The Work-Life-Magic Retreat
Christmas Market Edition
28th November - 1st December 2024
Brasov, Romania
From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed into a warm community of like-minded individuals who shared an intention for personal and professional growth. Ate has curated a retreat that blends personal development with practical workshops seamlessly.
I learned so much more than I could have imagined. I met the most amazing and inspiring people, had super interesting workshops that gave me new perspectives, built strong friendships, and most importantly, I learned to know my own value.
The connections you get to make with the people participating in the retreat were the greatest part for me. Everything was amazing and I appreciate the different workshops and the diversity in them.
WHAT'S THE FOCUS?
As always, Ate’s Retreats aren’t just trips. They are safe spaces for you to learn, grow and foster new friendships that will change your life.
Our Romanian escape is not only a way for us to visit this dreamy destination, but also a retreat meant to network and work on your professional and personal development. We will have daily workshops on career and entrepreneurship, wellbeing activities, cultural sessions and more!
You will leave this retreat one step closer to your goal, with a new perspective on life, feeling lighter, more confident, and motivated to turn your dreams into reality. All that while spending quality time with a community of like-minded people AND getting into the festive spirit by visiting Christmas markets, tree decorating (with a twist 👀), mulled wine parties and a candle-lit dinners with live carolers singing to you!
Looking for a self-development retreat in a sunny country? Check out the Work-Life-Magic Retreat happening in July 2025 in Southern Portugal!
ABOUT YOUR HOST
My Network Brought Me Over $100,000 In Two Years.
...And Friendly Reminder, I’m A Romanian Girl In My Early Twenties!
In 2019, I was stuck in a toxic workplace paying me $1000 a month to organize retreats. While the workdays were long and the pay was never enough, I loved my job. I worked so passionately that something magical happened: the retreat attendees – my then clients – became my network. And I’m happy to say that they are my friends to this day, who helped me see my own potential and the value in the work I was doing. They told me to leave the company, so I did. I was scared, but they were right. Because fast forward to today, I own my own marketing and media company, worked with over 50 businesses around the US and built my dream life as a digital nomad, mainly based between my two loves: Seoul and Kyoto.
Slowly, I Learned How To Play The Game.
I increased my rates, built connections, leveraged my skills and ended up becoming part of the 0.7% income earners of Romania. Something that would’ve never been possible without my friends’ feedback and support. My network brought me free trips: fully paid flights, business and leisure trips to Hawaii, Mexico, Tenerife or Bali. All because I knew the right people, and they knew my worth. It also gave me friends in every corner of the world.
...But It’s Not Only About The Money.
It also brought me something money can’t buy: friendships that helped me grow. Women I can travel with, be silly with one moment then talk business the other. People that welcomed me to their homes whenever I traveled to their countries. Friends that I could go to when life got hectic, when I needed a shoulder to cry on. Having a group that allows you to be fully yourself while motivating you to grow is something extremely rare, special and priceless. And that’s what I want you to have by joining my retreat.
THIS is the power of networking.
These are all examples of what my network has brought me.
I’m excited to see what it’ll bring YOU.
Come experience the magic for yourself in Brasov, Romania!
From Law School To Digital Nomad
Roxana is a Romanian adventure seeker who graduated from Law school and decided that her destiny is on the road. She started vlogging her journey as a digital nomad on her social media, where she grew a community of over 110,000. Her mission is inspiring young women to embark on their unique adventures by teaching them where and how to seize travel opportunities, have the confidence to travel solo and live their dream life. Now, Rox is ready to teach you everything she knows in a dynamic workshop tailored to your specific life situation.
Follow Rox on Instagram!
Women in The Workplace: How to Succeed in a Man’s World
Read More
Women in The Workplace: How to Succeed in a Man’s World
Trainer and project manager with a passion for empowering others, Daria has developed numerous educational products for students, teachers, and youth workers, focusing on social integration, digital literacy, and youth employment.
Holding a degree in Film Studies and Screenwriting, she has a strong background in storytelling and a keen interest in intersectional feminism. Her work addresses gender equality, countering extremist propaganda, and challenging harmful media stereotypes.
