THE CREATION RETREAT
June 22nd - 29th 2026 • Ardennes • Belgium
Applications close March 15, 2026
Honour a life chapter by creating your own jewelry—7 days in a château to connect, breathe, and craft your finished piece in gold or silver.
When you feel it is time to honour what mattered most
There are chapters we live through - a celebration, a loss, a transition, an ending, a beginning - that leave an imprint on the way we move through the world. And sometimes, even long after the moment has passed, a part of it is still here, waiting.
This jewelry retreat is a week long creative experience, nested in a Chateau in the Belgian Ardennes, to give you this space and reconnect to who you became, and what this chapter meant for you.
Acknowledge it with beauty, harmony, clarity, and softness, because it deserves to be seen, honoured, and celebrated.
The kind of jewelry you will make
This retreat is intended for women who wish to honour...
A personal milestone — a pregnancy, an engagement, a birthday, or the start of something new.
A professional transition — celebrating growth, completion, or a dream realised.
A relationship — a friendship, a sisterhood, a bond,...
Or a farewell — honouring someone who has left, transforming memory into a tangible keepsake.
This retreat is held as a premium, all-inclusive experience, created with deep care for each woman who joins. It reflects both your jewelry-making journey and the nourishing rhythm of a week together in the château.
The pillars of the retreat
Throughout the week, you will be guided step by step - from your first sketch to your finished creation. Together, we will translate your story into form, refining details until it feels yours: balanced, intentional, and timeless. You will leave with a piece shaped by your own hands.
Learning & creation
Beauty & harmony
Every detail of your stay is designed to restore you and awaken inspiration. The château holds a quiet grandeur: warmth in its spa, stillness in its light, and beauty in every gesture. Meals arrive as rituals of care, shared around arranged floral tables. Here, beauty is not decoration but a language: one that invites reflection, harmony, and creative flow.
Connection & presence
The retreat gathers a group of eight women: each on her own journey of creation. Connection unfolds naturally: in shared meals, in rest time, and in the moments of creation. You may find your own story reflected in another’s vision, or feel something awaken within you. Together, the group becomes a alive, part of a story of beauty and belonging.
Where creation feels effortless, Emma’s method
As you arrive, you will discover a rhythm that holds you.
This retreat follows Emma’s Story-to-Jewelry Method—the same process she uses for every custom piece and teaches in all her classes. It’s designed to make the experience clear, guided, and finishable:
Write the chapter you want to honour (private reflection)
Find the message (read between the lines, with Emma’s guidance)
Choose your symbols that will carry your story
Define your aesthetic with moodboards (so the piece feels like you)
Create the design (a clear direction you love before making begins)
Carve the wax with your own hands, step-by -step
Pour the gold and bring your piece to life
Finish and refine until you leave wearing your jewelry
You will feel held in an environment where kindness, guidance, meaning, and beauty are what matters most.
The jewelry you will create
You may arrive with a clear vision, or simply a desire to honour a life moment. Either way, Emma will guide you from the first spark to the final polish, through a proven process designed for beginners and built for completion.
In a small group of eight, you’ll be held with daily check-ins, gentle hands-on support, and a clear design approval moment before any irreversible steps, so you always feel on track and confident in what you’re creating.
Everything is taken care of so you can fully exhale, slow down, and make your piece in wax, have it cast in gold or silver, and finish it with Emma’s guidance until you leave wearing a jewelry piece that feels deeply meaningful and unmistakably yours.
Handmade fine jewelry since 2017.
More than 150 students taught worldwide.
Custom pieces comissionned internationally.
Lifetime warranty on craftmanship.
About Emma Olyff your host,
founder & creator of Emwa Jewelry
Emma Olyff is an designer, jewelry creator, and mentor since 2017. Born in a lineage of artists and artisans, her work blends craftsmanship with sensitivity, infusing personal stories into lasting wearable symbols.
After 5 years of high-end jewelry training in the Netherlands, Belgium and the United Stated, she has herself guided more than 150 jewelry students in Europe and the United States and led more than 50 custom designs following her exact method.
