Sisters Umrah Knowing Allah
To know yourself is to know your Lord.
A sisters' Umrah of reflection, worship and sisterhood, hosted by the people of Makkah.
LáYínká SanniPersonal Development CoachUnited Kingdom
Dr. Naila AlthagafiCultural Expert · Trip OrganiserCertified Tour GuideSaudi Arabia
Open to women worldwide · Land package, excluding flights
To retreat is not to step back, but to step inward
Ten days in the two holy cities with a group of up to 35 sisters: a guided Umrah, a cultural and curated programme led by Dr. Naila Althagafi, a teaching track on knowing yourself with LáYínká Sanni, and deliberate space for rest and sisterhood.
Rooted in Makkah, we come from a family of Mutawefeen, the caretakers of pilgrims. We host every retreat ourselves, on the ground, from your arrival to your departure. We receive women from around the world, connect them with one another and with the people of this land, and build bridges that last long after the journey ends. Caring for the guests of Allah is the legacy of the people of Makkah, carried for generations. We at The Retreat are people of Makkah, and we carry that legacy on.
LáYínká Sanni
Award-winning transformation coach, leadership and change facilitator, and author of A Beautiful Homecoming. LáYínká leads the daily Knowing Yourself sessions throughout the retreat.
Through coaching, speaking and facilitation, she works with Muslim women to understand the inner beliefs and stories that shape their lives, deepen their connection with Allah, and move forward with more clarity, confidence and intention.
Her approach brings together faith, self-awareness, emotional insight and practical transformation, drawing on Islamic Psychology, to help women move past limiting narratives and live more in line with the person Allah created them to be.
She is the founder of Thaani Consulting, through which she supports individuals and organisations in human-centred leadership development, psychological safety, personal growth and values-led change.
Dr. Naila Althagafi
Founder of The Retreat, originally from Makkah, from a lineage of Mutawefeen — caretakers of pilgrims. Dr. Naila leads the cultural programme and is with you on the ground throughout, making sure your journey is safe.
She holds a PhD in Public Relations and Strategic Communications from Purdue University and an MFA in filmmaking, and is a Ministry of Tourism certified guide. Fluent in Arabic, English and French, she has a special care for reverts and first-time pilgrims, and brings the history, culture and hospitality of Saudi Arabia to every retreat she curates.
6 days in Madinah, 4 days in Makkah
- Thu 14 JanArrive in Madinah
Airport pick-up, check in and your retreat gift bag.
- 14 – 20 JanMadinah
Your Rawda visit, Jumaa in the Prophet's Mosque ﷺ, daily classes and historic tours.
- Wed 20 JanTo Makkah
We travel together for our group Umrah, guided step by step.
- 20 – 24 JanMakkah
Jumaa at the Haram, daily classes and the cultural programme with Dr. Naila.
- Sun 24 JanReturn home
Airport drop-off, with a sisterhood and lessons that stay with you.
Travel dates
- Arrival in Madinah the retreat starts
- Thursday, 14 January 2027
- Departure from Jeddah the retreat ends
- Sunday, 24 January 2027
International flights are not included. Contact us for help with flights.
Flying into Jeddah? Optional
- Night in Jeddah, Wednesday 13 January: arrive a day early and rest before the retreat starts. One night in a 3-star hotel with airport pick-up when you land: $99 per person sharing a double, or $150 in a single room. Choose it when you register.
- Train to Madinah, Thursday 14 January: from Jeddah you take the Haramain train to Madinah to join the retreat. We can help you book your ticket.
Every detail, taken care of
- 4/3★ hotelswalking distance to the Haram
- Umrah visa & medical insurancearranged for you
- Group Umrahguided step by step, with the option to do more
- Rawda visitassistance with your Rawda booking
- 2 Jumaa prayersin Madinah & Makkah
- Daily classesKnowing Yourself with LáYínká Sanni
- Cultural & curated programmewith Dr. Naila Althagafi, and much more
- Desert & archeryan inspirational evening with a group dinner in the desert & Saudi hospitality
- Historic tourswith certified female guides
- VIP transportwith airport transfers on arrival & departure days
- Daily breakfastat your hotel
- Retreat gift bagsand online pre-retreat preparation
Also included: 10 days in Madinah & Makkah, small groups, revert support and a ladies-only group.
