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Wow friends, what a time. This time last year my brand-new Retreats Manager hire and I were both rising and grinding daily, fielding bookings for our full slate of 2020 retreats, and preparing for our first trip of the year in the Dominican Republic. It’s going to be a crazy year, we mused.
Just not quite in the manner we expected. I realized while putting together this post that the events that followed will have caused us to take over a year off of running destination retreats, when all is said and done. I guess time flies when you’re in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic! But as we enter 2021 with vaccine distribution in full swing, I am full of hope for the future, and excitement for a time coming soon when we can gather again in person together.
Which is why I have such a huge smile on my face today as I share our final 2021 retreat, Wander Women Hudson Valley: A Fall Foliage Yoga Retreat.
Yes, most of 2021 is filled with our rescheduled retreats from 2020. Heck, some of 2022 might be, as well. But I’m thrilled that we are able to take this opportunity to share one new opportunity to expand and explore with you in the year ahead.
And we’ve chosen what we think is a meaningful location — my own home state of New York, during the most beautiful time of the year. We realize that as we return to travel, many are craving closer-to-home adventures, in places where they can connect with the great outdoors.
So join me October 8-11th, 2021 for a long weekend of glamping, farm yoga, leaf peeping, nature crafting, meeting new friends, and more β all at a gorgeous private location set on fifteen acres, mere hours from New York City.
I loved getting to explore more of the Empire State in 2020, and truly came to cherish The Hudson Valley. This area stretches along the Hudson River for over twenty miles and is known for its vineyards and distilleries, orchards and farms, and beautiful views. The bucolic landscape inspired an entire art movement in the 18th century, the Hudson River School, and continues to dazzle visitors every year, especially in the autumn (I made a vow that I’m having a fall foliage adventure every year from now on — in 2021, it’s this!) Increasingly, The Hudson Valley has becoming a hip escape for those from the five boroughs — bringing with them trendy restaurants, idyllic art galleries, and locally inspired boutiques.
We’re gong to flow through four days filled with asanas with llamas, kayaking through peak foliage, visiting a women-owned craft distillery, and enjoying local bites along the way. There will be Insta-ready bell tents, a barn-turned-yoga-sala from the 1800βs, a fire pit for nightly storytelling, a garden with fresh produce and adorable goats, and a wood-fired hot tub for soaking away any lingering stress.
And I know we say this for every retreat (because it’s always true!) but availability is super limited. Our Wander Women Retreats newsletter subscribers — join the list here — have already scooped up over 40% of the spots on this trip in presale. And since there’s literally just one opportunity to grab some of the most unique options like a chic a-frame cabin, you’ll want to hop on this soon.
The Details
The retreat will be held from October 8-11, 2021. The cost, including all of the below, ranges from $850 to $1,300.
Whatβs Included
β’ Three nights of accommodation at a luxurious glamping location in the Hudson Valley
β’ Three breakfasts, two dinners, and one lunch
β’ Daily yoga
β’ Visit to a local distillery for tasting flights
β’ Kayaking tour
β’ An afternoon at a llama farm — with llama yoga!
β’ Lavender soap and loofah workshop at local farm
β’ A custom welcome bag
β’ All gratuities (we generously tip on your behalf, removing the stress and anxiety of when and how much to tip!)
β’ Professional photos of the trip
β’ Donation to a New York charity, Survivor’s Toolbox
Whatβs Not Included
β’ Alcohol not included in the itinerary (though you can BYO!)
β’ Other activities or meals not outlined in the itinerary
β’ Local transportation (we will help coordinate groups of women who have cars, or are renting, or want to share Ubers or Lyfts)
β’ Mandatory travel insurance
The Itinerary
Given the constant changes the travel industry has seen over the past year, the below is subject to change — but I guarantee you will have a beautiful fall-themed weekend regardless.
Day 1: Say hello to the Hudson Valley! Join me in Germantown in the late afternoon for a welcome yoga class saluting the setting sun. In the evening, we’ll feast on wood fired pizzas along with a foraged cocktail class led by our amazing personal chef for the weekend, my close personal friend Dallas.