“My role is to help you listen inwardly for what wants to take shape — and to support you in bringing it into form with confidence and care.”
For Emma, these retreats are the heart of her work: a space where creation, storytelling, and community meet in the most inspiring ways.
“Emma is such a wonderful teacher. She's thoughtful and intentional in everything she does, creating a warm and welcoming space to learn and explore. Not only is she kind and encouraging but also incredibly knowledgeable and is always ready to help find creative solutions when things get tricky.
Emma takes the time to get to know each student and is very generous sharing her own jewelry-making journey, which is always so inspiring to hear. She has a special gift for helping you turn your creative ideas into something tangible and beautiful, and she's exactly the kind of teacher you want by your side as you bring your creativity to life. I can't recommend her enough!”
— Avery, Asheville, 2025.What past students are saying
“I had such a wonderful experience at my workshop with Emma. She explained every step clearly and made the whole process easy to follow, even for those of us who had never made jewelry before. Emma is incredibly detail-oriented and patient-she took the time to answer all our questions and ensure everyone felt confident and comfortable. What made the workshop even more special was how she shared stories about her life abroad and her journey with jewelry making. It added such a personal and inspiring touch to the experience. I left feeling creative, relaxed, and proud of the pieces I made! I highly recommend her to anyone, regardless of experience —it's the perfect mix of learning, creativity, and connection.”
— Alexis, Blakc Mountain, 2025.“The jewelry workshop my daughter and I attended was both fun and wonderfully informative. Emma is incredibly knowledgeable about her craft and a patient, engaging teacher. The atmosphere was relaxed, creative, and made the experience truly enjoyable.”
— Jenny, Black Mountain, 2025.
Days made of awe, inspiration & beauty
Between studio sessions, you'll have time to:
Walk the grounds of the château
Rest in the spa (hammam, sauna, relaxation room)
Share meals around tables arranged with fresh flowers
Connect with the other women on the land
Every evening, dinner will feel like a beautiul ceremony. Three chefs will prepare experience like dishes that feel like love on a plate, served with themes & flower arrangement.
After dinner, you might gather for a film in the vintage home cinema, or simply retreat to your private room to reflect.
By the end of the week, you will leave with a finished piece—cast in gold or silver, polished by your hands, ready to wear.
The schedule
Each day is designed with a rhythm that weaves together creation, inspiration, and rest. There is space to work on your jewel, time to share in circle, and moments to simply enjoy the beauty of the Ardennes.
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Welcome to the château, time to settle into your private room
Opening circle in the evening to meet the the group & set intentions for the stay
Personal journaling on the chapter that wishes to be honoured
Shared dinner of local, seasonal, healthy dishes prepared by our chefs
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Every day, optional morning yoga will be offered, and floral local seasonal meals experiences prepared by our chefs. You will also have at least three hours each day, and time each evevning for rest and recharge, where you could, if you desire enjoy the chateau spa & forest walks. The creative workshops of this way will be:
Guided writing & circling exercise to read the most beautiful hidden details of your story + one-on-one conversation with Emma.
Words to symbols exercicse, to explore the ways we will convey your story into design.
Moodboard creation, and symbols to design exercice.
Creation of your sketches and jewelry design + one-on-one with Emma
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Every day, optional morning yoga will be offered, and floral local seasonal meals experiences prepared by our chefs. You will also have at least three hours each day, and time each evevning for rest and recharge, where you could, if you desire enjoy the chateau spa & forest walks. The creative workshops of this way will be:
Finalization of your sketches and jewelry design + one-on-one with Emma
Introduction to the traditional jewelry making, tools, and materials.
Beging to create your design with the ancient technique of wax carving
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Every day, optional morning yoga will be offered, and floral local seasonal meals experiences prepared by our chefs. You will also have at least three hours each day, and time each evevning for rest and recharge, where you could, if you desire enjoy the chateau spa & forest walks. The creative workshops of this way will be:
Deep creation day: transforming your design into wax + with individual guidance throughout the wokrshop.
