It felt like we had all been friends for years. Everyone was super welcoming and I think having the group chat months in advance helped ease my nerves
Bloom in Victoria
Sorrento
Sorrento VIC, Australia
Bloom In Victoria
Travel solo. Belong together
Friday 20th November - Monday 23rd November 2027
A long weekend to exhale, laugh until your cheeks hurt, and find the queer friendships you’ve been craving.
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
Imagine arriving on your own and leaving with women who’ll still be in your life long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase. Bloom isn’t about ticking destinations off a bucket list. It’s about finding yourself sitting around a breakfast table with women who simply get it. The conversations, the laughter, the quiet moments, the unexpected friendships, that’s the part you’ll remember.
Whether this is your first queer trip or your fiftieth, you’ll be welcomed exactly as you are.
BLOOM IN VICTORIA
Bloom in Victoria is a four-day retreat created for later-in-life lesbian, queer and questioning women who are craving genuine connection, community and a chance to simply be themselves.
Nestled on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula, you’ll spend four days slowing down with cosy accommodation, nourishing food, yoga, hot springs, beach walks and heartfelt conversations alongside a group of incredible women who just get it.
Unlike a typical retreat, Bloom isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about finding your people. Whether you’re newly out, have been living authentically for years, or are somewhere in between, you’ll be welcomed exactly as you are.
Many women arrive knowing no one, but leave with lifelong friendships, renewed confidence and memories that stay with them long after the weekend ends.
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Description
BLOOM IN VICTORIA
20-23RD NOVEMBER 2027
Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
20–23 November 2026
4 Days • 3 Nights
Group Size
Limited to just 12 women for an intimate experience.
Investment
From $1699AUD Early Bird & Afterpay available.
Or $500 Deposit to secure your spot, final payment due 1st October 2026
A LETTER FROM PETRIA
If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d be hosting retreats for women from all over the world, I honestly wouldn’t have believed you. Because Bloom didn’t start as a business. It started from a place of loneliness.
When I came out later in life, I remember thinking, Where are all the women like me? Women who had been married. Women with kids. Women who were questioning everything they’d always believed about themselves. Women who felt like they were starting over while everyone else already had their community.
I longed to find my people. The kind of women I could sit with over coffee, laugh until my stomach hurt, cry without judgement, and never have to explain why this chapter of life felt so big. So, I created the thing I wish had existed for me.
Bloom isn’t just about travelling to beautiful places. Yes, we’ll explore incredible destinations, eat amazing food and have adventures together, but that’s only part of the story.
The real magic is the women.
It’s the conversations that begin over breakfast and somehow continue until bedtime. It’s the belly laughs, the vulnerable moments, the feeling of finally being surrounded by people who simply get it.
Most women arrive feeling nervous. Many are travelling solo. Some have never met another late bloomer before. Others are newly out, quietly questioning, or simply craving genuine friendships with women who understand this season of life. Then something beautiful happens.
The nerves fade. The walls come down. Strangers become friends.
By the end of the week, the group chat is already buzzing, hugs last a little longer, and women leave with so much more than memories. They leave with lifelong friendships, renewed confidence, and a reminder that they were never as alone as they thought.
If something inside you has been whispering, Maybe I should go…, I hope you’ll listen. I’d absolutely love to welcome you into Bloom.
Petria x
THE BLOOM DIFFERENCE
There are plenty of retreats where you’ll visit beautiful places, enjoy incredible food and have amazing experiences.
What makes Bloom different is the women.
Most women arrive on their own. Some are newly out, some are still questioning, and many have never met another late bloomer in person. Within hours, strangers begin feeling like old friends.
The moments you’ll remember most aren’t always on the itinerary. They’re the conversations over morning coffee, the laughter around the dinner table, the vulnerable chats that somehow end with, “Me too.” There’s something incredibly healing about spending time with women who simply get it. Women who understand what it’s like to discover yourself later in life, and who remind you that you’re not alone.
And when the retreat ends, the friendships don’t. The group chat keeps buzzing, coffee catch-ups are organised, birthdays are celebrated, and many women return for another Bloom together.
Bloom isn’t just a retreat. It’s where many women find their queer community.
