CIRCA 1936, the award-winning boutique art hotel housed in the former Rural Bank building on Corowa’s main street, has launched its new Couples Connection Retreat, an intimate weekend experience blending luxury accommodation, regional experiences, and evidence-based relationship skill-building.
Owner John Crothers says the initiative responded to a growing shift in how couples view their relationships.
“We service our cars, we invest in our health, but relationships are often left until something breaks,” John said.
“This retreat is about being proactive and strengthening connection before crisis.”
The retreat is limited to four couples per weekend and combines guided sessions led by respected clinical psychologist Sheryl Connell, with curated regional experiences including wine and whisky tastings, fine dining, and restorative moments within the heritage setting of CIRCA 1936.
Ms Connell brings more than 25 years of experience in couples therapy and says the concept is grounded in internationally recognised research, including the Gottman approach to strengthening relationships.
“This isn’t therapy; it’s about skill-building, deepening friendship, and investing in connection,” she said.
“Research consistently shows strong relationships are one of the most powerful contributors to long-term wellbeing and resilience.”
The retreat is positioned as proactive and preventative rather than crisis intervention.
Group sessions are structured and guided, with no requirement for couples to publicly disclose personal challenges.
The first pilot retreat was held on March 27-29 with plans to expand with demand.
The initiative also creates flow-on benefits for local businesses, including restaurants, wineries, transport providers and wellness practitioners.
CIRCA 1936 continues to operate as a premium boutique accommodation destination and remains ranked among the top boutique stays in NSW.
Expressions of interest for the Couples Connection Retreat are now open via the CIRCA 1936 website.
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