Extra time to breathe + enjoy the location, slow down and pause.
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Every day, optional morning yoga will be offered, and floral local seasonal meals experiences prepared by our chefs. You will also have at least three hours each day, and time each evevning for rest and recharge, where you could, if you desire enjoy the chateau spa & forest walks. The creative workshops of this way will be:
Casting your jewelry into gold. Ceremony of the metal melting + pouring into the design together. Option to use your family gold.
Finishing work, filing & shaping your piece.
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Every day, optional morning yoga will be offered, and floral local seasonal meals experiences prepared by our chefs. You will also have at least three hours each day, and time each evevning for rest and recharge, where you could, if you desire enjoy the chateau spa & forest walks. The creative workshops of this way will be
Casting & finishing for the ones who wanted more time.
Optional stone setting in your design, facetting, polishing, finalizing.
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Every day, optional morning yoga will be offered, and floral local seasonal meals experiences prepared by our chefs. You will also have at least three hours each day, and time each evevning for rest and recharge, where you could, if you desire enjoy the chateau spa & forest walks. The creative workshops of this way will be:
Finalizing each piece. Last small polishes + optional stone settings.
Moment to look back at all that has been accomplished.
Closing circle, closing the creation chapter & opening the jewelry to be held as a talimsan forever.
Farewell dinner + celebration
Possible departure on Sunday night.
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Final breakfast
Latest departures by 9:00
Included in the retreat are:
This retreat is held as a premium, all-inclusive experience, created with deep care for each woman who joins. It reflects both your jewelry-making journey and the nourishing rhythm of a week together in the château.
Accommodation
– 8 days, 7 nights in a Château in the Ardennes [value 1750.-)
– Private luxurious room with double bed and en-suite bathroom
– Full access to spa (hammam, sauna, outdoor hot tub, relaxation room) and pool
– Vintage home cinema for evenings of rest and inspiration
– Seasonal nourishing & beautifully presented meals prepared by three chefs [value 1500.-)
Stay & Rhythm (all optional & included)
– Guided circles to open and close the week [value 750.-)
– 45 min. group yoga class every morning around the energy of the day [value 750.-)
– Forest walks in the surrounding area of the Chateau
– One massage per guest offered, additional available on demand [value 175.-]
Workshops & Creation
– Guided custom jewelry experience from start to finish [value 7500.-)
– 20hours of step-by-step guidance with your design and making process [value 5000.-)
– + conversations & workshops about beauty, creativity, and presence (value 2500.-)
– Materials, tools, and creation supplies [value 2500.-]
Together, these elements represent a total value above 17.500 .-
Your investment, is of 7500.-
Payable in: 1x 7500 3x 2750 6x 1350
Limited to 8 participants
About the location & the co-host
The Summer 2026 Honouring Retreat will take place at a stunning château in the Belgian Ardennes hosted by Arlet, a premium house tailoring incredible experiences during high-end retreats.
In the chateau, you will feel warmly welcomed and in awe with each detail. From the spa + outdoor hot bath to the beautifully appointed rooms, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to invite a deep sense of awe and inspiration.
Arlet, held by Marie, will help Emma ensure that your entire stay feels safe, held and comforting. The meals, the spaces, the rhythm of the days—all is designed with care so you can simply be present.
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The retreat takes place in the quiet beauty of the Belgian Ardennes, within a historic château surrounded by forests and gardens. A place to slow down, connect, and feel deeply inspired. The exact location will be share to the appliants during our discovery call. We want to keep the surprise!
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Travel is simple. Guests make their own way to the retreat, but we can help coordinate carpooling with other participants or arrange a pickup from nearby train stations or airports if needed.
Whether you come by car, train, or shared ride, arriving is easy — and from the moment you step onto the grounds, everything else is fully taken care of.
