It’s hard to be a bad ass woman when you’re feeling less than 100%. I’m not just talking about your physical health, but also your emotional and spiritual health. Which is why every now and then I stop and I take a moment to take care of myself.
What is a self-care retreat and what happens there?
A self-care retreat is all about renewing and regenerating you. Sometimes you spend so much time focusing on your business, or your job, or your family, or all of the above, that you need to step away and take time for you. A self-care retreat is designed to make that happen.
What happens there depends on where you go and what you’re looking for. Some retreats are centered on yoga and meditation. Others are a spa weekend where you’re pampered and handed cucumber water at every turn. The reality is a self-care retreat is what makes you feel most relaxed.
Can I do an at home self-care retreat?
You can absolutely create a self-care retreat at home. If you do, you’ll need to figure out what your goal is—do you want to disconnect from the world or are you simply looking to center your body and mind—and then create a plan around that. It’s a cheap and easy way to get a little peace of mind.
However, the real thing is loads better. Someone’s doing all the work for you. There are no dishes, no cooking, and no cleaning; it’s a place where you can focus solely on you.
With that in mind, here are 9 self-care retreats you should know about. Some are women only, others are co-ed, but the end result is all the same.
New Life Hiking Spa, Vermont
The New Life Hiking Spa is about immersing yourself in self-care. When you visit, you’re in the middle of the Green Mountains of Vermont. You can take a hike and then hit the spa before dining on some farm-to-table fare. Winner of Travel and Leisure’s Best of 2016, the New Life Hiking Spa mixes nature with wellness.
Sunrise Springs, New Mexico
Sunrise Springs is set in the high deserts of New Mexico. The retreat offers a little bit of something for everyone. You can spend the weekend relaxing by the pool and at the spa, or you can take one of the dozens of classes the resort offers. It’s all up to you. If you’re curious about what there is to do, check out this post on Johnny Jet.
The Golden Door, California
The word posh doesn’t even begin to describe the Golden Door. This is the kind of retreat you have to take if you can afford it. It’s a 7-day, health and fitness pampering session. You get an in-room massage every day, along with farm-to-table food, a personal trainer and more. Blogger La Jolla Mom created a great guide for how to enjoy a stay at the Golden Door if you get the chance.
Hawaii Island Retreat, Hawaii
Because it’s Hawaii. Located on the island of Hawaii, the Hawaii Island Retreat is an eco-boutique hotel and wellness spa. Surrounded by evergreens and right next to the ocean, visitors can take a relaxing walk in the acres of gardens and wild groves or meander the valley trails. LA Splash has some insight on this retreat.
Wanderlust, Various Locations
Let me start out by saying this isn’t your normal retreat. Wanderlust is a yoga-centered festival that features classes and concerts and meditation with hundreds of people just like you. It all happens over one weekend, but it can happen anywhere. It’s a yoga/retreat/concert tour. In other words, it’s not quiet, but it is fun.
For a look at what a Wanderlust retreat is like, check out this review by Ecocult.
Big Sky Yoga Retreat, Montana
The Big Sky Yoga Retreat is different than a lot of yoga retreats because it’s made especially for horse lovers. Take a sunrise ride and then stop to do yoga under the big and beautiful Montana sky. No wonder The Clymb blog calls it one of the world’s top 7 “Ohm-worthy” retreats.
Springwater Center, New York
On this retreat, silence is golden. The Springwater Center offers a silent retreat filled with meditation. You must strictly adhere to the center’s “silent hours”, but in the off-hours, there are talks and consultations with meditation experts. You’ll also have free reign of the center’s 220 acres in the New York countryside. Meditation Blog Review show’s you what it’s like to spend a week at Springwater Center.
Lake Austin Spa Resort, Texas
With more than 100 massage, body and skincare treatments Conde Nast Traveler considers the Lake Austin Spa Resort to be one of the best. Like most of the resorts on my list, Lake Austin offers organic, locally grown food that’s served to you fresh. It also features the occasional visit by celebrity chefs.
The Art of Living Retreat Center, North Carolina
With a tea room, meditation classes and spa treatments, the Art of Living Retreat Center offers a little bit of everything for a self-care retreat. Peanut Butter Runner offers a great review of what it’s like to stay at the center, including a look at the food.
Have you ever attended a self-care retreat?
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I love the Big Sky Yoga Retreat most because I am a horserider!
Hi Erike,
Just gotta love the Hawaii Island Retreat. Sounds really great with a great image. In fact, they all look good. Thanks for the post.
Cheers Sharon…
Hey Erika!
Sunrise Springs is definitely something i can recommend. I was there last year with a friend and we just had the best time, really worth the travel to get there and chill.