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What is UGWA?
Imagine a retreat that is just for you. A place to relax, connect, explore, and give yourself permission to do as little,
or as much as you like.
The Ultimate Girls Week Away, (UGWA) is more than a retreat – it’s a life-changing experience designed to empower women. Over seven days, connect with like-minded women, take time-out and embrace unforgettable adventures.
Our 2025 Mantra
At every Ultimate Girls Week Away Retreat, we host around the world, there is a mantra we focus on.
In 2019 our mantra was ‘This is Me’, 2023 ‘Women’s Ways’, 2024 was 'Women Up Front' and in 2025 is it 'Live Life'.
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So often women put others first - their families, their jobs, their friends and their communities.
In 2025 we want you to choose YOU and LIVE LIFE on your terms. To take a step forward and see what you need.
Each day is thoughtfully planned, freeing you from the hassle of scheduling, organising, negotiating, cleaning, or cooking. PLUS, we’ve lined up extraordinary adventures you wouldn’t experience anywhere else.
In the 32 plus years I've spent organising retreats, the reason women keep coming back to the Ultimate Girls Week Away is due to the bonds they form and the incredible stories they share.
And in 2025 we are going to the sparkling Hoi An in Vietnam!!!!
UGWA has empowered me to become bold, strong and far more confident than I ever imagined I was capable of. Through teaching me to love myself and to embrace parts of me that I never thought I would, no longer do I live in the shadows of other people's achievements, I can finally be proud of my own” - Tangoria Bristowe, Cairns
UGWA is perfect for you if you're ready to:
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take time out for you - to do what you want, when you want and have fun doing it!
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recharge your mind, body, and spirit
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crave meaningful connections with like-minded women who inspire and uplift
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value personal and/or professional growth and want to explore new perspectives and ideas
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indulge in a week of luxury, relaxation, and curious adventures
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balance mindfulness, and reflection in a supportive environment.
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Invest in your future self
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Our Vision for Women on Retreats
Our goal is to help women connect, build and encourage self-growth in a safe environment.
The Ultimate Picture
We invite you to focus on 'living life' exactly the way you choose. Each day is focused on one aspect of life with much needed rest time. You can take as much or as little as you need — this is a taste of what you will experience.
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Saturday - Connection: We begin with an exclusive Welcome Celebration at the sky pool, where you can relax with delicious food and drinks. It’s the perfect way to ease into the retreat, meet fellow attendees, and soak in the atmosphere at your own pace.
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Sunday - Growth and Confidence: Today is about empowering you to build stability in areas that matter most — whether professionally or personally. The focus could be Vietnamese Lantern Making, or expressing your individuality through custom garments / jewellery or attending an inspiring workshop.
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Monday - Health and Movement: Would you enjoy a unique movement session by the serene Thu Bon River or a guided walk through breathtaking local scenery? Today, we focus on health and movement, discovering new ways to care for our bodies, culminating in a soothing Sound Healing Bath at the rooftop pool.
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Tuesday - Personal Growth: Join us for personal development workshops designed to inspire growth. There is time for relaxation and rest. There’s an opportunity to take part in the magical Vietnamese Lantern-Wishing Ceremony on the Thu Bon River later in the night.
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Wednesday - Adventure: This day is your ‘choose your own adventure’. Whether it is snorkeling with tropical fish, or visiting amazing sights and immersing in the culture of Hoi An, this is your time to say ‘yes’ to new experiences.
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Thursday - Play: Today we remind ourselves to laugh and play. We explore creative activities like traditional Silk Painting Workshops or play with ingredients in an authentic Vietnamese Cooking Class. Each activity creates meaningful memories.
Friday - Celebration of Life: On our last full day, we celebrate YOU with our final activities, and honour the direction you choose to take. We connect, gain insights and cement the strong foundations for future success, and connections. We finish the retreat with an exclusive Closing Celebration to celebrate life, love and new friendships.
Saturday - We say our final goodbyes before we depart.
"UGWA literally changed my life. It definitely shifted something inside me to the point where I’m more creative, I feel more aligned, and all of that is due to the community that UGWA fosters. Thank you Liesel for creating such an amazing outlet for women like me” Amy Loughren - The Good Nurse (who helped catch a serial killer)
The Ultimate Accommodation
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Discover the perfect setting for UGWA 2025 at The Bel Marina, Hoi An - Vietnam. Located just a short walk from the vibrant night market, sparkling lanterns, and the serene banks of the Thu Bon River, this venue is the idyllic retreat for the intrepid traveller.
The Bel Marina is just steps away from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An, the Night Market, and the Japanese Bridge.
Resort Highlights
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Free use of 2 Pools (including the infinity pool and the only sky pool in Hoi An)
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Free use of the Bamboo Gym and bicycles Complimentary Shuttle Bus to the pristine An Bang beach
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Access to the deluxe spa
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Plenty of dining options to choose from
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Your Single Room Includes:
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Queen/King size bed
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Air conditioning
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TV and refrigerator
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Bathtub and rain shower
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Daily complimentary water
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Daily room servicing
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Kettle, tea, and coffee
The Ultimate Cuisine
At UGWA, we believe nourishing your body is just as important as nourishing your soul. One thing we share with Hoi An is a deep love for exceptional food, and we’ve organised an unforgettable dining experience just for you.
