How can I get a cabin/room with my friend/s, or if it is just myself?
Preference of accommodation question, be sure to select the appropriate cabin/room.
Cabin: you will have your friends already lined up (either you plus 3 = 4, or you plus 5 = 6). Then be sure to list all their names, so we can match it all on our end.
Single/Solo (Rockstar): select “please pair me with someone fabulous”, under accommodations question. You are a Rockstar because you chose to attend all on your own, and to come to meet like minded women and have a fabulous time.
What are the accommodations like?
- Motel; wonderfully spacious rooms, each with two queen beds, with a walkout deck overlooking Flack Lake. In the motel rooms all bed linens, blankets, pillows, bath towels, basic toiletries are provided.
- Cabins/Chalets; come equipped with kitchens, spacious and clean, separate bedrooms (some rooms with two single beds and/or double/queens), full bathroom/s, almost all overlooking the water. In the cottages, all bed linens, blankets, pillows, bath towels, basic toiletries, and dish cloths are provided. Kitchens are equipped with a fridge, stove, standard coffee makers, plates, bowls, glassware, utensils, pots and pans. We recommend packing beach towels if you plan to swim.
- Housekeeping; rooms, and cabins will be clean and sanitized prior to your arrival. Housekeeping will return daily to freshen towels and remove garbage. Check out of your room/cabin, by 11:00 am on Sunday May 5, 2024. Thanking you in advance, it would be appreciated.
- Room Service; available during operating hours, please verify with the desk in the Lodge. All room service is subject to an additional cost to the person ordering, processed at check out with Laurentian Lodge, and is not included with your retreat package.
- Meals; scheduled meals are served in either the Lodge dining room, or in the Banquet Hall, and are included in your retreat package. Any additional meals requested are subject to additional fees above and beyond the retreat package.
- Licensed for alcohol; Laurentian Lodge is a licensed facility (dining room/banquet hall), which can be purchased through Laurentian Lodge. No outside alcohol can be brought in to either of those buildings. You are welcome to bring/consume your own to your room/cabin.
- Smoking there is no smoking or vaping permitted in the buildings at Laurentian Lodge.
- Check out All guests are required to return their key from their room to the desk in the Dining Hall, and ensure that all fees and balances are paid prior to departure.
Things to know before you arrive
In keeping with our wilderness setting, there are no telephones, televisions, radios, alarm clocks or air-conditioning units in any of our guest accommodation. You are welcome to bring your own items if you feel it necessary. Television and telephone are available in the main lodge. Due to our somewhat remote location, internet and cellular phone service is not available on most of the property – great for those looking for a digital detox! However, wireless internet service for checking emails and social media feeds, etc. is available in the main lodge and banquet room as well as their immediate area. Bandwidth is limited, so live streaming of movies and videos is not possible. If you plan to watch movies or work on documents during your stay, we recommend that you download movies, files, etc. to your device(s) before your arrival.
Cell service is available 1.5 kms north of the Lodge atop the Boland River Hill. Affectionately called “The Phone Booth”, you may use your personal device to connect via Bell or Rogers. There is limited cell reception on site at Flack Lake via Rogers. Wifi service is available within certain areas at Laurentian Lodge, available upon request.
Are there bugs ~ what will the weather be like
Good questions! One can affect the other too. In the month of May, yes, the bugs could be bad, and they may not be. Mother nature will be sure to let us know on that weekend how it all plays out. Bring bug spray, sun screen, shorts, winter clothes, bathing suit, hats and sunglasses, flip-flops and boots…it’s Canada. *see suggested packing list for more great ideas. This will be sent via email prior to the retreat.
Payment
Full payment is due by April 20, 2024. If you fail to submit your remaining payment before the final cutoff date for all ticket sales by April 20, 2024, you forfeit your registration, and deposit amount. This ensures someone is not turned away on the waitlist, and an available space sits empty.
Why is there a non-refundable deposit?
I am only one person, who is slowly growing, with big ideas just like this one. Setting up all the supplies, holding the venue, securing entertainment is only a portion of planning the retreat, as well as keeping everything affordable and attainable.
With all registration, a deposit of $200 plus taxes and fees, is non-refundable.
Cancellation policy
Please note that there will be no refunds or discounts for arriving late, leaving early, travel delays or illness. If you cancel your stay at the Half the Sky Retreat, held at Laurentian Lodge, through Michelle Deschenes O/A Of the Oaks website for any reason, the conditions below will apply, no exceptions.
If you cancel your retreat before April 20, 2024, you will receive 100% refund on payments made, less the deposit amount of $200 (plus taxes and fees).
If you cancel your retreat after April 20, 2024, unfortunately no refunds or credits will be given. However, if we can sell your space to another guest on the waitlist, who is still able to attend, we will give you your full refund, less the deposit amount of $200 (plus taxes and all fees). We wish we could compensate people for certain circumstances (injury, family emergency, etc.) unfortunately we are unable to do so. The cancellation policy is designed to be as compassionate as possible in the event your plans change.
If we cancel the retreat
In the unlikely event that we must cancel the retreat due to weather, natural disaster or political upheaval, illness outbreak etc., we cannot guarantee a refund. We will put every effort into working with all our venue arrangements, and entertainment to obtain a refund. If we cannot refund you in full, less the deposit of $200 (plus taxes and all fees), we will credit you towards an undetermined rescheduled retreat.
If a performer, facilitator, or celebrity cancels their appearance at the retreat, we will make every reasonable effort in finding a comparable replacement. However, regrettably we will be unable to issue any refunds, full or partial. We reserve the right of any and all schedule and itinerary planned changes, at any time which are subject to change.
Covid-19 Policy and procedures
Your well-being is top of mind, at our independently owned and operated location. We’re building on long standing cleanliness protocols and have enhanced our existing routine in response to the pandemic, including recommendations related to deep cleaning, disinfecting, hygiene, and social distancing best practices.
Face coverings, at the time of this printing, are currently not mandatory according to provincial regulated guidelines (*conditional subject to change). However, face coverings are therefore completely optional based on your own preferences for the entirety of this retreat. This includes all group related activities, common areas, and dining. Hand sanitizer will be provided at the front desk, you are welcome to also bring your own.