The location is nearby the city of Bouillon, and the closest Airports are Charleroi & Bruxelles Zaventem. All necessary details will be shared upon your participation. -
This experience is designed for a small circle of eight women. You may come on your own, with a friend, or alongside a loved one, and you will be welcomed into a group that quickly feels like community. Some arrive to mark a life moment, others to rest or to rekindle creativity — but all are received with the same presence and care.
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The retreat is held as an intimate women’s circle, with a maximum of eight participants. Most women come alone, though occasionally two may know each other beforehand.
It is a space for kind, mindful, and creative women — which is why I personally review each application before confirming attendance. This gentle curation ensures the group feels harmonious, supportive, and inspiring for everyone.
There is a natural balance between shared moments — circles, meals, and the quiet joy of creating side by side — and personal time, where you may rest, walk in nature, or simply be with yourself. Group sharing is always invited, never forced.
Whether you already feel confident in your creativity or are discovering this side of yourself for the first time, you will be guided and supported at every step, in a way that honors your rhythm and your voice.
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You’ll receive a detailed guide after booking. But in short: bring soft, comfortable clothes, a notebook for your reflections, shoes for walking in the forest, and anything small that helps you feel at home.
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The retreat naturally adapts to the women who gather. If even one participant is a non-French speaker, we will hold the retreat in English, while I can always offer more detailed guidance in French when helpful. If the group is composed entirely of French-speaking women, then the retreat will flow in French.
In every case, the intention is the same: that each woman feels fully included, supported, and at ease.
F.A.Q.
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All meals are prepared for you by our chefs, using seasonal and organic ingredients, with care for every dietary preference — plant-based, gluten-free, or omnivore. Breakfasts, lunches, and three-course dinners are served at set times, always nourishing and beautifully presented, with morning and afternoon snacks to keep your energy gentle and steady. Every table is dressed with flowers, making each meal not only food, but a moment of care and beauty shared together.
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Yes, absolutely. We take this seriously. Upon booking, you’ll be invited to share anything we should know—so that every detail can be adjusted to your needs, in advance.
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None at all. The process is intimate, slow, and entirely guided. Whether it is your first time working with your hands or wether you already have experience, you will be fully supported at each step.
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Yes. The retreat is thought so you can each create your own personal piece, or collaborate on one together if you come accompanied. It’s up to you. We will discuss this in your initial call so everything is tailored to your wishes.
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Each project is different. Some guests come with a clear idea, others with a memory, a color, or a symbol. Together, we co-create a design that feels right for you.
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You are not alone in the process—I will be by your side every step of the way. Whether it is your first time working with your hands or you feel unsure about your design, you will be guided with patience, kindness, and expert care. This is not about perfection—it is about presence, meaning, and the quiet joy of creating something that feels true to you. We go at your rhythm. And if needed, I will lovingly shape certain steps by hand, so that your piece reflects your story—beautifully and faithfully.
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All tools and materials are included in your retreat experience, covering up to 5g of recycled gold or silver as well as the option of a stone setting if you wish.
As we design your piece together, I will provide transparent estimates should you desire additional materials. You are always free to choose whether to stay within the included range, or to invest in extras that bring your vision to life.
In most cases, the included range is more than sufficient. Adjustments are only occasionally needed — for example, if someone wishes to create a very large gold ring (beyond chevalière size), or to incorporate high-end stones such as larger diamonds.
This way, you can design with freedom, knowing everything is clear and tailored to your choices.
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Yes. Your fee includes:
– 7 nights in a private room with en-suite bathroom, within the château
– Access to the spa (hammam, sauna, outdoor hot tub, relaxation room) and pool
– Seasonal meals prepared by professional chefs (all dietary needs accommodated), plus morning and afternoon snacks
– Women’s circles to open and close the retreat
– Daily guidance and creation sessions with Emma, including the full design and crafting process
– All tools and materials (including up to 5g of recycled gold or silver, and stone setting if desired)
– Optional workshops such as floral design or seasonal cooking
– Space for restoration: yoga, forest walks, massage, or quiet time in the gardens and salons -
The investment will be shared during the discovery discussion.
