Welcome!
Purpose and Wisdom:
A 10-Day Sankofa Retreat in Ghana for Women of Color over 40!
July 12- 21, 2025
The Sankofa Retreat is a transformative experience designed exclusively for women of African descent over the age of 40 who are looking to reflect on their personal journeys, explore their identities, and engage with the principles of Sankofa in the beautiful country of Ghana.
ABOUT THE RETREAT
Drawing from the Ghanaian principle of 'Sankofa' - going back to fetch what's been forgotten - the retreat encourages participants to connect with the rich cultural heritage of Ghana while finding strength in their life journeys. During this retreat, we'll take a deep dive into the rich history and culture of Ghana, visiting sites such as the Cape Coast Castle and participate in cultural activities such as drumming, dancing, and storytelling.
The retreat goes beyond personal transformation, aiming to foster a sense of community and solidarity; creating a platform for participants to feel seen, heard, and celebrated.
Join us in this journey of self-discovery, cultural exploration, and community building.
Check availability!
Why Offer a Purpose Retreat for Women of Color Over 40?
- Empowering Women's Voices: Afro-descended women over 40 have often faced intersecting forms of discrimination and marginalization throughout their lives. This retreat aims to create a space where their voices, wisdom, and experiences are valued and celebrated.
- Nurturing Self-Reflection and Personal Growth: The retreat offers an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth, allowing participants to explore their identities, life journeys, and aspirations. In this season of life, many women may be experiencing transitions, reevaluating priorities, or seeking deeper meaning and purpose. The retreat provides a supportive environment for introspection and personal development.
- Building a Supportive Community: The retreat creates a sense of community among Afro-descended women over 40, fostering connections, understanding, and solidarity. It allows participants to network, share experiences, and build supportive relationships with like-minded individuals who may have faced similar challenges.
- Celebrating Resilience and Strength: Afro-descended women over 40 often embody a remarkable level of resilience, having navigated through a variety of challenges and societal barriers. This retreat offers an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate their resilience, strength, and accomplishments. By recognizing and honoring their journeys, the retreat validates their experiences and fosters a sense of pride and self-worth.
What we'll do...
During our retreat, participants will engage in sharing circles and guided reflections, delving into our roots, culture, and history to understand how these aspects shape our present and future.
We'll visit historical landmarks and engage in cultural activities; allowing you to connect with the vibrant traditions of Ghanaian culture.
In addition to these cultural experiences, you'll have the chance to explore the region's diverse landscapes, whether through a scenic nature walk or a visit to a local beach for some relaxation in the warm sun and ocean breeze.
As we immerse ourselves in the local culture, you'll also get to savor traditional Ghanaian cuisine with its bold flavors and local ingredients. You will also have the opportunity to visit to a bustling local market that will provide the opportunity to shop for souvenirs or witness local artisans creating beautiful handmade crafts.
This retreat is designed to create a space for personal growth and transformation.
Whether you choose to spend your time actively exploring or simply resting and reflecting, this retreat offers a chance to disconnect from the demands of everyday life and reconnect with yourself in a beautiful and inspiring setting.
The Program runs July 12-21 2025
Only 10-15 spaces available!
(Please see FAQs on this page)
Your Facilitator
Ruby Maddox is a Purpose Coach, Speaker, and workshop facilitator, dedicated to helping individuals cultivate their potential for meaningful contributions in the world.
She is the co-founder of two nonprofit organizations focused on social justice, leadership, and equity; and she's a strategic consultant for boards, organizations, and teams.
Since 2010 Ruby has visited the beautiful country of Ghana several times. She has led various on trips to Ghan and facilitates "Purpose Circles" through her "Direct Your Purpose" company.
"My vision is to see you live your best life once you become purpose-oriented."
Ruby Maddox - Purpose Coach
Trip Cost: $6500
(payment plans available)
$300 Discount if booked before Sept 13th! (Applied to final payment)
Your 10-Day Experience will include:
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
- Accommodation and transportation
- Welcome dinner upon arrival
- Access to events and festivals throughout the experience
- Cultural activities and excursions
- Rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation
- Travel to other parts of the country (Cape Coast and Kumasi)
- Cape Coast Castle / Door of No Return
- Kumasi Cultural Center
Kejetia Market, largest open-air market in West Africa - Village of Bonwire
- Assin Manso Slave River Site
(Subject to change)
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Airfare
- Visa Fees
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Additional excursions
- Personal items and gifts
- Alcoholic beverages during meals
(Travel guidance on obtaining a visa and purchasing airline tickets will be provided.)
