Soiree By The Sea 2026 – Christmas in July Retreat
Soirée by the Sea – A Creative Getaway Like No Other!
✨ Unwind. Create. Indulge. Repeat. ✨
Join Chrissy Graham (The Creative Eclectic) and friends for a magical escape to Soirée by the Sea!
This isn’t just a crafting retreat—it’s a seaside experience where creativity meets relaxation. Picture yourself strolling along golden sands, indulging in delightful treats, and letting your artistic spirit run wild! With time for crafting, exploring, and a little pampering, you’ll return home feeling refreshed, inspired, and brimming with creative mojo!
📅 Event Dates: Thursday, 23 July 2026, 6 PM – Sunday, 27 July 2026, 4 PM
What’s Included in Your Soirée by the Sea Experience?
For $730, your retreat package includes:
🎉 Opening Night Soirée – Kick off the weekend in style!
🎁 Exclusive Soirée Swag Bag – $150 minimum of Stampin’ Up! products, just for you!
📖 Step-by-Step Creative Tutorials – Get hands-on with exciting projects!
🖌 Free Time to Craft & Explore – Balance creativity and adventure.
🏠 Exclusive 24-Hour Use of the Pandanus Room – Your personal creative haven.
🎟 Lucky Draws, Prize Patrol & Giveaways – Because who doesn’t love surprises?
🏡 3 Nights Accommodation at Caba Break Apartments – Just $145 per night in a shared 4-bedroom, twin-share apartment.
✨ Upgrade Option: A limited number of Queen (non-shared) rooms are available for an extra $110 for the weekend. If you’d like to be considered for one, please contact me.
🛏️ Extra Nights: Additional nights can be booked at a special conference rate upon request.
🍰 Delicious Morning & Afternoon Teas + Lunches – Crafted to keep your creativity fueled!
✨ And More! (We love surprises—so expect a few special treats!)
Your Retreat Destination
📍 Cabarita Beach, Northern NSW
Nestled in the heart of Cabarita Beach, Caba Break offers boutique coastal luxury with all the creature comforts you could ask for.
🏡 Stay in spacious 4-bedroom apartments with stunning views of the ocean to the east and the hinterland to the west.
☕ Step outside, and you’re moments from coffee, pampering, and delicious eats.
🌊 Cross the street, and the beach beckons!
🍽 A short stroll away? A grocery store, top foodie spots, and even a massage therapist ready to melt your stress away.
This is creative bliss, wrapped in a beachside retreat!
Ready to Secure Your Spot?
We’ve made it easy with flexible payment options via PayPal:
💰 Option 1: Pay in full ($730) and receive an early bird reward valued at $25!
💳 Option 2: Pay a $100 non-refundable deposit now and the remaining $630 by 29 May 2026. Pay the deposit by 30th November and get an exclusive gift.
💡 Payment plans are available – Contact us to discuss your options.
🚨 Final payment due by 29 May 2026. A $100 non-refundable deposit is required for all bookings.
Simply click the PayPal button below to secure your spot! Don’t forget to let us know about any dietary requirements or guest details—we want to make this retreat perfect for you! Only 18 spots available!
Soiree By The Sea 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Q1: No PayPal?
A: Not a fan of electronic banking? No worries! Give me a ring—Chrissy on 04 033 2423—and we’ll put our heads together to work out a mutually agreeable solution.
❓ Q2: Who can attend?
A: Everyone is welcome! Whether you’re new to the paper-crafting party, an ink-slinging veteran, a scrapbook sorcerer, a mixed media maven, or a Stampin’ Up! superstar, there’s a spot with your name on it at Soirée by the Sea 2025!
❓ Q3: Will I have to share a bed?
A: Absolutely not!
Caba Break consists of four gorgeous apartments, designed to make you feel right at home. Each apartment has four bedrooms, with two of them being twin-share rooms. That means you and your crafting partner-in-crime each get your own comfortable single bed—no awkward bed-sharing!
🏡 Every bedroom has its own bathroom—so no waiting in line for the shower! Plus, there’s a backup powder room in the hallway just in case.
🔒 Bonus: Every room has its own security code, so you can lock it whenever you leave the apartment.
❓ Q4: Can I transfer my retreat registration to a friend?
A: Oh no, you can’t make it? Don’t worry, we’re happy to consider transferring your spot to a friend. No promises, though. We’ll take it on a case-by-case basis, but we’ll need to act before we print your personalised retreat materials at the end of May. Let’s chat and see if we can find a solution!
❓ Q5: Can I have a room to myself?
A: We have a limited number of Queen (non-shared) rooms available for an extra $110 for the weekend. If you’d like one, please contact me ASAP to discuss availability.
❓ Q6: Is there off-street parking?
