Ladies Retreat 2024

Please note that registration has now closed for the ladies retreat! 

We are excited to announce the 8th Annual Ladies Retreat - Flowers in Winter, Come Follow Me. For the first time in four years, we are able to travel abroad! Union ladies and their friends are headed to lovely Hoi An, Vietnam. The retreat programme starts on 18 January at 7:30pm and concludes on Sunday, 21 January at midday. We will stay at the beachfront Boutique Hoi An Resort Hotel, a 10 minute drive from the treasures of historic Hoi An old town. Learn more about Hoi An. 

retreat theme

Flowers don’t typically grow in winter. It’s too cold. Looking at our spiritual life, we assume winter is gloomy , dark + undesirable. We assume flowers will not grow in our winter seasons. Actually, flowers grow + bloom in all seasons + winter can be a beautiful time of encountering God both in nature + spiritually. Winter can be surprisingly beautiful.

What are the flowers? They represent God's love. HIS blooms in our life. HE loves us in every season + is present with us in every moment of our life, especially winter. HE is there, WITH us. We are to look + SEE. HE calls us to be close to HIM as HE loves us through every moment. HE calls us to Come follow HIM.

what to expect

There will be worship, talks, testimony, fellowship, laughter, activities, time to explore + wander the old town + eat lots of Vietnamese food!

cost

Please note that the quoted prices DO NOT include airfares to and from Da Nang International Airport. We have explored group flight tickets like in past years, but the quotes were very high and were not flexible to cater for individual travellers’ needs. We also found that you will get a better deal with any extra options you like if you book your own flights. Perhaps you have air miles or wish to stay on extra days! Please see advice in the section below. Sorry for the inconvenience. 

The retreat price (HK$2900 shared accommodation; HK$4100 single accommodation) includes: 

• Thursday Evening - Welcome reception with refreshments and snacks
• Room and buffet breakfast for 3 nights (Thurs/Fri/Sat)
• Friday - Morning & Afternoon Tea/Snacks and Light Lunch with drink
• Sessions for worship, reflection and small group discussions
• Friday Evening - free to wander in Hoi An (at own expense)
• Saturday Morning - Tea/Snacks and Light Lunch with drink
• Group Gala Themed Dinner in Hoi An including one drink
• Sunday - Worship (Lunch is at your own expense)
  
  

exclusions

These items need to be paid separately on your own account: flights, two airport transfers between Da Nang International Airport to the hotel, Friday dinner, Sunday lunch and costs related to shopping etc. 

booking your own flights

Please book your flight so that you are at the hotel no later than 7:30pm on Thursday, 18 January, and that you stay at the resort until noon on Sunday, 21 January. 

To get the most out of the Ladies Retreat and to enjoy the group experience, we recommend you take the following flights with HK Express to and from Da Nang International Airport, Vietnam. Tickets can purchased online at https://www.hkexpress.com/
UO 552 18JAN24 HKG DAD 0825 0920
UO 559 21JAN24 DAD HKG 1810 2100

If you want help with flight bookings and visa application, you may contact Angelina Cheng of Great Eastern Tourist Limited in Kwun Tong. Angelina has helped with flights and local transport for our last few international retreats. Angelia can be contacted at  .com.hk, mobile 9090 4747. www.greateasterntourist.com.

helpful information

Learn more about the Boutique Hoi An Resort Hotel on their website. 

Ground transportation between the Da Nang International Airport and the hotel can take more than 45 minutes. 

You will need a Vietnamese entry visa which is approximately US$35. This is one service provider we have used successfully: https://www.vietnamimmigration.org

Gala dinner theme - what is your interpretation of 'Flowers in Winter'? Wear it! 

Please find a packing list below the registration form. 

Payment

Please pay $2900 (shared accommodation) or $4100 (single accommodation) by bank transfer, by cheque or the preferred method - by credit card online. Payment requested at the time you register and no later please than 17 November 2023. 

By credit card online - You may pay via credit card using Union Church's online giving form.

By cheque - Please make your HK$ cheque payable to "Union Church". Designate "Ladies Retreat 2024" on the back of your cheque and post it to Union Church, 22A Kennedy Road, 4/F - Accounts Department, Mid-levels, Hong Kong. 

By bank transfer - Please pay into Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, Account No. 411-1-000037-2, SWIFT Code if needed is SCBLHKHHXXX. Please alert the Church office at  when you make the transfer. 

Thank you! 

Suggested packing list

Bible
Your favourite snacks
Water bottle
Flip flops (beach shoes)
Shampoo, Conditioner, soap - toiletries (or use hotel's)
Toothbrush/ toothpaste
Hairbrush / comb
Sunscreen
Hat
Sunglasses
Medication / supplements (if needed)
Sanitary protection
Lavender, peppermint oil or your choice of mosquito repellent
Phone + charger
Glasses
Sleeping mask
Shirts (3 days)
Short / skirt / dress (3 days)
Under garments (3 days)
Gala dinner theme - what is your interpretation of 'Flowers in Winter'? Wear it! 
Jumper / jacket
Socks / walking shoes
Laundry tote
Sleeping clothes
Ear plugs
Spending money
Power adapter suitable for Vietnam (2 pin)