Gold & Fife in collaboration with Moonstone Collective
present
the lilac Retreat 2026
PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY | MAY 20-24
EXPECT
to walk away renewed and attuned to the frequencies of this extraordinary existence.
The enchanting language of lilacs, signifying youth, joy, and spring awakening, sets the stage for this magical retreat that promises a blend of physical rejuvenation, spiritual alignment, shared ancient wisdom, and rich culinary pleasures.
In late May, Prince Edward County transforms into a mesmerizing fairytale-like landscape when lilacs, the beloved symbols of the transition from spring to summer, bloom like bursts of breathtaking colour-rich fireworks, filling the air with a sweet, captivating fragrance that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
The Lilac Retreat is led by expert practitioners in their fields, traveling from the UK, Mexico, Ecuador, and Canada to Prince Edward County exclusively for this retreat. Participants will indulge in deep Kundalini ritual sessions, savour experiential dining in magical locations, partake in a sacred Temazcal sweat-lodge, explore Chinese Medicine principles of seasonal eating and more.
If you are looking for a transformational yet accessible and approachable healing retreat that mindfully sprinkles in exciting culinary and beverage offerings, this is for you.
It's a retreat that will have you buzzing at every activation through food, beverage, kundalini ritual, nature, live music, hot and cold circuits, and connection and immersion with the lilacs.
ITINERARY
2026 Itinerary Coming Soon
Thursday May 22
DRAKE DEVONSHIRE | WELLINGTON
Friday May 23
9AM | GRAND KUNDALINI RISING WITH SOPHIE ARKANA
DRAKE DEVONSHIRE | WELLINGTON
1PM | EATING WITH THE SEASONS: A TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM) WORKSHOP BY TCM ACUPUNCTURIST ZACHARY OWEN
DRAKE DEVONSHIRE | WELLINGTON
3PM | BIKE RIDE ALONG THE MILLENIUM TRAIL TO SEE THE LILACS AND SWIM AT A SECRET BEACH (OPTIONAL)
6PM | ITALIAN PASTA DINNER BY CHEF ENID GRACE OF MY TABLE
HILLIER
Saturday May 24
9AM | GRAND KUNDALINI RISING WITH SOPHIE ARKANA
DRAKE DEVONSHIRE | WELLINGTON
12PM | SACRED TEMAZCAL CEREMONY GUIDED BY ALEJANDRA RODAS
IN THE FOREST
VISION ARTS HEALING CENTRE | COLBORNE
6PM | FALAFEL AND J.K. FRIES DINNER
COLD CREEK VINEYARD | HILLIER
Sunday May 25
9AM | FINAL KUNDALINI RITUAL WITH SOPHIE ARKANA
TRUEHOUSE | WAUPOOS
12PM | INDIGENOUS INSPIRED LUNCH BY CHEF LEE LEWIS
TRUEHOUSE | WAUPOOS
2PM | DEPARTURE CEREMONY
TRUEHOUSE | WAUPOOS
the lilac Retreat
Arrival
5PM | Lilac Retreat kicks off at with a welcome circle, cacao ceremony, brief Kundalini practice by Sophie Arkana and a nutrient-rich dinner prepared by Executive Chef Amanda Ray at the DRAKE Devonshire.
at lakeside
Executive Chef Amanda Ray
A deep
morning Kundalini practice
London-born & Mexico-based, Kundalini Guide Sophie Arkana is passionate about supporting us through times of challenge towards loving awareness, drawing from somatic, shamanic and trauma-informed principles. She has studied around the world immersing in Buddhist monasteries, shamanic plant spirit medicine, silent retreats, and ancient philosophy.
Before shifting to a life of spirituality & devotion to ancient practices, Sophie spent a decade in Europe’s underground nightlife industry. Inspired by the understanding that music & sound is both accessible and universal, she now works internationally curating ceremonial retreats, classes, and daily practices with specialized soundtracks, for students all over the world. Instagram @sophie.arkana
Kundalini is an ancient technology to access higher states of conscious awareness, through a sequence of rhythmic movement, breathwork, kriya, mantra, mudra and meditation.
Kundalini Guide Sophie Arkana
with the seasons
1PM | Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Workshop held at the DRAKE Devonshire and lead by Acupuncturist Zachary Owen, is a workshop designed to help you understand food and herbal medicine on a visceral level and the philosophies behind the five phases of energy known as The Chinese Five Elements. With a focus on embracing the ‘sour’ flavours in Spring, Chef Amanda Ray will prepare dishes informed by this seminar.
