The Vision
Nourishment, artistry, and deep connection in the heart of the Texas hill country.
Step into a slow, intentional retreat rooted in nature, creativity, and care. This all‑inclusive experience includes thoughtfully prepared meals and a spacious, unhurried rhythm designed to support rest, self‑expression, and meaningful connection.
A weekend to soften, create, and remember yourself - held by nature, community, and intentional craft.
What Awaits You
Clay Wall-Hanging Workshop
An immersive, hands-on session with Katie. Shape, sculpt, and create a one-of-a-kind clay wall hanging to take home.
Beeswax Candle-Dipping
Dip your own beeswax candles with Lexi, with the option to adorn them with pressed flowers.
Guided Plant Walk
A guided walk through trails nestled within the venue’s scenic 37 acres, connecting with native plants, the medicine of the land and the surrounding landscape.
Morning Sound Bath
Begin the morning with a deeply restorative sound bath to support relaxation and presence. Rest comfortably or enjoy gentle, intuitive movement.
Sharing Circles
Intentionally led sharing circles to begin and end the weekend together in connection, honest relating, and personal reflection in a supportive, grounded space.
Evening Fire Gatherings
As the sun sets, we will gather around the fire for a song circle, connection, and s’mores under the stars.
Workshop Details
Beeswax Candle Making with Lexi
Be guided in the art of dipping your own beeswax taper candles. With the additional opportunity to adorn them using pressed flowers, creating functional beauty to take home.
Immersive Clay Workshop with Katie
Create a one‑of‑a‑kind clay wall hanging with generous time and spaciousness to fully explore and develop your design. Enjoy hands‑on demonstrations and one‑on‑one guidance throughout the process. Unlike a typical evening workshop, this retreat session offers the spaciousness to dive deeper, refine details, and create a more complete and intricate piece.
Your Weekend
Friday
Noon — Arrival & settle in
Afternoon — Opening circle
Afternoon — Beeswax candle-dipping workshop
Evening — Dinner
Night — Fire gathering, song circle & s’mores. You're welcome to bring songs or instruments to share.
Saturday
Morning — Breakfast
Morning — Sound bath with B
Midday — Lunch
Afternoon — Immersive clay wall-hanging workshop
Evening — Dinner
Night — Fire gathering, song circle & s’mores
Sunday
Morning — Snacks
Morning — Guided native & medicinal plant walk (optional)
Late Morning — Closing brunch & sharing circle
2:00 PM — Checkout
Your Guides
After years of collaborating on craft workshops and women’s circles, Katie and Lexi bring a long-held dream to life with this slow, intentional retreat centered on nature, nourishment, artistry, and connection.
Katie Palomares
Katie Ann CLay
Ceramic Artist & educator
Katie is a ceramic artist and community builder whose work is inspired by her desert roots and a lifelong love of working with her hands. With over a decade of experience working in clay, she creates welcoming, thoughtfully guided workshops that invite participants to slow down, create with intention, and reconnect with their creativity.
Lexi Hughes
Buzz in the Hills
Herbalist & Maker
Lexi has been crafting with beeswax and herbs for over eight years, inspired by her love of beekeeping, gardening, and natural living. She also enjoys hosting women’s gatherings and circles, often weaving in song and connection. Her work is supported by a degree in Horticulture and Agricultural Business from Texas State University and over 250 hours of herbalism training.
Additional Offerings
Lauren Lipuma
Retreat Chef
Lauren is an herbalist, artist, and retreat chef inspired by the seasons and cycles of nature. Focusing on locally sourced, organic, fresh botanical and seasonal whole foods, her cooking is an offering of her heart, infused with a deep reverence for the sustenance and medicine provided by Mother Earth, and an invitation into deepening our connection to nature and nourishment.
Brittany "B" Garza
Sound Bath Facilitator
B is a lifelong musician and sound ceremonialist who works with sound as a living prayer. She plays between the styles and instrumentation of modern sound healing, western classical music, and indigenous medicine traditions. She is best known for facilitating international sound healing trainings and retreats, and for her work as a ceremonial guide. Through sound, she invites the awakening of quiet wisdom that rises from within through presence and deep listening.