IS THIS RETREAT FOR YOU
❤️Questioning or newly out
❤️You’re craving genuine friendships
❤️You’re travelling solo
❤️ Wanting community
❤️You’re ready to prioritise yourself
❤️Wanting adventure
❤️You want to experience Pride with safe people
WHAT’S INCLUDED
✔ Accommodation
✔ Daily breakfasts
✔ Private Chef Welcome dinner
✔ Welcome rooftop drink
✔ Alba Thermal Springs
✔ Two-course lunch & drink at Alba
✔ Daily Yoga
✔ Sapphic Slumber Party
✔Beach walks
✔ Two pre-retreat Zoom catch ups
✔ Private Group Chat
✔ Goodie bag
✔ Bloom Circles
✔ Welcome gift
✔ New friendships
NOT INCLUDED
Flights
Travel insurance
Some meals
Personal spending
Alcohol (if applicable)
MEET YOUR HOST
Hi, I’m Petria,
A few years ago, I came out later in life after being married and raising four children. Like so many women, I spent years wondering why something didn’t quite fit. When I finally found my truth, I also discovered how lonely that journey could be.
So I created the community I wish I’d had.
Today, The Late Blooming Lounge connects thousands of women around the world through honest conversations, resources and retreats designed to help you feel less alone. Bloom Retreats are an extension of that dream. My hope is simple: that you arrive as strangers and leave feeling like you’ve found your people.
I can’t wait to meet you.
Petria x
A Few Fun Facts About Me
Virgo through and through (yes… I absolutely have a colour-coded spreadsheet somewhere).
Human Design: Manifesting Generator.
I love electronic music and a dance floor just as much as I love a sunrise meditation or yoga class.
Hot chips are my weakness. I will absolutely steal a few off your plate.
I spent over 27 years as a florist before creating Bloom Retreats.
I came out later in life after being married… twice.
I’m a solo mum to four amazing kids.
My favourite moment of every retreat is watching strangers become friends.
My favourite conversations happen over a really good coffee… or a cocktail.
Home is Brisbane, Australia.
My hope is that one day you’ll look back at this retreat and realise it wasn’t just a holiday, it was the week everything started to change
ITINERARY
YOUR BLOOM JOURNEY
DAY ONE
Friday | Arrive & Exhale
Check in to our beautiful private villa on the Mornington Peninsula
Meet your fellow Bloom women over welcome drinks
Settle in, unpack and make yourself at home
Our first Bloom Welcome Circle
A beautiful private chef dinner served in the villa
Plenty of relaxed conversation in the roof top hot tub as strangers begin becoming friends
DAY TWO
Saturday | Rest & Reconnect
Shared breakfast at the villa
Gentle morning yoga
A full day at the stunning Alba Thermal Springs
Two-course lunch & drink at Alba
Time to soak, unwind and reconnect with yourself
Dinner back at the villa
Our signature Sapphic Slumber Party with movies, snacks, laughter and late-night chats in your comfiest pyjamas
DAY THREE
Sunday | Slow Living
Gentle morning yoga
A relaxed walk along the coastline
Beachside cafe breakfast together
Our Closing Bloom Circle
A slow afternoon to simply be:
Relax in the hot tub
Play games
Read a book
Chat over a cup of tea, or a glass of wine
Soak up every last moment before heading home
DAY FOUR
Monday | Until Next Time
One final breakfast together
Heartfelt goodbyes (and probably a few tears!)
Optional farewell lunch nearby for anyone not quite ready for the weekend to end
WHERE WE’LL BE STAYING
We’ll be staying in a stunning architecturally designed luxury villa in Sorrento on Victoria’s beautiful Mornington Peninsula. Designed to feel more like a home than a hotel, it’s the perfect place to slow down, connect and simply enjoy being together.
The villa features:
Four beautiful bedrooms with shared single bunk beds
Spacious open-plan living areas
A heated spa
A fully equipped kitchen
Cosy spaces to relax, chat or curl up with a cup of tea
Three full bathrooms downstairs, plus a powder room upstairs
Most women arrive not knowing anyone. Sharing a room often becomes one of the most memorable parts of the weekend, with many lifelong friendships beginning as roommates.
Whether we’re enjoying a morning coffee together, unwinding in the spa after a day out, or laughing over a game in the evening, this beautiful home becomes so much more than just a place to stay. It becomes part of the Bloom experience.
FOOD
Good food has a way of bringing people together, and we’ve built plenty of that into the weekend.
