Only a few fortunate couples will be let in to this intimate and exclusive retreat...
Intimacy Reimagined is not a typical retreat. It is a carefully crafted couples intensive and workshop experience designed for lasting transformation. This is where you step away from routine and move toward deeper understanding, stronger connection, and renewed intimacy that reflects the story you want to live together.
Immerse Yourselves...
From September 11 to 14, 2025, you and your spouse are invited to the Cloran Mansion in Galena, Illinois. Nestled among rolling hills and timeless charm, this space offers warmth, beauty, and the kind of quiet that allows real conversations to unfold. Fireplaces crackle. Gardens invite slow walks. Every detail is designed to help you breathe deeply and engage fully.
This experience is about more than communication tips or surface-level solutions. It is about rediscovering each other. It is about building connection that lasts. Through guided conversation, intentional time together, and space to rest and reflect, you will leave with tools and memories that continue long after you return home.
Your marriage deserves this. Your story is worth the time and care. This is not about fixing what is broken. This is about growing what is good.
Click the link for more info, or sign up on this page!
Escape the yawn-fests of life and embark on an adventure with your other half! Imagine eating chocolates and sipping wine amidst the halls of somewhere luxurious, unlocking the secrets to a love that shimmers brighter than a unicorn's horn.
Those other getaways won’t give you what Rick & Monique’s “Intimacy Reimagined" will. This isn't just another retreat. The Real Connections retreat steps up your relational effort and asks of you to move the needle with us. Relationships are in trouble. Together, you and I get to actually make the difference. Our retreat is your VIP pass to your happily ever after. Rick & Monique spill their 9 hottest traits, tips and tricks to get your sparks flying. Ready to transform your relationship? Buckle up for quite the getaway!
Ready to ditch the "meh" and embrace the "whoa?" Click the link below, pick your room, and let's build your best relationship ever, brick by luxurious brick! ✨
Relax in the beauty of an 1880 home built in the timeless elegance of Italianate architecture. Enjoy the amenities of a modern inn, including private bathrooms, in-room fireplaces, plenty of parking, 1.5 acres of gardens, yummy food, and other comforts meant to pamper.
Challenging you as a couple to work through some struggles, learn to reconnect emotionally, mentally, physically and relationally, and build solid plans to take home and implement to keep practicing!
Imagine strolling down charming, red-brick streets lined with 19th-century buildings, each whispering tales of bygone eras. Picture yourself nestled amidst rolling green hills, breathing in the crisp Midwest air, with the majestic Mississippi River winding its way on the horizon. That's the magic of Galena, IL.
It's a town where elegance and history intertwine, offering a captivating blend of quaint charm and captivating stories. Explore antique shops brimming with hidden treasures, indulge in fine dining with a touch of local flavor, and wander through art galleries showcasing regional talent.
Here's what makes Galena truly special:
Galena is more than just a destination; it's an experience. It's the place where you can reconnect, de-stress, & unwind in a picturesque setting. Create memories that will last a lifetime. So, why not whisper your own story in the charming streets of Galena?
"GET YOUR A$$ BACK IN HERE! DIVORCE IS NOT AN OPTION!"
That was Monique nearly 30 years ago. We weren't doing so good, and we'd just recently married. I (Rick) was feeling sorry for myself, honestly.
I am handicapped. I walk funny, and life has been challenging. Life can be difficult, after all, and I felt out of place. I've endured many surgeries throughout my life and have worked through much pain. I pitied myself for all my struggles and wanted to quit everything. That particular day I was walking out. I got drunk, walked to the car ...
And my faithful bride stopped me in my tracks. She saw her groom that day. Not just a crippled man ... she stopped me, turned me around, and walked me back across our threshold! In a single moment Monique reimagined intimacy and saved a marriage.
On our wedding day, I promised Monique I'd prefer her over all others. The fateful day I walked out, I chose myself. Until she yelled, "Divorce is not an option!" I remembered, then. We were a "together or not at all" couple.
She knew my situation. She didn't pity me. From that moment on, we explored what was possible and then went for it. Along the way, we also built intimacy, resilience, and hope.
Don't think I haven't doubted myself, or we haven't doubted ourselves since that day. We doubted ourselves the day I said we would ride a bicycle 500 miles weekly while I was using a walker. We doubted ourselves when we looked at an enormous mountain we didn't know we could climb. We doubted ourselves when we said we wanted to build a business together. Each time we doubted we reimagined intimacy and returned to our vows.
We don’t expect perfection out of ourselves, and we don’t expect it from you, either. Our life is about knowing how strong we are together. It is about knowing how to reimagine intimacy and return to our vows.
Just one moment ... all of us have our "just one-moment" stories that made us or broke us. But in this "one moment" we hope you realize like we did on that day in 1997 that your marriage journey can be different ... better and that you get to create the lifestyle you deserve with the person you LOVE most.
But here’s the real magic. We didn’t get to healthy without the help of friends, family, and counselors.
