Camino de Santiago
From Sarria to Santiago, Spain | Sep 1 - 7, 2023
Being a woman who is childless-not-by-choice can be a lonely journey. Maybe you feel that you are just going through the motions and not sure what your next move should be? You know something needs to change, but you don’t know where to start. I remember those feelings so vividly.
What if you could take a pause from your usual routine, join a carefully selected group of amazing women, and walk one of the most famous pilgrimage routes in the world?
In addition to being a unique life experience, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in nature-based coaching sessions on topics such as self-care, self-compassion, and a variety of group discussions on the unique challenges of being a childless woman not by choice.
By the end of this transformational walk, you will feel calmer, have more clarity on what you want out of life, and have the confidence to find your way, to say no, to take risks and to embrace new opportunities. You’ll leave feeling refreshed, recharged, and connected to a loving and supportive community of like-minded women.
“The quality of your life, ultimately depends
on the quality of your relationships”
This retreat is designed for women who are involuntarily childless, and offers a supportive and inclusive environment for self-discovery, growth and fun new experiences. Trust me… nothing is more transformational than experiencing something this unique with people who get you.
It’s the ultimate opportunity to take some time for yourself and connect with others who understand the unique experience of being childless not by choice.
Book your spot today and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
"Camino de Santiago"
Your 7-Day Reset
I don’t know if you’re like me, but I’m very impatient to meet all of you! That’s why on August 10th at 1 pm New York Time we will come together on Zoom to get to know each other in an interactive and fun way!
Today’s topic is “Reset”
4 pm Check-in (you’ll receive the exact address in Sarria 4 weeks before)
5 pm Welcome Circle
6 pm DINNER
7 pm Free time to explore Sarria
Today’s topic is “Recharge”
7 am Morning Circle
8 am BREAKFAST
9 am Walk the Camino (12 km)
1 pm LUNCH
3 pm Walk the Camino (10 km)
5 pm Arrival in Portomarín
6 pm DINNER
7 pm Free time to explore Portomarín
Note: Nature-based coaching and group discussions are integrated throughout our walks.
Today’s topic is “Release”
7 am Morning Circle
8 am BREAKFAST
9 am Walk the Camino (15 km)
1 pm LUNCH
3 pm Walk the Camino (10 km)
5 pm Arrival in Palas de Rei
6 pm DINNER
7 pm Free time to explore Palas de Rei
Note: Nature-based coaching and group discussions are integrated throughout our walks.
Today’s topic is “Reconnect”
7 am Morning Circle
8 am BREAKFAST
9 am Walk the Camino (18 km)
1 pm LUNCH
3 pm Walk the Camino (10 km)
5 pm Arrival in Arzúa
6 pm DINNER
7 pm Free time to explore Arzúa
Note: Nature-based coaching and group discussions are integrated throughout our walks.
Today’s topic is “Refocus”
7 am Morning Circle
8 am BREAKFAST
9 am Walk the Camino (10 km)
1 pm LUNCH
3 pm Walk the Camino (8 km)
5 pm Arrival in Rúa
6 pm DINNER
7 pm Free time to explore Rúa
Note: Nature-based coaching and group discussions are integrated throughout our walks.
Today’s topic is “Renew”
7 am Morning Circle
8 am BREAKFAST
9 am Walk the Camino (12 km)
1 pm LUNCH
3 pm Walk the Camino (9 km)
5 pm Arrival in Santiago de Compostela
6 pm DINNER
7 pm Free time to explore Santiago de Compostela
Note: Nature-based coaching and group discussions are integrated throughout our walks.
Today’s topic is “Rejuvenate”
7 am Morning Circle
8 am BREAKFAST
9 am Free time to explore Santiago de Compostela
12 pm Checkout
Optional (not included):
– guided tour of the historic town
– trip to the Costa da Morte
– additional nights of accommodation in Santiago de Compostela
After such a unique experience it will be hard to feel separated, that’s why we come together one more time on September 19th at 1 PM (New York Time) for a fun integration call.
Meet Your Host & Guide Rianna Hijlkema
My name is Rianna, originally from The Netherlands, but currently living in Argentina. I’m a multi-passionate serial entrepreneur living a nomadic life for the past 11 years. Traveling to 40+ countries and working on four continents has taught me to approach life (and business) with resourcefulness and resilience.
Sounds pretty good, right?
Yup, until infertility knocked on my door. The first 4 years I’ve kind of wasted my life (even though I was laying on white sandy beaches, hiking mountains and ‘living the life’) on the inside I felt so terribly lonely. Nowhere could I find friends who understood the challenges I was facing.
Along the way, I rediscovered my love for walking and connected with childless women all around the world. Those connections became a huge part of my recovery as I worked on my overall health and well-being. If I was a doctor I would prescribe friendships for everyone, but I’m not so… I provide opportunities instead!
And walking the ‘Camino de Santiago’ is one of them!
This retreat is an opportunity to connect with women (like me!) who understand the triggers, confrontations and other emotions that arise on a day like this. Together, we are going to create memories that will last a lifetime!
What Others Say About Working With Me...
"I am beyond grateful for your quality time and effort to guide me. You've inspired me to follow my heart and intuition as of lately.
Thank you for pushing me to really evaluate what I wanted, it helped so much.
Also thank you so much for your insights. Your words mean so much to me and just being around your energy fills me up with inspiration."
Thank you for pushing me to really evaluate what I wanted, it helped so much.
Also thank you so much for your insights. Your words mean so much to me and just being around your energy fills me up with inspiration."
Carolina M.
