Women's Wellness Retreat

I partnered with a good friend of mine, Katie Reeves, for our second Women's Wellness Retreat, and I'm so glad I did. We brought together a small group of incredible women and escaped to the quiet charm of Mentone, Alabama. Our retreat was rooted in rest, movement, creativity, and genuine connection. We gathered at Windy Hill Farm, a peaceful property surrounded by gardens, animals, a farmers market, and an event space that became the heart of our activities.

Friday: Arrival, Creativity, and Movement

We kicked things off on Friday at noon with a welcome lunch—a bright fall salad featuring tender greens and roasted squash, enjoyed inside the event space overlooking the farm. Conversation started flowing, which eased us into our first workshop: a creative writing session built around the theme “I Have Good Taste.” Pens moved, stories surfaced, and more importantly, women shared parts of themselves in ways that felt honest and refreshing.

Next, we took a short walk to the farm’s local farmers market, where we supported the growers and picked up fresh produce.

Once we checked in at Roux's Bend, everyone slipped into workout clothes and returned for Konga, my favorite high-energy fitness class that blends kickboxing and all styles of dance. If you’ve never tried Konga, just know: it’s a blast, and the perfect icebreaker.

Dinner followed, which was coconut chicken curry with naan and a fresh kale salad. Then, we headed back to the cabin for cozy evening conversations and wine.

Saturday: Movement, Mindfulness, and Creativity

Saturday morning started with a nourishing breakfast at the farm: chia pudding, overnight oats, fruit, and chicken sausage. We moved out onto the front deck for a gentle Pilates session overlooking the garden and farm. The crisp morning air was just what we needed. From there, we flowed straight into a deeply restful sound bath, led by Shaleesa. With pillows, blankets, and an array of healing instruments, she created an atmosphere where many of us reached a meditative depth we’d never experienced. It was peaceful, grounding, and much needed for all of us.

Lunch was served: falafel, pita, and more fresh salad. Afterward, we embraced a hands-on creative moment through wreath-foraging and making, guided by Maggie. Wandering the property to gather materials and then turning them into something beautiful was so satisfying. Each wreath was unique and full of character. Mine is hanging on my front door now!

To bring our energy back up, we ended the afternoon with another Konga class, filling the event space with music, sweat, and lots of laughter. Dinner was a cozy comfort meal back at the cabin: sausage and lentil stew, homemade sourdough focaccia, kale salad, and the sweetest finale: Stacy’s carrot cake and apple brownies. After dinner, we did a very light craft by carving out stamps from potatoes. We all made a few prints to bring back home and frame!

Sunday: Farewells, Nature, and Reflection

Our final morning breakfast included sausages, yogurt and granola, eggs, and the last of the chia pudding and oats. After packing up, we ventured out to DeSoto Falls, hiking down to the base for some stunning views of the waterfall. On the way back, we took a short detour into a small cave, which was a fun ending to the adventure.

What Made This Weekend Truly Special

More than the food, the fitness, the workshops, or even the scenery, the best part of the entire weekend was the women themselves. Despite our differences in age or life stage, we found so many common threads. Stories were shared, and vulnerability was welcomed. Everyone was supportive. It reminded all of us just how powerful it is to spend intentional time with other women who listen, encourage, and uplift. There’s a special kind of beauty in knowing you can confide in one another. That you’re not alone. That we’re all walking similar paths in our own ways. This retreat was nourishing in every sense of the word: body, mind, and spirit. And I’m already looking forward to the next one.