Connect to a Community of Moms who Understand
The Retreat offers a one-of-a-kind curated & immersive connection-based healing experience for moms after losing a child to suicide. It will be held in sunny Rincon, Puerto Rico.
The goal is for moms to leave feeling empowered & connected - to their own soul, nature & new friends you can't imagine not knowing.
At this retreat, we've taken care of everything so you can focus on connection, renewal and healing... It is an all-inclusive, healing retreat experience. All activities, meals (including those off-site), snacks, etc., are included in the price, as is transportation to and from San Juan Airport (SJU).
~ For smaller meals, we will dine in the kitchen areas; for dinners, we'll eat al fresco, on the patio area. Enjoy local cuisine prepared on-site by a Chef, including as much local & organic food as possible, seasonal fruit available throughout the year, and more.
~ Wake up with the roosters and head to bed with the coqui. Truly unparalleled, nature island vibes. There is no pool, BUT we have beach front access. You will be able to walk on the beach every day.
This Retreat is a unique opportunity for empowered growth and connection. It is a nurturing sanctuary carefully designed to provide a safe and caring environment for you to explore spiritual connection as a part of your healing. While it is not a replacement for therapy or medical care, it offers a nurturing environment for you to explore healing, tools & connection in a safe, curated space.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR STAY?
This unique all-inclusive retreat for moms who have lost a child to suicide includes a pre-arrival meeting and meet-&-greet (Zoom). You will also get transportation to and from the airport, well-appointed rooms, several inviting common areas, three nourishing meals a day (plus plenty of snacks), daily beach trips (it's right out the back door) and other adventures to be determined. There will be daily guided morning (restorative) yoga plus meditation, journaling, and more...
Serenity, Peace & Sleep.
This property is ideally located in the heart of Rincon, Puerto Rico. We are on the beach AND blocks from the famous downtown area. Your experience will aim for quality sleep with the support of a serene, nature-inspired interior design theme, with unparalleled views of nature and comfortable beds and pillows. Casa Goyita will function as our sanctuary to feel supported, comforted & cradled by spirit & nature alike. The property is air-conditioned & comfortable all year long (but we cannot control outages or issues that could occur on an island). The host (Melissa) has done everything to ensure a comfortable stay, but some things on the island are beyond our control.
Mom-to-Mom Connection.
Connecting with other grieving moms is a game changer in our 'after life'. I still recall the first time I looked into the eyes of another mom who 'knew '...now, I witness (daily) the true power of these mom-to-mom connections. You will form relationships with (new) best friends you wish you never had the reason to meet but won't want to live without moving forward! These relationships will deeply validate your feelings and experiences, making you feel less alone and more understood. You will also learn to start trusting & reconnecting with yourself by being present in rich natural settings, connecting with your child in spirit, and being challenged in new, safe ways. There will be opportunities to stay connected after the retreat as well.
Daily Movement & Nature.
Moving our bodies is vital as we heal and learn to live after loss. A daily movement (restorative yoga) session will be held each morning, followed by a nourishing breakfast. There will be opportunities to rest and move throughout the day, and we will continually be in nature, soaking up the sun and sea air. Our schedule includes fun on the sand and water, a special trip to a beautiful waterfall, and time to explore downtown Rincon. While most activities will be low to moderate intensity, optional challenges will be available for those seeking adventure. There will be activities on the sand and the water, one trip to a waterfall, time in downtown Rincon, and more. Activities will be low to moderate level, but for those seeking more adventure, you will also find challenges.
Be Served. Be Nourished.
Food matters - on a deep level. Menus & meals are curated specifically for this group by Melissa, a former Executive Chef, & executed to her specifications by her amazing Sous Chef husband - &/or a member of The Leftover Pieces Team. We will proudly acquire as much local, organic food as possible, fostering a connection to our community and a commitment to the environment. All meals are mindfully prepared (& served to you), keeping with the guiding principles of a low-inflammation, Mediterranean meets Caribbean-style diet as the center point. Meals are not vegetarian - though some may be. Special dietary needs will be accommodated wherever possible (please advise ahead of retreat).
