When we first dreamed up the ECCA Partners Retreat, we knew one thing for sure: we didn't want it to feel like a typical training workshop. No back-to-back PowerPoints. No trying to teach the experts how to do their work better.

We wanted something slower. More intentional.

A space where people could show up as themselves – not just as "representatives" of their organizations – and leave feeling recharged.

Here's what that looked like in practice, and what we took away from the experience.

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We did it ourselves

Most retreats this scale hire event planners. For our first, we chose to do it ourselves.

Our small team of four rolled up our sleeves and handled everything (though Nune & Xin Ying probably did more than the rest of us) – from venue scouting and activities to logistics and welcome gifts. Not because we enjoy making things harder (okay, maybe a little), but because every detail mattered.

From arriving early to prep the welcome packs with handwritten notes (not gonna lie, we almost gave up!) to curating items from local social enterprises (some even got lost in the mail!) – we wanted every little thing to feel personal and thoughtful.

Mindful of sustainability, we skipped typical name tags. Instead, we collaborated with Thai social enterprise V Craft, run by visually impaired artisans, to weave bracelets attached to upcycled plastic tags made by one of our partners, Precious Plastic Bangkok – turning name tags into keepsakes people actually wanted to wear.

We asked the questions

Before the retreat, we hosted a virtual gathering and sent out a follow-up survey asking participants what they didn't want us to do, and what self-care meant to them.

Those insights shaped almost everything:

• No icebreakers? No problem. People told us they didn't want forced introductions, so we asked everyone to bring a favorite childhood snack or candy. Conversations sparked naturally over shared nostalgia and tasty treats.

• Childhood photos match-up. We also printed childhood photos of everyone and matched them based on who we thought would vibe. The challenge? Find your "photo twin" before the end of the retreat! Laughter, storytelling, and instant connections!

• Self-care matters. Optional morning yoga and sound healing sessions led by our founder's wife, Koko, gave people a chance to pause, breathe, and recharge – reflecting the self-care culture deeply embedded in our organization.

• Adventure for all tastes. Ocean lovers went island hopping, forest fans went hiking, and quieter activity fans enjoyed indoor cooking classes.

We balanced plans with space for surprises

Yes, we had an agenda – but it was intentionally light.

Free and easy breakfasts, late morning starts, evenings sitting together over long meals… and enough breathing room for unplanned moments, like the rainstorm that stranded two groups (one island-hopping, one on a hike).

No one panicked. Someone made a joke about "real forest bathing." People laughed, swapped stories, and simply… enjoyed the pause.

It was a good reminder: connection often happens in the in-between.

We rooted it in place

Thailand wasn't just convenient – it's where much of our work happens, and Nune is based in Krabi. She could check (and taste-test) every restaurant, site, and activity beforehand… sometimes twice, sometimes thrice.

Being here allowed us to connect deeply with local communities. Visits to stingless bee honey producers and artisans turning mangrove bark into natural tie-dye became living examples of systems change in practice. We also gave participants a small token sum to spend directly at local stalls – turning simple purchases into meaningful support (i mean, who doesn't like shopping?).

After reviewing multiple locations, we decided on an eco-resort that was not too eco and not too resort. To encourage exploration, we hid "self-care capsules" around the grounds – rewards matched to participant wish lists. People got very competitive about finding them!

We celebrated together

Our second night was extra special – we marked ECCA's 5th anniversary in advance.

No big production, just good food, a fire dance under the stars, and shared words of gratitude. It felt right to celebrate this milestone surrounded by the people who've walked alongside us.

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We learned:

• Care is never "extra" — Thoughtful details make people feel seen.
• Less can be more — A lighter schedule allows deeper rest and connection.
• Place matters — The setting shapes the experience in powerful ways.
• Shared moments stick — The storm, the laughter, the fire dance – these are what people will remember most.

We didn't just leave with action points.
We left with stories, memories, and a stronger sense of community.

And for us, that's the kind of foundation we believe systems change is built on.