Frequently asked questions

C O U P L E S W O R K S H O P

with Bob & Maria Goff and Mike & Jennifer Foster

Working on your relationship doesn’t have to feel like work!

Reconnect and take your relationship to the next level! Join the Goffs and Fosters for an unforgettable weekend as you learn continue to improve communication, create intimacy and build a more satisfying relationship with your partner.


WHERE WILL THE EVENT TAKE PLACE?

The Oaks is a beautiful retreat center nestled on 240 acres, in the Ballena Valley, located an hour from San Diego and two hours from Los Angeles.


WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

  • Experience helpful content, hands-on experiences, and practical tools/ tips designed to help you take your next step towards togetherness.

  • Renew your passion for life and for one another

  • Get individualized attention with limited seating available and ample time to ask questions

  • Meet new friends and grow in community

  • Have uninterrupted time rest and reconnect.

  • Enjoy stunning views, hiking trails, a cozy cafe with a fireplace, and tons of nooks and crannies to relax and communicate

  • Explore what is holding you back from having the dynamic relationship you desire and how to break free from the same cycles of disagreement you may experience.

  • Have tons of fun!


WHAT IS INCLUDED?

Pricing includes exclusive use of our 240 acre property, two nights of lodging in our newly renovated rooms, sessions with Bob & Maria Goff and Jennifer & Mike Foster, yoga, meals and some really fun surprises!

Space is limited to enhance your experience. We anticipate this event will sell out, so reserve your spot today!

We do not offer discounts or scholarships at this time.

The price does not include travel to or from The Oaks. We recommend renting a car. Plan on spending about $80 each way with Uber.


WILL I HAVE A CHANCE TO SPEAK DIRECTLY WITH THE GOFFS AND THE FOSTERS?

Yes, you can! There will be plenty of opportunities to connect with them all weekend!


WHAT IS THE 3 DAY SCHEDULE*?

F R I D A Y

3:00-4:00 PM check in

5:00 PM WELCOME SESSION (hike)

6:00 PM dinner

7:00 PM SESSION 1

S A T U R D A Y

8:00 AM breakfast

9:00 AM SESSION 2

10:45 Break

11:00 PM SESSION 3

12:00 PM lunch

1:00 PM SESSION 4

2:00 PM Breakout/Couples connection questions

2:45 PM free time/trail riding/pool

6:00 PM dinner

7:00 PM SESSION 5: Q & A

7:45 PM Yoga

9:00 PM smores

S U N D A Y

8:00 AM breakfast

9:00 AM CLOSING SESSION

10:30 check out

*This is a rough schedule and is subject to change.

WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE?

Please plan to arrive by 4pm on day one of retreat. Our first welcome activity will start at 5:00pm and you won’t want to miss it.

WHAT MEALS ARE PROVIDED?

Our culinary team has designed a finely curated menu made fresh from our kitchen and can accommodate most dietary restrictions. Meals are included beginning day one with dinner and ending day the last day with breakfast, and plenty of drinks and snacks in between! Please indicate on your registration form any dietary restrictions.


WHAT IS THE DEMOGRAPHIC OF THE ATTENDEES?

There is a wide range in the demographics of the attendees! We have people signed up from all around the country - ranging in age and occupation. Our goal is to create a diverse community where you can all work together and encourage one another!

DO YOU PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS?

No, not at this time. However, if you are needing to pay in two separate payments prior to registering, please email info@oakscenter.com to register a different way.

CAN I COME WITH ANOTHER COUPLE?

Of course! Just let us know who you’d like to room by and we will do our best to get you in the same building!


HOW WILL WE BE GATHERING SAFELY?

We have intentionally limited attendance to keep the group small. In addition to following CDC guidelines, all group gatherings will be outside or limited in size to ensure social distancing protocols.

All meals will be individually boxed when necessary and outdoor seating encouraged. Guests are not allowed into other guest’s rooms and single occupancy rooms are available. Please review our guidelines on our website for further information or contact us with any questions.

If we have to cancel the event, your complete registration fee can be transferred to another retreat in 2021.


CAN I USE A FLAGSHIP RETREAT VOUCHER?

No. These are two distinctly different events. Learn more about The Oaks Flagship Retreats here.


WILL THERE BE HORSEBACK RIDING?

Yes! We are excited to announce Trail Riding is available on a first come, first serve basis during free time. You will learn more about the opportunities closer to the event.


TELL ME MORE ABOUT OUR GUIDES.

