How to Choose a Women’s Retreat – 7 Best Tips
What Really Happens at a Women’s Retreat (And Is It Worth It When You Could Just Book a Hotel and Hide?)
Let’s be honest: the last time you had more than 12 minutes to yourself, it involved locking the bathroom door and pretending you were on a Zoom call. Time to choose a women’s retreat!
So when the idea of a women’s retreat pops up, it sounds… dreamy. But also a little mysterious. What really happens at these things? Will there be chanting? Do you have to hug strangers? Is there wine?
Let’s break it down — with a clear head, a sense of humor, and some affiliate links — because if you’re going to invest in you, it’s worth knowing what you’re getting into.
What is the purpose of a women’s retreat?
In the simplest terms: it’s a break from the chaos — but with snacks and soul-searching. At its core, a women’s retreat is designed to create space — emotionally, spiritually, physically — for women to rest, reflect, and reconnect. It’s a pause from the noise and roles we carry daily: partner, mother, friend, daughter, colleague.
A women’s retreat gives you permission to:
- Not answer to anyone
- Sleep past 6:00 AM
- Reflect without interruption (unless it’s the dinner gong)
- Connect with other women who get it
- To say “yes” to yourself again
It’s not about fixing yourself. You’re not broken. It’s about finding space — mental, emotional, even physical — to breathe and remember who you are outside the roles you juggle every day.
How much do women’s retreats cost?
Or: Can I swing this if I just canceled three Amazon subscriptions I forgot I had?
Here’s the honest breakdown:
| Type of Retreat | Cost (per person) | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Local day retreat | $100–$350 | Meals, workshops, yoga or journaling sessions |
| Weekend getaway (2–3 days) | $500–$1,500 | Lodging, meals, guided sessions, activities |
| Full destination retreat (5–7 days) | $2,000–$5,000+ | Flights (sometimes), luxury lodging, wellness services, meals, excursions |
Early bird pricing, payment plans, and roommate options help make it doable when choosing a women’s retreat. And honestly? You’re worth investing in — even if it means pausing that home remodel where no one can agree on a tile anyway.
What happens at women’s wellness retreats?
Each one is different, but the vibe is usually:
🌿 Let’s move our bodies (gently)
🌀 Let’s talk about our feelings (eventually)
🌙 Let’s reconnect with our intuition (remember her?)
Activities might include:
- Movement: Think yoga, nature walks, stretching, or dance
- Mindfulness: Guided meditations, breathwork, or sound healing
- Workshops: Journaling, intention-setting, identity work
- Connection Circles: Honest, vulnerable conversations (without the small talk)
- Free time: Hammocks, spa treatments, naps, and wine by a fire pit
No one is judging your downward dog or your emotional breakthroughs. It’s a safe space — with herbal tea and Wi-Fi (sometimes). The goal? To let your nervous system breathe — and to remember what it feels like to be in a space designed just for you. The best part, you get to choose a women’s retreat that is just right for you!
Are women’s retreats worth it?
Let’s put it this way: When was the last time someone made you the center of the itinerary?
If you’re constantly juggling 47 mental tabs (and one is “don’t forget the chicken”), this is your hard reset. Not a vacation. A reclamation.
Women’s retreats are worth it if you:
- Feel like you’ve been running on fumes
- Can’t remember the last time you felt in your body
- Miss connecting with other women beyond surface-level chit chat
- Need clarity, not chaos, in your next chapter
Is it a splurge? Yes.
Is it selfish? Also yes — the good kind.
What do you wear to a women’s retreat?
Think cozy, flexible, layered, and effortless. You’ll want clothes that move with you and help you feel grounded, not styled.
Suggested packing list:
- Soft leggings like these with a pocket for your phone
- A breathable wrap or cardigan like this one that doubles as a plane blanket
- Loose tanks or flowy tees
- Slippers or slides for indoors like these Pillow Slippers
- A journal – this one is leather bound and personalized, and options to put your important credit cards in the back.
