Cancer is a journey that has a way of causing wounds far beyond what is physically evident, and our emotional, mental, spiritual, relational, hidden pains need tended to as well. Join us for a weekend of rest, connection, and restoration — whether you’re 20 days in or 20 years past treatment, this is for YOU!
We can’t wait to be with you!
October 30 – November 1, 2026
(Friday evening through Sunday)
The Oaks Retreat Center
27430 Golden Eagle Rd, Ramona, CA 92065GET DIRECTIONS →Anyone navigating — or beyond — a cancer diagnosis. All ages, stages, treatment phases, and types of cancer are welcome.
There is something special – something healing – about gathering with people who have walked a similar road.
Unhurried mornings, open afternoons, and space to simply be — in your room, poolside, or on a cozy couch — no schedule guilt.
Serene and beautifully designed rooms to support rejuvenation for your body, mind, and soul.
Peers that lean in with refreshing honesty that supports everyone's journey of healing and growth — no performing, no pretending needed.
Space to connect with and unlock deeper layers of your story with others and on your own.
Yes, they both belong on this road too and there's plenty of opportunities to enjoy both.
Enjoy wonderfully fresh, seasonal, farm-to-table meals to nourish your body and more.
Welcomed with healing hospitality and loved where you're at – with the belief that what you've experienced matters and there's still more that life has to offer.
Lodging, meals, and programming are all included.
Rooms from $550 to $850 — every room includes the full retreat. Thanks to generous donors, costs are already significantly reduced, and scholarships are available.
THE VENUE
ON THE GROUNDS
Modern lodging
Sprawling lawns under old oak trees
Valley views that make it easy to exhale
Swimming pool with water slide & dive boards
Pickleball, basketball & sand volleyball courts
Disc golf & hiking trails across 240 acres
Labyrinth & quiet nooks to read and rest
A specialty coffee shop
Complimentary snacks, tea & treats
Cozy fireplaces, rocking chairs & gathering spaces
Breathtaking sunrises, sunsets & valley views
Free Wi-Fi & parking with EV charging
LODGING
Every room includes the full retreat — lodging, meals, programming, fitness and experience classes, contrast therapy (cold plunge + sauna), and more.
$550
Twin beds, shared baths
$650
Private Room — private bedroom, shared baths
$750
Private Room — private bedroom & bath
$850
Private Suite — two queen beds, sitting area, porch & mountain views
$650
Private room for two — two beds, shared bath
Room availability is confirmed by our team after registration.
Scholarships available — cost should never keep you from coming.
MOMENTS FROM PAST RETREATS
“You will not regret going, but you may regret it if you don't go. The friendships I made have helped me tremendously through lots of hard days and it is so encouraging to share with those who understand the cancer journey.”
Anyone who’s been diagnosed with cancer.
Cancer, whether we want to face it or not, impacts every part of us — physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and relationally — even after treatment ends. That’s why Unlocking YOU exists, and that’s why all stages, ages, treatment phases (recently diagnosed, in-treatment, post-treatment), genders, and types of cancer are welcome.
Retreats are for anyone looking for emotional wellness, personal growth, honest community, and a chance to reclaim a little bit of what cancer has stolen, in a place with less distractions… along with anyone who doesn’t know what they are looking for, but needs a break.
The Oaks Retreat Center in Ramona, CA. Hop in a car or jump on a plane and come join us! The Oaks is a peaceful place to find the restoration and rejuvenation needed for your body, mind, heart, and soul.
Directions and transportation options from the San Diego airport are provided after registration. We also make an effort to connect attendees flying in with one another for carpooling to the retreat center.
A safe place to truly be yourself, and a chance to dive deeper into the tender spots of your cancer journey — mixed with lots of room to rest, enjoy life unplugged, create something new, nourish your body and your soul, access hope, connect with others, gather in community, unlock inner healing, rediscover laughter, and play along the way.
You will have plenty of time for connecting with others, including the retreat leaders, as well as plenty of time to rest on your own.
Once you arrive, you’re home for the weekend — there are stunning views to enjoy, hiking trails, cozy nooks and crannies with fireplaces, rocking chairs throughout the campus, and carefully crafted experiences to help you unlock where you are on your journey and what you need to thrive along the way.
It ranges from $550–$850 depending on what room you select when registering.
Pricing includes: three days and two nights of lodging, all meals, a handful of guided 60–90-minute sessions, fitness and experience classes, contrast therapy (cold plunge + sauna), a free therapy or massage session should you choose to sign up, plenty of free time to explore rest and play throughout the 240-acre property, along with some really fun surprises!
Sign-ups for some of the items listed above will be first come, first serve.
At The Oaks Retreat Center, every space is thoughtfully designed for rest and rejuvenation.
Check-in is between 2pm–4pm on the first day of the retreat. Please arrive no later than 4pm, as the retreat kicks off with a welcome session at 4:30pm and dinner at 5:30pm.
Check-out is after breakfast and the closing session at 11:00am on the retreat end date. (It takes about 1.5 hours to get to the San Diego airport.) Late check-out is unavailable.
Group sessions are included with your registration.
Prior to the retreat, an email will be sent to you with the opportunity to sign up for any enhanced experiences offered at your specific retreat — massage, therapy with a licensed MFT, contrast therapy (cold plunge + sauna), fitness class, art class, etc.
Sign-ups will also be made available at check-in, however massages and therapy appointments are first come, first serve.
We sure do! Please reach out to aaneff@gmail.com to apply.
You are your life’s best investment!
Thanks to generous donors, costs are already significantly reduced — and if cost is still a concern, scholarships are available.