Insights, Inspiration, and Illumination
Five-day storytelling retreat for women 50+
21 – 25 September 2026
Domaine La Bonne Etoile, Beausemblant, France
Your story deserves to be heard
What if your story could free you from self-doubt, inspire other women, and change policy?
The retreat, hosted by Xanthe Golenko, is a space for women to explore possibilities, share their stories, reconnect with their voice, and step fully into their power. Confidence, connection, and visibility are nurtured by honoring lived experience and turning personal stories into catalysts for empathy, influence, and social change.
Today, women over 50 are among the fastest-growing groups of entrepreneurs, bringing wisdom, resilience, and a powerful desire to create meaningful change in their next chapter. Yet many still face barriers, including gender bias, caregiving demands, self-doubt, and limited access to support, despite decades of experience.
At Insights, Inspiration, and Illumination, your voice will be amplified, so you can speak, and be seen, heard, and valued—shaping ventures, solutions, and communities led by those who know the journey firsthand.
The retreat is designed for
• Women aged 50+
• Founders of purpose-driven or social impact businesses
• Launching or growing a purpose-driven business or social venture
• Navigating a second or third act
• Passionate about a social cause and ready to amplify your message
What you’ll walk away with
Clarity, confidence, and community with like-minded women
Your story as a source of leadership, influence, and change
Two to three minute personal video of your “why” story
Three to five minute collective advocacy film, “Voices of women with purpose”
Optional: snippets for social media, testimonials, behind-the-scenes content
What to expect
• Reconnect with your “why” and document your journey
• Amplify the collective voice of women changemakers
• Breakdown internal barriers and rewrite narratives
• Create two videos: one individual story, one collective advocacy piece
Workshop Details
Dates: 21 – 25 September 2026
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Location: Domaine La Bonne Etoile, Beausemblant in the Drôme des Collines, France
Focus: Personal storytelling, collective voice, social impact, and creative rejuvenation
Format: Blend of workshops, storytelling labs, quiet reflection, nature, French cultural experiences, nourishing meals, connection, and creativity
Number of participants: 10 - 12
Investment of €2,500 per person includes
• 4 nights accommodation, private room in shared Gite, with an option of an additional cost for private room in Chateau Guest House
• All meals and snacks – excluding alcohol
• Local transfers to/from local train station
• All workshops and materials
• Personal 2 to 3 minute video
• Participation in collective video project
• 1:1 coaching with facilitator or story mentor
• Cultural experiences, including visits to local places of interest and farm-to-table culinary experience
Not included
• Flights/travel to pick up location Gare de Saint-Vallier sur Rhone, France
• Additional supplement for private room in Chateau Guest House
• Alcohol (unless included as part of apéritifs)
• Optional weekend local region cultural experience package
“The highlight was the self-discovery. We came in thinking we’re making a film to promote our business, but it was so much more. I don’t even know how you got us there, but we discovered so much about ourselves and what drives us.”
—William and Chai Cookies Owners and Founders, William Forsythe and Chaidanai Kaewsai
Dr. Xanthe Golenko
Originally from Australia, Xanthe is a warm and passionate facilitator, researcher, and storyteller with nearly 20 years of academic and industry experience in health, aging, and community well-being.
After experiencing professional burnout, Xanthe set out to build a more joyful and meaningful life—moving to France in 2024 and reconnecting with creativity, community, and purpose. Now, through her digital storytelling and participatory video workshops, she invites others to explore their identities, share their stories, and find fulfillment through creativity and connection across generations.
Photo credit: Yvonne Marchese Photography
Information Session
In the recorded information session, I share a deeper look at the retreat experience and the curated program of workshops focused on personal storytelling, designed to help you amplify your voice and craft a powerful, authentic message that resonates emotionally with your clients and community.
I talk about the collaborative element of the retreat, where we’ll co-create a collective piece advocating for women in business—an opportunity to add your voice to a wider, meaningful conversation.
Details are shared on accommodation and transport options, and special guests, Martine and Miriam from La Grange, Drome. I walk you through the cultural experiences woven into the program, from local tours to immersive visits in the stunning Drôme region, and the gastronomy that makes this part of France so special.