Here’s what’s included:
A beautiful three-course welcome dinner prepared by our private in-house chef on Friday evening.
Ingredients provided for you to prepare your own breakfast each morning at the villa.
Unlimited tea, coffee and sparkling water throughout the weekend.
A delicious two-course lunch and one drink at the beautiful Alba Thermal Springs on Saturday.
Dietary requirements are happily catered for, just let us know when you book.
Not included:
Saturday night’s dinner, when we’ll order in together for our signature Sapphic Slumber Party (everyone simply orders and pays for what they’d like).
Sunday meals
YOU MIGHT BE ONE OF THESE WOMEN
Maybe you’re…
The woman who’s spent years putting everyone else first and is finally choosing herself.
The woman flying overseas alone for the very first time.
The woman who’s been in The Late Blooming Lounge for years but hasn’t met anyone in person yet.
The woman craving genuine queer friendships.
The woman who’s newly out and excited to experience her first Pride, first girls’ trip or first queer adventure.
The woman navigating a divorce, separation or a whole new chapter of life.
The woman who’s always wanted to travel but didn’t have anyone to go with.
The woman who’s nervous about arriving alone, only to discover almost everyone else is too.
The woman who’s been saying, “Maybe next year”… and is ready to make this her year.
The woman who’s ready to swap “what if?” for “I’m so glad I did.”
The woman who wants to come home with lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories and a little more confidence than she left with.
If you saw yourself in even one of these… Bloom was created with you in mind.
Come exactly as you are.
We’ll take care of the rest
Testimonials
My favourite part was the connections I made with ladies who are traveling a similar journey to me and the dorm conversations, laughter and tears.
The most valuable thing to me was being around others who are going through/have been through the same things as me and understand. Especially with me not having any queer community where I live
My favourite part of the trip was the moments of tenderness between us. There was so much love. I don’t think I expected quite how much love there’d be.
You’ll leave with a bunch of new besties around the globe, and a beautiful community of people who “get it”.
It was worth getting out of my comfort zone for
It was just magic, so much connection, celebration and genuine warmth… it gave me space to really appreciate how far I’ve come in my journey and to celebrate me.
Even if you arrive feeling a bit nervous, come exactly as you are, you won’t stay that way for long because the group is incredibly welcoming and there’s such a beautiful sense of community
The people were so amazing, I was able to be ___ without all the other tags (mom, spouse, carer etc). I grew so much in such a little time.
Mardi Gras was more than a party weekend. It surprised me at just how powerful it ended up being. The weekend became an affirmation that I am on the right path to truly loving & healing my queer self.
The most valuable part was just being with other beautiful women who were on the same journey and at similar stages. It was so validating and I felt so seen and accepted.
What changed once home? After lots conversations around coming out and safety, I have been able to come out to 4 more friends, so I'm on a roll.
It was validating and so unique. I felt honoured to have shared space with other women and it was beautiful to party but also just have coffee, go for walks and talk with such amazing women.
All the S's - I felt supported, I felt deep sisterhood, I felt shy and sexy and also totally smitten on the sapphic dancefloor at Sundaylicious..
The most valuable part of this experience was the solidarity and sisterhood across Australia, I felt so seen, and understood.
An unforgettable weekend…surrounded by incredible women who started as strangers but quickly felt like friends, sharing laughter, deep conversations, and meaningful connections
Sharing the dorm made the weekend feel like one big slumber party, filled with late-night chats and meaningful conversations with people I probably never would have connected with otherwise.
10/10 Life Changing 🌈
PRICING
Your Investment
Whether this is your very first retreat or the first time you’ve chosen yourself in a long time, I hope Bloom feels like an investment in you.
Founding Release
$1,699 AUD
Second Release
$1,899 AUD
Final Release
$2,099 AUD
Secure your place in full or take advantage of Afterpay if you would prefer to spread the cost.
What’s Included
Your Bloom experience includes:
3 nights’ accommodation in our beautiful private villa
Welcome drink
Private chef three-course welcome dinner
Ingredients for breakfast each morning
Tea, coffee and sparkling water
Gentle yoga sessions
Entry to Alba Thermal Springs
Two-course lunch and one drink at Alba
Beach walk
Welcome Circle & Closing Circle
Bloom goodie bag
Private WhatsApp group
Pre-retreat Bloom Zoom
Lifelong friendships (the best part)
Flights, travel insurance, Saturday night’s dinner and Sunday’s food is not included.