Networking Only Works If You Don’t Suck
How To Foster Community Through Social Media
Anca is a content creator with a whopping community of one million following her across social media platforms, known for advocating mental health, body positivity, and women's rights through her videos. With tens of thousands of views on her posts, she has gained attention through her authenticity and humor and has worked with well-known brands such as Gerovital, Disney, Bongo, and KFC, among others. Anca will guide you through overcoming insecurities to build a strong online presence, helping you effectively showcase your business to the public. She will share tips on storytelling, content creation, and how to use the Instagram algorithm to your benefit in order to build engagement and connect with your audience.
MEET (SOME OF) YOUR SPEAKERS!
I like to think of the Work-Life-Magic Retreat not as a trip, but as a course. Each day will consist of a workshop led by highly skilled professionals on a multitude of topics. The itinerary is still in the making, but these are just a few of the speakers.
The Christmas Spirit Of Brasov
As a born and raised Romanian, I am thrilled to finally be hosting a retreat in my home country!
Nestled in the heart of Transylvania, this medieval city transforms into a fairytale during winter. The cobblestone streets and historic architecture are illuminated with twinkling lights. The Christmas market takes place in Piata Sfatului (Council Square), the city’s main square framed by the majestic Black Church and surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. Wooden stalls sell traditional crafts, festive decorations, and delicious local treats that I’m excited to help you discover: like my all-time favorite, kürtőskalács (chimney cake) – always accompanied by a mug of mulled wine, of course.
Sinaia
A Historical Town That Served as a Royal Residence
Behold, my favorite place to escape away from the crowds: Sinaia. While this is not the first location tourists will put on their Romania bucket list, I guarantee that you will fall in love with this tiny town.Nestled in the breathtaking Carpathian Mountains, which transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Renowned for its stunning Peleș Castle, an architectural masterpiece that was once the summer residence of the royal family, the town also boasts the historic Sinaia Monastery, the Royal Casino, beautiful parks, and scenic snow-covered mountains, to which you can get in just a few minutes by cable car. Only an hour away from Brasov, we’ll have a half-day trip here, which is plenty of time for you to visit the main touristic points.
What Else Can You Expect?
Brasov
A Medieval City In The Heart of Transylvania
Your home during the retreat will be this majestic fortress city, surrounded by medieval defense walls and built around the iconic Black Church, celebrated for its stunning Gothic architecture and impressive organ.In the evenings, you’ll get to enjoy free time, allowing you to stroll through the Old Town, stop by artisanal bakeries, snap a picture at the Rope Street—one of the narrowest streets in Europe—or take a cable car up Tampa Mountain for panoramic views of the city. Just a short bus ride away there’s the Bran Castle, famously linked to the Dracula legend. While Bran castle is not included in the itinerary simply because I believe it’s a tad bit too touristic (it might be my Romanian bias against vampire jokes) and there’s plenty of better castles in the country to explore, I still suggest coming in early or flying out late to tick it off your list!
EXPLORING ROMANIA
Romanian Wood Painting
Workshop From A Local Folk Artist
Manuela Ivan attended the Popular School of Arts in Brașov, driven by her passion for traditional Saxon and Szekler-style wood painting.After four years of apprenticeship with a family of wood painters, she learned many secrets of this craft. Currently, she is a folk artist and a member of the Association of Traditional and Contemporary Art Creators in Brașov.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
Romania is a land of diverse cultural influences, where centuries-old customs blend seamlessly with modern life. As your proud Romanian host, my duty for the retreat is to immerse you in as many cultural activities as possible. An “ie”, the Romanian national attire, will be waiting on your bed as part of the welcome gift, together with traditional handicrafts and sweets. Aside from the gifts, you will also join unique activities that you can’t get anywhere else, such as:
Bringing In The Romanian Christmas Spirit
A Candle-Lit Dinner With Traditional Carols And Tree Decorating!
Enjoy a candle-lit dinner featuring traditional Romanian delicacies while being serenaded by a talented chorus performing Romanian Christmas carols. We’ll also come together to decorate a Christmas tree in a unique and innovative way, intertwined with fun ice breaker games. I’m a huge fan of making everything over-the-top-Christmassy, so I promise an enchanting evening filled with festive cheer and magical memories.
Wellbeing
And Spirituality
While I am not a huge spiritual person, I believe that somatic and holistic approaches can be highly effective in addressing everyday problems, career burnout, and professional struggles. These methods can help alleviate anxiety and restore a sense of control and direction in our lives.