Monique and Rick Elgersma have created a BRAND NEW kind of relational couples retreat like few others. We'll all be returning to our vows in the most relational way we can think of, and Rick & Monique are thrilled for the opportunity to breathe life into couples retreats!
This retreat isn't about you becoming perfect. But it is about knowing how strong you are together. It is about knowing how to reimagine intimacy and return to your vows.
This retreat is about knowing how to take each other's hand and never let go.
The magic is you and us working at this together.
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We're thrilled you're interested in coming! You can reserve your couple's spot by selecting the room you want and paying the $750 deposit to reserve THAT room. You will have options for payment, however we do offer a discount for full payment upfront! AND the price is for both of you - as a couple!
We highly suggest travel insurance and your own accident insurance. We will not be responsible for late arrival, cancellation of flights, or difficulties during travel. We will also not be responsible for damage to property, illness, or injury. We encourage that you come prepared with everything you need to cover yourselves for the potential of unfortunate events.
For one, we'll just be enjoying time at this amazing spot. However, each day we will be covering the nine traits of a healthy and thriving relationship. These important pieces create intimacy by building stronger communication and better handling of conflict, as well as learning more about personality, connection, affection, and strategies for growth! You'll also all answer important questions together, with each other. One of the most important parts of this intimate retreat is "couples helping couples." We are better together and together we'll all come away with our versions of "better than ever!"
We do not doubt you'll find ways to enjoy your time with us and together with your spouse or the small intimate group of couples at this retreat. We'll chat it up outside around the fire pit or screened in gazebo, head downtown Galena for shopping for a step-back-in-history old town feel, go for a picnic at one of the gorgeous parks (we'll provide the picnic fixins!), or you can choose to enjoy time alone as a couple in your double jacuzzi (most rooms). We plan to do a group outing and a few group activities as well. You can bring along your favorite game for us to enjoy if you'd like!
If you have issues or concerns with alcohol, or do not drink alcohol, please let us know. We offer and will provide drinks for dinner, such as soda, water, wine or limited light alcohol beverages. However, inebriation/drunkenness will not be tolerated for any reason. Drunkenness will mean you will be required to leave the premises permanently. There will be no refunds if you are asked to leave.
Rick and Monique Elgersma are licensed Marriage and Family Therapists and can offer an 'add on' option of a 90-minute personal/private co-therapy couples session at a rate of $395. You will need to contact us prior to the retreat to schedule a time to meet with us at least 20 days prior to the retreat to allow for planning. There are limited spots available for personal couples sessions, so please reach out as soon as you reserve your room to make sure you get on the schedule: [email protected].
Your deposit is non-refundable. You may cancel your retreat reservation and receive a full refund, excluding your non-refundable deposit, as long as you cancel 60 days before the start of the retreat (by Friday, July 11, 2025). If you cancel your reservation between 45-to-59 days prior to the retreat, you may receive 50% refund of the retreat costs, excluding the non-refundable deposit (by Sunday, July 28, 2025). No refunds are available for cancellations less than 45 days from the start of the retreat. To request a refund, please get in touch with our support team at [email protected].
If you are only seeing that "pay in full" single button under the room - then the retreat is starting in 30 days or less! AND you are extra lucky because we still have a room available for you. We are excited to have you join us, but in order to make sure we get all of the food and retreat details gathered in time, we need your full commitment to the retreat - so the entire payment is required upfront to join us. BUT, due to full payment required, you DO get the "full payment" discount price - YAY FOR DISCOUNTS!
If you do not pay the full room/retreat charge when you sign up to attend our retreat, the balance of your payment for the room you chose is due 30 Days prior to the retreat. You will be invoiced at 45 days prior, if you sign up in advance - or immediately, if signing up between 31-45 days. If you sign up at 30 days or less before the first day of the retreat, full payment is expected at the time of booking.
OH NO! If there are no options to pay a deposit, pay in full, or pay 1/2 of the room charge, then that room has already been taken by another couple/attendee for the retreat. Please consider another one of our amazing rooms. They are all really unique, romantic and charming!
“I have witnessed firsthand Rick & Monique’s unique abilities and talents as a married co-therapy team.
Together, they possess an exceptional level of expertise and insight into the dynamics of intimate relationships.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Rick and Monique's work is their ability to seamlessly blend their professional knowledge with their personal experiences as a married couple.
They bring a rare authenticity to their work. Their warmth and approachability make it easy for couples to create happier, healthier, and more fulfilling relationships.”
"Monique and Rick are not only authentic people. They’re a great couple that has traversed some of life’s most difficult roads, and still hold grace for each other. Still fully their own unique, strong minded selves, but also a bonded, connected couple.
I love their heart and capacity for working with couples to improve on communication, connection and intimacy…. Heck…. Can’t every couple use improvement on those items?!
And that’s exactly what they do.
I HIGHLY recommend and suggest that every couple take advantage of the plethora of skill, devotion and life changing talent that Rick & Monique offer to couples.
Their retreat offers you a luxurious, condensed, intense, and immediate experience that is sure to make a big difference in your relationship."
