September 21, 2013
Lynne Franks Launches Signature Retreats for Women
Winnie McCroy READ TIME: 5 MIN.
Author, entrepreneur and women's empowerment champion Lynne Franks -- the real-life inspiration behind "Ab Fab's" Edina Monsoon -- welcomes women to her fall program at BLOOM Retreats, her signature well-being and creative retreats for women, hosted by female experts in their fields from around the world.
"I am delighted to be hosting these intimate retreats for women to heal, grow and connect with each other in such a nurturing, feminine space. There has been a tremendous response following each of my BLOOM Retreats over the last few years, and it is clearly time to expand our offering and bring in other teachers and specialists," said Franks.
The retreats will be held at Franks' beautiful home in Deia, Mallorca. Part of an old monastery, the property offers stunning views overlooking the Mediterranean and the Tramuntana mountains. The site is within walking distance of the ancient village of Deia, which has been a hub for many artists, writers and creative.
Franks' retreats offer unique creative and wellbeing experiences in a deeply relaxing atmosphere surrounded by the exquisite local, natural beauty of the Mediterranean coastline. She kicked things off last week with a detox and wellness retreat, led by Reiki Master Monika Evans together with 5-Elements nutritionist Ursula Peer. Lots of meditation, yoga, traditional Chinese Medicine nutrition and relaxing were on the lineup.
She is now preparing for her Sept. 22-27 Fitness Retreat, led by fitness consultant and ambassador for Reebok Sarah Maxwell. Franks promises that you will "tone up, lose weight and learn how to access your own inner resources for a calm life while enjoying wonderful food and great natural beauty in a nurturing and supportive environment."
Following that, on Sept. 29-Oct. 4 is the BLOOM Creative Writing & Nature Walks Retreat. This is a great way for women to discover their inner voice through a series of exploratory life writing and creative writing sessions and guided walks with professional writer, journalist and writing mentor Elaine Kingett.
"This retreat is not so much about technique, academic ability or previous writing experience, more about delight in the written recording and expression of our individual existence," writes Franks in a recent press release. "Each day, after relaxing Mindfulness Mediation, you will take part in a guided walk to fire up your imagination and to discover the supernatural beauty of northern Mallorca, which has inspired writers such as Robert Graves and Ana�s Nin."
Kingett will lead women through various writing exercises including memoir and autobiographical writing, journaling and letter writing. Women will share their work in the evenings.
Those serious about the two ancient healing arts of yoga and ayurveda should get to BLOOM Retreats Oct. 12-17 for this special workshop that blends the best of both. Mornings will be dedicated to meditation and gentle yoga, toning muscles, ligaments, joints and nerves, stimulating circulation and helping to release stress and toxins from the body.
This is followed by sessions presenting the principles of ayurveda and how to apply them to your daily life. Then comes the cooking! Hands-on cooking will allow women to learn and enjoy delicious recipes and share their experiences in the kitchen.
Unleash Your Inner Creativity!
Late in the fall, Franks invites women to learn a little more about their inner artist and creativity with the BLOOM Inner Artist Retreat, Nov. 4-8, and the BLOOM Women's Creative Leadership Retreat, Nov. 14-19.
Frances Baxter and Mariana Alzamora, two renowned artists from Mallorca's thriving creative community, will be on hand to help you explore and develop your own inner artist. This will combine expert instruction in clay molding, drawing and painting with Lynne's unique SEED coaching tools to help you lead a creative, abundant and purposeful life.
International artists Frances Baxter and Mariana Alzamora will be your guides as you explore how to make clay goddess figures, draw your own self-portrait and paint through the magic of nature.
Then, Franks herself will take the reins for her Creative Leadership Retreat integrating spiritual values with professional insights and personal fulfillment techniques to create a holistic blueprint for a healthy and successful life.
In addition to transformation and change, Franks will work with each member of the retreat on a one-to-one basis, coaching them personally and professionally to achieve their dreams. She will focus on all areas of life relevant to a modern woman including relationships, career, emotional wealth and physical well-being.
Franks is the founder of Sustainable Enterprise and Empowerment Dynamics (SEED), a provider and community for women's learning and coaching programs. More recently she launched B. Hive, a series of unique business lounges and hubs for women in collaboration with the Regus Group.
"We are offering a nurturing and supportive space where women can reconnect with their true selves and be inspired to live purposeful and rewarding lives," said Franks in her press materials. "I have brought together a select team of wellness experts and international teachers for a series of holistic signature retreats on wellness, fitness, creative writing, yoga and healthy nutrition, aimed at the whole woman."
For more information, visit www.bloomretreats.com
Winnie McCroy is the Women on the EDGE Editor, HIV/Health Editor, and Assistant Entertainment Editor for EDGE Media Network, handling all women's news, HIV health stories and theater reviews throughout the U.S. She has contributed to other publications, including The Village Voice, Gay City News, Chelsea Now and The Advocate, and lives in Brooklyn, New York.