Meet Albertine van Iterson, the visionary founder behind she she retreats, with a knack for crafting vibrant journeys that bring inspiring women together.
The Friendly introduction: An imperfectly optimistic and warm woman, always up for an adventure, eye for detail and ability to bring all kinds of women together. My friends would describe me as someone whose work reflects her life, someone who embraces an optimistic mindset while not being too dogmatic about life itself..my retreats and the she she brand are a natural reflection of my very own being.
The inspiration: I felt that retreats needed to be created from the perspective of a guest - allowing for a journey that acknowledges that well-being is not one-size-fits-all. I design each retreat as if it were the perfect journey for me to join as a guest, aiming to fully understand the needs of individual modern women and to host an experience that goes beyond just on-the-mat practices. This includes letting go of certain expectations and sinking into a state where we embrace the real things that make us enjoy life: slowing down, one-of-a-kind locations, enjoyable food, openness and joy, creativity, music, and one or two surprises along the way.
The meaning: One 'she' represents the individual journey, while two 'she’s' symbolises togetherness, a sense of community, and sisterhood. I don't believe a person is strictly either introverted or extroverted; we all have different moments and needs at different times. Each retreat is designed to nourish both these aspects, with moments dedicated to focusing on your personal well-being journey and moments that empower it through collective learning from and leaning on each other.
The dream: I can proudly say that I've achieved my first dream, which was to bring women together worldwide, whether they're from Tokyo or San Francisco, and co-create unforgettable, life-changing trips together. When I say co-creation, it's because the guests play a significant role too. It's important to respect them as equal peers with minds of their own, not just as guests needing entertainment or classes. The best retreats are those where guests bring positive energy, open-mindedness, and share their perspectives.
Now, I am shaping my expanding dream for she she, which may involve an even bigger focus on secular experiences like cooking, creativity, mindfulness and exploring local culture.
The life Motto: my lifestyle is a blend of a few philosophies: hedonism—doing things just because they are delightful and fun; focusing on my own happiness so I can then share that happiness with others; socialism; and a touch of stoicism—focusing on what lies within my control. It's a blend of learning to live fully and deeply, pursuing what I love while also cultivating the ability to navigate life's challenges with kindness, resilience, and wisdom.
The meaning of success: Being able to balance doing what one loves, what one is good at, inspiring others and not harming people or the planet.
How to connect to nature: By mindfully looking at it in awe, if you slow down you see twice as much.
