A weekend to reset.
To reconnect.
To rise — slowly.
april or sept 2026 | merimbula
curated and co-hosted by citta collective x the foundation.
in collaboration with hillcrest merimbula, safir house and sans ceuticals.
the experience.
SLOW RISE is a carefully curated 2-night/3-day retreat on the Sapphire Coast.
It's an invitation to shift rhythm and perspective. To soften into a slower pace and reconnect.
This weekend is not a detox. Not a performance camp.
It's a full exhale — a spacious, thoughtful, and elevated experience. Designed for those who seek more than a break — those craving community, real conversations, growth towards visions and space to reset.
Together we step away from the city’s hum and into the rhythm of the coast.
Set on the hilltops of Merimbula, we find our home in the thoughtfully designed Hillcrest Merimbula — a space expansive, yet warm and grounding.
As we experience how to
~ move with purpose
~ nourish to replenish
~ rejuvenate without rush
~ grow with intention,
we reconnect with presence, stillness, and community.
Beside calming free time, we will dive into meditative sunrise rituals, invigorating movement in nature, inspiring talks, exploration of local produce, restorative stretch sessions and wind down with sauna, ice bath and fireside evenings.
the inclusions.
4 days / 3 nights premium accommodation with solo or double bedroom
nourishment with the finest local, seasonal produce incl. arrival platter, 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners, 2 lunch
daily gentle movement sessions: walk, stretch, release
spa afternoon at Safir House with sauna, ice bath, breath work and facial ritual guided by Sans ceuticals
sunset oyster shucking by the fire
intro to meditation and morning reflections
free time and access to pool, tennis court, bikes and beach visits
growth talks on habit creation towards personal visions and dreams
tea, refreshments, fruit and snacks all day available
welcome goodie bag valued at $150
ritual enhancing Sans ceuticals facial kit and activator vitamin oil
3 months membership to citta collective ongoing learning journal
the people and vision behind.
The creation of this retreat is rooted in friendship, trust, and aligned values. We, Elaine and Jace, have worked alongside each other for years — through challenge, stillness, and growth. We’ve held each other accountable to living with intention, integrity, and presence.
With Elaine’s lifelong connection of holistic health and movement, citta collective came to life. Jace, co-founder of The Foundation draws from years of experience in performance and lifestyle-coaching. In our collaboration we share what has supported, grounded and realigned us personally through the fluctuations of life — the challenges, the growth, and the lessons that come with balancing ambition and wellbeing.
Casper, owner of Hillcrest Merimbula, and his wife Eilidh, founder of Safir House, are long-time friends and locals embedded in this coastal community. Bringing them into this retreat felt natural — four people, one shared vision: to connect, serve and evolve.
the home.
THE HILLCREST MOTEL MERIMBULA
For three days we settle in Merimbula, a relaxed coastal town on the Sapphire Coast known for its calm bays, wild beaches, walking trails, and excellent produce, especially oysters and cheese. An offering of the perfect backdrop for retreating from city noise and reconnecting to nature.
Set on a hilltop sits our home — Hillcrest Merimbula — a reimagined 70s motel turned resort-style accommodation. With expanding views into the bay and towards the ocean, Hillcrest merges retro character with contemporary comfort. We can't wait to immerse into a space of curated vintage with a laid-back luxury, designed character-filled rooms, lush lawn spaces, a swimming pool, tennis court, poolside lounges, outdoor fire pit and easy access to beaches and trails.
Our home will have solo, double and twin share rooms.
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acknowledgement of country.
We respectfully acknowledge the Djiringanj and the Thaua people, as being the Traditional owners of this beautiful land on which we meet for this retreat. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.