When I first received the email invite to a wellness retreat, my first thought was “why would a plus size woman go to a wellness retreat? Why would they invite a plus size woman to a wellness retreat? Do they know I am not a fitness guru?”
I think those were reasonable questions to ask myself. I think most women would ask themselves the same if they aren’t regularly participating in fitness. But I still went. I was at a point in my life where I needed to be in a stress free environment and to get in touch with myself, my goals, relax, and get back to a normal state.
I am now happy to tell you – wellness retreats ARE for everyone.
Waking up to this each morning was bliss.
So what is a wellness retreat? My first thoughts were that it would be all exercise. That’s not entirely true. Wellness is more than just exercise. Wellness comes from food, mental health, stress free environments, bonding with other people, and being able to focus on you. I find that I spend so much of my time focusing on things other than me – so it was a real pleasure to spend a few days in beautiful Lake Tahoe focusing on me <3
Squaw Creek – view from my room
The retreat consisted of yoga, Pilates and restore classes, hiking, spa days, workshops, speakers, delicious food, and other activities in and around the resort.
Prior to my visit in Lake Tahoe at the Resort at Squaw Creek, I hadn’t had much experience with yoga. I took a couple yoga classes and I must say, they can do wonders for you in ways you can’t even imagine. I felt this sense of freedom, zen – I felt good about where I was and the stress relief it instantly provided me. After returning home I realized I miss it. Needless to say, I was turned on to something I hadn’t had much experience with before and I LOVE it.
Frolicking amonst the beauty of Lake Tahoe
One of the things that I really enjoyed the most was the vision board workshop. It gave me time to sit down and really think about where I was going and where I wanted to end up. I realized in those moments of working on my board that I wanted to keep traveling and seeing all of the world, but eventually wanted to settle back down at home in Michigan. I don’t think I realized that home meant so much to me until I really sat down and thought about it.
Something that inspired me during this retreat were the two women who spoke. One of them survived a plane crash – which if you know me, that is one of my top fears. She very gracefully told her story of survival and all the obstacles she has overcome, which has led her to be an author and public speaker. You could not comprehend what she has been through and she did it all with a smile on her face. It truly makes you feel like your problems are very small and fixable. The perspective she gave me was priceless. The other woman was the first to summit Denali by herself. I can barely imagine taking a 2 mile hike alone, let alone surviving and hiking to the peak of a mountain in the snow. What an accomplishment. She made me see that my fears are simply that, fears. I shouldn’t let anything hold me back from greatness.
Did I mention how good the food was? No? Ok.. it wasn’t good – it was SPECTACULAR! I ate at all the restaurants at the resort, including room service and the shop/cafe they have. Not one complaint. Everything was perfection.
Resort at Squaw Creek – breakfast in my room by the fireplace
Six Peaks Grille – mountainside dining
Six Peaks Grille
Mango Mojito – my new favorite drink
Many thanks to all the staff who put this wonderful retreat together and I can’t say enough good things about it. I am now a firm believer in wellness retreats and think everyone should go to one. If only to decompress .. then it is worth it. We spend so much of our lives working – treat yourself. You deserve it!
Lastly, the sunsets are intense – so don’t miss them when you visit!
I was hosted by the Resort at Squaw Creek. As always, opinions are my own.
This looks amazing! I’m so glad you had some “me” time, you needed it. I might have to make a trip to Lake Tahoe sooner rather than later.
Author
Thank you. I would highly recommend it. It is so peaceful and beautiful <3
Any chance you can put my website for life coaching Kathleenmcnichols.com
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We super women are accomplishing so much. Glad to see there’s a great space for us to come together for some down time. With awesome food!
Author
Yes! This was absolute perfection – and delicious
I used to go with my grandparents to a wellness resort when I was just a child. It was a more thermal water focus resort, with lots of different treatments based on that, but I remember how much I used to love that place. This resort you’ve been to is amazing! I love that it’s in the middle of the nature, with no distractions, and that you have so many hiking opportunities.
Author
I would have never thought I could thrive at a wellness resort – but I did and its impacts are still happening to me. I am so grateful that I was able to go.
Love the article! I can’t wait to visit Tahoe! This resort looks awesome too. =)
Author
You live so close too! Get there girl <3
What an amazing experience. Sounds like the stars aligned perfectly…you needed that “alone” time. Never been on a wellness retreat, so it was great to read about your experience. So glad you found the joys of yoga.
Oh wow. I’ve never been to a Wellness Retreat… but honestly I wouldn’t mind going for food like that! 😀
Also, super glad you enjoyed yoga – it’s honestly one of the best things I’ve done for myself.