Hell & Back: 4-Day Men's Retreat
How to recover and thrive after divorce
May 22nd - 25th, 2026 4 Days, 3 Nights Blisstopia Retreats, Arizona
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This retreat works with people who have survived silencing or psychologically abusive dynamics
and are ready to reclaim their inner authority, meaning, and life direction.
This work is not about blaming or reliving the past—it’s about integrating what happened so it
no longer runs your life.
May 22 - 25, 2026 | 4 days 3 nights
SUPPORT FOR MEN
Many men come to this work after experiences that quietly dismantled their sense of strength, confidence, or direction—often without language or permission to name what happened.
This work offers an alternative to both silence and hardening.
Here, strength is not defined by dominance, suppression, or endurance at all costs. It is defined by presence, responsibility, and grounded clarity. Softness and firmness are not opposites; they are integrated capacities.
Men drawn to this retreat are often:
• Emerging from relational collapse or divorce
• Reclaiming themselves after years of self-doubt or appeasement
• Redefining masculinity beyond inherited scripts
• Seeking a spiritual life that is embodied, relational, and real
This is not a space for blame, grievance, or performance. It is a space for remembering—learning how to stand in your life with dignity, truth, and self-respect, and how to build relationships, families, and futures that are aligned with who you actually are.
EXPERT-LED COACHING & GUIDANCE
This retreat features four embodiment guides to help you through this stage in your journey:
Your in-depth training & therapy sessions are personally facilitated by Blisstopia’s host and beloved founder, Mark Royce. A survivor of 3 divorces with children involved, A father of 4, grandfather of 2, a serial entrepreneur, a certified personal trainer, certified nutritional coach, certified regenerative health practitioner, security expert with more than 25 years of experience, and lifelong martial artist. With more than 45 years of training and 35+ years of teaching/coaching martial arts, boxing and fitness.
Lana Anderson-Royce is a master’s-level psychotherapist and certified energy healer, combining more than three decades of clinical experience and mind-body expertise with deep compassion. Having guided over 60 retreats and supported hundreds of people through profound emotional healing, Lana holds space with care, wisdom, and intuitive guidance that blends psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, and holistic energy work. She creates a grounded and nurturing environment where grieving, release, and deep soul renewal can truly happen—ensuring each guest is supported, seen, and safely guided through whatever they’re carrying.
Travis Williams is a father, entrepreneur, and guide who has spent years doing the real work of learning how to feel, lead, and live with integrity as a man. I’ve built businesses, led teams, held responsibility, and also faced the parts of myself that needed healing, honesty, and change.
My work centers on helping men slow down, reconnect with themselves, and build lives that actually feel aligned, not just successful on the outside. I don’t believe in fixing men or forcing breakthroughs. I believe in creating safe, grounded containers where truth can surface, emotions can move, and clarity can emerge naturally.
This retreat isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about remembering who you already are, strengthening your relationship with yourself, and leaving with more trust in your body, your instincts, and your direction. I’ll be here to guide, hold the space, and walk alongside you, not above you.
