Read, Rest & Reset
A Quiet Retreat
a women’s retreat
with Cat Doyle
Friday November 20 - Sunday November 22, 2026
Merrickville, Ontario
“The retreat with Cat in Merrickville was everything I needed and more—restorative, nourishing, and deeply connecting. The setting was beautiful, the classes were spacious and thoughtful, and the entire weekend felt like a luxurious reset for body, mind, and spirit.”
Late autumn is the perfect time to slow down, settle in, and get lost in a good book.
“The experience helped me tap into the season and release some of my own tension while connecting on a deeper level to my mind, body, and spirit.
If you’re looking for a way to unwind and deepen your self-care practice, I can’t recommend Cat enough!”
This retreat is a weekend for women who could use a little more time for themselves.
Merrickville, Ontario is a gem of a town, nestled on the Rideau Canal, and known as Canada’s most beautiful village. Year round, people flock to Merrickville for it’s quaint shops, relaxed vibe, proximity to Ottawa, and historic buildings.
Treat yourself to a deluxe November weekend of yoga, rest, food, and a good book.
The retreat is hosted at Maple & Rose a meticulously restored Victorian mansion, in the heart of Merrickville. Each bedroom boasts its own ensuite bathroom, historic details, and modern amenities. Our small group of like-minded women will have access to the entire property, including the yoga studio space, all three floors, sunroom lounge area, and an outdoor fire pit.
This slow-paced retreat brings together gentle yoga, good books, nourishing made-from-scratch food, and time to simply be. Read for hours without feeling guilty about everything else you could be doing. Take a bath in the clawfoot tub, nap on the couch, wander through Merrickville, or stay tucked into your favourite nook with a cup of tea.
There’s space to connect if you feel like it, and space to retreat into your own little cocoon when you don’t.
“I left feeling rejuvenated and relaxed. Cat is simply the best yoga instructor that I have ever had!”
“Cat is a master in creating a relaxed and chill vibe for all participants. She takes the time to connect with each guest in an authentic manner. She truly created magic for our group in the creatively sequenced yoga practices and group activities.”
Bring the book that’s been waiting on your nightstand. Settle in, turn the pages, and enjoy.
During this retreat, you’ll be staying in a room of your choice at historic Maple & Rose and enjoy experiences including:
Yoga sessions
Intentional nervous system reset practices
Guided journaling
Made-from-scratch meals (vegetarian options available), with wine
Snacks, teas and treats
Curated quiet time to read and relax
Engaging group workshop
Giftlet bag with local goodies from woman-owned businesses
“This retreat was a welcome break with a relaxed vibe and delicious food. Cat guided us through some beautiful yoga practices and ensured that we had everything we needed. Cat is attentive, kind and joyful and I’ve already signed up for her next retreat!”
Weekend Itinerary:
Friday
2:00PM Arrive and check-in
Nothing Required - Enjoy some snacks, meet the other women, familiarize yourself with your room at Maple & Rose, or settle in with a book
4:00PM Opening circle and giftlets
5:00PM Yin Unwind + Nidra (75 mins)
6:30PM Curated dinner by Kasia K.
