Where you'll be staying

Nestled in the heart of downtown, the Elwood Hotel stands as a welcoming retreat for anyone looking for comfort, style, and a taste of local culture. With its sleek, contemporary design paired with a nod to Lexington's rich history, the hotel offers a sophisticated atmosphere that invites both relaxation and exploration.

Upon entering, guests are greeted with a warm, inviting ambiance, featuring stylish furnishings, modern amenities, and carefully curated art that celebrates the region’s vibrant heritage. Whether you're unwinding in one of the beautifully appointed rooms or enjoying a drink at the rooftop bar with sweeping city views, every corner of the Elwood is designed to provide a memorable experience.

The hotel’s prime location allows visitors to easily explore Lexington's iconic landmarks, from the historic downtown district to the lush bluegrass landscapes that surround the city. After a day of sightseeing, guests can indulge in locally inspired cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant or unwind with a cocktail in the intimate lounge.

The Elwood Hotel offers an unforgettable stay that captures the heart of Lexington—where modern comfort meets Southern charm.

All scheduled sessions, breakouts, and group activities (with the exception of the VIP event) will take place on the Elwood Hotel grounds.

Overnight accommodations at The Elwood Hotel are available to FOCUS Retreat participants at a special reduced rate of $160 per night that includes a brunch choice each morning. You can share a room with a friend or book a space all to yourself.

For details, visit theelwoodhotel.com or call 859.734.5411 to reserve your room. Mention The FOCUS Retreat for the discounted rate.

What you’ll be learning

The FOCUS Retreat is a space to be pampered, educated, encouraged, and known. We're preparing meaningful sessions balanced with time to unwind in community or in solidarity, whichever your heart needs most. 

[F] is for faith...at the heart of our retreat is a deep connection to faith. This retreat invites women to strengthen their relationship with God, renew their spiritual journey, and reflect on His promises. Through prayer, worship, and reflection, we center ourselves in God’s love and guidance, fostering trust in His plan for our lives.

[O] is for opportunity...this is a time to embrace new possibilities and open our hearts to God's opportunities. Whether it's stepping into a new chapter of life, discovering hidden talents, or building relationships, the retreat is a space to explore the doors God is opening and to boldly pursue them.

[C] is for clarity... during this retreat, we seek clarity in our lives, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us toward understanding and wisdom. Through quiet reflection and guided teachings, women can receive insight into their personal journey, clear away distractions, and focus on the direction God is calling them to follow.

[U] is for Unity...as women come together in faith, we create a powerful sense of unity. This retreat encourages fellowship, collaboration, and support among women of all backgrounds, reminding us that we are stronger together. Unity in Christ fosters an environment of mutual encouragement, where we lift each other up and celebrate the beauty of sisterhood.

[S] is for strength...through God’s strength, we are empowered to face life’s challenges with courage and perseverance. This retreat is a reminder that we are not alone—His strength is made perfect in our weakness. We will discover how to tap into His power, find the resilience to overcome obstacles, and live out our faith boldly and confidently.

Rest and Play

This retreat is equal parts restoration and renewal. We know a true getaway means opportunities for downtime, however you choose...connect with others in authentic conversations, laugh, sip a glass of wine (or a mug of hot coffee), shop to your heart's content, or hide away for some quiet time with God. We've built in ample free time for you to spend however you need.

Looking to get a chair message or a guided tour around Lexington?We'll have some optional, guided group activities prepared for those who want to socialize with fellow retreat participants.

Prefer to head into town for some quaint boutique shopping or cafe dining? Feel free! We'll provide a list of suggested activities to enjoy on your own or with a group of fellow retreaters.

Or...retreat to your room for some quiet reading, reflection, or a nap. This is YOUR retreat, and we're here to help make it as refreshing and memorable as possible.

Optional VIP Experience

You are cordially invited to kick off the retreat early, on Wednesday evening, September 10, with an exclusive VIP social event at Amy’s lake house.

This is where the magic begins! An opportunity to meet new friends and get to know your hosts in a relaxed atmosphere before the sessions begin Thursday morning.  We’ll enjoy a casual dinner, cocktails, dessert, and an intimate concert with a local musician. Take advantage of this special opportunity to talk one-on-one with your retreat hosts and fellow attendees. Leave your insecurities at the door, this is a wonderful time for authentic relationship building.

If community or networking is one of your primary reasons for attending the FOCUS Retreat, then you won't want to miss the VIP experience.

Only 20 VIP tickets are available, so register early if you plan to secure a spot at this small group event.