Wellness is more than what we eat and how often we move our bodies; strong relationships are a key component for overall wellbeing and happiness.
Research shows that strong, positive relationships affect our mental and physical health and even our healing rate and mortality risk.
But relationships take energy, and like fitness, you have to put in the work to keep them strong.
While the idea of a romantic couples retreat might conjure up images of an over-sexed yoga instructor and unorthodox therapy from the 2009 film of the same name, they are a wonderful way to take advantage of vacation time to renew a relationship.
Couples Retreats for Soul Therapy
Perhaps you are experiencing issues and want to find solutions, or are simply yearning for more intimacy and wish to take your relationship to a deeper level. A couples retreat (like a yoga retreat) allows the time and space to truly connect, away from busy lives, work, and children in a beautiful, often exotic, setting.
Sandra Reich, M.Ed., is the Clinical Director of The Montreal Center for Anxiety & Depression, Co-Director of Empowered Women Workshops, bestselling author of a #1 book on relationships as well as the host of Straight Talk with Sandra Reich, a top weekly radio show on Internet’s Voice America.
She runs couples retreats each year to sunny locations such as Mexico and the beautiful Mont Tremblant, Quebec, covering techniques and strategies to help relationships thrive, such as respectful boundaries, communication, and building trust.
She notes, “We don’t get a manual on how to have a healthy relationship. All too often, couples either wait until their relationship is in rough waters to seek help, or they don’t get any at all and throw in the towel. You need to learn the tips and strategies it takes to keep your relationship flourishing…and that’s hard to do when you’re busy with life.”
Relax and Connect
Unlike the film, couples retreats don’t usually require sharing in large groups. Most of the work is done privately between couples. While participants can share insights during presentations, it’s rarely required—something many find comforting.
When not learning from the facilitators, there’s plenty of time to relax. Enjoy romantic meals, get pampered, or stay active together. It’s everything a regular holiday offers for body and soul. This time is about focusing on each other—without distractions, technology, or daily responsibilities.
Sandra finds that couples return from these retreats having learned more about their partners and ready for a fresh start in their relationship.
The emotional work can be challenging but is meant to go deep. It clears recurring issues once and for all.
Where to Go
For couples in search of a getaway combined with relationship coaching, there are weekend and longer retreats offered at resorts, spas, and health and wellness institutes worldwide.
They run the gamut in price, level of luxury, and focus, from improving intimacy to embracing healthy living and spirituality together. Here are some we recommend exploring.
Getting the Love You Want at El Mangroove, Costa Rica
In 2022, The Marriage Restoration Project will host successful retreats at the Autograph Collection’s El Mangroove beach resort in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
These five-day retreats are based on Imago Therapy. This approach helps transform conflict into healing by exploring each person’s early childhood experiences. Couples will have the chance to feel deeply heard in a safe and supportive environment.
The retreat helps couples identify and release personal triggers that disrupt connection. They will learn how to meet their physical and emotional needs and how to ask for what they truly want.
Each day includes relationship work, establishing new rituals for re-romanticizing. There will also be time to reconnect over beach walks, spa treatments, and local excursions.
Connecting: Relationships that Work at Canyon Ranch, Arizona
Canyon Ranch and the Life Enhancement Center® team welcome bestselling author and relationship expert Rachel Greenwald to contribute her wisdom and distinctive point of view. Rachel is a master at helping people create more satisfying relationships and will lead thought-provoking sessions filled with practical advice and inspiration.
In this dynamic group setting, learn how to enhance your relationships in 12 essential areas: relationship to self, current or future romantic partners, sex, aging, food, work, energy, family, grief, joy, and even connecting through a Zoom window. This is a chance to rethink your connections and view possibilities through a new lens.
Take-home strategies based on the latest research that will help you improve connections among the people you value while fostering the wellness basics you need to thrive, including exercise, nutrition, wellness, and life balance. Set your intention for a healthier, happier future.
The Gottman Institute Private Couples Retreats, Orcas Island, Washington
Learn research-based tools for building and maintaining intimacy from the comfort of Drs. Julie and John Gottman’s home on Orcas Island in the San Juans.
Restore and enhance your relationship while on holiday in an exclusive, small-group two-day couples retreat, where you’ll learn new skills for deepening intimacy, managing conflicts, and enhancing your sense of shared meaning in a private, comfortable setting.
These retreats presented by the Gottmans in their seaside home include lectures, role-plays, discussions, and exercises completed just with one’s partner.
Couples Enrichment Retreats at Jaguarundi Shores, Belize
Enjoy a growth-focused couple’s enrichment experience, free from the many stressors that undermine relationships in our everyday lives.
This is an opportunity to experience holistic, relational growth. Each couple will discover what they have somehow lost along the way and the wonderful aspects of each other they have yet to uncover.
Jaguarundi Shores offers a destination where you can immerse yourself in transformational change and psychological growth. Pursue personal transitions in a soulful, natural setting in partnership with expert therapists.
Whether your goal is to grow your relationship, detox from stress, overcome addiction or become more mindful, they feel all individuals need to completely reboot.
Couples Retreat at Shou Sugi Ban House, New York
Create a memorable getaway for you and your partner. The retreat includes daily breakfast and a morning movement class. Their signature Romance Package adds rose quartz, a flower arrangement, organic chocolate, and a bottle of champagne.
You can also have a one-on-one consultation with the Guest Services team before you arrive. They can offer suggestions tailored to your needs and relationship goals. To ensure availability, it’s best to book any extra services in advance.
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Tips for Choosing a Couples Retreat
Selecting the perfect couples retreat can be exciting, yet the abundance of options might feel overwhelming. These tips can help guide your decision-making process.
Set a Budget
Couples retreats vary in cost. Establishing a budget early will help narrow your options and prevent overspending.
Choose the Right Location
Do you prefer peace and seclusion or a vibrant city? Think about the setting—beach, mountains, or somewhere in between.
Match Your Interests
Focus on retreats that offer activities both of you enjoy. If hiking is your thing, look for scenic areas with trails to explore.
Check the Schedule
Ensure the retreat fits into your available time and offers activities you want to participate in.
Consider the Accommodations
Comfort is key. Look for a retreat with accommodations that align with your needs and preferences.
Read Reviews
Online reviews can provide insight into others’ experiences and help you make an informed choice.
Go with a Reputable Company
Choose retreats with a strong reputation and a proven track record of delivering quality experiences.
Verify the Instructors’ Credentials
Make sure the instructors are experienced and qualified to lead the activities you’re interested in.
Seek a Balance of Activities
A good retreat offers a mix of physical and mental activities, helping you relax and connect with your partner.
Ask for Recommendations
Reach out to friends or family who’ve attended a couples retreat. Their recommendations can offer valuable insights.