Planning your budget
Not included
- Flights
- Transport outside of pick up and drop off dates/times
- Early check in & late check out
- Remaining meals – lunches & dinners are not included except as noted
- Travel insurance
- Activities outside of the itinerary, extra accommodation, transportation not mentioned in the itinerary, and any extra spending (souvenirs, telephones, etc.)
- Tips & gratitude
- Wheelchair and golf car rentals for Umrah
- Transport to Masjid Aisha outside of the itinerary
Land package, excluding flights
Save $200 · Book by 31 Oct 2026
Bring a friend: $2,299 each in a triple
Hold my spotLand package, EXCLUDING FLIGHTS · £350 / $450 deposit
How to book
- Fill in the short formYour details, room and options. It takes two minutes.
- Pay your deposit£350 / $450, non-refundable, through our secure checkout. It holds your place and your price. Not ready yet? Register now and pay later.
- We contact you on WhatsAppYou receive your confirmation and next steps, and join the travellers' group. Pay the balance later, in full or in instalments.
Before you book
- Your place is only confirmed once payment is received. Places are first come, first served.
- Early bird: First 7 sisters only. Your non-refundable deposit holds the early-bird price. Ends 31 October at the latest. After that, the regular price applies.
- Non-refundable deposit: £350 / $450 holds your place and your price. The balance can be paid in instalments if you wish.
- Prices* include 15% VAT. A 5% payment checkout fee is added at checkout.
* Final prices are charged in Saudi riyals (SAR). USD and GBP are shown for convenience; your bank converts at its own rate.
Bismillah — hold my spot
Your spot is held
Your place is held for 24 hours. Confirm it now with your payment.
- Room
- Option
- To pay now
A 5% payment checkout fee is added at checkout. We've saved your details and will message you on WhatsApp.
Questions, answered
Is there a bring-a-friend offer?
Yes. Book a triple room with a friend and you each save $100: $2,299 each instead of $2,399 at the early-bird price ($2,499 instead of $2,599 at the regular price). You each register, choose "With a friend" and enter each other's name, and we room you together.
Is this suitable for reverts and first-time pilgrims?
Yes. This is a judgment-free space. You are guided step by step through the Umrah, with direct access to your teacher and your host throughout.
Can I come on my own?
Yes. Most of our sisters come solo. We pair you with roommates thoughtfully, and you meet the group in a private chat before you travel.
Can I bring my children?
This retreat is for sisters aged 18 and over, and it is not suitable for children. The programme, pace and shared rooms are designed for adults, so you can give yourself fully to the journey.
Can I travel without a mahram?
Yes. Since 2022 the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has permitted women to perform Umrah without a male guardian, and the Maliki and Shafi'i schools permit a woman to travel in trustworthy company.
Is the visa included?
Yes. The Umrah visa and medical insurance, with assistance in booking your Rawda visit, are included for UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand passport holders. For other passports the price may vary, so please message us before booking.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Pay your non-refundable deposit now to hold your place, and the remaining balance can be paid in instalments if you wish.
Are flights included?
No. International flights are not included, and each sister books and pays for her own ticket. We are happy to help: we can advise on flights and connect you with other sisters travelling from your area.
Can I arrive before the retreat starts?
Yes. Because this is outside the retreat dates, we can suggest a hotel we work with and arrange your airport pick-up for an additional fee. Just let us know your plans when you register.
Which airports should I book?
The retreat starts in Madinah on Thursday 14 January and ends in Jeddah on Sunday 24 January. You have two options:
- Multi-city (matches the itinerary): your city → Madinah on 14 January, then Jeddah → your city on 24 January.
- Round trip: your city → Jeddah → your city. On 14 January you take the Haramain train from Jeddah to Madinah to join the retreat, and we can help you book your ticket.
Coming from the US, Australia or another long-haul city? You may want to arrive in Jeddah a day early to rest and get over jet lag. You can add the Jeddah night when you register. Our team is happy to help you plan your flights.
If I book a round trip to Jeddah, can you arrange an extra night in Jeddah before the retreat?
Yes, and we recommend it. Resting for a night helps you get over jet lag, so you begin the retreat refreshed. You can add it when you register: one night in a 3-star hotel with airport pick-up when you land, $99 per person sharing a double or $150 in a single room (breakfast not included). The next morning you take the Haramain train to Madinah, and we can help you book your ticket.
How physically demanding is it?
There is a good amount of walking and standing. The programme is paced thoughtfully and most fitness levels are fine. If you have mobility needs, tell us in advance.
Limited places. Come as you are.
info@theretreat.love · Makkah, Saudi Arabia · License #7032133899