What Happens Next?
Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a confirmation email with everything you need to know. You’ll then be invited into our private Bloom group chat, where everyone can introduce themselves, ask questions and start getting excited.
One week after registrations close, we’ll host our very first Bloom Zoom, giving everyone the chance to meet before arriving in Victoria.
Ready to Bloom?
There are only 12 places available for this retreat, and registrations are open for just four weeks. Once doors close, they’ll stay closed while we prepare for an unforgettable weekend together. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to do something just for you…
This is it.
I’d love to welcome you to Bloom in Victoria.
FAQs
- Can I come on my own?
Absolutely. In fact, most women do.
One of the biggest worries we hear is, “What if everyone already knows each other?” The answer is, they don’t. Most women arrive on their own, and that’s one of the things that makes Bloom so special.
By the end of the retreat, it’s hard to remember who arrived together and who didn’t. The friendships that form here are truly something special.
- How old are the women?
Our community is incredibly diverse, but most women are between 30 and 65 years old.
Some are newly out, some have been out for years, some are married to men, some are divorced, and some are simply looking for genuine friendships within the LGBTQ+ community.
Everyone’s story is different, and that’s exactly what makes Bloom so beautiful.
- Can I share a room?
Yes! Shared rooms are included in the retreat price and are a wonderful way to get to know someone.
If you’d prefer your own space, solo room upgrades may be available on selected retreats for an additional cost.
- What if I’m newly out?
Then you’ll fit right in.
Many women join Bloom during this exact season of life. Some have only recently come out, while others are taking their very first step into the LGBTQ+ community.
There’s no expectation that you have it all figured out. Just come exactly as you are.
- What if I am still questioning?
You’re so welcome here.
You don’t need a label to belong at Bloom. Many women join because they’re exploring their identity, looking for connection, or simply wanting to spend time with people who understand what they’re going through.
There is no pressure, no judgement and no expectation. Just a warm, welcoming community.
- How fit do I need to be?
Each retreat is a little different, and we’ll always outline the activity level on the retreat page.
Most of our retreats are suitable for women with a moderate level of fitness. There’ll always be plenty of opportunities to rest, and participation in activities is always your choice.
If you have any concerns, just reach out before booking. I’m always happy to chat.
- Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all Bloom Retreats.
We recommend purchasing your policy as soon as you’ve booked your place. It should cover things like cancellations, medical expenses, lost luggage and any activities included in your retreat.
- Do you offer payment plans?
Yes!
I know investing in yourself is a big decision, so Afterpay payment plans are available to help spread the cost over time.
- What is your refund policy?
Your 25% deposit is non-refundable, as it secures your place and allows us to begin confirming accommodation and suppliers.
If your plans change, our full Refund & Cancellation Policy can be found further down this page. We always encourage guests to take out travel insurance for extra peace of mind.
- Are airport transfers included?
This depends on the retreat.
Some retreats include airport transfers, while others ask guests to make their own way to the accommodation. The inclusions for each retreat are clearly listed on the retreat page.
If you’re unsure, just ask!
- How do you match roommates?
This is honestly one of my favourite parts.
Before the retreat, you’ll complete a short questionnaire where I’ll ask about things like your sleep habits, whether you’re an early riser, and anything else you’d like me to know.
I personally match roommates with a lot of care, and I’ve been amazed at how many lifelong friendships have started simply by sharing a room.
- Can I come from overseas?
Absolutely!
Women join Bloom from all over Australia and around the world. Whether you’re travelling interstate or internationally, we’ll make sure you have all the information you need before you arrive.
Many women don’t know a single person before the retreat begins, and that’s exactly why Bloom exists.
- I have another question…
I’d love to help.
Just send me an email or a message on Instagram, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. No question is too small, if you’re wondering about something, chances are someone else is too.
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YOU BELONG HERE
Whether you’re travelling alone for the first time, looking for lifelong friendships, or simply craving sometime where you can be completely yourself…
There’s a place for you here.
I’d love to welcome you to Bloom.
Petria x
Terms & Conditions
- Booking & Payment
To secure your place on a Bloom Retreat, payment must be made at the time of booking.
