How one mother's burnout sparked a movement that's empowering women worldwide
When life's demands finally caught up with her, Julie Voultepsis realized she was running on empty. Like countless other women, she had spent years juggling work, raising children, managing a household, and navigating the complexities of a divorce, all while feeling the weight of societal expectations. 'On days when I felt exhausted and depleted, I often wondered who was caring for the other beautiful mothers out there,' she reflects. 'We often put ourselves last, only filling our cups when we have a moment. But we are raising the next generation, and it's crucial that we also nurture ourselves.'
Julie's epiphany occurred during one of those overwhelming moments, when the never-ending to-do lists and the emotional demands of parenting took their toll. Like many mothers, she deeply loved her children but found herself quietly yearning for a moment of respite. 'It starts with you,' she emphasizes. 'That means you need to take care of yourself, too.'
What began as a personal act of self-preservation soon evolved into a movement. In 2024, Julie decided to create the very experience she couldn't find - a retreat tailored for women like her, seeking rest not just for their bodies but for their minds. 'Modern mothers are busier than ever,' she notes. 'Research shows that nearly a third of millennial mothers get less than 30 minutes to themselves each day. While there are wellness retreats, few truly understand the unique challenges mothers face.'
This idea blossomed into Mumcation, an experience designed to allow women to hit the pause button on the chaos of daily life. Julie envisioned a sanctuary where mothers could simply show up and be cared for, without the usual concerns about meals or packing sunscreen. 'When mothers book a family vacation, the responsibility still falls on them to ensure everything is perfect,' she explains. 'I wanted to create a space where they didn't have to worry about a thing. Everything would be taken care of, and all they had to do was show up.'
To bring her vision to life, Julie collaborated with Club Med, a partnership that provided both structure and serenity to the concept. The experience seamlessly blends yoga, meditation, and quiet reflection with laughter, connection, and delicious food. It's not about escaping forever; it's about rediscovering oneself in the midst of the noise.
'Club Med's all-inclusive resorts give women the permission to truly disconnect,' Julie explains. 'They don't have to worry about logistics or planning. They can focus on themselves, something most mothers rarely do.'
At its core, Mumcation is about more than just rest; it's about rediscovering one's identity. 'When you become a mother, so much of your sense of self gets tied to others,' Julie shares. 'You're a mother, a partner, an employee, a friend, but rarely just yourself. Mumcation is about reconnecting with that woman.'
To guide this transformation, Julie invited life coach Tammi Kirkness, whose expertise in emotional well-being and purpose adds depth to the retreat. 'Tammi helps guests reconnect with their values and find practical tools to manage stress,' Julie says. 'We want women to leave feeling rejuvenated, confident, and inspired to prioritize themselves. They also take home strategies for long-term well-being.'
What sets Mumcation apart is not just its peaceful surroundings but the sense of solidarity it fosters. 'You can come alone or with friends,' Julie says. 'Many women arrive feeling burnt out and overwhelmed, but they find comfort in knowing they're not alone. There's something healing about sharing stories with women who truly understand.'
The laughter, shared tears, and moments of quiet become integral parts of the experience. 'A sisterhood forms almost instantly,' Julie adds. 'It's not about luxury for its own sake. It's about allowing women to feel seen, valued, and cared for.'
Julie's timing couldn't have been more perfect. Solo and women-only travel is booming across Australia. 'We've seen more women prioritizing themselves and seeking experiences that allow them to recharge and reconnect,' Julie notes. 'At Club Med resorts, solo female guests have increased by around ten percent year-on-year.'
For many, these getaways have become a new form of self-care, a therapeutic journey in motion. 'Wellness travel is no longer just about pampering,' Julie explains. 'It's about providing tools that help women reset emotionally and mentally. Guided meditation, yoga, and workshops offer women a space to manage stress proactively and empowering.'
As Julie reflects on the journey that led her here, she's still moved by the women who arrive at the retreat carrying the same exhaustion she once knew too well. 'I see myself in them,' she says. 'That version of me who was just trying to keep everything together. And I want them to know that it's okay to step away, not because you don't love your family, but because you do.'
