An all-inclusive retreat that deepens your relationship with the Natural World — in ways that can transform your daily life.
This three-day retreat is an opportunity to safely go into an “altered state” within the realm of the Natural World in an inspiring location on the Olympic Peninsula. We’ll be staying on a private beach in a temperate rainforest — in a wild part of Washington State three hours from Seattle.
With heightened senses (increased intuition), the spirits of the land and place are available to help you enjoy healing and well-being — by reaching more profound clarity about your life. What you put into the experience is directly related to the outcome, which can be transformational.
This retreat is for you if you’re curious and willing to step toward deepening your relationship with the Natural World, and yourself.
“Matthew Kessi is gentle, kind and compassionate. These three qualities alone make him an excellent guide in the outer and inner worlds. How these virtues become exceptional has to do with the what he attracts to him from Nature: the spirits of land and place. If you are seeking something deeper than sightseeing, Matthew is your person. He’ll take you to places on the land and in yourself that are truly remarkable.”
Patrick O’Neill | The Four Directions
What is an “altered state,” and why is it essential for nature immersion?
Communing with nature has abundant rewards that humans sense on a primal level. For example, the marvel of sunset seems to cast a “spell,” if only fleeting, of understanding we’re interdependent with something more significant. This “spell” could also be considered an altered state. Think of it as advanced intuition.
Advanced intuition in the organic world allows you to see yourself in more precise and fulfilling ways — leading to a feeling of belonging, healing, and transformation.
A growing body of research points to the beneficial effects of exposure to the natural world on health, reducing stress, and promoting healing. Some studies further clarify that immersive outdoor experiences are essential to produce lasting benefits such as lower blood pressure, higher concentration, and improved mental health.
Imagine that nature exists in frequencies from 1-5, and most of society lives in a frequency between 5-10, where “10” is “frenetic.” So if you’re living at an “8,” to get to a nature-forward connection, you need to find ways to lower the frequency — by increasing grounding & staying present — to reach “5,” which is just on the overlap with nature.
Now, if you want to go even deeper into the magical places of healing nature spirits, it might require lowering to a “3” in frequency. Deepening into an altered state can help you sustain these lower frequencies. To do this, steps like intention, reaching out to the land, removing distractions, going slow, and paying attention will reliably and safely help you get there.
Once you’ve reached level “3,” for this example, it is also crucial to softly return to daily life. For this reason, reflecting afterward is an essential tool for softer re-entry because it allows you to integrate healing and well-being into the daily version of your life. So your new normal might be level “6.”
I use my mystic gifts developed over a lifetime to guide you to access nature’s intelligence at a slow frequency.
This retreat is about learning and practicing the steps to safely and reliably enter an altered state in nature — where healing and well-being lead to transformation in your life — no matter the place or time.
What’s included
- An experienced mystic guide.
- Small group vibe — up to 4 participants.
- 2 nights accommodation in a premium beach house on a private coastline on the Olympic Peninsula.
- Clean eating meals: 3 lunches, 2 breakfasts, and 2 dinners.
- Non-alcoholic beverages.
- Entrance fees to Olympic National Park.
- Planning assistance for up to 2 days before/after retreat.
What’s not included
- Transportation to/from the Olympic Peninsula.
- Ferry fares ($21.40 each way for vehicle and driver).
- Transportation to/from our activities in the Olympic National Park.
- Souvenirs or additional snacks/drinks.
- Meals or entrance fees before lunch on day one and after lunch on day three.
- Travel insurance (recommended)
Day 1 – Arriving at the Olympic Peninsula
Leave “daily life” behind and slow down at the doorstep of Olympic National Park.
- Noon Meet for introductory lunch at New Day Eatery in Downtown Port Angeles, WA.
- 1:00 Caravan toward Joyce, WA, on a 40-minute drive.
- 1:40 Arrive at a beautiful beach scene. Walk the land and get settled.