Each Work-Life-Magic retreat begins with a Women’s Circle on the first day, where we openly share and discuss our traumas, explore ways to heal our inner child, and set our intentions for the retreat. The purpose of these sessions is to bond as sisters and create a safe space for everyone.
Additionally, we will engage in sessions of energetic healing, combined with meditation, manifestation techniques, and breathwork, led by some of Romania’s most experienced facilitators.
WELLBEING AND SPIRITUALITY
IN SUMMARY...
When and Where?
28 Nov - 1 Dec 2024 In Brasov, Romania
Is This Retreat For Me?
This retreat is for anyone with an open mind and willing to learn. If you want to work on yourself while creating a safe space for the group to grow, then this is the place for you.
What's The Plan?
You are going to participate in career-focused workshops, join wellbeing experiences to help you work through limiting beliefs as well as take part in cultural activities.
How Do I Sign Up?
In order to make sure we bring together like-minded people with common goals, this retreat is application-only. The form should take you 5 minutes to complete.
What The Work-Life-Magic Retreat Will Offer You, No Other Retreat Will.
4 days packed with workshops, wellbeing, cultural activities and even a day trip to the beautiful city of Sinaia to visit the Peles Castle and the Christmas Market.
Work
Life
Magic
WHAT ELSE?
Your Accommodation
Welcome to your home for the week! I strive to offer you Brasov’s most luxurious villas. Only a 10-minute walk from Bran Castle, beautiful common spaces like terraces and patios as well as nature and greenery. We’ll have a little river right outside our backyard! We will spend a good part of our time in our majestic home, which is why it is really important for me to offer you the best facilities you can find in Transylvania.
Please note, this accommodation is currently booked in order to accommodate the predicted number of attendees. If this number differs, we might need to change the accommodation (to an equally beautiful one!).
The rooms will be shared with an occupancy of two. Don’t worry, you’ll become friends with your roomie in no time and every night will feel like a pajama party.
This fully depends on the attendee number. We will let everyone know if there’s a possibility to reserve a private room.
Yes! We offer a generous $300 discount for couples or friends willing to sleep in the double-bed room.
What's Included?
- Luxury accommodation
- All meals except for 2 dinners (so you get the chance to enjoy Christmas Market foods)
- Ground transportation throughout the week
- Speakers and workshop fees
- All wellbeing activities
- Sightseeing activities (including Peles Castle)
- Pick-up/drop-off (Bucharest)
- A life-long Whatsapp group to help keep in touch
What's Not Included?
- Flights
- Any visa fees you might need
- Dinners (trust me, you'll want time to explore the food scene on your own)
Add Ons:
- Help with booking flights
- Help with finding transportation between Romanian cities
- Accommodation suggestions if you come early or extend your stay
Additional Information
For any other additional information you might need, don’t hesitate to contact me!
The Investment
1300€
1600€
Romania is not an affordable country – despite popular belief. As a Romanian myself, I’m partnering with local tour guides and facilitators in order to obtain the best deals and make this retreat as affordable as possible, all while benefiting the local community. Our speakers are also some of the best in the industry, and a big part of the retreat revenue goes into their time and well-being during the retreat.
Bring A Friend
1000€
1300€
Bring a +1 and each of you will benefit of a €300 discount at any time!
Custom Plans
Custom payment plans available. Please contact ate@atesretreats.com or DM us if needed.
WHAT'S THE INVESTMENT?
This Retreat Is An Investment In Your Future, Career And Network And It Can Bring You X10 The Investment If You Apply What You Learn During Our Time Together.
LAST MINUTE DISCOUNT
300€ OFF
Frequently Asked
Questions? Email ate@atesretreats.com or DM me on Instagram @atesretreats
We encourage anyone, woman, man or non-binary to sign up. We are also welcoming couples and the LGBTQI+ community. Our only request is for you to be willing to learn and grow. You will get in touch with your feminine regardless of gender, you will be encouraged to work through your traumas and you are required to provide a safe space for the other attendees.
Once you submit your application, our team will contact you within the next 24 hours. If accepted, you will need to put down a non-refundable EUR400 deposit to save your spot.
The EUR400 deposit is non-refundable. The remainder amount is refundable up to 90 days before the retreat starting date.
Unfortunately, this is a small business and in order for it to survive, we cannot take the risk of having last-minute dropouts asking for a full refund. We’re hoping for your understanding.
In the very unlikely event that this retreat gets canceled, the whole amount will be refunded to you.
