We Never Planned to Build a Signature Retreat

In January 2026, we’ll host our 4th annual women-only retreat in Mexico — a sold-out, deeply transformational experience that has become the most cherished offering we have.

But here’s the truth most people don’t know:

This retreat wasn’t planned.
It wasn’t strategic.
It wasn’t part of a business model.

It was a leap of faith that turned into one of the most successful things we’ve ever created.

Let me tell you how it actually happened.

It Started With “We Have Nothing Left to Sell.”

When Jen and I taught our Masters training in July 2022 training together, we had a moment of clarity — and panic.

Our community wanted more from us.
More training.
More depth.
More connection.

But we didn’t want to do Trainer’s Training.
We didn’t have another program built.
We had nothing else to offer.

And we were trained by people who sell boldly, consistently, unapologetically. So we knew one thing:

If your community wants more… give them more.

A retreat came to mind.
We had no details.
No structure.
No curriculum.
No plan.

Just this sense of:
“Let’s pour into our people. Let’s create something intimate and powerful.”

Within a few days, we pulled together pricing and announced it during the training.

And people bought.

Three rooms sold almost immediately.

We looked at each other like,
“Okay… this is real.”

"Before coming to the retreat I often found myself being anxious and undervaluing myself… During the retreat I was able to work through many of these feelings… I feel calmer, centered, and worthy of everything I desire. Irina & Jen created a space to truly rejuvenate." —Steph T.

We Found the Perfect Jungle Villa (Barely).

A couple months later, on our way home from Miami, we were sitting at the airport searching for a retreat venue.

We found a beautiful jungle villa between Cancun and Tulum — perfect number of rooms, perfect bathrooms, perfect price.

The plane started boarding.
Internet was terrible.
And I was literally trying to book the villa while the plane was taking off.

But it worked.
We booked it.

When we arrived that January… it was perfect.
Warm.
Sacred.
Transformational.
Everything we needed — and more.

And Then We Found “The Dream Villa.”

Of course, because we’re us, the very next day we were already online looking at other properties.

And we found it - Coco B Isla Villas

A stunning oceanfront villa on Isla Mujeres with multiple awards, breathtaking views, and dream-level concierge service. It looked expensive — because it was. We saved it quietly, thinking, “One day…maybe in 2025”

Little did we know that “one day” would really come.

“I traveled to Tulum not knowing what I would find… and returned home with clarity, energy, gratitude, and a new perspective. My path is clearer, my heart is lighter, and the connections I made feel like lifelong friendships. This experience will stay in my heart forever.” —Anna K.

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We Weren’t Planning to Sell — Until Our Clients Asked Us To

At that first retreat, we made a decision:

We are not selling anything.
No upsells.
No offers.
Just giving.

But on the final night, at dinner, something happened.

The women started talking:

“When we come back next year…”
“Next year this…”
“Next year that…”

Jen and I looked at each other like:
“Wait. What?”

They wanted to return.
They wanted to pay.
They wanted to come back.

So with barely any WiFi service, I created a link that night.

Before January ended, half the rooms were sold for the next retreat.

It was effortless.
It was aligned.
It was divine.

And the next year?
Same villa.
Same magic.
Less money — because we booked directly with the owner.

Everything aligned perfectly.

And Then… God Nudged Me Toward the Upgrade

I remembered that dream villa we saved.

And I thought:
“Why not? Why not expand? Why not go bigger?”

I emailed the owner.

He responded the same day.

The price was more than triple our original location.

For a moment, panic - 'We cant efford it."

Then hours of calculations.
Crunching numbers.
Trying to make it work.

We announced it at the retreat dinner — and they bought at the higher price.

Then Jen toured it. She sent me videos, photos, notes.

Still… I hesitated.

Eventually, I pulled the trigger and said YES. But what sold me wasn’t the property — it was the owner.

A small business owner willing to work with us, follow up, negotiate, and make things possible.

A human.
A leader.
Someone like us.

We leaped.
We booked it.
We upgraded everything.

It exceeded every expectation.

My love language is acts of service — and this place delivered.

At one point, I tried to help with something and the concierge literally (and kindly) said:
“We’ve got it. Go enjoy your retreat.”

I didn’t know whether to be offended or relieved — but I chose relieved.

It’s impossible to pour into high-level women when you’re stuck managing logistics.
This place freed us to lead.

The travel was easier.
The experience elevated.
The energy unmatched.

And the women?
They came back.
Year after year.
Same faces.
Same hearts.
Same hunger for growth and connection.

“This being my first retreat, the bar is now set HIGH. The support, the breakthroughs, the connections — unmatched. Since returning, I’ve stayed committed to my goals and feel clearer than ever. My heart is full. My will is strong.” — Marieda F.

The Truth: God Gives Ideas for a Reason

Our retreat started as an unplanned idea — almost a joke.

But when God gives you an idea…
when He places a vision in your heart…
when He pushes you to jump…

He already knows you have the ability to build it.

No “what if.”
No “maybe later.”

Just obedience.
Action.
Trust.

And look what He built through us.

A sold-out, signature, life-changing retreat for powerful women — year after year.

Sometimes the idea that comes out of nowhere is the one you’re meant to run with. Not because you’re ready — but because God is.

Take the leap.
Book the villa.
Send the email.
Build the thing that feels too big.

Your future self is already waiting for you on the other side.

If you want to explore our next retreat, see photos visit: https://motivaction.academy/retreats
You can also see highlights on our social media.

We would love to have you with us one day.