The Haven retreat
Walhalla, South Carolina
September 24-27, 2026
A Harvest Moon retreat designed for healthcare professionals seeking wonder, creativity, connection, and renewal.
The Women behind the haven
Ellie May
Creative Guide
Ellie May Cosplay is a professional mermaid and cosplayer from North Carolina! Since finishing nursing school in 2020, she's filled a variety of nursing roles including becoming a SANE nurse and completed her Master's in Nursing Education. She's been a mermaid for nearly 13 years and has been constructing cosplays and props professionally since 2022.
Joanie
Siren Synergy Founder,
Retreat Guide
and Videographer
Joanie is a firefighter-paramedic, professional mermaid, and founder of Siren Synergy. Her unique path has taken her from emergency scenes and CPR classes to springs, oceans, and mermaid gatherings across the country. She is passionate about building community, encouraging personal growth, and helping others reconnect with the things that make them feel alive.
Denise
Photography Guide
More about Denise and her photography experience will be shared soon.
About this retreat
Welcome to The Haven, a whimsical retreat designed for healthcare professionals seeking a chance to step away from the demands of everyday life and reconnect with themselves, their passions, and a supportive community of like-minded women.
Nestled in the mountains of Walhalla, South Carolina during the Harvest Moon, The Haven offers a unique blend of restoration, inspiration, and renewal. Surrounded by waterfalls, forests, and crisp autumn air, you'll have space to slow down, recharge, and embrace experiences that are often pushed aside while caring for others.
Throughout the stay, guests will enjoy a thoughfully curated blend of creative workshops, whimsical experiences, relaxation, and authentic connection.
The Haven is led by a team of women whose backgrounds span healthcare, education, creativity, photography, and whimsy. Together, they bring a unique blend of experience, encouragement, and imagination to create a weekend designed to inspire wonder, foster meaningful connections, and remind participants that caring for themselves is just as important as caring for others.
Women's Retreat Policy
To maintain a comfortable and supportive environment for all participants, The Haven will be a women-only retreat. Due to the shared sleeping arrangements within the retreat venue, attendance is limited to women guests and hosts.
YOur Escape awaits
What's included
Your Haven Retreat package includes:
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4 days / 3 nights accommodations in a private moutain retreat home with a waterfall just steps from the property.
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Daily meals, snacks, beverages, and shared dining experiences throughout the retreat.
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Access to all retreat workshops, activities, and group experiences.
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Creative workshops led by Ellie May Cosplay, where participants will create their own whimsical fantasy inspired accessories and keepsakes.
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Professional photography sessions with personalized posing guidance and coaching by Denise, helping each participant feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera.
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Waterfall, forest, and nature-inspired photo opportunities throughout the stay.
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Dedicated downtime to relax, explore the property, enjoy the natural surroundings, and recharge at your own pace.
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A supportive community of like-minded women who understand the demands of caring for others.
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Retreat welcome gift and keepsakes.
Retreat Pricing
The king's loft
Semi-private loft space with a comfy king bed and elevated views of the retreat home. Ideal for guests seeking additional privacy, space, and a peaceful retreat atmosphere. (Available as a semi private or shared space for two guests booking together)
$1495+tax
-OR-
if shared: $950+tax per person (1 available)
Premium Host Bunk
A unique opportunity to share the room with the retreat hosts while enjoying a premium top bunk space in the heart of the retreat experience.
$1095+tax (1 available)
The Queen's Loft
Semi-private loft space with a cozy queen bed and a tranquil setting perfect for rest, reflection, and relaxing retreat experience. (Available as a semi private or shared space for 2 guests booking together)
$1295+tax
-OR-
if shared: $950+tax per person (1 available)
The woodland bunks
A shared bunk-style space offering a welcoming atmosphere and an opportunity to connect with fellow retreat attendees while enjoying a comfortable budget-friendly stay.
$995+tax (4 available)
The Moonlit sofa sleeper
A cozy sofa sleeper accomodation in the common rooms offering a comfortable and budget-friendly way to experience The Haven Retreat.
$895+tax (2 available)
*Guests selecting this accomodation will be responsible for folding and storing the sofa sleeper each morning to allow for normal use of the shared living space during the day.
All prices listed are before taxes, which will be added at checkout.
Payment plans are available. Guests may choose to pay in full or split their retreat balance into 2 equal payments.
Reservation Policy
All retreat payments are non-refundable and non transferable except as outlined below. Guests who are unable to attend may transfer their reservation to another eligible participant, subject to approval by the retreat hosts.
Reservation transfers must be completed no later than September 1, 2026 to allow adequate time for processing, housing assignments, and retreat planning.
A $35 transfer fee applies to all reservation transfers and late payments. Payments received more than five days after their due date will be subject to the same fee.
All retreat balances must be paid in full by the final payment deadline Sept. 15, 2026. Failure to complete payment byt the deadline will result in forfeiture of the reservation and any payments previously made.
Important Information
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Transportation to and from The Haven Retreat is not included. Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to the retreat property and any off-site retreat activities.
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The Haven Retreat is subject to a minimum attendance requirement. If the minimum number of participants is not met, the retreat may be canceled and any payments made will be refunded in full.
Add-Ons
Enhance your retreat experience with optional upgrades designed to make your weekend even more magical.
The Magic wardrobe
Guests may rent pieces from our curated collection of fantasy and whimsical attire for use during photography sessions and retreat experiences.
Available pieces may include:
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Fantasy gowns, dresses, and character inspired ensembles.
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Fairy, woodland, and cottagecore-inspired looks
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Crowns, headpieces, and accessories
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Wings, capes, and statement pieces
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Select handcrafted props
*Inventory and pricing will be announced prior to the retreat.
*Guests may also have the opportunity to purchase select fantasy attire, accessories, and handcrafted pieces from participating hosts, subject to availability.
Enchanted Portraits
Professional photography sessions and posing guidance with Denise are included as part of our retreat experience. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase professionally edited images from their retreat photography sessions.
Available options may include:
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Digital image collections
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Individually edited portraits
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Print products and keepsakes
*Photography product options and pricing will be released closer to the retreat date.
Whimsy Film experience
Capture your own cinematic fairytale with a dedicated filming session to showcase the magic of your retreat experience. Featuring fantasy-inspired styling, scenic landscapes, and artistic videography, this experience creates a unique way to remember your weekend at The haven.
Includes 1 edited cinematic highlight film (approximately 60 seconds).
*Aerial footage may be included when weather, location, and conditions permit.