Gabe Crane
What’s Included
- 3 nights shared accommodations at Blisstopia Retreats (beautiful desert villa with pool, hot tub, and mountain views)
- All meals from Friday dinner to Monday breakfast: high-protein, whole-food based, with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options available
- 2 guided workshops on anger, stress, and emotional resilience
- 2 boxing/fitness sessions (boxing fundamentals and application)
- Understanding the difference between being a Strong & capable Man with a heart & wannabe tough guy with an attitude
- 1 yoga class tailored for men’s bodies, strength, and mobility
- Multiple breathwork sessions for stress relief, nervous system reset, and emotional release
- Opening and closing ceremonies, daily check-ins, and men’s circles for authentic connection and integration
- Free time to relax in the pool, hot tub, sauna, or on the land (hammocks, views, and desert trails nearby)
- Tea, coffee, and infused water available throughout the day
Schedule
(May 22) Day 1 – Arrival & Initiation: The Descent
3:00–4:30 pm – Arrival & Check-In
- Settle into shared accommodations, decompress, and explore the retreat grounds
- Welcome & Opening Circle: honoring hardship and embracing renewal
- Dinner and retreat orientation
- Meditation and Breathwork for Release & Reset
- Reflection journaling
- Quiet time, sauna, hot tub, or early rest
(May 23) Day 2 – Facing the Fire: Strength, Anger & Boundaries
7:00 am – Morning Grounding & Breath Practice
- Qigong movement and intention setting
- Breakfast
- Men’s Mental Health Workshop 1: Anger, Loss & the Fire Within
- Lunch
- Boxing Foundations: Channeling Pain into Power
- Free time for reflection or rest
- Nature hike on Sunrise Mountain
- Dinner
- Evening Men’s Circle with Cacao: Forging Fire Into Purpose
(May 24) Day 3 – The Rise: Heart, Forgiveness & Renewal
7:00 am – Morning Yoga for Strength & Mobility
- Gentle yoga for flexibility and emotional release
- Breakfast
- Men’s Mental Health Workshop 2: Emotional Healing & Connection
- Lunch
- Trust & Partnership Training: Relearning Connection Through Movement
- Free time or optional coaching/bodywork
- Transformative Breathwork for Forgiveness & Freedom (optional cold plunge)
- Dinner
- Fire Ceremony & Brotherhood Gathering
(May 25) Day 4 – Integration & Return
8:00 am – Light Breakfast & Informal Connection
- Closing Circle: “From Hell… and Back”
- Group reflections, accountability sharing, and continued support planning
10:30–11:00 am – Pack & Check-Out
The Orientation of This Work
This is a space for:
• Remembering who you are
• Rebuilding trust in your own knowing
• Integrating suffering into wisdom
• Living a grounded, spiritually authentic life
• Taking responsibility for the life you are creating now
This is not about perfect healing, constant positivity, or bypassing pain. It is about learning how to inhabit your life with clarity, dignity, and presence.
On Silencing, Self-Doubt, and Inner Authority
Many people drawn to this retreat may have lived through relational dynamics that slowly eroded their sense of reality, voice, or worth. These experiences often take place quietly and in isolation, making them difficult to name and easy to dismiss—by others and eventually by oneself.
Rather than focusing on labels, diagnoses, or narratives of blame, this work addresses the impact of such dynamics:
• Chronic self-doubt
• Hypervigilance or self-erasure
• Difficulty trusting one’s own knowing
• Feeling bound, stuck, or unsure how to move forward
Healing, in this context, is not about proving what happened. It is about reclaiming authorship over your inner life.
A core principle of this work is empowerment without blame. Harmful behavior is never the responsibility of the person who suffers it. At the same time, genuine healing often involves compassionately examining the inner adaptations that made survival possible—and gently releasing them when they are no longer needed.
This is how inner authority is restored: not through defense, but through clarity.
A Life-Changing Experience – Thank You, Blisstopia Retreats!!!
I recently had the privilege of attending a 3-hour immersive experience at Blisstopia Retreats, and I can say with complete sincerity, it was life changing!
Mike, 60
Was an amazing experience. Mark and Lana hosted us graciously and have an amazing facility you have to experience for yourself!
– Kenneth, 28
This is an amazing place! Mark and Lana are experienced and thoughtful hosts.
Their skill sets and knowledge compliment each other creating a unique blend that can only be experienced.
– Donald, 43
Meet mark royce
Mark’s journey began after surviving a serious assault in high school that left him hospitalized and permanently injured—a turning point that ignited his lifelong dedication to martial arts, self-defense, and inner strength. Over 35+ years, he has earned advanced black belts in multiple disciplines, taught thousands of students, and developed a training style that blends fighter’s grit with deep respect, humility, and protection.
Beyond the dojo, Mark is a Certified Breathwork Coach, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Nutritional Coach, Regenerative Health Practitioner, and 200-hour yoga teacher, uniting ancient wisdom with modern science to support whole-person wellness. His work includes breathwork, cold therapy, regenerative and cellular health, functional fitness, and personalized nutrition, giving men practical ways to “biohack” their health from the inside out.
At Blisstopia Retreats, Mark leads with a professional, safe, and grounded presence that men immediately feel. In this Warrior & Gentleman immersion, he weaves together breathwork, martial arts, strength training, and mindset coaching to help men—young and old—retrain their nervous systems, release stored stress and anger, and reconnect to their inner calm and clarity.