Bob Goff is the author of the New York Times bestselling Love Does and Everybody, Always and his latest book, Dream Big. He is the Honorary Consul to the Republic of Uganda, an attorney, and the founder of Love Does—a nonprofit human rights organization operating in Uganda, India, Nepal, Iraq, and Somalia. Maria Goff, author of Love Lives Here: Finding What You Need in a World Telling You What You Want, has made a career out of loving her family, serving her neighbors, and turning houses into homes. Together, their greatest ambitions in life are to love others, do stuff, and spend time with their amazing kids.


Mike and Jennifer Foster are the authors of the best-selling relationship fun-book called, Five Dates. They’ve been married for 23 years. Mike is an author, counselor and host of the wildly popular Fun Therapy podcast. His work has been featured in the NY Times and on Good Morning America. Jennifer is a Registered Nurse in San Diego and is involved in international medical mission trips.

You can learn more about Mike at his website: MikeFoster.tv

We are located approximately 20 minutes from town, so please come prepared. We will provide towels, bed linens, snacks, an alarm clock, USB charging stations, and essential toiletries (soap, shampoo and conditioner).

RETREAT DETAILS

Dress is casual. Some activities may take place outdoors. Please bring warm clothing during late fall, winter, and early spring months. We suggest layers due to variable temperatures inside and outside.

General Packing List

  • Heavy jacket or coat for evenings (Dec-Mar)

  • Light jacket

  • Hat

  • Shorts

  • Blue jeans or casual pants

  • Shirts/blouses (short and long sleeved)

  • Comfortable shoes

  • Closed toed athletic shoes/hiking boots

  • Swimwear (Pool towels are available. Pool is not heated.)

  • All daily toiletries (i.e. toothbrush, deodorant, etc.)

  • Hair dryer and other styling tools

  • Watch

*The Oaks does not have access to a pharmacy or doctor. Bring enough prescription medications needed for your stay. If your medication requires refrigeration, please notify The Oaks prior to your arrival. There are no refrigerators in individual rooms.

Additional Optional Items

  • Notebook or journal and pens

  • Book

WHAT TO EXPECT

Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily) and light snacks will be provided during your time at The Oaks. Meals are served buffet, plated or boxed (pick up or delivery options are available) with a seasonal food selection. Our meals are designed to accommodate most food requirements. 

We are unable to accommodate specific dietary requests. If you have specific medical needs such as food allergies that you have not indicated on your registration form, please contact our office immediately. Food is not permitted in rooms nor is food to be brought to The Oaks. 

If you have additional questions regarding your food needs, contact us as soon as possible.

Dining and Snacks

We will be providing snacks and refreshments during breaks.

Photography

Please ask permission of participants before you use your camera. Cameras are not allowed during any guided experiences. The Oaks may take pictures throughout your stay. Please let us know if you have a preference not to be photographed.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Each participant is responsible for making his/her own travel arrangements to The Oaks. Shuttles are not provided.

Flying

ARRIVAL: Air travel destination is SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SAN). When scheduling your flights, please arrive no later than 2:30pm PST. 

DEPARTURE: We recommend scheduling your departing flight after 3:00pm PST or later on the last day of your program.

Driving

Arrive to The Oaks after 12:00pm PST and before 4:00pm PST.

DEPARTURE: Plan to depart The Oaks no later than 2:00pm PST on the final day.

Car Service

We recommend calling Royalty Limousine at www.asandiegolimo.com DISCOUNT CODE: The Oaks, or an Uber.

Late Arrivals

The Oaks is not responsible for transportation to our venue. You will need to make your own arrangements for transportation to The Oaks. Uber, Lyft, taxi services, and all major rental car companies are located at the San Diego (SAN) airport. Please notify The Oaks of travel delays by calling or texting 619.530.8389.

Early Arrivals

If you fly into San Diego early, you are responsible for booking your own accommodations. Below is a list of hotels near the airport.

Hilton Homewood Suites in Liberty Station

The Pearl Hotel

The Lafayette

Courtyard by Marriott 

Sheraton Hotel & Marina

NOTE: if you get to Trumper’s Honey and Fruit Shack, you’ve gone just a bit too far. 

At the fork in the road you will see THE OAKS sign. Stay left and follow the signs to The Oak, approximately 1.5 miles. Please note the road construction at our entrance and proceed past and up the hill to the gate. 

WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

Please don't hesitate to email info@oakscenter.com for any further questions!