April 23–26, 2026 • Doe Bay Resort, Orcas Island, Washington
Reconnect. Restore. Rediscover Each Other.
Step away from the busyness of everyday life and immerse yourselves in a long weekend of renewal at Love That Lasts, a couples retreat grounded in The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by Dr. John Gottman.
Over four days, you’ll slow down, reconnect, and learn science-based tools to build deeper intimacy, manage conflict with compassion, and rediscover the friendship at the heart of your relationship.
A Weekend for Connection and Renewal
Tucked within 38 acres of pristine waterfront, forests, and gardens, Doe Bay Resort & Retreat offers a tranquil setting where you can breathe deeply, unwind, and focus fully on each other.
What Awaits You:
- Cozy cabins, yurts, and domes nestled in nature
- Fresh, organic meals made from the on-site garden
- Sauna and soaking tubs with a beautiful view
- Quiet time to walk, talk, rest, and reflect together
Learn more about Doe Bay Resort →
What You’ll Experience
Throughout this immersive retreat, you’ll explore powerful, research-based practices through guided group sessions, private couple exercises, and reflective activities.
You’ll learn To:
- Deepen friendship and fondness
- Navigate conflict with care
- Rekindle intimacy and connection
- Create shared meaning and lasting rituals
Between sessions, you’ll receive intentions and small take-home assignments to gently integrate what you’ve learned — helping insights turn into real connection throughout the weekend.
All sharing is private and optional; you’ll never be asked to discuss personal matters publicly.
Tentative Workshop Flow (16 Hours Total)
Thursday, April 23 — Arrival & Welcome
- 3:00–5:00 pm | Arrive, check into your cozy cabin, yurt, or dome
- 6:00 pm | Welcome Dinner at Doe Bay Café
- 7:30–8:30 pm | Opening Circle & Intention Setting
Meet Ivana, connect with other couples, and set shared intentions for your weekend. - Optional: Open Mic Night — an informal evening of music and community
Friday, April 24 — Friendship & Connection
- 8:00–9:00 am | Breakfast
- 9:00 am–12:00 pm | Morning Session — What Makes Marriage Work
Learn the predictors of lasting love and explore what to avoid. Discover the Gottman “Love Lab” research and the principles behind strong relationships. - 12:00–1:00 pm | Lunch (fresh, organic, local fare)
- 1:30–3:00 pm | Soaking or Sauna Time — relax, unwind, or enjoy a nature walk
- 3:00–6:00 pm | Afternoon Session — Deepening Friendship & Love Maps
Learn how to truly know your partner, and strengthen your friendship as the foundation of love. - Evening: Dinner on your own (recommendations provided)
- After Dinner: Optional intention prompts for private couple reflection
Saturday, April 25 — Fondness, Admiration & Conflict Transformation
- 8:00–9:00 am | Breakfast
- 9:00 am–12:00 pm | Morning Session — Fondness & Admiration + Bids for Connection
Explore the small daily moments that nurture love and rebuild closeness. - 12:00–1:00 pm | Lunch
- 1:30–3:00 pm | Spa / Sauna or Cold Plunge Time — enjoy relaxation and quiet connection
- 3:00–6:00 pm | Afternoon Session — Managing Conflict in a Healthy Way
Learn to handle disagreements with compassion, understanding and curiosity. Learn how to turn conflict into connection. - Evening: Dinner on your own.
- Optional: Stargazing, couples reflection, or soaking before bed
Sunday, April 26 — Shared Meaning & Integration
- 8:00 am | Breakfast
- 9:00 am–12:00 pm | Final Session — Shared Meaning & Lasting Rituals
Create a shared vision for your future and design rituals to keep your relationship grounded in love. - 12:00–1:00 pm | Closing Lunch & Celebration of Connection
- 1:00 pm | Departure (or extend your stay with an extra free night using code EXTRA1)
What’s Included
- 16 hours of guided workshop sessions with Ivana
- The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work book + 2 workbooks
- Breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and Friday dinner — all fresh and organic
- 2 private group soaking spa sessions at Doe Bay’s wellness facility
- Personalized support and guidance throughout the retreat
Optional Add-Ons:
- Dinners on Saturday and Sunday at Doe Bay Café or nearby island restaurants
- Extra cold plunge or sauna sessions
- Stay an additional night (Sunday–Monday) with code EXTRA1 — your 4th night free!
Lodging & Registration
- Register for the workshop through Ivana’s website
- Book lodging directly through Doe Bay Resort (cabins, yurts, or domes)
Workshop Investment: $1,600 per couple
Lodging: $330–$900 (based on accommodation type)
Cancellation Policy – Couples Workshop (April 23–26, 2026)
We understand that life happens and plans can change. My goal is to make this policy as fair and flexible as possible while honoring the commitments required to hold your space.
Workshop Fee (Paid to Ivana)
- Up to 6 weeks before the workshop (by March 12, 2026):
You may cancel for a full 100% refund of your workshop fee. - Between 6 and 3 weeks before the workshop (March 13 – April 2, 2026):
Cancellations will receive a 70% refund of the workshop fee. - Less than 3 weeks before the workshop (after April 3, 2026):
No refunds will be issued. However, if your spot can be filled by another couple, your payment may be refunded or credited toward a future workshop. - Transfers:
You may transfer your registration to another couple at any time before April 9, 2026, with prior approval.
Lodging (Paid Directly to Orcas Island Venue)
Lodging is reserved and paid for separately through the venue.
- The venue’s own cancellation policy applies to all accommodation fees.
If the Facilitator Cancels If Ivana must cancel the workshop for any reason, participants will receive a full refund of all workshop fees. Lodging refunds will be handled directly by the venue according to their policies.
Who This Retreat Is For
- Couples in all stages — newlyweds, long-term partners, or those preparing for marriage
- Those wanting to improve communication and deepen friendship
- Partners seeking to rekindle romance or resolve recurring conflicts
- Anyone ready to nurture a relationship that grows stronger over time
You’ll Leave With
- Renewed friendship, admiration, and love
- Greater emotional and physical intimacy
- Tools to handle conflict with care and connection
- A shared sense of meaning and purpose for your relationship
Why Join Us?
Do you ever feel like your conversations circle back to the same arguments, or that you’ve lost some of the warmth and ease you once shared? Maybe the daily routines of work, family, and responsibilities have taken center stage — leaving little time for laughter, affection, and truly being present with one another.
This retreat offers both the science of love and the space to reconnect — a gentle blend of relationship wisdom and island serenity.
Over four peaceful days, you’ll gain the tools, the time, and the inspiration to remember what brought you together — and to fall in love all over again.
What Couples Are Saying
“We went into the weekend hoping for a little reset, and came out with so much more. Ivana created such a genuine, supportive space that made it easy to share, laugh, and grow together.”
— B & L
“Ivana was an incredible facilitator — warm, professional, and full of positive energy. The sessions were thoughtful and uplifting, and we left feeling truly reconnected.”
— E & D
“Ivana’s warmth and optimism made us feel safe and supported. We learned so much and left knowing we’re works in progress — and that’s okay.”
— A & K
