Women’s retreat in the Alpine wild
August 21-27, 2026
EMPOWER YOUR NATURE
Our moving body knows the way home. A week to revive your instincts, come to your senses, and tend to your female form through expert-led movement, alpine nature immersion, and embodied co-witnessing.
An eco-active immersion for us to restore, move, and embody our true nature.
You’re not broken. You’re depleted.
And no amount of self-help, therapy, or willpower will fix it—because it’s not a mindset issue. It’s physiological.
When your female nervous system is stuck in survival mode, everything feels harder. Your energy is low, your body feels off, and emotions loop and spiral between frustration, numbness, and overwhelm. Another escape isn't it. Rather, a full-body, deep-in-your-bones reset is the way back home.
Through expert-led movement, specifically alpine nature immersion, and the profound power that can move mountains of women gathering together, your systems will recalibrate at its core. You’ll come home with a nervous system that meets you and holds you. A moving body that makes you feel alive, creative, connected, and free.
This isn’t fleeting "self-care." It’s skill development. We are not plants, we are people.
Exit your pattern. Step into the matter.
Everything in our current routine and environment reinforces the same patterns—overthinking, overgiving, underexpressing. Alone at our desk, in our thoughts, in our motherhood. In fluorescent rooms, in metal boxes-on-wheels, on concrete streets that give the illusion of flatness, engulfed by the electrical hum of the 21st century.
In the hearth of the Julian Alps, we will move, sense, and connect in ways our bodies have been craving. We’ll hike (barefoot!) through 6,000 year old forests, sink our pores into wildly alive yet ancient rivers, glacial lakes, caves, and mountains that were born 50 million years ago. We let the land itself feed and reorganize our inner material.
This is not another stand-alone catharsis, another unintegrated wonderful experience—this is a deep and lasting impression in your female nervous system that will continue to fuel and support you for the long haul. You will return home revived, with a moving body that remembers how to tap into its courage, connection, and creativity.
Moss girl summer—the revival is ours.
This is NOT as luxury yoga retreat. It’s a solid commitment to your own revival. And when you claim your spot, you don’t have to wait to feel the shift.
You’ll step immediately into a container designed to hold you, nourish you, and set you in motion with these pre-retreat gifts:
🩸 15 minute Movement Medicine guided practice that you can begin engaging with at your own time.
👣 20 minute Connection Call so you and I can meet, and we can already start planting seeds of connection right now.
By the time summer arrives, you won’t be starting from scratch. You’ll already feel the difference—more attuned, more grounded, more like yourself. And then, you’ll arrive in the Alpine wild, where the air is crisp, the land is alive, and the days stretch open for you to step fully into the woman you are (always) becoming.
The revival starts now. Put down your deposit today, and set it all in motion.
Empower Your Nature
What’s included
7 Days / 6 Nights in the Italian Alps, August 21-27, 2026
Tarvisio, Italian Alps – A breathtaking sanctuary where wild rivers, ancient forests, crystal-clear lakes, and towering mountains become your playground for self inquiry, embodiment and revival.
5 Nature Immersions – Cold remedy in the RIVER to build our trust and resilience, FOREST bathing to regulate our female nervous system, stillness and self-reflection in the LAKE, tending to the inner flame in the depths of the CAVE, and embracing the challenge of walking up the MOUNTAIN. The landscape, along with expert guidance, brings us deeper into our moving body’s wisdom.
Daily Movement Medicine – Movement research and embodiment practices to awaken your strength and availability, replenish your energy, and reconnect you to your creative autonomy.
Women-Only Experience – A sacred container of intentionally-built co-regulation where we resource ourselves simply by showing up as we are.
Group retreat is NOT a luxury—it’s how women are meant to thrive.
Women aren’t meant to go it alone. We are wired for deep connection, for rhythms of rest and renewal, for gathering with other women to move, share, and restore. But modern life strips this away. We push through exhaustion, live in cycles of depletion and isolation, and forget what it feels like to be truly supported.
This is not indulgence—it’s baseline needs.* Studies show that women’s nervous systems regulate best in community with other women. Oxytocin, the hormone that lowers stress and boosts well-being, is released when we gather, when we move together, when we witness one another in our moving bodies. Yet most of us live in isolation, expected to self-soothe and "self-regulate" through productivity and willpower.
Retreat is the reset we’re physiologically designed for.