A: Good news! There are two options for you to park your car off the busy main street. Both options come with video security to ensure your vehicle’s safety.
We’ll send you more details closer to the event!
❓ Q7: Will there be swaps?
A: Yes! This year, we are doing a card swap only—but it’s completely optional.
📜 How it works:
- A swap sign-up sheet and guidelines will be available once registrations close.
- You’ll drop off your swaps at a designated collection point.
- On Sunday, you’ll pick up your swaps and take home a collection of beautiful creations!
- Maximum: 24 swaps.
❓ Q8: Do I have to give Pillow Gifts?
A: Nope! There’s no expectation that you will give your roomie a pillow gift—it’s entirely optional.
💡 What’s a pillow gift? It’s a small, thoughtful gift placed on your roommate’s pillow as a little surprise!
🎁 If you choose to participate:
- Keep it inexpensive and handmade (if possible).
- Understand that not everyone is in a position to give gifts, so don’t feel obligated.
❓ Q9: Will this event sell out?
A: I certainly hope so! 2024’s retreat sold out in just 5 days. If it sells out:
- A waitlist will be available.
- We may offer a Soirée@Home option for those who miss out!
❓ Q10: I have dietary requirements—can they be accommodated?
A: If you have allergies or religious dietary requirements, please let us know in advance. We will strive to accommodate your needs as much as possible.
❓ Q11: Will there be non-retreat attendees or other people at the venue?
A: Nope! We’ve booked out the entire apartment block, so the venue is exclusively ours for the retreat.
🏡 Who you might see:
- The Cabarita Break Hosts when you arrive for check-in.
- A couple of attendees may have partners staying (room permitting and at an extra cost) if they rely on them for transport. But don’t worry—past experience shows they make themselves scarce while we’re crafting! Their partners are also welcome to attend the Opening Soirée Event.
- Steve, my husband and the other half of The Creative Team! He’s our photographer, catering assistant, and all-around retreat runner. You’ll probably see him dashing around making sure everything runs smoothly!
Rest assured, this is our creative sanctuary for the weekend. ✂️✨
❓ FAQ 12: What is the Cancellation Policy?
We understand that sometimes, life throws unexpected curveballs. If you need to cancel your Soirée by the Seareservation, here’s how it works:
🔹 Cancel on or before April 30, 2026 – You’ll receive a refund of all payments made, minus the $100 non-refundable deposit.
🔹 Cancel between May 1 – May 29, 2026 – We’ll send you your Soirée Swag so you can enjoy a little creative magic at home. However, the $100 non-refundable deposit will be deducted from your accommodation fee ($435), which we will refund.
🔹 Cancel on or after May 30, 2026 – As we’ve already paid for accommodation and retreat expenses by this point, we won’t be able to offer refunds. However, you’ll still receive your limited-edition Soirée Swag in the mail after the event!
If you have any questions, please reach out—we’ll do our best to assist you! 💕
If you have any questions not covered by these FAQs, please contact me.
❓ Q14: What Stampin’ Up! Products Will Be Included in the Swag?
Your Soirée Swag will include $150 RRP of Stampin’ Up! products carefully selected to inspire your creativity! 🎁✨ These goodies will come from either the July 2026 Online Exclusives or the May 2026 Annual Catalogue.
I’ll announce the included stamp set in June 2026, so stay tuned for the big reveal! 🤩
Rest assured, you’re in for a fabulous selection of products to make your retreat experience extra special! 💖
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It’s more expensive than Soirée 2024. Why?
Totally fair question! A couple of things have changed since our first Soirée. First up, the not-so-fun stuff—accommodation, food, and supplies have all gone up in price (sad face!). We’ve kept the increase as low as possible, but some of that does have to be passed on. The second reason is actually great news—you asked for more elbow room, and we listened! This year we’re capping the event at just 18 spots, which means more space to spread out, more comfort, and more creative fun for you.
Hourly Schedule
Thursday
- 4:00pm
- Registration & check in
- Explore the Caba break building and get settled in your room
- 7:00pm
- Opening Soiree
- Join us in the Pandanus Room for a night of food and fun. Wear best resort wear.
Friday
- 9:00am - 12:00pm
- Creative Session one
- Step by Step Card Making Tutorials with Chrissy
- 12:45pm - 4:00pm
- Creative Session 2
- Step by Step Tutorials with Chrissy
- 3:30pm - 7:00PM
- FREE TIME
- Take break from crafting and explore the local eateries
- 7:30pm
- Pizza Night & Craft
- Opt in for Pizzas
Saturday
- 9:00AM
- Mixed Media / Off the page Project
- more details to follow
- 7:30PM
- Sail Away Night
- Free time to craft and more
Sunday
- 9:00am 4pm - 3:00pm
- Free Time to Craft
- Work. on your projects in the Craft Room