Day 2: We’ll start the day together with breakfast made from local produce. Afterwards, we’ll head to Main Street — in the adorable Germantown — to peruse the farmer’s market, boutique stores, enjoy lunch, and more. Next, we’ll enjoy the pastoral Hudson Valley landscape with a visit to a local farm! Here, we’ll flow through a practice with adorable llamas and pygmy goats, as well as craft lavender loofahs to take home, with wool sourced from the farm. We’ll close out the night with dinner made by Dallas and then heat up the wood-fired hot tub and fire pit for an evening soak.
Day 3: This morning we’ll rise for a peaceful sunrise yoga class led by me, followed by breakfast. After, we’ll depart for a morning kayak ride through the peak foliage of the region. This paddle through a beautiful nature preserve complete with wildlife viewing will have us embracing autumn’s gorgeous colors. In the afternoon, we’ll gather for some well-deserved post-sweat tasting flights at woman-owned distillery Cooper’s Daughter. At the distillery, we’ll sample a variety of spirits made from Hudson Valley ingredients. Finally, we’ll toast to the weekend with dinner at local hot spot Gaskins, a farm to table restaurant on Main Street in Germantown.
Day 4: This morning, it’s time for goodbyes! We’ll gather for one final breakfast and farewell yoga in the barn. Afterwards, exchange photos and contact info with all your new Wander Women besties for future get togethers. For those looking for an afternoon activity, I will be leading an optional favorite hike in the area, and we’ll send you off with recommendations for outdoor art galleries and wineries nearby.
Where We’ll Stay and Where We’ll Eat
We’ll be enjoying a weekend escape at a gorgeous glamping ranch, spread out on fifteen acres of rolling hills in the Hudson Valley. The property has free range chickens, a bountiful organic veggie and medicinal herb garden, and grassy nooks for daytime lounging and evening stargazing — and we’ll have it all to ourselves!
The room options include private or shared accommodation, all housed in unique and luxurious bell tents or cabins. Alternatively, we’re offering camping spots for those wishing to bring their own tents and sleep in the fresh air. The ranch is sustainably off-grid, so please know that there is no electricity in the rooms, and they feature outdoor amenities — composting toilets and solar shower, with a backup indoor shower. You will be able to safely charge electronics in a communal area, or bring your own portable charger if you’d like. Let’s embrace the slow life for the weekend!
For included meals, we’ll be dining on incredible farm to table meals made by our very own private chef for the weekend, Dallas! Dallas will be whipping up healthy and sustainable meals with produce from the region, and a signature flair from years of chef-ing at festivals and retreats. As with all of our Wander Women Retreats, we’ll have some meals eating plant based — and, as always, any dietary restrictions or allergies will be accommodated.
Getting There
Nearby airports include Albany (51 miles), Newburgh (58 miles), or Westchester (93 miles). If you’re coming from further afield, we’d recommend flying into one of the NYC area airports (JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark), and either renting a car or taking Metro North or Amtrak for a beautiful train ride along the Hudson River. The closest train station is Rhinebeck, where you can depart and hop in a taxi or ride share for a 20 minute car drive to our glamping location.
For transport within Hudson Valley, we will be using Ubers, Lyfts, or will pair you with other guests looking to share car rentals for the weekend. Please contact us if you need additional support booking travel.
Join Us
Have some questions about Upstate New York, or just want to get a feel for if this trip is right for you? Schedule a 15 minute Zoom chat with me! Otherwise, donβt hesitate to email retreats@alexinwanderland.com.
For further information, including an extensive FAQ, payment plans and beyond, plus more about me if youβre new around here, check out the Wander Women Hudson Valley retreat sales page.
Whatβs Next
Find our full lineup of 2021 trips here β and email retreats@alexinwanderland.com to be added to our newsletter to be the first to know when enrollment opens on future retreats.
We love nothing more than your feedback. If thereβs a destination youβd love to see a retreat for, a theme youβre eager to attend, or just some general thoughts on what weβre working on here at Wander Women Retreats, weβd be honored to hear your thoughts.
What do you think? Will I see you in Germantown this October?
I liked the post and I am glad I dropped by
Happy to hear it Jo π