- 2:00 Begin session for Nature-Immersion Module 1: Connect with the land.
- 4:00 Session for Module 2: Cultivate Intent.
- 7:00 Dinner and approximate sunset
- 8:00 Session for Module 3: Embrace the present.
*This is an estimated itinerary. Slight modifications may be made to account for “our nature.”
Day 2 – Explore the Olympic Peninsula
Practice the six fundamentals for elevating your nature connection
- 7:00 Join me for morning pages writing (three longhand), sit by the sea, or relax.
- 8:00 Breakfast together and overnight reflections.
- 9:00 Depart for Sol Duc River (One hour drive along Lake Crescent).
- 10:30 Arrive on the Ancient Groves Trail and begin the session for Module 4: Go at Nature’s pace.
- 1:00 Picnic lunch at la Poet on the shores of Lake Crescent. Reflections on the experience.
- 2:00 Arrive on Marymere Falls Trail for Module 5: Tune into the symbols
- 4:30 Peek inside Lake Crescent Lodge and return to our “retreat base.” (45 min drive).
- 7:00 Dinner and approximate sunset.
- 8:00 Coaching sessions — how is your nature connection changing and growing?
*This is an estimated itinerary. Slight modifications may be made to account for “our nature.”
Day 3 – Reflection and return
Integrate your nature immersion into daily life
- 7:00 Join me for morning pages writing (three longhand), sit by sea, or relax.
- 8:00 Breakfast together and overnight reflections.
- 9:00 Capstone Nature-forward immersion experience.
- 11:00 Session for Step 6: Reflect and integrate.
- Noon Lunch on the beach
- 1:00 Farewell!
*This is an estimated itinerary. Slight modifications may be made to account for “our nature.”
Why this nature immersion retreat?
Not just a forest bathing experience in a pristine corner of Washington State, this retreat on the Olympic Peninsula gives you unique access to nature spirits safely and intimately.
- Walk with a Mystic
This is a rare opportunity to experience the spirits of land and place with a guide rigorously trained in the mystery of the Natural World. - Deeply spiritual location
Such soulful comfort on a private beach is not easily found in the undeveloped wonderland of the Olympic Peninsula. - Intimate group vibe
The group size is limited to four people, allowing more bandwidth to customize your nature experience. - Practical curriculum
The six fundamentals to elevate your nature connection are incredibly empowering yet accessible and straightforward.
What is the rooming situation?
We’ll stay in a peaceful oasis to practice your deepening in nature on a private stretch of beach with five vacation homes.
Our “retreat base” is a beach house with a one-level coastal vibe and beautiful waterfront views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca from a comfy couch and deck. We’ll enjoy most meals and hold some learning sessions in the open-style kitchen.
Next door, a newly renovated beach home (photo shown) hosts sleeping accommodations for four people in two areas. The stunning space is well-appointed with towels, basic toiletries, and a Nespresso coffee system — a real crowd-pleaser!
- There is an en-suite bedroom on the main level with a queen bed.
- The expansive loft above has a luxurious king bed overlooking the living room with beautiful waterfront views. It also has an en-suite bathroom with a tub and shower.
Because of the open loft concept, the energy of the experience is more akin to “friends sharing a beach house” than hotel room seclusion. However, between our nature immersions and workshop activities — you will only spend a little time in your room!
I can try to accommodate specific sleeping requests, but I can’t guarantee you’ll get the space you’d like because the final room assignment will be based on our group’s needs.
See what they’re saying.
Healing and wellness abound. Take it from these recent testimonials.
I recently attended Matthew Kessi’s 3-day Nature Retreat on the Olympic Peninsula, a profound experience. He skillfully curated a curriculum that allowed me to embrace Nature’s beauty while helping me to slow down and establish a deeper awareness of my surroundings. His approach emphasizes the importance of noticing the world around you, listening, and reflecting — allowing integration of many learnings.
