Purposeful Pause
A Two-Night Winter Retreat for Women Leaders & Entrepreneurs
February 24–26, 2027 | Jack Lake Estate, Burk’s Falls
Tucked along the shores of Pickerel & Jack Lake (just north of Muskoka) and surrounded by the quiet beauty of winter, this private lakeside estate offers a peaceful retreat from the demands of everyday life. A place to slow down, breathe deeply, connect with an incredible group of women, and create space for whatever comes next.
Step away. Clear the noise. Make space for what matters.
Purposeful Pause brings together women from different stages of life and leadership to reflect on their journeys, reconnect with purpose, and gain clarity about the future they want to create.
Whether you're navigating change, carrying the weight of leadership, feeling stretched thin, or simply craving space to think deeply, this retreat offers an opportunity to step outside your everyday routines and see things from a fresh perspective.
Through guided reflection, practical frameworks, meaningful conversations, and nature-inspired experiences, you'll have space to:
Reflect on the experiences, patterns, and lessons that have shaped you.
Reconnect with your purpose, values, and what gives you energy.
Recognize the challenges and needs that may be holding you back.
Envision a future that feels meaningful and aligned with what matters most.
Along the way, you'll draw on the collective intelligence and diverse perspectives of an incredible group of women, strengthening your ability to navigate change and live and lead with intention.
And because clarity is only the beginning, the experience doesn't end when we leave the lake.
Over the following two months, four virtual group gatherings and a private coaching session will create even more space for you to explore courage, find your paths forward, and build momentum at your own pace.
Two nights of reflection and connection. Two months of continued support.
“Purposeful Pause was everything I needed without knowing I needed it. Even finding the time to go felt stressful, but this experience was the reset I absolutely needed.”
Megan Dumais
Jacinta Grootjen
“I returned home with a full heart, a clearer path, and a renewed sense of energy.”
“I can’t wait to go through these Purposeful Pause exercises again and again each year.”
Peggy Bell
Our Venue
Visit the Jack Lake Estate website for more images.
Recover. Reclaim. Realign.
Nestled along the shores of Pickerel and Jack Lake, in Burk's Falls near Muskoka, Jack Lake Estate offers a peaceful winter escape designed for rest, reflection, and meaningful connection. Surrounded by forest and overlooking the water, this beautiful private retreat creates an inspiring setting for a Purposeful Pause. With expansive gathering spaces, cozy corners, and breathtaking views, it's a place to step away from everyday demands and settle into a slower rhythm.
Enjoy the simple pleasure of having nowhere else to be. Sip your morning coffee by the fire, watch the snow fall across the lake, warm up in the sauna, or soak in the outdoor hot tub beneath the stars. Whether you're sharing stories with new friends or finding a quiet corner to yourself, there's space here for both connection and solitude.
Throughout our time together, we'll enjoy fresh, wholesome meals thoughtfully prepared for our group, with opportunities for gentle movement and rest woven into the experience. From slow mornings and shared meals to moments of reflection and laughter, every element is intended to help you feel cared for, grounded, and restored.
Our retreat brings together a small group of women, each at their own stage of life and leadership. Whether you arrive solo or alongside a friend, you'll be welcomed into a space that encourages personal clarity, collective insight, and meaningful connection. With the entire estate as our home for two nights, there's room to gather, room to breathe, and room to simply be.
Your Purposeful Pause includes:
Two nights at Jack Lake Estate, with exclusive use of the property.
Guided workshops and meaningful conversations facilitated by Sarah Nicole Martin, grounded in the Purposeful Pause methodology.
Fresh, nourishing meals prepared by our team and shared together.
Time to rest and recharge, with gentle movement, sauna, hot tub, and opportunities to explore outdoors.
Your own copy of Purposeful Pause: A Guide to Clarity, Courage & Momentum.
A pre-retreat virtual gathering to meet the group and set intentions.
Four virtual group coaching sessions—two in March and two in April—to continue the work begun at the retreat, integrate insights, and support one another along the way.
One private coaching session with Sarah for personalized reflection and support.
If you don’t see what you need here, please let us know! We would love to chat about customizing this experience to your needs.
What to Expect
✨ Everything is an invitation.
This is your pause, and you're encouraged to experience it in the way that serves you best. Join the conversations, find a quiet corner, explore outdoors, or simply rest. There's no pressure to do it all. Just space to listen to yourself and discover what you need.
Sample Itinerary [TBC]
Wednesday
5:00 pm - Arrival & Check-in
6:00 pm - Dinner & Opening Activity
7:00 pm - Session #1
Thursday
7:30 am - Morning Movement
9:00 am - Breakfast
10:00 am - Session #2
1:00 pm - Lunch
2:00 pm - The Pause is Yours
4:00 pm - Session #3
6:00 pm - Dinner
7:00 pm - Fireside Chats
Friday
7:30 am - Morning Movement
8:30 am - Breakfast & Closing Activity
10:00 am - Check-out & Departure
Your Investment
Your investment includes the full Purposeful Pause experience: two nights at Jack Lake Estate, nourishing meals, guided retreat sessions, four virtual group coaching gatherings (two in March and two in April 2027), and a one-on-one coaching session with Sarah.
Six guest rooms are available, ranging from king suites with private ensuites to cozy queen rooms with shared bathrooms. All rooms are offered at the same rate, with room selection available on a first-come, first-served basis.
$2,000 +hst
Want to share a room?
Add a second guest for $900 + HST.
Your guest receives the full retreat experience, including meals, workshops, group coaching gatherings, and their own private coaching session.
You're welcome to split the total room cost however works best for you.
Investing in your professional growth?
Purposeful Pause is both a personal retreat and a professional development opportunity. Through guided reflection, practical frameworks, collective learning, and individual coaching, you'll strengthen your ability to navigate change, make decisions, and lead with intention.
Considering professional development funding? Your workplace may be willing to sponsor your participation. We're happy to provide an invoice or a summary of the learning outcomes to support your request.
Terms & Conditions
All prices are listed in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Schedule a call with Sarah Nicole to learn more.
A 50% deposit is required at time of booking. 25% is refundable.
Final payment is due by January 25, 2027 and is 100% non-refundable from final payment date to retreat date.
Room reservations are confirmed upon receipt of your deposit. Double occupancy is subject to room suitability and availability.
Meet Sarah Nicole
I'm the founder of Optimal Affect, a facilitator, and the author of Purposeful Pause: A Guide to Clarity, Courage & Momentum.
My work brings people together to navigate change, reconnect with purpose, and create meaningful momentum. I've spent years designing and facilitating experiences for leaders, teams, and organizations, drawing on the power of reflection, storytelling, and collective intelligence.
I believe that some of our most meaningful insights emerge when we give ourselves permission to slow down. Yet, as leaders, entrepreneurs, and people with full lives, making that space for ourselves isn't always easy.
That's why I created Purposeful Pause.
This retreat brings together so much of what I love about my work: thoughtful facilitation, meaningful human connection, time in nature, and the opportunity to step outside our everyday routines to see things from a fresh perspective.
My hope is that you leave feeling more connected to yourself, supported by an incredible group of women, and clearer about what matters most.
I look forward to sharing this experience with you.