Eating
TCM Doctor Zachary Owen
Bike & Swim
along the Millennium Trail
3PM | bike ride along the MILLENIUM TRAIL to see the lilacs and swim at a secret beach (Optional)
pici all’aglione
Pinot Noir + Pinot Gris
6PM | Chef Enid Grace (My Table) welcomes the group for a classic Italian pasta dinner of pici all’aglione (tomato and garlic sauce) in her dreamy, restored 1800s barn-turned Old European-style countryside café in Hillier. Local winemaker, Battista Calvieri, will pour small intentional tastings of his luminous Burgundian-style Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris for those wishing to imbibe in libations from one of the region’s oldest wineries, Hubb’s Creek. A special lilac-infused elixir (alcohol-free) will also be poured at this dinner.
Chef Enid Grace & Vitner Battista Calvieri
Grand
Kundalini rising
A deep, morning Kundalini-practice guided by Sophie Arkana amidst lilac altars and Lake Ontario views starts day two at the Drake Devonshire, followed by a sauna + ice bath, and light nutrient-rich meal prepared by Chef Amanda Ray.
sacred
Temazcal ceremony
12PM | One of The Lilac Retreat’s most prized activities is the rare opportunity to experience the purifying power of a traditional Temazcal, an ancient sweat lodge tradition that originated with Indigenous people of Mexico and Central America. The ceremony guided by Alejandra Rodas is a purification ritual that involves the use of heat, steam, and sacred plants to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit.
The Sacred Temascal Ceremony tales place at The Vision Arts Healing Centre in Colborne.
A curandera (healer) from Ecuador, with over 13 years experience rooted in sacred commitments such as Vision Quest, Moon Dance, and Sun Dance, will guide this deeply special experience, praying with the water drum and holding space for profound healings with unwavering integrity and love. Rodas is also a Reiki Master and keeper of sacred rituals and is dedicated to preserving and transmitting the sacred traditions and ancestral wisdom of her lineage. Instagram @alerodas
Throughout the seasons, daily classes are offered plus many specialized workshops and retreats featuring local and international teachers to share their knowledge of healing arts at this refuge of nature.
Healer Alejandra Rodas
Falafels
+ World's Greatest French Fries
6PM | Wood-fired pita and made-to-order falafels by Syrian Chef duo, Papa Ghanoush and Mama Humus, will accompany the world’s greatest French fries, which will be served by Chef Jamie Kennedy. Hosts Chris and Silvia Braney will welcome everyone to this private farm dinner with a Meet & Greet and tour of their herd of pet sheep, Kunekune pigs from New Zealand, and Nestor, the donkey. Small intentional tastings of Cold Creek’s award-winning ‘best of’ artisanal ciders will be poured alongside alternative alcohol-free apple beverages.
Chef Jamie Kennedy + Papa Gahnoush with Mama Humus
Spring Awakening
Final Kundalini Ritual
9AM | Sophie Arkana will lead The Lilac Retreat’s final practice at a cherished 75-year-old former Girl Guide Camp turned artist’s sanctuary owned and operated by multi-medium artist and Creative Mentor, Gail Hill who will welcome the group with a brief talk about creativity being critical to wellbeing and the best response to adversity. Expect a full spring awakening to be activated.
Indigenous
Storytelling lunch
12PM | Following practice, Mohawk Chef Lee Arden Lewis (Taralee Farm), Bear Clan Tyendinaga, will prepare an Indigenous-inspired feast using seasonal ingredients alongside plenty of storytelling at the Truehouse in Waupoos.
2PM | DEPARTURE CEREMONY TRUEHOUSE | WAUPOOS
Chef Lee Arden Lewis
The Lilac
Retreat Curator
Natalie Goldenberg-Fife is an Experience Designer and Founder of Gold & Fife, an event company specializing in highly customized culinary, chef, beverage, and transformative wellness offerings. She has curated over 1111+ acclaimed culinary events internationally and nationwide.
Natalie is also an active food journalist who regularly writes for Zoomer Media Publications. Natalie is also a triple-certified yoga guide trained in Moksha/Modo hot flow, vinyasa sequencing, and the Vikasa Academy in Thailand.
Experience Designer Natalie Goldenberg-Fife
$2500 plus HST
To Receive a booking form, please email