What surprised me the most was how Matthew’s concepts seamlessly integrated into my daily routines and management style. With his advice and recommended habits, I’ve fostered stronger connections with office colleagues and led with a newfound sense of purpose and mindfulness — something I needed after an intense year at work.
If you are struggling to balance the demands of modern life (work, personal, community, etc.), I recommend you try Matthew’s guided experience. It’s a holistic approach to embrace Nature, slow down, rediscover your inner self, and unearth the answers you seek. Having needed insights emerge through reflection in the Natural World is empowering, and they feel incredibly tangible.
I’m grateful for Matthew’s guidance and impact on my life — he has contributed to many positive outcomes and increased my capacity to handle change and manage stress.
His guidance can help you awaken your intuition to unlock potential and renew your purpose.
Elliott
New awakening on a spiritual level.
Through shadow work, I learned how achieving deeper communion with nature offers a better balance in my life. I was able to learn to let go of perfection. Matthew’s leadership through a curriculum of activities helped me appreciate and feel an acceptance from nature that I had never seen before. Lastly, the accommodations and meals were superb. I highly recommend Matthew’s retreat, which helped me see nature as an ally.
Claire
I went into this experience with anxiety, anger, and fear, along with questions about my divine assignment. I walked out of the beautiful woods more grounded, with a fresh, open heart, relieved of pain and filled with comfort and hope. Matthew Kessi, you have a gift and you are a gift! Many thanks to you and, as always, gorgeous Mother Nature.
Carrie
My partner and I followed Matthew into the coastal forests to participate in the Olympic Peninsula 3-Day Nature meditation retreat.
The experience was suprisingly powerful and naturally fostered the introspection to address the different needs and desires we brought to the weekend. While my partner was pondering some significant work issues and career opportunities, I had the chance to reflect and work through some residual grief after my mom’s recent death.
It’s a great testament to Matthew’s innate ability as a spiritual leader that we both experienced distinct and beneficial outcomes despite going through the exercises with the same directions in parallel.
This immersion retreat and the restorative power of the natural world can benefit anybody in any place in their life. It can create the perfect space for focusing on career challenges and opportunities or processing personal life struggles.
Even for those in a great place with life, work, and family, it offers a perfect opportunity to pause and offer gratitude to the abundant and beautiful planet around us.
Brian
Starting my nature wellness experience, I carried the obligations of my work and the responsibilities of being a mother, wife, and daughter; they were heavy. I was skeptical; how would I be able to let it all go and connect with nature?
There was a shedding with every step, and soon I understood what Matthew meant by “talking to trees.” I am now practicing how to ground myself using nature when feeling overwhelmed. The reconnection between my soul and nature strengthens, allowing me to breathe.
Catherine
When Matthew and I worked together, I was in a pivotal season in my career and personal life. His leadership brought deep grounding, healing, and clarity when I needed it the most. Matthew tailors each practice to your comfort level as he guides you through nature. As someone with a mind constantly running at 150 miles per hour, I appreciated his teaching me to ground my mind and connect with nature.
With the clarity I gained in this experience, I made very important decisions in my career and personal life. Matthew is a true gem. Filled with so much peace, introspection and wisdom. I highly recommend anyone to take a part in his nature experiences. It is so vital to disconnect from our everyday lives and give the space to tune in with ourselves.
Fatima
I moved to Washington a few weeks before attending Matthew’s Nature meditation retreat, and the chance to learn about and go deep into the Olympic rainforest beguiled me. I expected to satisfy a fifty-year-old yearning to walk among the majesty of old-growth trees.
I didn’t expect that Matthew’s leadership, using simple questions, would lead me deep into an age-old anger I held around my father. With gentle coaxing, I let it go — actually watched it depart — and experienced profound healing. A new sense of freedom has taken up residence in me ever since.
Shannon
This nature escape on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula offered me just what I needed — restoration and practical tools for finding balance in my everyday life.
