Brand new business, Warm Blanket Retreats is offering something refreshingly different: the time and space women are craving. We caught up with founder Anna Thomson to hear more about the heart behind the retreats and why its special nature is so important to her.
Tell us a bit about Warm Blanket Retreats. What inspired you to start it?
Last year, I was going through huge personal change, and I really longed to get away for a few days for some headspace and perspective. I needed laughter, connection, and understanding and the kind of deep and sometimes irreverent conversations that women have when we get together. I put together a quick invitation and offered it to my friends and acquaintances – and sold out the same day. I realised I had hit a chord that resonated with other women. So many of us are juggling multitudes of responsibilities, and we all know that we need to take care of ourselves but don’t often have the time or energy to make that actually happen.
Before my career as a copy editor, I ran school holiday programmes and camps, here and in the USA. There is power in being away from your usual surroundings and getting to know other people in a relaxed casual environment, perhaps learning new skills. I’ve seen it change kids, and I know it has power for adults too. There’s magic in it.
What makes your retreats different from others?
I really wanted to give women the credit of knowing what they need. For some people, relaxing is a long walk by themselves; for others, it’s an afternoon journalling or reading; and for others it’s sitting on the couch chatting and seeing where the conversation goes. There’s no need to programme that. Instead, I built a getaway that feels more like a weekend away at the bach with girlfriends.
What’s most important to you about this new business?
I’m really pragmatic and practical, and Warm Blanket Retreats is my baby, so of course it’s got the same vibe. I want it to be an affordable respite without pretence. I’m not fussy or fancy, so neither are these retreats. Which is not to say there isn’t some luxury involved! We have a massage therapist available on the Saturday, and the food involves lots of delicious little treats. The price is also important – I’ve always looked longingly at other retreats and wondered who could afford to go to them. I certainly don’t have $1000 lying around. Collaborating with Red Bach Retreat in Turakina has allowed me to keep the price lower, hopefully making it accessible to more women. And I’m more than happy to spread payments out.
What kind of people come to your retreats?
Women who like to meet others and who want to get away from home and business but can’t or don’t want to pay thousands of dollars for the privilege. Women who crave the space and time to do their own thing without interruptions and responsibilities.
Why did you choose Turakina as your retreat location?
Red Bach Retreat is the best possible fit for the casual relaxed atmosphere I wanted to create, and the whole idea came about after a conversation with the owners, who had long wanted to run women’s retreats there. Being only 30 minutes from Whanganui, and easy to get to from Palmerston North, Wellington, New Plymouth, and the Hawkes Bay, it felt like the perfect location. You don’t spend your entire day traveling, it’s close enough to get home quickly if there’s a family emergency, but its far enough away to feel you’ve escaped your responsibilities and pressures for a bit.
What’s next for Warm Blanket Retreats?
The next retreat is 5–7 September, and bookings are open now. I’ve had many suggestions for custom retreats and collabs (think art retreats, reading retreats, business planning retreats, and even a ‘red’ celebration retreat for post-menopausal women!), so I’m busy exploring those too. I’m also having interesting discussions with the Cancer Society about bespoke retreats for their clients, something I’m really keen to support.
Any final thoughts for the Business Whanganui community?
I’ve already been a business owner for 12 years as a freelance copy editor, and now I find myself running a second business. It’s mad, and I was laughing the other day about how much I need my own retreat right now! So, I’m right in the thick of it – I know how much there is to do, how much headspace it takes up, how relentless it can be. I love that the business community in Whanganui is full of vibrant women doing amazing things; I’m so delighted to be a part of it, and I’d love to support them by providing that all-important time and space to take a step back and recalibrate every now and then.
To learn more or book your spot, visit warmblanket.co.nz
PLUS: Business Whanganui Members enjoy a $30 discount when booking your Warm Blanket Retreat using the code CHAMBER30
Warm Blanket Retreats: the time and space you crave.
Recent Comments