Kick-Off Celebration
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We begin with a private celebration by the rooftop pool at The Bel Marina. Indulge in local cuisine, savour our signature retreat drink, and enjoy mouth-watering dishes in an exclusive setting. It’s the perfect way to set the tone for an incredible week ahead.
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A Feast for Every Preference

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Throughout the retreat, you’ll enjoy dining at The Bel Marina restaurants as well as local specialty eateries. Each meal caters to all dietary and allergy requirements, ensuring everyone can enjoy the week with no complications.
The Ultimate Tailor
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In Vietnam, tailoring is more than a service, it’s an art steeped with tradition and meticulous craftsmanship. During our retreat, you’ll have exclusive access to a trusted local tailor, Thao, whose expertise ensures every piece is perfectly fitted and uniquely yours. This is about treating yourself to something truly special - a tailor-made elegance to bring home, all while supporting a hardworking local woman and her team of young mums. It’s a meaningful way to treat yourself and take home something truly special from your adventure.
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As part of this experience, you will receive a $200AUD voucher to use for clothes, shoes, bags or jewellery, tailor made by the Vietnam locals.
The Ultimate Relaxation
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Experiencing the ultimate relaxation at Marina Wellness Spa, nestled within the luxurious Bel Marina Resort is a must. Enhance your journey with access to massages, spas, a tranquil steam room and sauna, perfect for revitalising your energy. For a budget-friendly alternative, explore the many clean and inviting massage salons outside the resort, offering daily indulgence at incredible value.
As part of this experience, you will receive a $50AUD voucher to use either in the resort or a nominated spa local, family-run spa.
“I feel transformed. My sacred circle is now wrapped up with the special connections I made at UGWA2023 and the whole UGWA tribe. The angst that I have felt since my husband died over twenty years ago has been replaced with abundant love. Thank you all for being part of that” - Caroline Smith, Western Australia
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Investment
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8 days/7 nights Delux accommodation in a private single room at the luxurious Bel Marina Resort, complete with private bath and rain shower
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Daily breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners (Let us know of your dietary and food intolerances, so we can cater accordingly)
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Transfers to and from Danang Airport
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Free access to the Infinity Pool and Rooftop Sky Pool
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Free access to resort gym, bicycles and shuttle bus
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Body movement, walking, yoga or Tai Chi sessions
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$50AUD spa voucher
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$200AUD tailor voucher
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Exclusive Rooftop Sky Pool Sound Healing Bath
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Silk Painting Class
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Traditional Vietnamese Cooking Class
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Lantern Making Class
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Vietnamese Lantern-Wishing Ceremony
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Access to all workshops and guest speakers
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Welcome and Closing Celebrations
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Welcome gift bag including locally handcrafted products and a personalised UGWA aromatherapy blend
Investment: $3878AUD when paid in full*
Payment Plans available ($500AUD deposit required to book your place)
*People who pay in full are upgraded to a Premier Delux Room with a river view balcony room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I fly to?
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The closest airport to our accommodation is Danang Airpot. We will pick you up from the airport at no extra cost and bring you to the Bel Marina.
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You can either use our trusted travel agent, or you can book through your own travel agent or online.
Do I need a Visa and Passport?
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It depends on which country you are coming from - you may need a tourist visa - APPLY HERE. You need a passport with at least 6 months validity on it.
Do I need travel insurance?
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YES - this is to protect you, in case anything happens to you. We will be asking for a copy to ensure you are covered as it is a pre-requisite to participating on this retreat.
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I have a peanut allergy can I still come?
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Please talk to us before you register so we can see how we can make this work.
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I am traveling alone and I am worried that I won't know anyone
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95% of UGWA attendees come alone and make new friends with like-minded women.
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What are your cancellation policies?
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Please check out our Terms and Conditions HERE and ask us any questions you need to.
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What if I get sick or hurt while I am at UGWA?
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We will have our very own Australian experienced nurse on site as part of our team. If you need local care she will help wih this and support you through every step of the way.
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In Loving Memory of my
Dear Friend Kathryn...
...This Is For You.
We all have those women in our lives who are Soul Sisters ~ it's like we've known each other multiple lifetimes. Kathryn was one of my Soul Sisters. I knew when she left this world, after her battle with breast cancer, that it was time for me to use the memory of her spirit and friendship to truly step into the vision I had shared with her so often... but 'never got round to it'.
Kathryn, I got round to it.
Much love and I know you're with us all the way...
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If you would like more information before you are ready to commit - you can contact me directly on +61 (0) 488 444 162 or by email at admin@ultimategirlsweekawy.com
I can’t wait to chat to you!
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