Matthew is a gracious, welcoming, calming force. His leadership fostered connections — within myself, other guests, and the powerful messages of the Natural World. He led us into both inner and outer worlds, encouraging curiosity. And a new perspective about slowing down to “nature’s pace” unfolded in real time.
The weekend taught me a simple yet profound lesson: focus on one thing at a time and be present in every moment. I use this daily without fail — even months since my retreat.
Steve
Maybe you have more questions? Let me help you find the answers.
Who should attend this nature immersion retreat?
Every human belongs in nature, so the ages and backgrounds vary, and anyone can connect with this inclusive curriculum. As a queer person, I understand the importance of creating and holding a safe and affirming space for you to embrace your nature.
People who are kind, courteous, and open to meeting new people have the best time on small group retreats. Since this experience heavily focuses on your emotional and spiritual curiosity and open-minded relationship with nature, an interest in slowing down and deepening your connection to the outdoors will ensure the best possible outcome.
Recreational drugs and alcohol are not permitted — they’ll encumber your ability to get and stay grounded with nature spirits. For best outcomes, I suggest avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs for at least a week before our time together. While those who smoke will have access to smoking areas, our accommodations and all stops are non-smoking.
Just in case, I reserve the right to decline or remove guests whose health or actions impede the operation of our retreat or the welfare/enjoyment of fellow participants. May we all remain respectful and open to the outcome of this time together, immersed in nature.
Where is the retreat, and how do I get there? Does it require a ferry?
The Olympic Peninsula is in a wild and beautiful area of Washington State. It is home to Olympic National Park and separated from the Seattle/Tacoma area by the Salish Sea and hundreds of islands.
Traveling from Downtown Seattle will take about three hours (3.5 hours from Seatac Airport), while driving from the Portland area is about five hours.
Our home base will be near Joyce, WA, 40 minutes from Port Angeles and Olympic National Park.
If coming from Seattle, a Washington State Ferry is a scenic and powerful way to begin a nature immersion. Imagine leaving daily life behind the moment the ferry rumbles from the dock.
There are two ferry options: Downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island or Edmonds, WA (a northern Seattle suburb) to Kingston. As of Summer 2023, standard vehicles and drivers fare $21.40 each way. Additional passengers are $9.45 for the roundtrip. Specific ferry information can be found here.
Plan extra time to queue for ferries, especially busy on Fridays and Sundays and during commute times. Being in line at least 45 minutes before posted sailing time is recommended.
It is possible to drive the entire way to the Olympic Peninsula via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge (toll bridge) or via Highway 101 coming from Portland, the Washington Coast, or Olympia.
Will transportation be provided?
You are responsible for getting to the nature immersion retreat in Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula and all transportation between activities. A car is required since this is a rural part of Washington State. I can help arrange carpools with other guests. Just let me know when you register!
There is usually ample parking at the various retreat activity locations.
When/Where should I plan to arrive and leave?
Beginning well is essential to the retreat experience: you must arrive at New Day Eatery in Port Angeles by noon on Day 1. On Day 3, we’ll enjoy a farewell lunch that ends by 1 p.m. on the final day. Go here for a detailed guide to planning things to do on the Olympic Peninsula, including a sample itinerary for before and after this retreat.
Unfortunately, I can’t provide discounts or refunds if you can’t make the whole retreat or some activities.
Can we go to the Hoh Rainforest and Hurricane Ridge?
Olympic National Park is beautiful and vast. Driving times are long between attractions, and we need more time to see everything. However, Lake Crescent and the Sol Duc River are among the world-class highlights in the Park — we’ll enjoy deep nature immersion here.
I’ve added information on this site designed to help you plan additional activities before or after the retreat. Access the article, How to plan an Olympic Peninsula road trip, and check the section with an itinerary designed to enhance this retreat.