The Venue
Hill Country Nature Retreat
1450 Crabapple Road, Blanco, TX 78606
Our retreat will be held at the Hill Country Nature Retreat in Blanco, Texas. A serene, 37-acre sanctuary nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, just over an hour from Austin. This quiet, nature-immersed space offers both indoor and outdoor gathering areas, cozy lodging options, winding nature trails, and open skies that invite stillness and reconnection with the land. Designed with thoughtful, handcrafted details and a warm, rustic charm, the setting creates a sense of ease and belonging that supports nourishment, reflection, and creative play throughout the weekend.
View lodging details at hillcountrynatureretreat.comWhat’s Included
✔ Camping lodging (tent or indoor slumber-party style) with optional upgraded lodging
✔ Shared bathroom and shower access
✔ All nourishing, lovingly prepared meals and snacks
✔ All workshops and activities
✔ Finished clay wall hangings will be fired after the retreat and available for pick-up in Austin (or shipped for an additional fee)
✔ Multiple pairs of dipped taper candles made by you to take home
Retreat Passes
Your retreat pass includes two simple lodging options, with shared acess to 3 bathrooms with flushing toilets and 2 showers (1 indoor, 1 outdoor)
These included options help keep retreat passes accessible while still offering a comfortable place to rest.
Tent Camping
Bring your own camping gear and settle into the peaceful on-site camping area beneath a lovely canopy of oak and cedar trees. This option offers a simple way to stay close to the land and enjoy the natural beauty of the property throughout the weekend.
The camping area is just a short 1–2 minute walk from the bath house and shared kitchen, making it easy to access facilities while still enjoying the quiet of the wooded campsite.
Indoor "Slumber-Party Style" Sleeping
A communal sleeping area in the venue’s workshop space with your own bedding & floor mat. This option is ideal if you prefer not to camp, don’t have camping supplies, or want flexibility in changing weather. The workshop is a bright, adaptable indoor space we will also be using for some of our gathering throughout the weekend. Right nextdoor to the bath house and shared kitchen.
CAMPING OR INDOOR BYO BEDDING
Early Bird Retreat Pass
$ 325
Limited quantity available at reduced price. Includes on-site tent camping or indoor "slumber-party style" floor sleeping in the workshop space. Bring your own gear or bedding/floor mat. Shared bathrooms and showers available.
CAMPING OR INDOOR BYO BEDDING
Retreat Pass
$ 375
Includes on-site tent camping or indoor "slumber-party style" floor sleeping in the workshop space. Bring your own gear or bedding/floor mat. Shared bathrooms and showers available.
Lodging Upgrades
Upgrade your stay with one of the venue’s private lodging spaces for added comfort and solitude. These beautiful rooms can be reserved for yourself, or shared with a friend to split the cost.
Private accommodations are add-ons and require a retreat pass.
PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION SLEEPS 1-2
Airstream Accommodation
$ 525
Front porch, writing desk, record player, outdoor hammock, queen bed, and detached bathroom and kitchen.
PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION SLEEPS 1-4
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Cabin Accommodation
$ 625
Front deck, rooftop deck, screened back porch, and private trail access. One queen bed and one plush queen sleeper sofa. Private indoor bathroom.
PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION SLEEPS 1-4
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Tree House Accommodation
$ 730
30 ft tall, 3 levels with panoramic Hill Country views. Queen bed. Private indoor bathroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, layers for cooler evenings, a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, and any personal items. If camping, bring your own tent, bedding and sleeping pads. A detailed packing list will be sent before the retreat.
Are meals included? What about dietary needs?
Yes! All meals and snacks are included, lovingly prepared by our retreat chef Lauren using locally sourced, organic, seasonal ingredients. Please let us know about dietary restrictions when you register.
What’s the refund policy?
All ticket sales are final. No refunds will be issued. You are welcome to transfer your ticket to another person.
Can I arrive late or leave early?
This retreat is designed as a shared experience that unfolds over the course of the weekend. We kindly ask guests to plan their travel so they can arrive on time and remain present through the closing on Sunday. Beginning and ending together helps create a more grounded and connected experience for everyone. Arrival is at 12:00 PM on Friday and checkout is by 2:00 PM on Sunday.
What if it rains?
The retreat will happen rain or shine. Covered and indoor spaces are available, and we’ll adjust activities as needed. Texas Hill Country weather is part of the adventure.
Can I upgrade my accommodation?
Upgrades are subject to availability. Please see the lodgind upgrades for more informtaion.
Is this beginner-friendly?
Absolutely! All workshops are designed for every skill level, from complete beginners to experienced makers. Come as you are.