May 1 to 7, 2028 | Glencoe, Isle of Skye + The Scottish Highlands | Hosted by Jessi Marino
Where mountain, glen, and sea collide, the old tales walk at your side.
A six-night immersion into myth, poetry, land and embodiment.
Scotland herself is Story.
Long before her mountains were photographed, they were sung about. Before castles became landmarks, they were homes, strongholds, places of feast and mourning. Stories travelled these roads centuries before tourists did, carried by poets, musicians, shepherds, fishermen, grandmothers beside the fire, and storytellers who understood that a myth survives because someone continues the telling.
To travel here is to step into a landscape that has shaped human imagination for generations.
The Highlands ask for your attention in unexpected ways. A valley opens and conversation disappears. Light moves across a hillside so slowly you almost miss it. Ravens circle above the cliffs. Heather catches the wind. Rain arrives without warning and disappears just as quickly, leaving every stone brighter than before.
You begin by looking at the landscape. Eventually, you notice the landscape looking back at you.
What Awaits You
Beltane Ritual + Fire Offerings
Visits to Mythic Sites
Creative Rituals + Storytelling Sessions
Teachings on Mythology, History, and Ancestral Pathways
A photography session with birds of prey
Somatic Practices to Ground Your Senses in Place and Spirit
Daily Movement, Breath, and Wildcrafting Explorations
Time for Integration, Reflection, and Solitude
Delicious, Nourishing Meals and Soulful Accommodations
All guided by the land herself — and Jessi Marino and special local guests
The Details
Dates
May 1 to 7, 2028
Location
Glencoe, the Isle of Skye & the Scottish Highlands
Early Bird Investment
$5,000 USD
Reserve your place with a $1,000 deposit.
The early bird rate will increase to $6,000 USD.
Your Journey Includes
Six nights of accommodation
Daily chef-prepared meals featuring seasonal Scottish ingredients
Private touring throughout the Highlands with KiltCouTOURé
Guided experiences in Glencoe and on the Isle of Skye
A Scottish birds of prey encounter and Highland portrait session
Traditional storytelling experiences
Daily embodiment practices
A Beltane celebration and ritual
All planned retreat experiences and admissions
Airfare Not Included + Airport Transfer included if rules of timing are followed
F A Q
Where will we be staying?
We’ll be staying together in a beautiful private estate in the Scottish Highlands, surrounded by forests, lochs, and mountains. It offers cozy shared gathering spaces, peaceful places to wander, and a setting that allows us to fully settle into the rhythm of the land.
The exact location will be shared with registered participants before the retreat.
What kinds of places will we visit?
Scotland carries stories in nearly every stone. Throughout the week we’ll visit castles, ancient standing stones, Highland landscapes, forests, villages, and sacred places woven through Celtic mythology. We’ll also enjoy local experiences, beautiful meals, and a Highland photoshoot to commemorate the journey.
Our itinerary is intentionally flexible so we can follow weather, seasonal conditions, and the pace of the group. We plan to see Glencoe and to make it to the Isle of Skye which is a quest.
Is this a religious retreat?
No.
This retreat is rooted in relationship with nature, mythology, creativity, and embodied presence. You do not need to identify as spiritual, pagan, or religious to feel at home here. People from many backgrounds join our retreats with curiosity, respect, and a love of meaningful experiences.
How physically demanding is the retreat?
Most days include walking through villages, gardens, forests, and historic sites. Some locations involve uneven ground, hills, or stairs, though none are intended to be strenuous hikes.
If you have mobility concerns, please reach out before registering so we can discuss whether this retreat is a good fit for you.
How do sleeping arrangements work ?
You will have your own bed, private rooms may be requested but are not promised.
What should I pack?
Scottish weather is beautifully unpredictable.
We recommend waterproof layers, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, warm clothing you can layer, a rain jacket, and one or two outfits you’ll love for our Highland portrait session. A detailed packing guide will be sent well before departure.
Can I come by myself?
Absolutely.
Many people arrive without knowing anyone else. By the end of the week, it often feels as though you’ve been traveling with old friends. We intentionally keep the group small so genuine relationships have room to develop.
Are payment plans available?
Yes.
Payment plans are available after your deposit is placed. We want the financial logistics to support your ability to plan ahead while honoring the commitments required to create an intimate international experience.
What is your cancellation policy?
Because accommodations, transportation, and experiences are reserved well in advance, all payments are non-refundable.
You are welcome to transfer your reservation to another participant if you are unable to attend, subject to our approval and any vendor deadlines. We also strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance.
Will there be free time?
Yes.
While we’ll share meaningful experiences throughout the week, there will also be space to wander, journal, photograph the landscape, rest, enjoy a café, or explore at your own pace.
Is food included?
Daily meals are included, featuring thoughtfully prepared local cuisine. Lunches are intentionally left open so you can explore cafés, pubs, and village bakeries during our adventures.
Please let us know about any dietary requirements when registering, and we’ll do our best to accommodate them.
Do I need international travel experience?
Not at all.
Many guests are taking their first international trip. We’ll provide detailed travel guidance before the retreat, including airport recommendations, arrival information, packing suggestions, and everything you’ll need to feel prepared.
What makes this retreat different from a typical tour?
This isn’t about seeing as many landmarks as possible.
We travel slowly enough to form a relationship with the places we visit. You’ll hear the myths that shaped the landscape, experience creative and embodied practices inspired by each location, share extraordinary meals, and leave with memories that feel lived rather than simply photographed.
Do I need to be creative or know anything about Celtic mythology?
Not at all.
Curiosity is the only prerequisite. Everything we explore is offered as an invitation. Whether you arrive as an artist, a writer, a photographer, or someone who hasn’t created anything in years, you’ll find plenty of ways to participate.
Will we really have a Highland photoshoot?
Yes. With birds of prey.
One afternoon we’ll dress for the occasion and create timeless portraits together in the Highlands with a professional photographer. Whether you come in flowing linen, tartan, or your favorite cozy layers, you’ll leave with photographs that capture both the landscape and the person you became while walking through it.