ABOUT HURRICANE RIDGE
Hurricane Ridge is an awe-inspiring experience that involves a winding drive along 17 miles of breathtaking scenery. It is also a bustling tourist attraction that sometimes requires waiting at the entrance to the Olympic National Park near Port Angeles.
Due to a tragic fire, entrance is limited, so please refer to the Olympic National Park website for up-to-date information.
Since the road usually closes around noon for private vehicles, I suggest overnighting in Port Angeles after the retreat and visiting Hurricane Ridge the following morning before traveling onward.
Alternatively, Deer Park is an outstanding alpine option. The gravel road is narrow and winds for about 8 miles, but well worth the effort.
How’s the weather on the Olympic Peninsula?
The Olympic Peninsula is famous for being one of the most extensive temperate rainforests in the United States. So, year-round, remember to bring waterproof footwear and coats and always have layers of clothing.
Spring and fall temperatures vary but will surely be mild, with possible rain at different locations around the Olympic Peninsula. For example, temperatures can still be in the low 60s in October but as low as the low 40s at night.
You may prefer easy on/off slippers for walking between beach houses, but please bring solid footwear for our time in the Olympic National Park.
This retreat operates whether rain or shine. Outside of extenuating circumstances, I cannot offer refunds due to the weather.
Will we have free time?
Not much. The itinerary is well curated to offer an engaging three-day curriculum that makes the most of your time immersed with powerful nature spirits. It will be full and rewarding.
Since the point of this retreat is to keep present to deepen a connection with the magic of the terrain, please refrain from leaving the retreat premises independently or deviating from the coordinated drives between activities.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
For the most part, yes. Please let me know at the time of booking. I strive to provide nourishing meals that focus on clean eating. No discounts or refunds are provided if you skip meals during the Olympic Peninsula nature retreat.
Why is alcohol not allowed?
This is the number one asked question. And, while I love a good craft cocktail myself, slowing down into an altered state is a robust process, and you’re emotionally safer without impairment. Plus, you’ll want to be clear-headed to take full advantage of Nature’s intelligence in lasting ways. After the retreat, every participant mentions, “I now understand why…”
How much physical activity is required?
This Olympic Peninsula nature immersion retreat doesn’t require advanced athletic or endurance abilities. The whole purpose of our time together is to slow down enough to let nature teach us.
The hikes are usually around 1.6 miles roundtrip on uneven terrain that may involve sporadic steps, and you are encouraged to take it slowly. We will also walk on the beach, which has rough areas of rocks. Feel free to bring a favorite walking stick or poles to help stability.
There are stairs leading to both retreat buildings. Please get in touch with me if you have additional questions.
What about safety?
The Olympic Peninsula, in general, is very safe, but leave valuables at home. Our accommodations are in a very secure gated community, and we can lock each cabin when heading to Olympic National Park. However, the individual bedrooms do not have locks.
We will stay in an area with adequate mobile phone reception (depending on the carrier). Our hikes might fall in and out of cell service, but we will always have reasonable access to communication (Lake Crescent Lodge or the community center in LaPush.)
In the event of a medical emergency, the Cabins are 30 minutes away from Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles, WA. A basic first aid and snake bite kit is also available at the Cabins (and I carry it in a backpack when we hike). Forks Community Hospital is also 30 minutes from LaPush (near Second Beach.)
As for our work getting to an altered state in nature, it is emotionally and spiritually safe. I’ve guided myself and others in the outdoors my entire life. My mystic gifts arrived at age six, and I’ve been a diligent student of the mystery since then — developing my gifts and talents through rigorous daily training.
When we gather on the Olympic Peninsula for our nature immersion retreat, I’ve already devoted many hours calling upon the spirits of land and place to guide and protect us on the beautiful terrain.
Can I bring my kids? What about pets?
Unfortunately, no.
Youths 12 and older may be accepted on a case-by-case basis — contact me for discussion.
In addition, contact me to set up a family-friendly nature immersion retreat or to make arrangements for service animals.
