URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) – Ujima Retreat Center, founded by Banio “B.K.” Koroma Jr., CEO & Executive Director of Vision to Succeed, and Shanelle Koroma LPHA, LCSW, is a sanctuary dedicated to offering a peaceful escape for those seeking a break from high-stress environments and busy lifestyles. Located just outside of Urbana, the center offers guests an opportunity to connect with nature and rediscover themselves in a tranquil setting.
The retreat appeals to a wide range of visitors, from families looking to strengthen their bonds, to organizations seeking to improve employee well-being. Couples and solo travelers also find solace and peace, making Ujima the perfect destination for self-care. Banio Koroma, who is also a youth violence prevention educator, media producer, and mentor, envisions the retreat as a place not only for individual growth but for fostering positive, lasting changes within communities.
Among the retreat’s unique features, the panoramic wood-burning sauna stands as a favorite for many guests. The calming water features, from hot tubs to the tranquil pond, also provide an atmosphere of relaxation and reflection. Koroma’s vision extends to enhancing the retreat with native trees, additional lodging options, and even a trail for meditation and reflection.
What inspired you to create Ujima Retreat Center?
Shanelle Koroma: The solitude and reflection brought on by the pandemic revealed a need for a space where people could reconnect with themselves, nature, and their deeper purpose. I’ve always been drawn to the power of nature for healing, not just for physical restoration, but for grounding the mind and spirit. Ujima Retreat Center was born from this vision—a sanctuary where healing flows naturally, allowing individuals to quiet their minds and reconnect with their inner voice.
B.K.: We wanted to create a safe space where the community could come to escape their “high stress” environments, busy lifestyles, and be at peace in nature. We picked this location (just outside of the Urbana city limits) so that people could get away without having to leave town. Finally, we wanted to create a space where the community could come to learn, collaborate, and grow together.
What surprises visitors the most when they stay at Ujima Retreat Center?
Shanelle: Guests are often amazed by the wildlife—many have never encountered blue herons, cranes, or bullfrogs up close, and the variety of butterflies is always a pleasant surprise. It’s a reminder that the natural world has so much to offer in Urbana, IL. The fishing spot also catches people off guard, with guests catching several fish in a couple of hours.
B.K.: The beauty and the close proximity to the University of Illinois & all of the convenient amenities of Urbana.
What challenges have you faced in running a nature retreat?
Shanelle: Nature, in its beauty and abundance, is also unpredictable. We’ve faced challenges like fallen trees, branches, and limbs, which, while part of the natural process, remind us that the land requires continuous care and attention. It can be difficult, but it also connects us to the natural rhythms of life—where growth and decay coexist and are part of the same cycle.
B.K.: Building the cabin during the global supply chain disruption and high inflation increased our costs dramatically.
Who do you hope will book visits to the retreat?
Shanelle: We believe that families are the foundation of strong communities. By offering a space where they can reconnect with each other and nature, we’re fostering deeper bonds and healthier relationships. We also welcome employers and corporations, knowing that by supporting their teams’ well-being and addressing burnout, they contribute to a more balanced, flourishing community as a whole. The retreat isn’t just about personal healing—it’s about creating lasting change on a collective level.
B.K.: Couples, families, organizations, or anyone that just wants some personal “Me time” for Self-Care.
What is your favorite part of the grounds at the center?
Shanelle: The water has always been my favorite part of the grounds. Whether I’m soaking in the hot tub or kayaking in the pond, the water creates a sense of calm and clarity that I can’t find anywhere else. But looking up at the sky, especially at night when the stars and moon are so vivid, reminds me of how vast life is. It’s a humbling reminder that I’m not the center of it all, but I’m an important part of this immense, interconnected world—more of a participant than a leader. The stars, in their endlessness, put everything into perspective.
B.K.: The panoramic wood-burning sauna.
What would you like to add to the retreat to enhance the experience even further?
Shanelle: To deepen the connection with nature, I’d love to add more native trees, which would help strengthen the landscape’s natural balance and provide more privacy. I also see the value in introducing more native Illinois plants and ground cover, which would enrich the environment and foster healthier ecosystems. Expanding our lodging options would offer more flexibility in group sizes, allowing a wider range of guests to enjoy the retreat. I’d also love to add a labyrinth trail, offering a space for guests to reflect and meditate while connecting deeply with nature.
B.K.: More native trees and spruce/evergreens to help people feel even more immersed in nature.
For more information on Ujima Retreat Center, visit their website here.