Mark’s approach is simple but powerful: combine ancient practices like martial arts, yoga, and breath with modern tools from regenerative health and performance coaching. The result is a unique pathway for men to improve themselves mentally, physically, and emotionally—building real-world resilience, emotional regulation, and embodied confidence they can carry back into their work, relationships, and everyday lives.
Blisstopia: A Desert Sanctuary for Your Soul
- 2.5 peaceful acres in the Sonoran Desert
- 6,800 sq ft eco-luxury villa
- 5 bedrooms, 17 beds, 6 bathrooms
- Fire circle, fitness center, and amazing hiking trails
- Meals are healing, mostly protein-based, and deeply nourishing
It's time to man up.
4 Days / 3 Nights All-Inclusive Retreat
Double Occupancy Room (2 beds - per person rate) - Early Bird: $1,399 (until February 1st, 2026) 4 spots
Quad Occupancy Room (4 beds - per person rate) - Early Bird: $1,299 (until February 1st, 2026) 12 spots
Double Room Rate - After February1st, 2026: $1,499
Quad Room Rate - After February 1st, 2026: $1,399
Includes lodging, meals, workshops, training sessions, and ceremonies
Payment plans available
Limited to 15 Men
Book Now!
4 DAY A WARRIOR & A GENTLEMEN RETREAT
$444 Deposit to Reserve your Spot
Double Occupancy Room (2 beds - per person rate) - Early Bird: $1,399 (until February 1st, 2026) 4 spots
Quad Occupancy Room (4 beds - per person rate) - Early Bird: $1,299 (until February 1st, 2026) 12 spots
Double Room Rate - After February1st, 2026: $1,499
Quad Room Rate - After February 1st, 2026: $1,399
Who This Is For
This work may be supportive if you:
• Have survived emotionally harmful or psychologically abusive dynamics
• Are no longer in active crisis or ongoing abuse
• Are ready to move beyond survival and into integration
• Want to reclaim trust in your own perception, timing, and truth
• Are seeking a grounded, spiritually integrated path forward
This work is especially resonant for people who feel they have lost themselves in relationship—and are now ready to remember who they are.
Who This Is Not For
This work is not:
• Crisis support or emergency intervention
• Legal, diagnostic, or forensic analysis
• A space for assigning blame or proving wrongdoing
• Appropriate for those currently in active abuse without outside support
We encourage anyone in immediate danger or crisis to seek appropriate professional, legal, or community resources.
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Book Now!
$444 Deposit to Reserve your Spot
Double Occupancy Room (2 beds - per person rate) - Early Bird: $1,399 (until February 1st, 2026) 4 spots
Quad Occupancy Room (4 beds - per person rate) - Early Bird: $1,299 (until February 1st, 2026) 12 spots
Double Room Rate - After February1st, 2026: $1,499
Quad Room Rate - After February 1st, 2026: $1,399
Menu
All meals are deliciously and carefully prepared with seasonality of the foods in mind. Meals are nourishing & Ayurvedic prepared with high density value.
Gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options available.
Schedule
HELL AND BACK RETREAT
4-Day Healing Experience for Divorced Men
A journey of release, rebuilding, and rising stronger
(May 22) Day 1 – Arrival & Initiation: The Descent
3:00–4:30 pm – Arrival & Check-In
Guests arrive, unpack, and settle into shared accommodations. Time to decompress, explore the grounds, and feel into the sacred container of transformation.
4:30–5:30 pm – Welcome & Opening Circle: “honoring hardship and embracing renewal ”
Facilitators set the tone with introductions, agreements for safety and confidentiality. A heart-centered talk on overcoming life’s darkest chapters and reclaiming strength after heartbreak and embracing the future.
5:30–6:30 pm – Dinner
A grounding meal shared in community. Overview of retreat flow and how the team will support each man’s healing process.
7:00–8:30 pm – Meditation/Healing – Past/Present/Future Self Breathwork for Release & Reset
Guided breathwork to begin unloading built-up emotional weight — anger, fear, grief. Learn practical techniques for calming the mind and reconnecting to the body.
