the SANCTUARY OF SELF
the art of living life to your fullest
Quebec city - Le Monastère des Augustines
October 15-19 2025
limited to 19 participants
WHY I CREATED THIS retreat
For the longest time, the hardest part of achieving life balance was learning to be comfortable with myself.
I was constantly in search of a sanctuary—a place where I could feel peace, acceptance, and safety. I tried everything: hitting the snooze button, planning weekends away, ending the week with an extra glass of wine, and indulging in spa days until my toes were wrinkly.
But nothing worked. Within days, I was back to being my exhausted, driven, overwhelmed self, shackled by the tyranny of my to-do list.
When my clients began showing up with symptoms of anxiety and overwhelm, I realized we all needed something more. We needed a way to move from merely surviving to truly thriving.
It was during this quest that I discovered Le Monastère des Augustines, a place steeped in deep healing traditions, nestled in the vibrant, historical city of Quebec. This wellness sanctuary perfectly captured the self-reflective energy I needed to transform into a calmer, more introspective version of myself.
Within its quiet walls or while strolling down the cobblestone streets of the old town just outside the gates, I found the space to thoughtfully manage my energy, pace myself with grace, and live in balance while deeply honouring my life’s journey.
There, I realized that the sanctuary I was seeking wasn't a physical place—it was within me all along.
I let go of perfectionism, committed to holding my boundaries and stopped saying “yes” at my own expense. I found a way to simply, gracefully accept myself—foibles and all.
Are you ready to rebalance and rejuvenate? Embrace a commitment to yourself. You are the sanctuary you crave.
IF NOT NOW, WHEN?
As the heat of summer leaves the air,
I feel the urge to become more still,
to balance, to enter into introspective reflection and to ready myself for the promise of cozy days to come.
How do you use this time of transition to rejuvenate?
IF NOT NOW, WHEN?
what you will explore
LIFE BALANCE
Stop juggling the impossible. Create a haven of peace by silencing the relentless pressure, the harsh judgment, and the exhausting drive. Discover the steadiness of being in tune with your true Self and craft a harmonious life blend.
WHO AM I NOW?
Whether it’s a change of season or a shift in life direction, you are experiencing a transformation. We are not static beings. From the quiet introspection of winter to the identity shifts of an empty nest, a new career, or a changing relationship status, we need time to reflect on who we are becoming. This reflection helps us navigate and embrace the needs of our evolving selves.
RELAXATION AND REJUVINATION
Put yourself at the top of your list. Embrace a pause, step away from the ceaseless demands and others' expectations, and savour the sweet joy of reconnecting with your Self. Take the time to stretch, breathe, and refresh your energy in anticipation of the joy winter will bring.
PLAY IN NATURE
Autumn invites us to embrace possibility and change. Rediscover the innocence of exploration, delight in every sense, and laugh freely. It's time to stride confidently and play wholeheartedly (and yes, we might spend time kicking the falling leaves around!)
SANCTUARY
How do you cultivate sacred spaces and moments in your daily life? Journey inward and renew your connection to a sense of expansiveness in your emotional and spiritual landscape.
COMMUNITY AND BELONGING
There is nothing like being surrounded by those who share your questions, dreams, and challenges. Feel the profound sense of connection and support that comes from being part of a community.
Do you want to know what it feels like to live your life to its fullest?
NOW IS THE TIME.
what AWAITS YOU ON OUR RETREAT
At Advivum Journeys, our retreats blend the unique charm of our destinations with a deeply personal quest, balanced by moments of relaxation and adventure. Experience true rejuvenation and revitalization.
before YOU ARRIVE
Your journey starts even before you set foot on our retreat. You'll receive a beautifully crafted workbook filled with readings, videos, journaling prompts, and exercises to ignite your reflection. Additionally, join our virtual pre-retreat workshop to meet your group and begin your journey of discovery together.
DURING THE retreat
Each day is designed to blend reflection and discovery with small group discussions and interactive explorations. You'll enjoy a harmonious mix of rejuvenation, exploration, play, travel, and relaxation. Imagine mornings filled with introspective activities, afternoons of group bonding and adventure, and evenings of peaceful relaxation.
returning home
Our support continues as you transition back home. You'll receive a follow-up workbook to help implement your newfound insights, along with a final group coaching call. Together, we'll integrate your epiphanies and ensure lasting transformation.
Are you ready to embark on a journey that will rejuvenate your soul and transform your life? Join us at Advivum Journeys and discover the sanctuary within yourself.
YOUR bucket-list EXPERIENCE INCLUDEs:
Your Bucket-List Experience Includes:
Immersive Workshops: Over three days, you'll participate in at least 18 hours of engaging workshops designed for personal rejuvenation. Expect exploratory exercises, partner work, short training sessions, learning games, and exciting challenges.
Guided Wellness and Relaxation: On your arrival day, you’ll be guided through an afternoon dedicated to self-care, contemplation, and spaciousness to prepare for the retreat. Your priority on this day is YOU!
Post-Retreat Integration: Enjoy two group coaching sessions and receive two workbooks to help integrate your learnings after the retreat, ensuring lasting transformation.
Luxurious Accommodation: Spend three nights in exclusive accommodations at the beautifully restored Monastère des Augustines, a world-class healing hotel in the heart of old Quebec City.
Daily Wellness Activities: Participate in curated activities designed to bring calm and vitality back to your life, including meditation walks, daily movement classes, and guided walking tours of Quebec City.