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Trip insurance is recommended. You can purchase travel insurance on your own.
- Travel Guard
- GeoBlue (Health Insurance)
What's Required to Attend?
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining on date of departure.
- Yellow fever vaccination (with proof via Yellow card)
- An approved visa from Ghana (guidance provided)
Retreat Partner
Culture Beyond Borders (CBB) stands for a future where international travel and intercultural understanding is commonplace. CBB believes that our best hope for a more compassionate and accepting world lies in cross-cultural collaborations. CBB sees international travel experience as essential for those looking to change the world. In response, CBB is here to develop and support curious travelers and interculturally-competent adventurers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the cost of this trip?
The cost for this 10-day retreat is $6500 for single occupancy. A $500 deposit is required to reserve your space. After reserving your spot you'll pay your remaining balance in monthly increments throughout secure payment platform. (Balance must be paid at least 60 days before the trip).
Why is the retreat $6,500, and why is the flight not included?
The $6,500 cost reflects the comprehensive, high-quality experience we’ve curated for you. This includes luxury accommodations, all meals, guided tours, cultural activities, local transportation, and expert facilitation throughout the 10-day retreat.
Flights are not included because participants may be traveling from various locations with different flight preferences. This allows you the flexibility to choose the best flight options that suit your needs and budget. Additionally, it provides the opportunity to use frequent flyer miles or preferred airlines.
When and Where is the trip?
July 12-21, 2025 in Ghana. We will spend the first part of the trip in the capital city of Accra before heading to Cape Coast and Kumasi. We will be staying in Accra, Cape Coast, and Kumasi.
Where will we be staying during the retreat?
We will be staying at luxury accommodations in Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast. All accommodations are equipped with running water, electricity, and other basic amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.
Can I book a private room?
All rooms are currently private.
Is there a lot of walking or physical activity involved?
The retreat involves a reasonable amount of walking and physical activity, primarily during our visits to historical sites and cultural landmarks. However, it’s not overly strenuous. Our staff will be on hand throughout the trip, so if you ever feel the need to rest or sit out any activities, we’ll accommodate you accordingly to ensure your comfort.
What kind of support will be available during the trip?
Our retreat facilitators and local guides will be available throughout the trip to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable, and enriching experience. We’ll also have emergency contacts on hand should any issues arise.
Is there anything not included in the trip enrollment?
Flight, visa fees, health insurance, travel insurance, gratuities, personal items and gifts, alcoholic beverages during meals, and additional excursions. Please note, you will be flying into Kotoka International airport in Accra. We will need to know your arrival time to arrange for your ground transportation.
How many participants will be on this retreat?
This retreat is limited to a small, intimate group to ensure a personalized and meaningful experience. We anticipate a group size of around 10-15 participants.
What happens if the trip is canceled due to unforeseen events?
If some out-of-the-ordinary disaster happens (ie. global pandemic travel restrictions) and the trip can no longer take place at its scheduled date, we will simply reschedule the retreat for a later time.
When do I have to sign up by?
The sooner, the better, as there are only 15 spots available for this trip.
Refund & Cancellation Policy
Direct Your Purpose reserves the right to cancel any trip for any unusual or unforeseen circumstances outside of Direct Your Purpose’s control. In order to protect yourself, purchase travel insurance prior to your trip.
Cancellation by Participant:
All payments received before Dec 1st (with the exception of the $500 Deposit) are 100% refundable.
After Nov 30:
- 50% refundable by Feb 28th (does not include payments made before Nov 30, 2024)
- 0% refundable after March 1st
No refunds will be provided for cancellations or no-shows.
DYP cannot refund or transfer any deposits for our retreats. Please note that there will be no refunds or discounts for arriving late, leaving early, flight cancellations, travel delays or illness. While unforeseen circumstances can take place (injury, family emergency, etc), costs are already incurred when reserving retreat centers and excursions. In order to protect yourself, purchase travel insurance prior to your trip.
Cancellation by Direct Your Purpose:
DYP may cancel the trip at any time prior to departure due to natural disasters, terrorism, political instability, COVID-19, or other external events that make it no longer viable to operate the planned retreat.
If your trip is canceled, we will notify you immediately and provide instructions for the next steps. In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside our reasonable control, credits will be less any unrecoverable costs. We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking, including but not limited to vaccinations, travel insurance, or non-refundable flights.
Got Questions?
Email [email protected]