Short reflection journaling to close.
8:30–9:30 pm – Quiet Time / Sauna / Hot Tub / Early Rest
Unwind, reflect, and soak in the hot tub or sauna at Blisstopia.
(May 23) Day 2 – Facing the Fire: Strength, Anger & Boundaries
7:00–7:45 am – Morning Grounding & Breath Practice
Gentle activation with Qigong for body and mind, cultivating intention for resilience and focus.
8:00–9:00 am – Breakfast
9:30–11:30 am – Men’s Mental Health Workshop 1: Anger, Loss & the Fire Within
Exploring the emotional aftermath of divorce: Where did we suffer? How were we harmed? What was our place in it? What did we learn?
11:30 am–12:30 pm – Lunch
1:30–3:00 pm – Boxing Foundations: Channeling Pain into Power
Learn basic boxing stance, footwork, and focused combinations designed to move stuck emotion through the body. Facilitators guide participants in transforming aggression into grounded presence.
3:00–4:30 pm – Free Time / Reflection & Integration
Optional journaling, rest, or time by the pool or nature trails.
4:30–6:00 pm – Nature hike on the Sunrise Mountain
6:30–7:30 pm – Dinner
8:00–9:00 pm – Evening Men’s Circle w/Cacao: “Forging Fire Into Purpose”
Group dialogue on boundaries, personal responsibility, and stepping back into power as men of integrity. Allowing the heart to open feel again.
(May 24) Day 3 – The Rise: Heart, Forgiveness & Renewal
7:00–7:45 am – Morning Yoga for Strength & Mobility
Accessible movement session focused on building flexibility and releasing tension from the heart, hips, and spine.
8:00–9:00 am – Breakfast
9:30–11:30 am – Men’s Mental Health Workshop 2: Emotional Healing & Connection
Exploring forgiveness, vulnerability, and authentic communication after loss. Practice tools for rebuilding relationships — with self, family, and others.
11:30 am–12:30 pm – Lunch
1:30–3:00 pm – Trust & Partnership Training: Relearning Connection Through Movement
Partner boxing/muay thai drills and trust exercises that emphasize awareness, cooperation, and healthy masculine connection.
3:00–4:30 pm – Free Time / Optional Coaching or Bodywork
Space for rest, integration, or one-on-one sessions with facilitators.
4:30–6:00 pm – Transformative Breathwork for Forgiveness & Freedom
A deeper journey into the breath — releasing emotional blocks and opening to inner peace and strength. Following a brief intermission – optional cold plunge
6:00–7:00 pm – Dinner
7:30–9:00 pm – Fire Ceremony & Brotherhood Gathering
Evening ritual around the fire. Letting go of old stories of failure and pain; declaring new commitments to freedom, growth, and self-respect. Optional writing-and-burning or symbolic release ceremony.
(May 25) Day 4 – Integration & Return
8:00–9:00 am – Light Breakfast & Informal Connection
Casual meal and conversation as the group reflects on newfound insights and bonds.
9:00–10:30 am – Closing Circle: “From Hell… and Back”
Guided reflection on lessons learned, commitments to continued growth, and establishing accountability partnerships or a support group for post-retreat connection.
10:30–11:00 am – Pack & Check-Out
Depart with renewed clarity, grounded strength, and a brotherhood that walks beside you beyond the retreat.
* NOTE: Menu, 1 to 1 private sessions, and schedule are subject to change based on availability and or weather conditions.
Retreat FAQ’s
Is this retreat suitable for beginners in martial arts or yoga?
Yes. All martial arts and yoga sessions are beginner-friendly and scaled to your fitness level. You do not need prior experience in BJJ, boxing, or yoga—just a willingness to participate and learn.
What if I have injuries or physical limitations?
You’ll be invited to share injuries or concerns in advance. Modifications will be offered in all physical sessions, and you are encouraged to listen to your body and opt out of any exercise that does not feel safe.
What is the food like?
Meals are high-protein, whole-food based, with options for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan at every meal. Think eggs, turkey sausage, oats, power bowls, grilled proteins, roasted vegetables, and hearty but clean dinners.
