A couple retreat in Amsterdam this fall? Combined expertise of two couples therapists to ramp up your connection to each other.

Join this unique experience designed to deepen your emotional connection by covering five topics. In a comfortable and confidential setting, learn evidence based skills while also learning through observation. And ample time to bring up dreams, hopes and - to exhale.

Enjoy a stress-free, actually enjoyable getaway without the hassle of flights or long travel. Even parents of young kids can join - all for a reasonable price.

What You Can Expect

The Couple Retreat for Emotional Connection in the fall 2025 is a high value experience designed for couples in and near Amsterdam. Led by seasoned therapists Julika and Naomi—who have helped dozens of couples strengthen their relationships—this retreat offers a structured yet intimate way to reconnect, learn, and grow together. Over two immersive days, you and your partner will engage in:

• Systemic therapy – Gain insights through guided conversations as a couple and within a supportive group

• Psycho-education – Learn proven relationship strategies with interactive workbooks to continue your growth at home.

What 5 Topics You’ll Explore

1. Friendship in Your Relationship. At the base of a sound relationship, is friendship where we express admiration, respect, and know the other.

2. Communication & Conflict Skills. Next expressing yourself verbally and non-verbally is crucial, all the way to having a proper or fair fight. We will present state of the art research on healthy communication in couples, and how to approach recurring issues.

3. Co-Regulation in Couples & Stress Reducing Conversations. One wrong word and - boom! - the conversation can derail. Just so, saying the right thing can calm your loved one. Now even better, building a positive credit by frequently talking about what’s currently stressful, builds awareness of the other’s inner world and vaccinates against stress.

4. Identifying Gridlocked Issues - and why they are hard to talk about in your relationship.

5. Dreams & Hopes. Designing together a vision for your shared future, brainstorm life dreams, and shape the life you truly want.

   In sum, this weekend will give you ample time in the group, alone with your spouse, and time off in between to reset. You’ll deepen your friendship, learn communication skills, co-regulate, walk away with a list of topics & dreams to address next- more emotionally connected.

Program Details

9:30 - 18:00 on Friday 31th October & Saturday 1st November 

• Morning: Two sessions (group learning, couple reflection, 1:1 with a therapist) 

• Mid-morning break with delicious and healthy refreshments 

• One-hour three-course lunch followed by mini stroll / siesta

• Afternoon: Two sessions (group learning, couple reflection, 1:1 with a therapist) 

• Afternoon break with delicious and healthy refreshments 

• Wrap up, reflections & send off

What’s Included

• Two days of expert-led couples therapy (group, 1:2, or 1:1) with Julika Lomas (Gottman Level 3, registered systemic therapist) and Dr. Naomi Gibson (licensed Clinical Psychologist)

• Healthy refreshments (tea, coffee, cake, fruit)

• Daily three-course lunch 

• Workshop materials for note-taking and private reflection

• Pre-Retreat Assessment Call (30 min).

• Post-Retreat Call (30 min)

• Gottman Checkup (worth €60 per couple) + free retake after 6+ months

• Uninterrupted connection time with your partner through guided exercises and breaks

Not Included

• Pre-Retreat Assessment Session (60 min, required for new couples, €130 per session)

• Transport (we suggest coming together on your bikes!)

• Accommodation, though a luxurious overnight stay at Villa Oldenhoff is available

The Facilitators & Who’ll Be There

• Julika & Naomi, two familiar faces that personally welcome you into a new setting, new group and new experience

• Villa Oldenhoff staff, ensuring a seamless experience

• 3-5 other couples (total of 8-12 people) - confidentiality is a priority

• Cows in the surrounding pastures

Julika Lomas is a Gottman Therapy Level 3, registered NVRG systemic & relationship therapist

We both run thriving private practices in Amsterdam where we support individuals and couples to overcome challenges and feel more connected. 

Dr Naomi Gibson is a registered Clinical Psychologist.

Expertise with expecting and new parents

Sign up, Costs & Cancellation

Simply sign up by filling in the form below. We will get in touch with you within 1-3 business days.

• Get All Your Questions Answered.

• Pre-Retreat Assessment Session for new clients necessary (60 minute screening session, €130).

• Accommodation (optional, but recommended). Book a Friday night stay at the venue directly—early booking is advised!

• Free Info Zoom Session (date TBD)

Costs

• €1950 per couple (21% VAT excl) and total 2.359,50 incl VAT

• €130 per couple for new clients (pre-retreat assessment)

• Early signup (before July 15, 2025) €1799 per couple

Cancellations

• Full refund until August 30 (8 weeks before), 2025.

• 70% refund until Sept 10 (6-8 weeks before October 31)

• no refund (within 6 weeks before October 31) Full policy here

The Setting & Rooms

Disclaimer

• The retreat alone is surely not a guaranteed cure for a relationship that is structurally weak

• The retreat is a booster and marathon of couple therapy and psychoeducation to accelerate the hard work of your every day joy and labor such as the labeling of your needs and feelings, taking responsibility and soothing yourself

• The Pre-Retreat Assessment Sessions will screen applying couples for the right fit and lay out constraints and expectations. We hope to hear from you to discuss your interest confidentially in such a session.

Photo credit in order of appearance:

1) Priscilla Du Preez 2) Houcine Ncib 3) youssef naddam 4) We-Vibe Toys 5) Ryunosuke Kikuno (all five on Unsplash).

Photos of Julika & Naomi: each their own.

Photo of Villa Oldenhoff from website itself https://villaoldenhoff.nl/