reminded me that I don’t need a guru, I just need space. "
"Sovereign reminded me that I don’t need a guru."
Arrive when you’re craving space to breathe.
Leave with more clarity, connection and space.
SOVEREIGN MAY BE for you if...
Pause without pressure. Silence is optional, connection is welcome, and the pace is entirely yours.
YOU WANT STILLNESS WITHOUT EMPTINESS.
You want quiet without feeling stranded. Space without a void. Something thoughtful to turn to when you want depth, and complete permission to leave it untouched when you don't.
SOVEREIGN is probably not for you if...
SOVEREIGN is intentionally independent.
The freedom is part of the experience.
You want a facilitator present throughout your retreat.
You want catered communal meals.
You are looking for intensive therapy or clinical treatment.
You want a packed schedule of workshops and activities.
You want to retreat with a group of strangers.
You want someone else deciding how your days unfold.
YOU'RE DONE WITH OVER-PROGRAMMED RETREATS.
You do not need a full timetable or someone deciding what every hour should contain. You want enough structure to begin — and enough freedom to take it from there.
YOU WANT SPACE THAT FEELS HONEST.
No choreographed wellness. No pressure to look relaxed, enlightened or transformed. Just privacy, nature and enough time to stop performing for a while.
THIS IS WHERE YOU REMEMBER YOUR OWN PACE.
Whether you are journalling, sitting beside the river, using SoulScape, walking, resting or doing almost nothing, the retreat unfolds according to you.
Why SOVEREIGN Works
At SOVEREIGN, you don't escape life.
You step out of the noise long enough to meet yourself more honestly inside it.
03
SPACE
Privacy gives you somewhere to stop responding.
SoulScape. A dedicated space for movement, reflection and stillness — available when you want it, empty when you don't.
01
NATURE
Water. Fire. Trees. Open sky. Enough time to notice them.
The environment interrupts your usual pace without asking you to analyse it. Sit by the river. Paddle when conditions allow. Watch the fire. Walk. Let your attention widen.
02
STRUCTURE
you belong, exactly as you are.
The framework and workbook give your retreat somewhere to go when you want direction — without dictating what happens next.
Your retreat. Your rhythm. Your rules.
YOU'RE HERE TO
Reclaim your Sovereignty.
SOVEREIGN is for the point where you have had enough input but cannot quite hear what you need underneath the responsibilities of ordinary life.
This is rest without performance, stillness without emptiness and structure without control. Enough space to step out of the noise without checking out of your life.
check availability
I designed the framework.
You decide how to use it.
Designed by
YOLANDE
Herbst
I'm Yolande Herbst, an Integrative Behavioural Health & Mental Wellness Therapist with an MSc in Forensic Psychology & Criminal Investigation and a background spanning counselling-hypnotherapy, subconscious work, somatic approaches, heart-brain coherence and spiritual psychology.
Creating spaces for honest reflection, nervous system rest, and deeper self-connection.
Years ago, living at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery taught me something I have never forgotten: when enough noise disappears, different information becomes available.
SOVEREIGN is not an attempt to recreate a monastery. It was designed for people who want intentional retreat space without surrendering their autonomy to a teacher, facilitator or prescribed schedule.
For SOVEREIGN, my role is retreat creator - not your on-site therapist or facilitator
Frequently Asked Questions
No. SOVEREIGN is private.
Your booking gives you exclusive use of Westmeath Oasis. No unrelated retreat guests are booked into the other bedrooms.
Will I share Westmeath Oasis with other retreat guests?
No. The programme is a framework, not a timetable.
Use all of it, some of it or very little of it.
Do I have to follow the programme?
Yes. SOVEREIGN works particularly well as a solo retreat, and the whole property remains private to you.
Can I come alone?
No.
No previous experience is required.
Do I need previous meditation, yoga or retreat experience?
Yes. The standard CAD $1,999 retreat includes 1–2 guests.
Private groups of up to 8 are also available.
Can I bring someone with me?
No. Silence is available to you, not imposed.
If you are looking specifically for a facilitated silent retreat, explore UNVEILED.
Is SOVEREIGN a silent retreat?
No. SOVEREIGN is intentionally self-guided. Yolande created the retreat framework, workbook and methodology, but is not your on-site facilitator. Private sessions can be added separately.
Is Yolande present during the retreat?
No. SOVEREIGN is intentionally self-catering. Westmeath Oasis has a fully equipped kitchen, and you choose your own food, dietary approach and meal times.
Are meals included?
Yes. A secure digital detox lockbox is available, but disconnection is never enforced. Wi-Fi remains available if you choose to use it.
Can I disconnect from my phone?
What is the cancellation policy?
60+ days before arrival: 100% deposit refund
30–59 days: 50% deposit refund
0–29 days: deposit non-refundable
The remaining balance is due 30 days before arrival and becomes non-refundable within 29 days of the retreat.
Check-in is from 4:00 pm.
Check-out is 11:00 am.
What are check-in and check-out times?
SOVEREIGN is for guests aged 30+.
What is the minimum age?
Kayaks, canoe and paddleboard are available when season, weather, temperature, water levels and river conditions permit.
Are watercraft always available?
Potentially. Additional nights may be available for an additional accommodation fee, subject to availability.
Can I extend my stay?
Yes.
Private transfers from Ottawa International Airport can be arranged in advance, subject to availability.
CAD $299 one-way per vehicle
CAD $549 return per vehicle
Can airport transfers be arranged?
No.
SOVEREIGN is a psychologically informed self-guided retreat experience, not psychotherapy, medical treatment, psychiatric treatment or crisis care.
Is SOVEREIGN therapy?
No. Westmeath Oasis includes natural waterfront terrain and uneven areas and is not currently wheelchair-accessible.
If you have mobility or accessibility needs, contact us before booking so we can give you accurate information about the property.
Is the property wheelchair accessible?
Nobody needs anything from you here.
CHECK AVAILABILITY
18 Sept – 31 Oct 2026
From CAD $1,999 · 1–2 guests ·
Ages 30+
3 days. Your space. Your rhythm. Your retreat.
Choose your preferred dates and number of guests.
Your enquiry goes directly to Yolande Herbst International through 17Hats. Availability is confirmed before payment.
