March 29th- April 1st, 2026
THE CARMEL BY THE SEA, CA EDITION
THE INSPIRED ESCAPE.
THE LOCATION
THE EXCLUSIVITY
THE EXPERIENCE
AN ESCAPE CURATED EXCLUSIVELY FOR FEMALE FOUNDED CREATIVE SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
hosted by Melissa Ivy
Tucked along California’s dreamy coastline, Carmel-by-the-Sea feels like something out of a storybook. Cobblestone streets, salty ocean air, and endless creative energy. It’s the perfect place to slow down, soak it in, and spark fresh ideas. Every corner invites you to breathe a little deeper and dream a little bigger.
This isn’t a massive conference — it’s an intimate experience intentionally limited to a small group of creative women. That means real connection, meaningful conversation, and time to be truly seen. When you’re here, you’re not just another attendee — you’re part of something special. There will be a max of 10 women.
From morning coffee chats to local experiences, this retreat is equal parts inspiration and restoration. You’ll walk away with clarity in your business, renewed confidence in yourself, and friendships that last. It’s a reset that fuels both your creativity and your heart.
Feeling a touch (or a truckload) of burnout? Need to press pause? Looking for inspiration for your next step?
MARCH 29TH-APRIL 1ST, 2026
Welcome to an intimate business retreat to designed to connect with likeminded women, restore your creative soul, and walk away inspired.
Must have an insatiable desire for fun and connection.
THE DETAILS
THE CARMEL BY THE SEA EDITION GOES LIVE 10/20/2025 |🤍| THE CARMEL BY THE SEA EDITION GOES LIVE 10/20/2025 |🤍| THE CARMEL BY THE SEA EDITION GOES LIVE 10/20/2025 |🤍| THE CARMEL BY THE SEA EDITION GOES LIVE 10/20/2025 |🤍| THE CARMEL BY THE SEA EDITION GOES LIVE |🤍| 10/20/2025 |
Your invitation includes:
THREE NIGHTS & FOUR DAYS OF ACCOMODATIONS
ALL MEALS & DRINKS
HEADSHOTS
BUSINESS CHATS
DONE FOR YOU ITINERARY
OPPORTUNITY FOR CLOSE CONVERSATIONS & FRIENDSHIPS
FREE TIME
CUTE DOWNTOWN MOSEY
ACTIVITIES
THOUGHTFUL TOUCHES
A cutie little rental near downtown Carmel By The Sea. Show up on site at check in for beautiful views & cozy vibes.
Nourish your body. Whether we stay in or go out: breakfast, lunch, & dinner are covered.
A full itinerary, including a packing list, will be sent 1-2 weeks beforehand.
Based on group needs. Potential topics could include: sustainability, working genius, journaling, mastermind hotseats
Casual headshots done on site at the rental with Melissa. With lots of opportunity for more content.
Want to explore the area with new friends or take time for a nap? The world is your oyster
We will have time to mosey Carmel By The Sea's cute downtown. The beach and cute stores abound. A coffee shop stop is a must.
Surrounded by like-minded driven and creative women, find new friends to link arms and continue this entrepreneurial journey with.
Any and all local adventures that take place are covered.
You don't need to know everything ;)
We hung out in our pajamas and ate lots of snacks while we discussed personal development, challenges, networking, successes, failures, our families and life in general. We all took the "Working Genius" test and discussed our results. You need to check this out!
Hard to put into words. I was blown away by our group - smart, kind and approachable women juggling their businesses, family and life and continuing to grow. The friendship that grew was the most unexpected gift!
Attending The Inspired Escape was such a gift. The setting itself was beautiful and full of charm, but what made it truly special was the group of women I got to experience it with. I went in feeling a little nervous about stepping into a group of people I didn’t know, but I left with genuine friendships that I’ll carry with me. The encouragement, honest feedback, and support created such a safe and uplifting space. I especially loved diving into The Working Genius and learning more about my strengths and weaknesses—it gave me clarity and insight that I’ve already started applying.
This retreat reminded me that I’m not alone in navigating entrepreneurship. I came home feeling uplifted, encouraged, and truly inspired. If you’re considering going, I would tell you to take the leap. The Inspired Escape offers encouragement, rest, creative conversation, and genuine community—and I think we all could use more of that in our lives. I can’t recommend it enough!
Connecting with other entrepreneurial women was just what I needed to get my business going in a second state.
I left The Inspired Escape feeling poured into and refreshed. I am ready to hit the ground running and have fresh new ideas from other attendees.
KIND WORDS FROM PAST ATTENDEES
Joann | Kandrac & Kole Design
Courtney | Home Found Within
Reagan | Park Studio Design
THE CARMEL BY THE SEA EDITION GOES LIVE 10/20/2025 |🤍| THE CARMEL BY THE SEA EDITION GOES LIVE 10/20/2025 |🤍| THE CARMEL BY THE SEA EDITION GOES LIVE 10/20/2025 |🤍| THE CARMEL BY THE SEA EDITION GOES LIVE 10/20/2025 |🤍| THE CARMEL BY THE SEA EDITION GOES LIVE 10/20/2025 |🤍|
Frequently
Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Once you arrive via your own transportation on site, everything is covered. All content, materials, events and experiences. The only items not included are your airfare/transportation to the residence and if you'd like to buy something additional outside of the experience (souveneir, etc.).
That is perfect! You can either choose to room solo (single occupancy) or have a roommate (double occupancy). If you choose double occupancy we will match you up with a roommate. Because the group is so small, we are certain and hopeful that you will make new friends quickly :)
A full itinerary will be sent out two weeks prior with all of the important details, including a packing list. However, Monterey/Carmel, CA is a coastal town with highs in the 50s/60s in the spring. Think cozy vibes!
We will have Courtney from Home Found Within on site prepping breakfasts and lunches for us. Our goal is help us nourish our bodies- so think whole foods, fresh fruit & veggies,etc. However, we will not be without some delicious snacks as necessary. If you have a dietary restriction, please let us know ahead of time.
Monterey Regional Airport is the closest airport to Carmel By the Sea, about a 10-15 minute drive depending on traffic.
If you’re a creative entrepreneur who’s craving a mix of business growth, connection, and a little breathing room — yes, this retreat was designed for you. Business owners who have attended are planners, social media managers, interior designers, florists, content creators, fashion designers, etc. We have had attendees in every stage of business- from the first year to established business owners 15 years in. We love having a variety of business owners.
There are two options upon booking: One is to pay in full. The other is to have two equal payments (50% at booking, 50% due six weeks before the event). Reserving your space is final, however if it is less than one month out, your ticket s transferable. If you need to transfer- send an email to hello@melissaivy.com with the recipients information.
Check in will be around 4pm on the 29th. The mornings will be relaxed with breakfast, headshots and or business chats, the afternoons will be a planned group activity and/or free time. Check out will be around 10am on the 1st. A full itinerary will be sent out two weeks prior.
March 29th - April 1st, 2026
Due to limited spots and high interest, we will begin accepting applications beginning 10/27/2025.
The first three accepted/attendees to book will receive Earlybird discount of $550 off their ticket.
*Choose either a one payment or two payment plan upon booking
TAKE ME TO CARMEL BY THE SEA
Please reach out to Melissa at hello@melissaivy.com with any questions
Catch ya in Carmel!
Love,
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The Fine Print
We understand plans change. Cancellations made more than 90 days before the retreat receive a full refund minus a $200 processing fee. Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds for cancellations less than 90 days before the retreat, but you may transfer your spot to another person.
