Empauher’s founding neuroaffirming retreat
What is it?
A three-night retreat for neurodivergent women and non-binary people who want to rest, reconnect and explore who they are beyond masking, burnout and other people’s expectations.
Location:
St Blane’s House, Kilchattan Bay, Isle of Bute, Scotland
Length:
26 February–1 March 2027 Kilchattan Bay, Isle of Bute, Scotland Three nights / four days Limited founding beta places
Take off the mask. Exhale. Reconnect.
Unmasking Authentically is an opportunity to step away from everyday demands and spend time in a creative, restorative and affirming environment.
Through neuroaffirming coaching, nature, visual art, storytelling, comedy, shared food and community, you will be invited to explore your identity, needs, voice and creativity.
This retreat is not about fixing you or transforming you into a more productive version of yourself.
It is about creating space to recognise who you already are.
There will be opportunities to participate, connect and create—as well as time to rest, be quiet or opt out. Everything will be invitational.
Who is the retreat for?
This retreat is designed for neurodivergent women and non-binary people, including those who:
- Feel exhausted from masking or meeting other people’s expectations.
- Want to reconnect with their creativity, identity and joy.
- Are recovering from—or trying to prevent—burnout.
- Want greater confidence in communicating their needs and boundaries.
- Are navigating a new understanding of their neurodivergence.
- Long for genuine connection with other neurodivergent people.
- Need space to reflect without pressure to perform or be productive.
You do not need a formal diagnosis to attend.
The retreat will be LGBTQIA+ affirming and created with an awareness of intersecting identities and experiences.
Booking & Investment
Investment
The total investment for the retreat is starting from £777.00
Deposit
To secure your place, a 40% deposit is paid at booking. The remaining balance is paid closer to the retreat date.
What happens after booking
Once your place is secured, you’ll receive a confirmation email with next steps, key dates, and practical information to help you prepare.
What you’ll love about this retreat centre
Perfect for gatherings, St Blane’s House is a spacious, detached house—once a hotel, now a stunning large retreat centre. Right on the water’s edge, it showcases the best of Scotland’s west coast.
Bute is named one of National Geographic’s Top 10 adventure destinations, with the West Island Way and Kelspoke Trail for panoramic sea vistas. The island also offers three golf courses, cycle paths, horseback riding, kayaking, abundant wildlife, and superb angling (rainbow trout on Loch Fad plus ample sea fishing).
Nearby highlights include Mount Stuart House, the Victorian resort town of Rothesay (castle + museum), seasonal sailings on the Waverley paddle steamer, Port Bannatyne, St Blane’s Chapel, and Ascog Fernery. Festivals across the year: Jazz Festival, ButeFest, Highland Games, Baird Festival of Flight.
At the retreat centre you’ll have a large games room (pool, table tennis, darts, toys, board games) and a music‑friendly lounge (drum kit, guitars, microphones, amp, keyboard, trumpet, karaoke with lights).. Themed bedrooms add extra fun.
Distances: beach 25 yards, shop 150 yards, pub/restaurant 1 mile.
Neighbourhood: A small, friendly village with a post office/coffee shop and a pub 1 mile away both on the bus route, with a stop outside the pub and St Blane’s House.
Why Bute (and Why This Retreat Centre)
What you’ll love about this retreat location
Oceanfront calm, 25 yards away.
Views that reset the nervous system.
Choose‑your‑energy days.
Neuro‑affirming setting.
Weather‑proof joy.
Wildlife on your doorstep.
Heritage that inspires.
Mount Stuart’s opulence, St Blane’s Chapel’s tranquility, Rothesay Castle’s stories—perfect prompts for reflection.
Playful possibilities.
Right to Roam freedom.
Community warmth.
Friendly post office/coffee stop and a great local pub a mile away—both on the bus route.
Easy to reach—worlds away.
Multiple ferry options and money‑saving ticket tips, plus quick links for day trips to the Highlands or Glasgow.
Made for authentic connection.
Ginny’s understanding of neurodiverse challenges and her ability to create tailored strategies made all the difference. I now have confidence and clarity in my entrepreneurial journey.
— Kate Curtis, Music Therapist & Head of Therapy