3 Day Grief and Loss Healing Retreat with Animals in Florida, US

This private three-day retreat in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, offers a gentle path through grief for anyone mourning a death, divorce, miscarriage, estrangement, job loss, or any life-altering ending. Set at a peaceful animal sanctuary in Central Florida, it pairs rescued horses, dogs, cats, and farm animals with holistic therapies to help sorrow move through the body rather than stay locked inside. Rescued animals form the heart of this experience. They sit beside you in your pain without judgment or any need to fix it, offering a kind of presence that humans often cannot. Time with them can be quiet and still, or it can involve guided horsemanship sessions that build trust and connection at your own pace. Dr. Angelique Barbara, a chiropractor with veterinary science degrees, leads restorative bodywork tailored to where you carry your grief. You can also choose from sound healing, guided meditation, yoga, and other holistic sessions. Every program is customized around your goals, so no two retreats look exactly alike. Optional add-ons let you shape each day further. Try a sound bath, painting lessons to express emotions visually, cooking classes, additional horsemanship, or extra time with the animals. Horseback riding is available too. The aim is to give you tools and moments that feel meaningful rather than a rigid schedule. All meals are plant-based and freshly prepared to support your body while it processes loss. Accommodations are comfortable and surrounded by nature, with access to outdoor spaces, a pool and spa, and quiet gathering areas. Here, tears are welcome, anger has a safe outlet, and your grief is met with respect. Whether you need rest, reconnection, or a deeper sense of transformation, this retreat is built around you. The combination of animal companionship, bodywork, and Florida's calm natural setting creates space for grief to be felt fully and, in time, to soften. Your stay can be arranged privately to honor where you are right now.