Return to Light:
Honouring Winter, Welcoming Spring
a women’s retreat
with Cat Doyle
Friday March 13 - Sunday March 15, 2026
Merrickville, Ontario
“The retreat with Cat in Merrickville was everything I needed and more—restorative, nourishing, and deeply connecting. The setting was beautiful, the classes were spacious and thoughtful, and the entire weekend felt like a luxurious reset for body, mind, and spirit.”
Enjoy a luxe girls weekend away, and leave feeling restored, connected and healthy.
“The experience helped me tap into the season and release some of my own tension while connecting on a deeper level to my mind, body, and spirit.
If you’re looking for a way to unwind and deepen your self-care practice, I can’t recommend Cat enough!”
This retreat is a weekend of self-care and creating connections with like-minded women.
Merrickville, Ontario is a gem of a town, nestled on the Rideau Canal, and known as Canada’s most beautiful village. Year round, people flock to Merrickville for it’s quaint shops, relaxed vibe, proximity to Ottawa, and historic buildings.
Treat yourself to a deluxe March weekend of yoga, rest, self-care, and food.
The retreat is hosted at Maple & Rose a meticulously restored Victorian mansion, in the heart of Merrickville. Each bedroom boasts its own ensuite bathroom, historic details, and modern amenities. Our small group of like-minded women will have access to the entire property, including the yoga studio space, all three floors, sunroom lounge area, and an outdoor fire pit.
This weekend is about reconnecting to yourself, through yoga, nourishing food, and feminine energy. Practice being present, “doing” less and “being” more.
“I left feeling rejuvenated and relaxed. Cat is simply the best yoga instructor that I have ever had!”
“Cat is a master in creating a relaxed and chill vibe for all participants. She takes the time to connect with each guest in an authentic manner. She truly created magic for our group in the creatively sequenced yoga practices and group activities.”
Enjoy a weekend away from responsibilities
During this retreat, you’ll be staying in a room of your choice at historic Maple & Rose and enjoy experiences including:
Yoga practices
Meditation and intentional breathing
Guided journaling
Yoga workshop
Curated whole-food meals (vegetarian options available), with wine
Optional massage
Giftlet bag with local goodies from woman-owned businesses
Downtime to rejuvenate yourself
“This retreat was a welcome break with a relaxed vibe and delicious food. Cat guided us through some beautiful yoga practices and ensured that we had everything we needed. Cat is attentive, kind and joyful and I’ve already signed up for her next retreat!”
Weekend Itinerary:
Friday
4:00PM Arrive and check-in
Enjoy some snacks, meet the other women, familiarize yourself with your room at Maple & Rose
5:00PM Opening circle and giftlets
6:00PM Curated dinner by Kasia K.
7:30PM Yin Unwind + Nidra (75)
Time to read, relax, or go to bed early
Saturday
Enjoy coffee/tea and a slow start to the morning
8:00AM Flow yoga, meditation, journaling (90)
10:00AM Homemade delicious brunch
Free time to enjoy Merrickville, peruse the shops, get a massage, take a nap, walk along the canal, relax with your new friends
4:30PM Yin & Aromatherapy (90)
6:30PM Whole-food dinner by Kasia K
8:00PM Group activity
Sunday
Enjoy coffee/tea and a slow start to the morning
8:00AM Mobility feel-good yoga flow, meditation (75)
9:30AM Journaling & closing circle
10:00AM - Breakfast bar brunch
11:00AM Check out and goodbyes
Investment
$999 - 1369 CAD, depending on room selection
Deposit of $300 CAD due upon booking (non-refundable)
Final Payment due February 28, 2026
Choose your room:
Main Floor
Forsythe Room
• King bed for solo occupancy
• En suite bathroom
• Patio access
$1269
Second Floor
Maple Room
• Queen bed for solo occupancy
• En suite bathroom with luxurious soaker tub
• Reading nook, tucked into the historic turret
$1369
Rose Room
• Two twin XL beds for double occupancy
• En suite bathroom
• Rideau River and garden view
$1099 per person
Charlotte Room
• Queen bed for solo occupancy
• En suite bathroom
• Warm and calm Boho-inspired design
$1269
Magee Room
• Two twin XL beds for double occupancy
• En suite bathroom
• Peaceful garden view
$999 per person
Third Floor
Watchorn Suite
• Queen bed + full bed in separate, attached rooms
• En suite bathroom
• Turret reading nook with rotating nap chair
• Electric fireplace
$1269 Queen
$1099 Full
Robinson Room
• Two twin XL beds for double occupancy
• En suite bathroom
• Original 130 year old window
$999 per person
Cat Doyle (she/her)
Cat hails from Ottawa, Canada and brings a deep love of gathering people together and creating an experience. She has been teaching yoga since 2011 and offers clear, straightforward instruction with a dose of insight and playfulness. Her background in biology and psychology means she is serious about anatomy, alignment, and functional movement. She focuses on moving in intentional, mindful ways and balances practices that feel like a good workout with practices that give you a sense of calm and release. Cat is an experienced retreat host; having facilitated over 25 yoga retreats, both locally and internationally.
FAQs with Cat
Q: This retreat is just for women. What does that mean?
A: This is about calling in and gathering a group of like-minded people. There is something magical that happens when we intentionally gather in these ways. The Return to Light Retreat is open to anyone who identifies as a woman.
Q: Is this retreat only for advanced yogis?
A: Definitely not! You will benefit from having practiced yoga before, but I am an experienced yoga teacher who can adapt the practice depending on your skill level. I can also can offer suggestions and modifications if you’re dealing with an injury. This is a great opportunity to explore different styles of yoga, ask questions, and learn variations that work for your body.
Q: What if I’m coming to Return to Light alone?
A: That’s great! You’ll have an opportunity to connect more with me, the group, and yourself. You can choose a solo room or share a room with twin XL beds. You will be fully supported and integrated into the group.
Q: How do I get there?
A: Maple & Rose is located in the heart of Merrickville at 205 Mill Street. Driving there is very straightforward using a map app. If you want to carpool/rideshare, I can connect you with other participants coming from the same area.
Q: When is check in and check out?
A: You can check in on Friday March 13 anytime after 4:00pm. We will get started with our group around 5:30pm. Check out is on Sunday March 15 at 11:00am.
Q: What does the itinerary for this retreat look like?
A: We will start the retreat on Friday afternoon with light snacks, group opening circle, yoga practice, then dinner. Saturday will include morning yoga + meditation, brunch, free time to explore Merrickville, another yoga practice, dinner, and wine pairing. On Sunday, we’ll have a yoga practice, brunch, and time to connect as a group. Based on my experience of hosting retreats, we will go with the flow and curate the activities to match our group’s energy.
Q: What about the food?
A; We have a private cook for our group! Kasia K will prepare fresh, delicious meals for us. Dietary issues like gluten-free and dairy free are easily accommodated. Please let us know if you are vegetarian/vegan or have other food allergies when you book.
Q: Is this a dry retreat?
A: No it’s not - we have a wine pairing with dinner, and it’s up to you if you want to have a glass or not. You are welcome to bring your own alcohol. As a general guideline, please refrain from drinking before yoga practices and be mindful of your consumption.
Q: Am I required to participate in every activity?
A: No, you can customize your retreat experience to be as relaxed or as lively as you want. Although a group itinerary with yoga and activities has been curated, at the end of the day you can opt in or out of anything along the way.
Q: What is NOT included in the price?
A: You are responsible for organizing transportation to Maple & Rose. I also strongly recommend that you have travel and medical insurance, as applicable. Gifts and treats can be purchased at stores in town.
