THE POWER OF PAUSE 

A wellness weekend in Saugatuck, Michigan, explored how nature, design, and sleep science can help women leaders reclaim real rest.

In a world where women often carry more than their share, both professionally and personally, sleep and rest are the first things sacrificed. Unfortunately, insufficient rest affects nearly everything: clarity; resilience; mood; and long-term well-being. It’s a quiet risk that too often goes unnoticed.

That understanding set the tone for The Power of Pause, a three-day sleep, rest, and wellness retreat hosted by BIÂN, Soucie Horner Design Collective, and The Luxury Bed Collection at the charming Wickwood Inn in Saugatuck, Michigan. Designed for women in leadership roles, the weekend explored how a connection to nature, thoughtful interiors, and evidence-based sleep strategies can help restore what busy lives tend to erode.

Guests arrived on a Friday afternoon and were encouraged to unwind at their own pace, either by strolling through Saugatuck’s boutiques and galleries or settling into their rooms, each appointed with Vispring beds and calming details chosen to support sleep. The first gathering centered on an unwinding and focusing of the mind and body through a thoughtful yoga and meditation practice led by Mar Soraparu, co-founder and Chief Wellness Officer at BIÂN, followed by a guided journal practice.

The women then experienced a pillow consultation and introduction to Vispring’s heritage, opening the door to a warm, candid conversation about personal sleep habits. Mary Pat Wallace, founder of The Luxury Bed Collection and a longtime advocate for quality sleep, guided the discussion, sharing how something as simple as the right pillow and mattress can reshape well-being.

The evening unfolded with a chef-led cooking class and seasonal dinner in nearby Fennville, where guests cooked together in a cozy cabin kitchen, trading stories over simmering pots and shared plates. Back at the inn, a pajamas-clad Yoga Nidra session and herbal tea created a soft landing to the day, easing everyone toward a night of unusually restorative sleep.

Saturday began with a nourishing breakfast and a deep dive into sensory design. Using the principles of biophilia, the session emphasized how interiors that echo nature can meaningfully influence rest quality—offering guests inspiration for creating more restorative spaces at home. The importance of creating an environment that supports rest and sleep is a skill that Soucie Horner masterfully cultivates, and the women were educated on the how and why. Blackout curtains, adjustable lighting, hand-pressed linens, and even fresh flowers were discussed as key elements of a soothing space.

Soraparu then led the day’s anchor session, which centered on the fundamental principle of choosing rest and offered suggestions on how to consistently build that choice into everyday life. She explored how stress, environment, and behavioral lifestyle patterns shape rest and the beliefs behind it, offering thoughtful strategies for cultivating long-term health in a world not designed for slowing down. Strategies included micro-approaches to wellness, mindset resets, rituals for resilience (morning and evening anchors to regulate the nervous system), and simple, non-restrictive practices to nourish the body and maintain a steady flow of energy. One particular focus was breathwork. She shared that breath is a life force and a direct contributor to mental state and regulation. For example, to stop racing thoughts, say to yourself, “I am inhaling … I am exhaling … this can wait.” Another technique discussed was “box breathing,” where you inhale for a count of 4, hold for 4, and exhale for 4, and repeat. Soraparu emphasized that choosing rest in all its forms doesn’t diminish productivity or impact; it strengthens it.

Late morning brought time outdoors—hiking, forest bathing, and a walking meditation beneath the quiet canopy of Saugatuck’s landscape.

Throughout the weekend, the retreat emphasized the importance of sleep not as an afterthought, but as a foundational element of well-being—particularly for women accustomed to busy schedules and constant demands. From gourmet meals and design inspiration to evidence-based techniques and nature immersion, The Power of Pause offered attendees a rare chance to reset and recharge.

The Power of Pause was the inaugural sleep, rest, and wellness retreat. For more information, call 269-857-1465.