Student Master Therapy/Psychology
"I felt lost and emotionally out of balance. The support that Rianna gave me, was the perfect gift to help me move forward. The framework she is using clarified many things, which led to revelations during the week, which helped me make new decisions. Rianna guided me to open up the different layers and then helped me flip this information into something practical for the future. Rianna was a crucial piece in the transition that I was going through."
Laura Giosh-Markov
Positive Discipline workshop facilitator, Parent consultant, Counselor, and Music Therapist
"I contacted Rianna, because I was going through a deep down. I was feeling lost, I didn’t know where to start, I was overwhelmed with self-doubt and I had no clarity at all on where to go, or even to start. I resonated with Rianna and was provoked by her way of living her life. Rianna gave me the tools to sit down, work through them and understand why I feel a certain way. Rianna does an amazing way of guiding; very encouraging, supportive, but also challenging."
Maria Kacharava
Support Service Team Leader
"A unique and empowering experience"
Pay deposit | $550
All-inclusive 7D6N - $2034
Remaining balance due before July 15th.
Interest-free payment plan available
EU residents may be subject to VAT
EU residents may be subject to VAT
Pay deposit | €500
All-inclusive 7D6N - €1899
Remaining balance due before July 15th.
Interest-free payment plan available
EU residents may be subject to VAT
EU residents may be subject to VAT
Pay deposit | $550
All-inclusive 7D6N – $2034
Please book before July 15th.
Interest-free payment plan available
EU residents may be subject to VAT
Pay deposit | €500
All-inclusive 7D6N – €1899
Remaining balance due before July 15th.
Interest-free payment plan available
EU residents may be subject to VAT
Frequently Asked Questions
This all-inclusive walking retreat is exclusively for women who are childless-not-by-choice.
Being childless-not-by-choice is not a one-and-done kind of thing. You don’t get over it and move on. You will still have times when you wish things had turned out differently. That’s ok. It’s ok to grieve the life you didn’t get. It’s ok to be angry. But remember, even though you have to do it all by yourself, you don’t have to do it alone. We’ve got you!
Minimum number of participants is 4 women (max. 7).
After talking to hundreds of women who are childless not by choice, I know that not taking action can leave you stuck in grief for decades, maybe even your whole life. Just existing and not living can lead to anxiety, depression and loneliness. And I believe that life is too freaking short for that!
Research has shown that trauma gets trapped into our bodies.
Emotions that aren’t dealt with can affect the way you think about yourself, how you deal with stress, your physical well-being and your relationships with others.
One of the ways to release this tension and repair your nervous system is intentional movement.
Nature is healing in so many ways. Research shows that only 20 minutes in nature calms your heart rate, slows down your breathing, decreases your cortisol (stress hormone) levels and restores your mind.
After 3 days your prefrontal cortext (the part of you that’s in charge) relaxes. It resets! So it helps you to think clear and be more creative.
Imagine what 7 days can do..
Yes and no. We welcome all fitness levels, but to walk a total of 100 km in 7 days, you should at least be able to walk several miles in your neighbourhood without taking a break. The more in shape you are, the easier it’ll be. That said, I’ve chosen this specific section of the Camino because it’s suitable for beginners.
We walk anyway! In case of severe weather: thunderstorms, ice, snow or extreme cold, we may postpone the trip.
Having a travel insurance is recommended.
If you are interested, but can’t make these dates, reach out to me (email: hello@riannahijlkema.com) and I will keep you in the loop on upcoming dates!
If you booked and can’t make these dates, please check the cancellation policy in the terms & conditions and send me an email.
- Passport and other travel documents (please make sure vour passport is current. Note: It’s safest if it expires at least 6 months past your date of return to the US.
- Bug spray and sunscreen/ first aid and medications
- Toiletries/feminine products
- Bathing suit
- Rain poncho (just incase)
- Comfortable clothing
- Light sweater for evening
- Hiking shoes, boots or sandals
- Second pair of shoes for free time (trust me, your feet will thank you for this!)
- Book(s) to read.
- Journal/pen
Having a travel and health insurance is highly recommended.
From Madrid International Airport it’s 4 hours by train or 1.20 h by plane to Sarria from where we will start our walk. Hotel check-in on Friday is possible after 4pm.
On Thursday we will check-out at 12 pm. The train from Santiago to Madrid International Airport will take 3.45 hours, and the plane will take 1.20 h.
Need help finding the right flight/train?
Please send an email to me (email: hello@riannahijlkema.com) and I will help you find the best flight/train, please be sure to send the state/country of departure and all details if you do.
- Connection call (virtual, August 10th at 1 pm New York Time)
- Shared room (with 1 or 2 women of our own group) with private bathroom for 6 nights (small family hotels, country houses and charming hostels)
- Daily meals: breakfast (6x), lunch (6x) and dinner (6x). Note: on day of arrival only dinner included and on day of departure only breakfast included
- Luggage transfer between accommodations
- Assistance vehicle in case of emergency
- Nature-based coaching sessions, and group disccusions
- Pilgrim’s credentials (little booklet to collect the stamps of the pilgrimage)
- 2% of your full payment will be donated to support girls and women empowerment initiatives in Nepal
- Integration call (virtual, September 19th at 1 pm New York time)
- Additional requested meals and drinks (except water & soda)
- Airfare & transportation to Sarria (first day) and from Santiago (last day).
- Arrival visa
- Insurance (health & travel)
- Personal expenses (alcohol, souvenirs, etc)
Questions, doubts or something else?
Making such a big investment in yourself is scary. I totally understand.
Please reach out to me at hello@riannahijlkema.com if you have any questions, or book a virtual coffee chat to get a feel of what it would look like to spend time together.