- A water bottle that keeps things cold for hours this is a bestseller
Retreats are a rare space where you’re allowed to be low-maintenance and high-vibe. When you are choosing a women’s retreat, be sure and look at what they recommend bringing.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will earn commission if you purchase from my links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps me continue creating free and valuable content. Thank you!
Does insurance pay for retreats?
Short answer: Nope.
Long answer: Maybe, but not really.
Unless the retreat is hosted by a licensed therapist and billed as group therapy (which is rare), most insurance companies won’t cover it. That said:
- Ask your employer if they offer a wellness stipend
- Some FSAs or HSAs might cover therapeutic sessions (if applicable)
- Check if your retreat provider offers scholarships or sliding scale pricing
At the end of the day, this one’s probably on you — but the ROI is feeling like yourself again. And that? Priceless.
How long should a retreat last?
That depends on what you need:
- A day retreat is great for a reset if you’re short on time
- A weekend retreat offers a real break without a major commitment
- A 5- to 7-day retreat gives you space to fully unplug and shift internally
The sweet spot? For many women over 50 juggling life, work, and care roles, 3–4 days is the magic number. Just enough time to land, let go, and leave changed. Be sure and look at the different options each has when choosing the right women’s retreat.
7 Best Tips for Choosing (and Enjoying) a Women’s Retreat
Ready to say yes to yourself — but not sure where to start? Here are 7 quick tips to help you choose the right women’s retreat (and actually enjoy it):
- Start with your “why.”
Are you craving rest? Clarity? Connection? Knowing what you need will guide you to the right experience. - Don’t over-schedule.
If the itinerary looks like your weekday Google Calendar, pass. You’re retreating — not attending a conference. - Read the reviews — and trust your gut.
If the words “intense group sharing” make you nervous, believe them. You don’t have to trauma-bond to heal. - Ask what’s actually included.
Some retreats charge extra for massages, meals, or even coffee (!). Get the full breakdown upfront. - Pack like you’re going to exhale.
Comfort > cute. Think layers, cozy socks, a good journal, and zero need for Spanx. - Go alone (or with one open-hearted friend).
You’ll connect more deeply with others — and with yourself — when you’re not worrying about who needs what. - Let yourself be surprised.
Yes, you might cry during meditation. Yes, you might snort-laugh with a stranger. It’s all part of coming home to yourself.
How to Find the Right Women’s Retreat
Here are a few directories and communities we love:
Try these trusted sites:
- Retreat Guru – Global listings from Bali to Boise
- BookRetreats.com – Women’s Section
- Kripalu Center – Yoga meets real talk
- Esalen Institute – West Coast, woo-woo, wonderful
- Check Viator or AirbnB Experiences for retreats near you
Or start small: Gather 2–3 girlfriends and create your own weekend away. Rent a cabin, bring your journals, hire a yoga instructor — and give yourselves permission to go inward, together.
If you do this, grab my 30-Day Faith & Self Reflection journal to guide your time.
Favorites for Your Retreat Bag:
| Item | Why You’ll Love It |
|---|---|
| Comfy Leggings | High waist, soft, no regrets, and a phone pocket |
| Travel Wrap/Cardigan | light weight, cute enough for group pics |
| Journal | Leather bound & personalized |
| Essential Oils Roller Trio | For calm, clarity, and “get me through this circle time” |
| Stainless Water Bottle | Because hydration is healing |
She Said This:
“I went on a women’s retreat thinking I needed rest. I left realizing what I actually needed was permission — to slow down, to feel deeply, to change.”
Keep Reading: Your Next Chapter, Your Way
If you’re feeling inspired to take that next step — whether it’s rest, reconnection, or a brave new chapter — here are more reads from She Said Next that can help you get there:
- The Truth About Midlife Burnout: It’s Not Your Age, It’s the Performance Trap
- 4 Ultimate Solo Travel Tips Every Woman Should Know
- Why Reconnecting with Old Friends Might Be the Most Important Thing You Do After 50
- 7 Simple Things I Stopped Apologizing For After 50 That Changed Everything
- How to Start Something New After 50
💬 Let’s Connect:
Where’s a retreat you have been to?
Drop a comment — your experience might be just the courage someone else needs.
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