From Cancer to Cured: How Barry Shimelfarb Turned a Carmel Cottage into a Sanctuary for Healing

On this episode of The Secret KeepHers, I sit down with the incredible Barry Shimelfarb—founder of Carmel Retreats and steward of Cuddle Doon, known as the Lost Cottage of Carmel.

This conversation is deeply moving and full of the kind of wisdom that shows us healing is never just about medicine. It is about place, community, connection, and opening ourselves to the light that is always available.

In 2019, as a single father raising twin boys, Barry was diagnosed with advanced cancer. Multiple surgeries and radiation left him unable to swallow and facing a frightening prognosis. During that time, his family's historic Carmel cottage became his refuge. Planting lavender, walking the shoreline, and resting beneath ancient oak trees became simple rituals of hope that helped sustain him physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Supported by community, nature, and an unwavering belief in healing, Barry not only endured—he healed. Two years later, he was declared cancer-free.

Out of gratitude, Barry transformed the cottage into a sanctuary for others navigating illness, grief, burnout, or major life transitions. Carrying forward the legacy of its builder, educator and spiritual thinker Eliza Yocum, Barry sees himself as the home's steward—continuing a century-long lineage of restoration, creativity, and renewal.

Through Carmel Retreats, he now offers deeply personal, boutique healing stays and his giveback initiative, Postcards of Healing, which gifts free retreat nights during calendar gaps to individuals in need.

– How Barry turned personal adversity into a mission of service – The healing power of grounding, gardening, ritual, and nature – The mystical history of Cuddle Doon and its 1920s creative lineage – How the Postcards of Healing program works – Why we hide our gifts and how to allow more light into our lives – What gratitude, place, and community mean in true healing

Barry Shimelfarb Founder of Carmel Retreats • Steward of Cuddle Doon

In 2019, as a single father raising twin boys, Barry was diagnosed with advanced cancer. The family's historic Carmel cottage became his refuge and source of strength during his healing journey. Two years later, he was declared cancer-free.

Out of gratitude, Barry transformed the cottage—built a century ago by educator and spiritual thinker Eliza Yocum—into a sanctuary for others seeking rest, renewal, and emotional restoration. Through Carmel Retreats and his Postcards of Healing initiative, he offers boutique healing experiences and gifts free retreat stays during calendar gaps to people in need.

Website: carmelretreats.com Instagram: @carmel.retreats Facebook: Carmel Retreats

I help women feel confident, strong, and joyful by guiding them back to their worth, their voice, and their true selves. If you are ready to step into confidence, healing, and inner peace, I would love to support you.

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