Date/Time
Date(s) - 16/10/2026 - 18/10/2026
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Categories

• workshop

A Weekend for Couples to Communicate, Touch & Reconnect

Led by Dr Martha Tara Lee

16–18 October 2026
Forest City Golf Hotel
Jalan Persiaran Golf 5, Forest City Golf Resort, 81550 Gelang Patah, Johor, Malaysia

Many couples do not fall out of love. They become very good at managing a shared life.

Work, routines, responsibilities and the care of others can gradually take up the space once held by curiosity, desire, unhurried touch and meaningful conversation. Even strong relationships can begin to feel more functional than intimate.

CLOSER is a weekend away from routine—a chance to make time for the relationship itself. To communicate more honestly, touch more intentionally, and remember what helps you feel close.

Set amid calm greenery, this retreat is for couples who want to reconnect emotionally, physically and sexually. It is created primarily for couples who have been together for five years or longer, and who feel their relationship deserves focused attention.

With no more than six couples, there is time to learn, reflect and ask what is on your mind.

What this weekend can help you with

CLOSER is designed to help you:

• Feel closer after a period in which life has felt busy, familiar or overly practical.
• Speak more openly about intimacy, desires, boundaries and the things that are difficult to raise.
• Better understand your own needs and how your partner experiences closeness, touch and pleasure.
• Respond to differences in desire or confidence with more care and less pressure.
• Feel less alone or stuck with sexual concerns that may be affecting your relationship.
• Leave with a clearer sense of what to continue, discuss and make time for together.

Themes we will explore

Over the weekend, Dr Martha will guide couples through conversations and experiences around:

• Communication, consent and the confidence to ask for what you need.
• Attention, distraction and making room for connection in everyday life.
• Touch, desire, pleasure and sexual connection.
• What happens when stress, defensiveness or overwhelm gets in the way.
• Changing bodies, changing circumstances and common sexual concerns.
• Curiosity, playfulness and the choices available to you as a couple.

Every day includes a full hour for participants’ questions. The detailed programme will be shared with confirmed participants.

Weekend rhythm

Friday, 16 October — from 6pm
Arrive, settle in and meet the group over a welcome cocktail and dinner. We begin by stepping out of day-to-day mode and into the weekend together, with time to raise what is on your mind.

Saturday, 17 October — 9am to 5pm
A full day of guided work, conversation and partner experiences. Lunch and dinner will be shared together, with time to continue conversations more informally. The day closes with a private couple exercise for the evening.

Sunday, 18 October — 9am to 5pm
A final day to bring the weekend together, reflect on what has emerged, and consider how you will carry that connection into everyday life.

Investment

S$2,588 per couple

Your retreat fee includes:

• Three days of facilitation with Dr Martha Tara Lee.
• Friday welcome cocktail and dinner.
• Saturday lunch and dinner.
• Sunday lunch.
• A curated welcome gift for each couple.
• The option of one complimentary 60-minute virtual couples session with Dr Martha after the retreat, should you wish to use it; available until 18 November 2026.

Accommodation, breakfast, travel and additional alcoholic beverages are not included. Each couple books and pays for its own room directly with Forest City Golf Hotel, and may choose the room category that suits its preferences and budget.

Applications

Applications close on 15 September 2026, or once all places have been filled, whichever comes first.

Submitting an application does not guarantee a place. Before confirmation, both partners will attend a short virtual Zoom conversation with Dr Martha.

The Zoom is simply a chance to meet, share what you hope for from the weekend, ask initial questions, and see whether CLOSER feels right for you both. Applying or speaking with Dr Martha does not commit either of you to attend. No payment or hotel booking is required at this stage.

If CLOSER feels right for you both and a place is available, details for securing your place will then be provided.

Meet Dr Martha

CLOSER is led by Dr Martha Tara Lee, an award-winning relationship counsellor, clinical sexologist, author and founder of Eros Coaching. She has worked in the field of human sexuality since 2009, supporting individuals and couples with intimacy, desire, communication and sexual concerns.

Frequently asked questions

Who is CLOSER for?
It is primarily for couples who have been together for five years or longer and would like to strengthen their emotional, physical and sexual connection. You may be navigating a concern, or simply wish to give an important relationship more intentional attention.

How large is the group?
There will be no more than six couples. This allows for a more personal experience.

Do we have to share private details with the group?
No. You choose what you wish to contribute. Much of the important work will take place between you and your partner.

Will our privacy be respected?
Yes. All participants agree to keep personal stories and identifying details within the group.

Will there be nudity or sexual activity in the group?
No. All group sessions and exercises are fully clothed. The focus is on conversation, learning and guided partner work.

What if one of us is more hesitant?
It is normal for partners to have different comfort levels. The important thing is that each of you comes by choice; CLOSER is not a way to pressure a partner into participation.

You might say:

“I found a small weekend for couples. It is about communication, touch and connection—not sharing our private life with a group. Would you be open to looking at it with me?”

What if we have sexual difficulties?
You are welcome to apply. Sexual concerns can affect confidence, desire, communication and the way partners relate to one another. This is one of the themes CLOSER addresses. The Zoom conversation gives you both space to consider whether the weekend feels appropriate for your needs.

Is CLOSER couples therapy?
CLOSER is an educational and experiential retreat, rather than couples therapy. The Zoom conversation gives you and Dr Martha an opportunity to consider whether it is the right format for you at this time.

Why is a Zoom conversation required?
It allows both partners to meet Dr Martha, discuss what you hope for, and decide whether CLOSER is the right fit. There is no obligation to attend, pay or book a hotel room after the conversation.

Where do we stay?
Each couple books and pays for its own room directly with Forest City Golf Hotel. You may choose the room category that suits you and are welcome to arrive earlier or extend your stay after the retreat.

Do we need to use the virtual session?
No. It is available if you would find it useful. If you would like to use it, you may schedule one 60-minute virtual couples session with Dr Martha by 18 November 2026.

Apply for CLOSER

Submit your application by 15 September 2026. Both partners will then be invited to a short Zoom conversation with Dr Martha before any place is confirmed.

Register your interest

Email me your questions here!

Do check out our media policy.

Led by Dr. Martha Tara Lee