Here, away from the habits and overstimulation of daily life, your nervous system gets what it craves:
✨ Space—to sense, soften into, and reawaken your instincts.
✨ Movement—to restore fluidity and aliveness in your body.
✨ Witnessing—to be seen, held, and reminded that you are not alone.
✨ Nature—to recalibrate your rhythms and connect to something Godly.
When you remove yourself from routine, you don’t just “relax”—you repattern. You’ll return home not just well rested, but rewired—carrying a new baseline of vitality, resilience, and uniquely female power.
This is how women have always done it. And it’s how we will too.
* Email me at julia@movewithjuju.com with Subject line 'BASELINE' to apply for scholarship.
✨ Investment and Exchange
Regular pricing ends April 30, 2026: $2,397 USD
What’s included:
A bed in a shared double room* w/ private bathroom
Three organic/locally sourced meals per day (vegan, veg, non-veg options)
Daily Movement Medicine practice
5 Nature Immersions:
Cold remedy RIVER plunge at Orrido dello Slizza
FOREST bathing, terpene exposure, voice ritual & local wildlife education at Sentiero della Musica
Bike to, walk around and dip into glacial LAKE, seated mediation and self-reflection at Laghi di Fusine
CAVE ritual and breath practice enhanced by the "waterfall effect" via negative ions at Cascata Fiorino
MOUNTAIN hike to the top of Monte Lussari
Fun and gesture-based Italian lesson to ease the travel and transition to Italy
Day-pass to Hotel Il Cervo’s newly renovated Alpine Wellness Spa
+CARD Holiday Pass (discounts on local activities and excursions)
Transportation to/from Tarvisio Train Station via private shuttle
*Want a private room? Email julia@movewithjuju.com to arrange an upgrade (+$555).
Pre-retreat bonuses to hold you over:
15-minute Movement Medicine guided practice to use regularly
20-minute Connection Call with me for planting the seeds
🔥 On retreat add-ons
Available at extra cost:
An extra night before or after retreat at the hotel for easier transitions into EYN and back home (subject to availability)
Private session with me on retreat, where you will be supported and seen, and will leave with a personalized Movement Medicine practice
Spa treatment (massage, facial, skin care, etc)
Private accommodation for a more quiet and introspective experience
Full pool and spa access throughout retreat so you can just walk in whenever you feel like it
Are you feeling the pull?
Is a retreat like this what you want and need for yourself?
Is something holding you back or do you have more questions?
Want to make sure that your guide (me) passes the vibe check?
Book a free 20 min Zoom call with me and we will discuss whatever is on your heartmind.
From My Moving Body to Yours
Julia Eda Shemesh, BA in Dance and Philosophy, E-RYT i lost count, mother of two daughters, ex-professional dancer and perfectly ordinary mover
I know what it’s like to…
🫀 be overstimulated to the point of exhaustion and rage.
🫀 feel unseen in your own home.
🫀 struggle in your marriage, wondering if you’re losing yourself.
🫀 feel disconnected from your creativity, your children, your body.
🫀 know you have so much to gift the world—yet keep pouring yourself into the wrong places.
🫀 feel unloved or unlovable, not feminine enough, disembodied, in grief, like a failure, furious at the world, depleted, overwhelmed, spread thin.
🫀 just want to dance again.
The turning point for me was realizing that no matter what I did, how much I worked on myself, how much I tried to “fix” things…if I did not form a loving, respectful, and intelligent relationship with my moving body and her female physiology, I would remain exactly where I was. And I mean, exactly. The struggle would endure and I might even make a personality out of it. My body would keep fighting me and life would keep getting harder and scarier.
When I became a mother, I felt this truth in my bones probably because it was increasingly harder to ignore. And so I began to listen.
I pulled from everything I knew—20+ years of professional dance, deep yogic albeit male-centric studies, integral anatomy, movement research, somatic psychology, and thousands of hours guiding and learning from women—and wove it into a practice that worked with and for my moving body instead of against it. A practice that innerstood, revered, and celebrated what it means to move as a woman.
That’s how Movement Medicine was born. We're not fixing anything. We're returning home as a whole woman.
This alpine land is my home. And it’s calling you back to yours.
This isn’t a destination retreat. This land is where my ancestors have lived for generations. It’s where I spent my childhood, where I had my first kiss on the banks of these rivers, where my mother has hiked these mountains since she was a girl. My grandmother taught me how to walk through these forests with reverence.
