Sandcastles & Serenity

Sandcastles and Serenity is a retreat for women in recovery and led by women in recovery. All 12 step meetings are run and facilitated by those attending the retreat. The Retreat is held at the beautiful Villa Maria del Mar retreat center overlooking the Pacific Ocean in South Santa Cruz.

We offer three retreats each year, one in the Spring (March or April), one in the Summer (August) and one in the Fall (October or November) 

Located on the edge of the beautiful Monterey Bay, Villa Maria del Mar Retreat Center is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Names.  Since 1963 the Sisters and a dedicated staff have welcomed guests and shared the gift of hospitality by providing space for groups like ours.

Come share your experience, strength and hope with us at the beach in Santa Cruz. This will be a weekend of empowering ourselves and each other in a nurturing environment.  The retreat is relatively small (50 to 55) which offers you a wonderful opportunity to meet and get to know other women in recovery on a deeper level.