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Two nights’ accommodation
Enjoy two peaceful nights at Fern & Thistle, surrounded by the beauty and tranquillity of South Otago.
A retreat from Ethos PsychologyThe Ethos Escape
Educate and Rejuvenate
19–21 February 2027Three restorative daysSouth Otago, New ZealandLimited to 16 participantsDigital detox
Small groupGuided reflectionRest and reconnectPractical learning
Step away from the noise.
Return to what matters.
Three restorative days for professionals and helpers to slow down, reconnect with their values and return with simple, functional tools for everyday life.
The Ethos Escape
Fern & Thistle
A secluded South Otago setting
Fern & Thistle offers a character-filled backdrop for unhurried conversation, quiet reflection and time to simply be. Swipe through a glimpse of the grounds, shared spaces and accommodation.
19–21 February 2027
A gentle rhythm of learning, rest and rejuvenation
Day 1Friday
Friday 19 February
Arrive and reconnect with yourself
- 10am arrival and check-in
- Phones and laptops put away as your digital detox begins
- Welcome lunch prepared by our in-house chef
- Values discovery and group learning
- Home-cooked dinner at the venue
- Sound healing session
- Optional sauna and mirimiri (traditional Māori rongoā)
Day 2Saturday
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Saturday 20 February
Notice and release what is no longer serving you
- Guided morning movement session followed by a chef-prepared breakfast
- Guided learning and discussion around emotional regulation, stress management and finding fulfilment in day-to-day life
- Beach mindfulness and a chef-prepared packed lunch
- Serene 4-hour boat trip on our local patch of the Clutha River
- Guided reflection and integration exercise
- Dinner at Kai Pub, including one drink
- Evening free time with optional sauna access
Day 3Sunday
Sunday 21 February
Integrate positive change and return renewed
- Chef-prepared breakfast and gentle movement session
- Guided reflection and preparation session
- Farewell activity
- Closing lunch and final farewell
- Finish at 12pm
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What's included
Everything you need to pause, learn and reconnect
Everything thoughtfully included for your stay, from chef-prepared meals made with organic, local food and meaningful learning to moments of rest, connection and rejuvenation, all in a laptop- and headphone-free digital detox.
Start your booking →
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Chef-prepared meals, plus Kai Pub dinner and one drink
Enjoy nourishing meals cooked at the venue by our in-house chef using organic, local food. Meals are vegetarian by default, with meat, vegan, keto/gluten-free and allergy-friendly options available, plus a special dinner at Kai Pub with one drink included.
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Psychological education and guided reflection
Gain practical psychological insights through guided learning and reflection that you can carry into everyday life.
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Yoga, mindfulness and beach activities
Slow down and reconnect through gentle yoga, mindfulness, time outdoors and relaxed beach activities.
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Clutha River boat trip
Enjoy a scenic journey along the Clutha River, taking in the landscape and experiencing a peaceful change of pace.
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Massage and sauna experiences
Unwind with restorative massage and sauna experiences designed to help you relax, release tension and recharge.
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Outdoor music and fire activity
Gather around the fire for an evening of music, conversation and connection in a relaxed outdoor setting.
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Workbook and retreat gift
Take home a retreat workbook for your reflections and practical tools, along with a thoughtful retreat gift to remember your experience.
Good to know
A few things to know before you arrive
A digital detox
This is a laptop- and headphone-free retreat. Phones are kept away during activities, so there's less chance of being pulled back into work or emails.
You're welcome to keep your phone in your room, or the house manager can store it safely for you.
Worried about emergencies? You can share Martina's mobile number with your family or staff so they can reach you if needed.
Meals by our in-house chef
All meals are prepared and cooked at the venue by an in-house chef, using organic, local food.
Meals are vegetarian by default. If you'd prefer something different, book a call or send a message to let us know your food preference.
- Vegetarian (default)
- Carnivore / with meat
- Vegan
- Keto / gluten-free
- Specific allergies or requirements
Optional airport transfers
Airport pick-ups and drop-offs are available if you'd like them. The airport is about 40 minutes from the venue.
Choose how you would like to stay
Your retreat experience, chef-prepared meals and activities are included. Choose the accommodation option that suits you, then select it on the booking page.
SharedTriple-share glamping
A comfortable mattress in one of two three-person glamping tents.
$1,800per person
Pay in full: $1,800
SharedTriple-share bedroom
An individual single bed in one of two shared three-person bedrooms.
$1,800per person
Pay in full: $1,800
PrivateSleepout double room
A private double room for one or two people, located in the sleepout.
$2,000whole room
Pay in full: $2,000
PrivateEnsuite double room
A private double room for one or two people, with its own ensuite.
$2,300whole room
Pay in full: $2,300
Secure your booking with a $500 deposit, pay in full, or spread the cost over 2 or 4 monthly payments. By booking, you agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Ethos Psychology
Meet your host, Martina Bruwer
Registered psychologist · Founder of Ethos Psychology
Martina is a registered psychologist and the founder of Ethos Psychology. Her approach is warm, grounded and practical, bringing psychological insight into an intimate retreat setting with space to take part at your own pace.
19–21 February 2027 · South Otago, New Zealand
Ready to step away and reconnect?
Choose your accommodation and reserve your place at The Ethos Escape. The retreat is a laptop- and headphone-free digital detox, limited to 16 participants.
The Ethos Escape
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Send Martina a message about The Ethos Escape.
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Read our Terms & Conditions