Cuddle Sanctuary Community Retreat

Spend the day diving deep into our sweet community retreat.

Let us guide you into a state of full presence and peacefulness. Allow yourself to melt into soothing human connection.

Newcomers and seasoned cuddlers are all welcome. (You'll be part of the celebration of Cuddle Sanctuary's 10th birthday.)

At the end of the day, you may find yourself feeling completely calm and blissful.

What will it be like?

There will be relaxation activities and connection games sprinkled with our time-tested event guidelines. You'll be able to slow down and ease into a leisurely pace. We've got you!

What are the Health Guidelines?

Please skip this event if you're feeling "off" or may be contagious. You can cancel and get a refund or credit for a future event. Thanks in advance for taking care of our community!

If you haven't already done so, fill out our Event Guidelines and Release Form ahead of the event. Might as well do it now! https://forms.gle/3FGKcb5XKAU4Erxq5

Can you tell me more?

At this retreat, you may experience an increased sense of well-being and belonging, a boost in compassion and playfulness, a decrease in blood pressure and a better night’s sleep. The event provides opportunities to meet new friends, connect with partners and pals in a soulful new way and be part of a warm, safe and huggable tribe. Touch is always consensual, and never a requirement to participate. And you can leave at any time for any reason when you're ready.

Plans for the day

10:00am Doors Open, Get Settled, Sip Tea, Enjoy the Space

10:30am Warm and Welcoming Opening Circle

11:15 Connection Games

12:00pm DOORS CLOSE (Though you can leave at any time, we won't be adding any more retreat guests after noon. This way everyone knows the guidelines for a safe and fun day.)

12:00pm Guidelines, Activities, Getting to Know Each Other

1:00pm Lunch: Bring Your Own Lunch or Food Delivery

2:00pm Soothing Siesta/ Optional Birthday Circle Activity

3:15pm Optional Butterfly Wash Activity / Cuddle Lab (Never any touch required)

4:00pm Cuddle Lab /Relaxation

5:15pm Heart Opening Closing Shareamony

6:00pm Event concludes (We'll miss you!)

What Do I Wear?

Dress in clothes that are comfortable for relaxation or snuggling. Think soft, cozy pajamas, cotton t-shirts, sweatpants, leggings. Tank tops and shorts are ok for warmer weather (and that is the minimum clothing requirement). Feel free to change clothes in the restroom when you arrive.

Hygiene is important at cuddles – please be squeaky clean and minty fresh! It’s easier to get close that way.

Note! Come free of perfumes, body wash, colognes and cigarette smoke. These scents can cling to clean sheets; Also some folks are allergic to them. Thank you!

What Are the Event Guidelines?

These guidelines are like the "etiquette of cuddling." We’ll go over them and answer any questions you may have.

-There’s no touch required, and you can change your mind at any time.

-Respect your boundaries and the boundaries of others, ideally with enthusiasm.

-Keep any touch Rated G and use the Ask and Wait Method: If you want to touch someone, ask. Then wait for their answer!

-Respect the confidentiality of others attendees

If you haven't already done so, please fill out our Event Guidelines and Release Form ahead of the event. Might as well do it now! https://forms.gle/3FGKcb5XKAU4Erxq5

Make Memories at our "Photo Booth"

We'll have a special space set up for consensual photos. It will be separate from the main cuddle area and a totally optional activity.

FYI, at the end of the afternoon, a few people have volunteered to be featured in some consensual candid photos for Cuddle Sanctuary. We'll be sure that confidentiality will be honored.

Where is the retreat happening?

We will retreat in a lovely, spacious home in Newport Beach. We'll send you the address the week of the event.

Parking

Easy street parking.

How Much Does It Cost?

Early Bird: $129 (through November 1, 2024)

Regular Price: $199

Pay it Forward: $299 (This price supports the program below)

Equity Pricing

We've set aside some tickets for folks who wouldn't be able to attend this event at a higher price:

Gentle on the Wallet: $99

Community Care: $75 (This price is expressly for those who experience systematic oppression (racism, ableism, xenophobia, anti-indigeneity, transphobia etc.)

What if I Need to Cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the event for any reason and get a refund (less the fees that Eventbrite charges).

And if you’re not feeling well and concerned you may be contagious, we will refund you.

Pack Your Lunch or Order In

You can pack yourself a tasty lunch. We'll have a fridge handy and also a stove/ microwave for warming your meal.

Or you can order food - using the app on your phone - to be delivered to our retreat venue. (This would be at your cost.)

Take your time and enjoy the property. Engage in easy conversation or soak in some quiet time.

What Do I Bring?

Please bring your water bottle. We'll have water, fruit, tea, regular coffee, and healthy snacks on hand.

Though it's totally optional, you're welcome to bring a pillow, blanket, comforter or your favorite stuffed animal.

Intoxicants

Please arrive and remain sober throughout the event. You may find yourself getting a natural high on oxytocin – often called the Hug Hormone.

Getting Up and Down

Our event space is covered with cushions on the floor and most of our exercises are on these cushions. We'll have some chairs available, too. If you'd like to chat about accommodations, contact Jean at [email protected].

Meet Your Hosts

Jean Franzblau (she/her) – AKA Cuddle Queen – is the Founder of Cuddle Sanctuary which has hosted hundreds of cuddle events since 2014. She holds monthly cuddle events in West Los Angeles..

Grace Heer (she/her) is a certified coach, professional cuddler, and cuddle event leader. She hosts monthly cuddle events in Santa Ana and specializes in supporting clients with grief. GracefulCuddles.com

Zap (any pronoun) is a certified cuddle event leader. They are a Black, asexual, and genderqueer individual. They want to make safe events for queer, POC, indigenous, disabled, low-income, and/or neurodivergent folx.

Sean McDonald (he/him) is a professional cuddler certified through Cuddle Sanctuary (and our venue host!) He’s also the founder of Kindred Connection which offers cuddle therapy services. Kindred-Connection.com.

Karen Joy (she/her) is on the path to be a Cuddle Sanctuary-certified cuddle event leader. She is an empathetic community member and leader.

Got Any Reviews About These Events?

This is Jean. Being immersed in this world, I'm totally biased about Cuddle Sanctuary events! So let these Yelp reviewers do the talking:

“It was hard for me to wrap my head around what a "cuddle" was and why it would "change my life" but that's exactly what happened. As a single mom and full time caregiver for my disabled child, I had truly stopped taking care of me. Coming to these cuddle nights was the best advice I ever took!”

“This place is an amazing, safe, nurturing container for platonic touch and cuddling...It is a very well run program based on respect, consent and connection. Everyone was warm and friendly and I was completely welcome and comfortable. I'm counting the days to my next workshop.”

Carpool: Need a Ride? What to Give One?

You can use this link to try this handy carpool tool. (We understand that deciding to carpool with someone can feel very uncertain. You can choose to contact your potential carpool buddy ahead of time to figure out if it feels like a good match.)

I'm a Woman or Nonbinary Person - Got Any Tips for Me?

Yes! Here's a .

I'm Concerned About Gender Balancing - Got Any Advice?

Check out my on this very subject for tips, ideas and strategies to make the most of your experience.

Community Guidelines

We welcome you to build friendships outside of Cuddle Sanctuary. Here’s a tip to respect the etiquette of our community. If you ask someone to hang out socially and they say “no thanks,” be gracious and move on. Just like we do during our events.

Here's Cuddle Sanctuary 's Code of Ethics.

Host or Publisher Jean Franzblau, Founder of Cuddle Sanctuary