Guests may choose one of the following payment options:
Pay in Full at the time of booking, or
Afterpay (subject to Afterpay approval and terms).
Prices are in AUD
Prices may change without notice until a booking is confirmed
Your booking is confirmed once payment has been successfully processed.
As places are strictly limited, no bookings will be held without payment.
- Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all Bloom Retreats.
Your policy must provide adequate cover for:
Medical expenses
Emergency evacuation
Trip cancellation and interruption
Personal belongings
Adventure activities included within your chosen retreat (where applicable)
Proof of your travel insurance policy must be emailed to:
hello@createfreedomwithpetria.com no later than 60 days prior to the retreat departure date.
If proof of insurance has not been received by this date, Bloom Retreats reserves the right to cancel your booking. Standard cancellation terms will apply.
- Photography & Videography
One of the beautiful parts of Bloom Retreats is capturing the joy, connection and memories created throughout each experience.
Photos and videos may be taken during the retreat by Petria, members of the Bloom team and occasionally by professional photographers or videographers.
These images and videos may be used across:
Social media
Website
Email newsletters
Promotional materials
Future retreat marketing
Other Bloom Retreat communications
By attending a Bloom Retreat, you acknowledge that you may appear in photographs or videos captured during the retreat.
If you would prefer not to be identified in any published content, please email:
hello@createfreedomwithpetria.com before the retreat begins so we can do our very best to respect your wishes. While we cannot guarantee you will never appear in group photos or videos, we will make every reasonable effort not to identify you in any published material.
Bloom Retreats are built around storytelling, celebrating queer joy and inspiring more women to choose themselves. Sharing moments from our retreats helps future attendees see what’s possible and allows our community to continue growing.
- Cancellation & Refunds
Your 25% deposit is non-refundable.
If you cancel your booking:
More than 120 days before departure
Payments made (excluding your deposit) will be refunded.
90–119 days before departure
50% of payments made (excluding your deposit) will be refunded.
Less than 90 days before departure
No refunds are available.
If your place can be filled from the waitlist, Bloom Retreats may, at its discretion, refund payments made less:
the non-refundable deposit
any unrecoverable costs
a $250 administration fee.
- Flights & Transport
Guests are responsible for:
Booking their own flights.
Ensuring they arrive within the specified arrival window.
Any additional transfers outside those included.
Bloom Retreats is not responsible for missed transfers due to delayed flights.
- Passport, Visa & Entry Requirements
Guests are responsible for ensuring they have:
A valid passport.
Any required visas.
Vaccinations or government entry requirements.
- Health & Fitness
Guests acknowledge they are physically capable of participating.
For adventure retreats:
Read the activity level.
Speak with a doctor if unsure.
Inform Bloom of injuries or medical conditions before departure.
- Respectful Community
Bloom Retreats is built on kindness, inclusion and respect.
By attending, you agree to:
treat everyone with kindness
respect different identities and experiences
maintain confidentiality within the group
contribute to creating a safe environment.
Bullying, harassment, discrimination or aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated.
Bloom Retreats reserves the right to remove a participant whose behaviour places others at risk or significantly impacts the group experience.
No refund will be provided in these circumstances.
- Changes to Itinerary
While every effort is made to deliver the advertised itinerary, Bloom Retreats reserves the right to make reasonable changes due to:
weather
local conditions
supplier availability
safety
unforeseen circumstances.
Where possible, suitable alternatives will be provided.
- Retreat Cancellation
In the unlikely event that Bloom Retreats cancels a retreat, participants will receive either:
a full refund of monies paid to Bloom Retreats, or
the option to transfer their booking to another Bloom Retreat.
Bloom Retreats is not responsible for any personal travel expenses incurred, including flights or accommodation booked independently.
- Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Bloom Retreats is not liable for:
injury
illness
loss
theft
property damage
delays
missed flights
natural disasters
government travel restrictions
supplier failures
circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
- Force Majeure
Bloom Retreats is not responsible for cancellations, delays or changes resulting from events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:
natural disasters
pandemics
government restrictions
civil unrest
strikes
severe weather
airline disruptions.
- A Final Note
Bloom Retreats exists to create meaningful experiences, genuine connection and lifelong friendships. We ask every participant to arrive with an open heart, respect for others and a willingness to contribute to the warm, inclusive community that makes Bloom so special.
We can’t wait to welcome you.
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