Gourmet Meals: Savor all gourmet meals at Le Vivoir, Monastère’s farm-to-table restaurant. We’ll also have one special dinner at a traditional Quebecois restaurant (cost not included).
Gifts and Surprises: Experience unexpected delights throughout your stay—because surprises are part of the magic!
Community Connection: Connect with new friends and fellow journeyers who, like you, have come to reawaken, rejuvenate, and play.
Exclusive Discounts: Enhance your stay with special offers: book additional nights at Le Monastère at a group rate or enjoy experiences at Strom spa with a 10% discount code provided at registration.
Tania Carriere
tania carriere
epiphany designer
Tania is deeply committed to being courageous and bold while answering life’s most important questions. Heartfelt, gracious and a believer in abundance, Tania’s experience of travel is that it holds the key to unlocking our sense of enchantment, discovery and humanness.
With over 25 years of designing unique, transformational experiences for individuals and organizations, Tania leans on her background in psychology, coaching, change management, leadership and personal transformation, theatre and travel to create fully integrated, life-provoking experiences.
As a speaker, Tania opens audiences to life’s questions and lessons through stories centred on travel and personal discovery, encouraging her audience to feel comfort in seeing new possibilities and making change.
Tania’s focus on stretching boundaries and inspiring discovery results from her passion for cultural travel, her love of learning, and her continuous exploration of her artistic self. Based in Ottawa, Canada, Tania, who is fully bilingual in English and French, has worked and travelled extensively around the world (77 countries and counting!). She is a theatre director and stage performer. She has an active blog and is always contemplating the next adventure. Tania is a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community and is committed to creating an environment of inclusion and diversity that welcomes and celebrates all people.
the magic of an experiential retreat
Welcome to a retreat where Le Monastère and Quebec City become our living classroom. Here, epiphanies emerge from a curated journey that engages your physical, creative, emotional, and spiritual selves. Join us for a transformative experience designed to unlock self-discovery and joy through:
Gastronomy
Imagine an EATING class that transcends the traditional cooking experience. At Le Vivoir, you'll savor farm-to-table delights with mindful eating practices, turning each meal into a moment of joy and reflection.
Wellness Activities
Revitalize with daily wellness movement classes, guided meditation walks, and self-guided reflections. Discover healing and creativity while exploring the historic beauty of Le Monastère and the surrounding city.
Awe-Inspiring Culture and History
Step into a legacy of rest, renewal, and healing. Les Augustines, pioneers of the first hospital north of Mexico, crafted a foundation of healthcare in Quebec. Experience their daring spirit and continued commitment to service as you stay amidst their legendary naturopathic gardens and strategic vision.
Old World Delight
Quebec City will whisk you away to the charm of the Old World. Wander its cobblestone streets and narrow pathways, leaving behind the glare of modern screens. Immerse yourself in breathtaking views and timeless beauty.
Join us for a journey that promises to enlighten and rejuvenate. Reserve your spot now and step into a world of discovery and wonder.
where we will stay
A haven of peace in the heart of the city, Le Monastère des Augustines is part of the historic Hôtel-Dieu de Québec monastery, one of the most important classified heritage sites within Old Quebec — itself a world heritage site. Respectfully restored, the original buildings blend harmoniously with the new construction’s contemporary architecture.
The site’s heritage value stems from its European architectural tradition, perimeter wall, vast garden dating to 17th century New France, and the powerful social role it played right from the beginning.
The Cloisters have been sensitively restored and redesigned. Le Monastère offers its guests a unique experience in holistic health, along with a rare opportunity to connect directly with the Augustinian Sisters’ remarkable heritage.
It welcomes people of all cultures and beliefs and is proud to operate its facilities sustainably.
your investment
3-days/ 4-night retreat experience:
US$2450 private room; for those who want more quiet time
US$2045 shared room; we’ll match you with a roommate who will likely become your newest bestie!
Laughter and rejuvenation : priceless
YOUR THE JOY IN-BETWEEN FIELD TRIP INCLUDES
3 days of in-session workshops
2 group private coaching sessions
4 nights accommodation in a Canadian heritage hotel
1/2 day guided “me-time” to recharge and revitalize
daily mindfulness and movement practices
Curated quintessential old-Quebec experiences
Gourmet meals and plentiful snacks (one night out in Quebec not included)
2 beautiful and thought-provoking workbooks
Onsite gifts and surprises
Connection in a curated community
Unhurried time
*This is an intimate retreat with limited enrollment that includes meals, accommodations, and coaching. That means that I cannot accommodate refunds. However, if something comes up and you cannot attend, I will do my best to help you find someone to fill your spot and transfer you to an alternate retreat.
Getting Here:
FLIGHTS: Nearest airport is in Quebec City YQB
TRAINS: The VIA train station is 2 blocks away from Le Monastère and a lovely way to travel.
CAR: approximately 2 hours from Montreal or 4 from Ottawa. Please note there is limited parking on site. Paid parking nearby.
work paying? here is a RATIONALE TO GIVE your boss
Fully expressed, authentic, present leaders are a necessary attribute of today’s most innovative and competitive organizations.
Personal leadership is the foundation of a noteworthy leadership culture. As a leader, I am motivated by a sense of personal purpose and I need to feel recharged so that I can better engage those around me. By observing my patterns, beliefs, and choices through experiential learning and coaching, I am able to make lasting transformations that will influence my leadership choices and this organization’s trajectories.
Who we are is how we lead.
Transition times are important times of grounding and self-acknowledgement.