This land holds a raw, timeless wisdom.
Step away from the electrical noise. From the flatlines and rectangle screens. From the overwork and the pushing and the isolation. Step into the lush beauty of this place, where the rivers run clear, the air is crisp with terpenes, and the mountains remind us what it means to belong—to yourself, to the soft animal of your body, to the family of things.
I am here to guide you back home to your moving body.
A typical day:
7:30 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Morning ritual
10:00 AM: Nature immersion
1:00 PM: Lunch
5:00 PM: Movement Medicine
7:00 PM: Dinner
8:30 PM: Evening ritual
This video focuses on the Fusine Lakes and Lake Predil, which we will visit. My intention in sharing it here is to give you a vibe of the ESSENCE of this place. Enjoy!
The power of the Julian Alps
BREATHE: Air quality is decidedly better for you in the mountains. The air is charged with beneficial secondary metabolites called terpenes that are released from a wide variety of local plants. Imagine a week of breathing in some of the best air quality in the world.
SEE: Magnificent views that leave their mark on your soul. Studies have shown the powerful effects of being close to and actually gazing at mountains and their surroundings. Spend some time literally sitting on some of the oldest and most solid parts of our Earth.
FEEL: Throughout history and across cultures, we have been swimming or dipping ourselves in natural bodies of water as a way to cleanse ourselves—physically, psychologically and emotionally. This return to Grandmother Water nourishes and awakens us on a primal level.
Welcome to spa country
Hotel Il Cervo hosts a top-notch Alpine Wellness Spa that is designed to promote cellular healing & deep relaxation.
SAUNA, JACUZZI & TURKISH BATH
From Il Cervo: “The steam spreads around you and a relaxing feeling invades your spirit while your body is purified and the mind is cleared. Your body eliminates toxins accumulated due to stress, pollution, weather and excesses, and toned thanks to the action of the whirlpool.”
WOODLAND SAUNA
This sauna was built in 2021 and is made entirely with Tarvisio spruce wood. It is designed to encourage deep relaxation while laying wrapped in the scent of the forest and mountain herbs. It is held at 80-85 degrees and uses the following local herbs:
Ugovizza hay, mint, thyme, yarrow, fennel, cinnamon, cloves, chamomile, fir and juniper.
POOL
From Il Cervo: “Our indoor pool is a space to give yourself a refreshing moment after a day of skiing or hiking outdoors. Open all year round…will fascinate you with its wonderful views of the Julian Alps and Tarvisio…An area, depth 60 cm, is dedicated to baby guests for their fun.”
“If I could tell you what it meant,
there would be no point in dancing it.”
— Isadora Duncan
FAQs
Women thrive in safe, intentional spaces designed for deep rest, reflection, and connection. Gathering in this way allows us to support one another, process our experiences, and reclaim our power.
Research shows that women’s health and well-being improves in community settings. What we can understand, feel and move through together far surpasses what we can do alone.
We will be a group of 18 women—an intimate size that allows for deep connection, shared experiences, and a supportive collective energy.
This retreat is a culmination of my life's work, offering a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of the Italian Alps. It’s not just about movement, it’s about reconnecting with your body’s wisdom, the healing power of nature, and the deep sisterhood that arises when women come together in shared space.
What makes this retreat stand out is the intentional blend of movement informed by our unique female physiology, raw alpine nature and its extraordinary benefits, combined with the personal expertise I bring from over 30 years in the fields of dance, somatic therapy, and women’s embodiment. This is a deeply restorative, immersive week designed to empower you on every level—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
In addition, you’ll be guided through the stunning Alpine wilderness, experiencing not just breathtaking hikes and nature immersions, but also personalized movement practices and intimate connections with other women.
This retreat offers the space to reconnect with your inner vitality, deepen your sense of self, and integrate your body and spirit in ways that will ripple out into your everyday life.
The retreat package includes:
✅ 6 nights in a beautiful alpine hotel
✅ All meals (seasonal, local cuisine with veg/non-veg options)
✅ Daily yoga and movement practices
✅ Respect for our female physiology and its unique needs
✅ Guided hikes, lake plunges, and nature immersions
✅ Spa access (sauna, jacuzzi, relaxation areas)
✅ Use of mountain and city bikes
✅ +CARD Holiday Pass for local experiences
✅ Group pickup from Tarvisio Boscoverde train station
Add-ons include:
🔥 Private session with Julia
🔥 Spa treatments
🔥 Full spa and pool access throughout the retreat
🔥 Priority accommodation
🔥 An extra night at the hotel for a smoother transition home (Aug 30)
🚫 Flights and transportation to Tarvisio
🚫 Alcoholic beverages
🚫 Additional food & drinks from the hotel bar/lounge
🚫 Extra excursions & activities booked through the +CARD Holiday Pass
While the retreat schedule is thoughtfully curated, everything is optional.