What about wild animals?
Nature abounds on the Olympic Peninsula, but there are no human predators around the houses, and we’ll be hiking in busy enough areas to scare away undesirable critters. We’ll likely encounter deer and elk, among other wildlife.
Can I arrange a private nature immersion retreat?
Yes. All you need to do is purchase four spots (double occupancy). I can work with you on other dates, too — contact me.
Can you help plan my trip before/after the retreat?
Yes! Please peruse this website and check out my nature immersion planning resources that are only available to participants of this retreat. I’ve already written an article, How to plan an Olympic Peninsula road trip, with specific itinerary ideas to incorporate into this retreat.
Your nature immersion retreat registration also includes complimentary help planning travel within two days of the retreat dates. This service includes my experienced recommendations but does not include me making any bookings or purchases.
Is this nature immersion retreat on the Olympic Peninsula replacing other therapies?
I, Matthew Kessi, provide the programs and services that are alternative or complementary to healing arts services licensed by the State of Washington. I am not licensed to provide medical services as a healing arts practitioner. I am not a physician. I do not diagnose, cure or treat diseases, injuries, or illnesses. I also do not prescribe or administer prescription drugs or controlled substances. Persons requiring medical diagnosis and possible treatment should seek out medical diagnoses. I do not recommend discontinuing medical services or medication while working with me or the programs.
The information on this website is provided as an information resource only. It should not be used or relied on for medical advice, diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.
What to bring to this Olympic Peninsula nature retreat?
Open your heart and mind to slow down and practice developing your unique relationship with nature.
- Layered outdoor gear
Comfortable clothing for light hiking, including waterproof footwear and outerwear (jacket and pants.) - Reusable water bottle
This is part of our efforts to leave no trace. I will provide refillable water during hikes. - Sundries, Medications & vitamins
There is still sun on the Olympic Peninsula! Don’t forget sunscreen, bug spray, hats, and sunglasses. - Retreat casual clothing
Our workshops will be inside the cabins, so dress comfortably. Consider bringing easy on/off footwear to walk between buildings and on the beach.
Our curriculum: Six fundamentals to elevate your nature connection.
I’m enthusiastic about presenting this curriculum because its simplicity is its strength. Each step is safe and dependable, empowering you to engage with nature wherever and whenever. Through fun and creative activities, you’ll learn how to work with a robust framework — proven to be effective:
Module 1: Opt into nature.
Find grounding and acknowledge your presence in the “land story” of the Olympic Peninsula’s 15,000-year human history, where people’s stories intertwine with the rich and wild beauty.
Module 2: Cultivate intent.
Align your feelings, thoughts, and intuition as you immerse in this retreat experience. Actively opt into a connection open to healing, well-being, and awakening.
Module 3: Keep present.
Create tranquility by shedding distractions. Step back from modern noise.
Module 4: What is your natural pace?
Neither rushed nor stagnant, begin to engage your natural rhythm.
Module 5: What do you notice?
Engage with nature’s wonders. Heightened intuition reveals insights and healing. The magic of the land holds answers; stay attentive for guidance.
Module 6: Reflect and Integrate.
Embrace new and deepening aspects of your connection to the Natural World. Form a realistic plan to merge retreat experiences with daily life.
Break Free from the Status Quo: Join me on a retreat that will change your life.
$1700 all-inclusive per person based on double occupancy. Additional $800 for single occupancy. Register by selecting a weekend below.
Want to let nature’s power ignite your potential but need more details?
No problem.
I want you to feel comfortable and ready for an extraordinary adventure connecting you with the spirits of the land! Click the link below to learn how this retreat can help you with tangible healing, well-being, and transformation.
Do you have more questions? Please let me know. If you live in the Seattle or Portland areas, schedule a $25 nature immersion guided walk with me to sample the experience. It will last about two hours. Or, we can chat via Facetime or Zoom.