CLICK & READ HERE ---> THE REST of the DETAILS - What's Included & What's Not...PLEASE READ (click to expand)
What Healing & Connection in Paradise Looks Like
Retreat Rooms & Pricing
Ocean views to the west of Puerto Rico. Watch the sun set over Mona Pass every evening as you gaze toward Hispaniola, dreaming of the days when real rum-hauling Pirates frequented this passage! Most only dream of seeing the island this way. It is located on the picturesque west coast in the quaint, dreamy, laid-back Rincon - arguably the best surf destination in the Caribbean. This retreat has been designed for connection - to yourself, other moms, nature & your child in spirit.
Everyone will have a comfy bed with access to perfectly appointed bathrooms. There are several casual, inviting common areas, inside & out. The ocean is just a quick walk down a path on the property. There are hammocks, seating areas and a firepit area outside, as well as a fully functional and stocked outside kitchen.
To hold your spot, you must make an initial deposit of $750 (non-refundable). You can pay in full or divide the remainder into monthly installments—or just a few payments (let me know). A 5% discount is always available for paying in full when you book. Melissa will email you, and you will make the payment via PayPal.
See different photos & images below of possible bedrooms.
Reserve by CLICKING HERE Now...Spots will go fast!
Private Queen Room with Shared Bathroom
(Shared Bathroom)
$2888
4 Available
4 available - on a first come, first reserved basis - this room shares the full hallway bathroom with up to 4 others [the image above is only an example, not necessarily the exact room] As rooms book, I will indicate here (in these boxes) how many are reserved. It will be kept updated.
Shared Room
(3 ladies per room- max)
$2388
ONE Booked - 5 Available
2 rooms (= 6 spots available) - on a first come, first reserved basis - this room shares the full hallway bathroom with up to 4 other total. [the image above is only an example, not necessarily the exact room] I will indicate here (in these boxes) how many are reserved. It will be kept updated
Private Queen Room
(En Suite - Private Bathroom)
$3388
1 Available
Only 1 room like this available - on a first come, first reserved basis - this room is private and has its own private bathroom. [the image above is only an example, not necessarily the exact room] I will indicate here (in these boxes) how many are reserved. It will be kept updated
Meet Your Host
Hello, I am Melissa. I lost my incredible 21-year-old son Alex to suicide on August 7, 2016. My whole life shattered at that moment. For several years, I was lost in a fog - broken and unsure of how to rebuild any life from the devastation. But I want to share with you that healing our trauma is possible - while learning to live alongside the grief. It's been a long and challenging journey, but I've found comfort, connection, and healing. And I want to help you find it, too.
Reflecting on the arduous journey of the first four years, I was determined to prevent others from enduring the same struggle. This determination ignited a passion within me to create a community of comfort, connection, and healing for those who have lost someone to suicide. In 2020, I channeled this passion into my (first)podcast, 'The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations.' I went on to train as a master-level certified Grief Guide, become Reiki I & II Certified, and become a trauma-informed energy healer, author, multi-podcast host, and speaker. This transformation from personal loss to a beacon of hope for others is a testament to the power of healing and community support.
After years, I discovered three everyday needs in all of the moms I have come to know:
- The need for resources (at the time of loss and beyond).
- There is a need for connection to other moms who "get it."
- They need to ensure that their child is remembered.
Now, I also facilitate an online support community, provide resources, and even design a Legacy project to highlight and honor our child's life. And now, retreats have also become a part of it all! Retreats like this one are added as a unique healing opportunity for us to come together, share our stories, and support each other in a safe and peaceful environment.
My heart's mission is now fully dedicated to creating a community of support and healing for suicide loss survivors, particularly for grieving moms like me. I find immense joy in helping them step towards hope and healing while guiding them to find meaning and even happiness amid the leftover pieces scattered before them. This joy in helping others is a driving force in my work and a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
DON'T WAIT
Limited Availability... Reserve Your Retreat Spot Today
Empowered Healing; Community Connections Retreat Awaits You
April 24-29, 2025
"Child Loss by Suicide is Lonely, But You Do Not Have to Do It Alone"
CLICK to RESERVE - Connection & Healing Awaits You