🌿 Some days, you may want to dive fully into movement, hikes, and deep conversations. Other days, you might choose to lounge by the pool, take a solo walk in the woods, or sip a cappuccino in town.
There will also be intentional group rest periods woven into the retreat to balance activity with integration.
The retreat will feature seasonal, organic-when possible food, nourishing your body with local ingredients, vibrant flavors, and mindful preparation. Meals are designed to balance restoration with energy for movement and adventure.
I have been vegan for over a decade, and something that brings me satisfaction and joy is sharing the deliciousness of plant-based food with people. That said, I understand that everybody has different dietary needs, and if you are in need of non-veg options, they are available upon request.
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, let us know in advance—we’ll accommodate your needs with care.
☀️ Daytime temperatures: 70–85°F (21–29°C)
🌙 Evening temperatures: 50–60°F (10–16°C)
Expect warm, sunny days perfect for hiking and movement, with cool, crisp evenings in the mountains. Occasional summer storms can pass through, bringing dramatic skies and fresh alpine air.
Our retreat takes place at Hotel Il Cervo, a 4-star alpine hotel in the heart of the Julian Alps:
📍 Hotel Il Cervo
Via Priesnig, 72, Tarvisio (UD) – Italia
Nestled at the meeting point of Italy, Austria, and Slovenia, this stunning location offers direct access to mountain trails, lush forests, and panoramic views—a perfect setting for deep restoration and connection.
By Plane: The nearest airports are:
✈️ Klagenfurt (KLU) – 72 km
✈️ Ljubljana (LJU) – 84 km
✈️ Trieste (TRS) – 115 km
✈️ Venice Treviso (TSF) – 195 km
✈️ Venice Marco Polo (VCE) – 208 km
✈️ Salzburg (SZG) – 219 km
From the airport, you can rent a car or take a train to Tarvisio.
By Train: Take a train to Tarvisio Boscoverde Station, and we’ll have a shuttle waiting to bring you directly to the retreat hotel (included in your retreat package).
By Car: If you prefer to drive, Tarvisio is easily accessible from surrounding European countries. Renting a car may also be a good option if you’d like to explore more of the region before or after the retreat.
Need help with travel logistics? I’m happy to assist and can also help coordinate carpooling with other retreat participants.
The $555 deposit is non-refundable.
For cancellations before May 31, 2025, a portion of your payment may be refunded. After that date, all payments are final.
Here’s a quick guide:
✔️ Activewear for movement and hikes
✔️ Swimsuit for lake dips, sauna, and pool time
✔️ Warm layer for the cool mountain evenings
✔️ Comfortable walking/hiking shoes
✔️ Light rain jacket (just in case!)
✔️ Water bottle to stay hydrated
✔️ One ‘special occasion’ outfit
A detailed packing list will be sent before the retreat!
Included On-Site Activities:
🏔 Relaxation by the pool, jacuzzi, and sauna
🚴 Biking through scenic countryside to Laghi di Fusine
🌿 Exploring the charming town of Tarvisio
🧘♀️ Yoga & movement in the Tapas Shala
🥾 Hiking directly from the hotel to stunning alpine trails
Optional Excursions (via your +CARD Holiday Pass):
💆 Spa treatments for deeper relaxation
🌊 Water sports and adventure activities
🏞 Cave trekking and nature exploration
🚡 Zip-lining & adventure park thrills
🌿 Botanical walks and local herb foraging
🍲 Cooking classes & cultural experiences
Most additional activities are free or discounted with the +CARD Holiday Pass!
Yes, WiFi is available at the hotel, and cell service is generally strong. However, I encourage you to unplug as much as possible—let this be a true retreat from screens, distractions, and digital noise.
Click the registration button below to reserve your spot! You’ll receive a confirmation email with next steps after placing your $555 deposit.
If you have questions before signing up, feel free to email me or sign up for a free 20 min call—I’m happy to chat.