Can you accommodate special diets?
Yes—most dietary needs can be accommodated with at least 7 days’ notice (e.g., vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free). You’ll fill out a brief intake form after registering.
How many men will be in the group?
This is an intimate retreat, typically 10–14 men, to ensure plenty of personal attention and a safe container for group work.
What is the accommodation like?
You’ll stay in shared rooms at Blisstopia Retreats, a private desert villa with views, pool, hot tub, and cozy communal spaces for connection and rest. All beds are very comfortable and rooms are spacious
What is your cancellation policy?
RETREATS:
Deposit
• 100% deposit refund for cancellation 60+ days before the retreat start date.
• 50% deposit refund for cancellation 31-59 days before the retreat start date.
• 0% deposit refund for cancellation 0-30 days before the retreat start date.
Remaining Balance
• The remaining balance is due 30 days before the retreat start date.
• If paid at the time of booking, a full refund of the remaining balance is available up to 31 days before your retreat start date less the deposit.
• If you cancel 0-30 days before your retreat start date, there is NO refund.
How do I get there?
Blisstopia Retreats is located in Peoria, Arizona, about 35 minutes northwest of Phoenix. The nearest airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX); rideshare and car rentals are available. Exact address and arrival details are provided upon registration.
What should I bring with me?
1 | Comfortable Clothes
Comfy clothes are an absolute must-have during retreats. This is not a time for fancy outfits, it’s a time for feeling comfortable on the outside so you can focus on growing on the inside. With that, think of yoga pants, loungewear, flip flops, t-shirts, a sweatshirt or two, and, depending on the season, a cozy cardi or light jacket to keep you warm on cool mornings or star gazing evenings.
2 | Comfortable Walking/Hiking Shoes
Similar to your clothing planning, comfort is key in footwear. Leave those high heels at home and instead bring your favorite walking shoes.
3 | Water Bottle
You always want to stay hydrated. Staying hydrated can up your energy and keep your head clear.
4 | Book
Time to turn off the phone and other digital devices and dig into a good book during free time. At the moment I am reading the Yamas & Niyamas, perfect for setting the right mindset for the retreat.
5 | Journal and Pens
Retreats & YTT trainings are the perfect opportunity for reflection, and having a guided journal is a great way to go. Colorful pens just make me happy. When I sit down to journal or write a list in my planner, somehow my day is a little brighter if I am using a colorful pen. I always have 3 or 4 colored pens in my purse plus a highlighter. Why not brighten up the world a little?
6 | Swimsuit
Enjoy the swimming pool & hot tub, and our infrared sauna for detoxing
7 | Weather appropriate outerwear
Just make sure to pack plenty of comfortable light clothes, a light jacket, and a sweater or sweatshirt or 2
8 | Open Mind & Open Heart
Our retreat center is all about connections…. Connecting with mind, body, and spirit. You can expect personal growth and reflection. Sometimes you are asked to stretch your mind, (or even decide to stretch on your own) in a direction that feels uncomfortable, like an edge. Just remember that knowing our edges and understanding where they are is important for growth. Just bring an open mind & open heart, and you may surprise yourself!
When is check-in?
Between 3-5 pm on the 1st day of your retreat.
When is check-out?
10 am on the final day
*For more commonly asked questions, please check our FAQ.
What additional activities are available?
Private 1 to 1 sessions
1. Massage therapy - 1 hour = $135 (We bring in an outside partner - fantastic pro) must be pre-scheduled & prepaid a minimum of 14 days before event day.
2. Healing touch (Reiki) - 1 hour = $150 w/Lana
3. Chakra reading - 20 mins = $50 w/Lana
4. Oracle card reading – 20 mins = $50 w/Lana
5. Past life regression - 1 hour = $150 w/Lana
6. Wimhoff Breathwork & cold plunge - 60 mins = $150 w/Mark
7. Self-defense/fitness workout - 60 mins = $100 w/Mark
8. Nutrition, Cleanse & Detox Consult – 60 mins = $100 w/Mark
*Gratuity is not included and is very much appreciated
* NOTE: Menu, 1 to 1 private sessions, and schedule are subject to change based on availability and or weather conditions.