7:30PM A Quiet Hour
8:30PM Group Activity
Time to read, relax, or go to bed early
Saturday
Nothing Required - Enjoy coffee/tea and an unhurried start to the morning
8:30AM Slow Flow yoga, meditation, journaling (75 mins)
10:00AM Homemade delicious brunch
11:00AM A Quiet Hour
12:00PM Nothing Required - Free time to enjoy Merrickville, peruse the shops, take a nap, walk along the canal, relax with your new friends, or continue to read
5:00PM Yin & Aromatherapy (75 mins)
6:30PM Whole-food dinner by Kasia K
7:30PM A Quiet Hour
Time to read, relax, or go to bed early
Sunday
Nothing Required - Enjoy coffee/tea and an unhurried start to the morning
8:30AM Mobility feel-good yoga flow, meditation (75 mins)
10:00AM - Breakfast bar brunch
11:00AM A Quiet Hour
12:30PM Journaling & closing circle
1:00PM Check out and goodbyes
Investment
$999 - 1369 CAD, depending on room selection
Deposit of $300 CAD due upon booking (non-refundable)
Final Payment due November 6, 2026
Choose your room:
Main Floor
Forsythe Room
• King bed for solo occupancy
• En suite bathroom
• Patio access
SOLD OUT! $1269
Second Floor
Maple Room
• Queen bed for solo occupancy
• En suite bathroom with luxurious soaker tub
• Reading nook, tucked into the historic turret
$1369
Rose Room
• Two twin XL beds for double occupancy
• En suite bathroom
• Rideau River and garden view
$1099 per person
Charlotte Room
• Queen bed for solo occupancy
• En suite bathroom
• Warm and calm Boho-inspired design
$1269
Magee Room
• Two twin XL beds for double occupancy
• En suite bathroom
• Peaceful garden view
$999 per person
Third Floor
Watchorn Suite
• Queen bed + full bed in separate, attached rooms
• En suite bathroom
• Turret reading nook with rotating nap chair
• Electric fireplace
$1269 Queen
$1099 Full
Robinson Room
• Two twin XL beds for double occupancy
• En suite bathroom
• Original 130 year old window
$999 per person
Cat Doyle (she/her)
Cat hails from Ottawa, Canada and brings a deep love of gathering people together and creating an experience. She has been teaching yoga since 2011 and offers clear, straightforward instruction with a dose of insight and playfulness. Her background in biology and psychology means she is serious about anatomy, alignment, and functional movement. She focuses on moving in intentional, mindful ways and balances practices that feel like a good workout with practices that give you a sense of calm and release. Cat is an experienced retreat host; having facilitated over 30 yoga retreats, both locally and internationally.
FAQs with Cat
Q: This retreat is just for women. What does that mean?
A: This is about calling in and gathering a group of like-minded people. There is something magical that happens when we intentionally gather in these ways. Read, Rest & Reset is open to anyone who identifies as a woman.
Q: Is this retreat only for advanced yogis?
A: Definitely not! You will benefit from having practiced yoga before, but I am an experienced yoga teacher who can adapt the practice depending on your skill level. I can also can offer suggestions and modifications if you’re dealing with an injury. This is a great opportunity to explore different styles of yoga, ask questions, and learn variations that work for your body.
Q: What if I’m coming to Read, Rest & Reset alone?
A: That’s great! You’ll have an opportunity to connect more with me, the group, and yourself. You can choose a solo room or share a room with twin XL beds. You will be fully supported and integrated into the group.
Q: How do I get there?
A: Maple & Rose is located in the heart of Merrickville at 205 Mill Street. Driving there is very straightforward using a map app. If you want to carpool/rideshare, I can connect you with other participants coming from the same area.
Q: When is check in and check out?
A: You can check in on Friday November 20 anytime after 2:00pm. We will get started with our group around 4:00pm. Check out is on Sunday November 22 at 1:00pm.
Q: What does the itinerary for this retreat look like?
A: We will start the retreat on Friday afternoon with light snacks, group opening circle, yoga practice, then dinner. Saturday will include morning yoga + meditation, brunch, free time to explore Merrickville, another yoga practice, dinner, and wine pairing. On Sunday, we’ll have a yoga practice, brunch, and time to connect as a group. Based on my experience of hosting retreats, we will go with the flow and curate the activities to match our group’s energy.
Q: What about the food?
A; We have a private cook for our group! Kasia K will prepare fresh, delicious meals for us. Dietary issues like gluten-free and dairy free are easily accommodated. Please let us know if you are vegetarian/vegan or have other food allergies when you book.
Q: Is this a dry retreat?
A: No it’s not - we have a wine pairing with dinner, and it’s up to you if you want to have a glass or not. You are welcome to bring your own alcohol. As a general guideline, please refrain from drinking before yoga practices and be mindful of your consumption.
Q: Am I required to participate in every activity?
A: No, you can customize your retreat experience to be as relaxed or as lively as you want. Although a group itinerary with yoga and activities has been curated, at the end of the day you can opt in or out of anything along the way.
Q: What is NOT included in the price?
A: You are responsible for organizing transportation to Maple & Rose. I also strongly recommend that you have travel and medical insurance, as applicable. Gifts and treats can be purchased at shops in town.
