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You probably think of self-care as taking a few minutes to journal every day, cooking yourself a nice meal, or relaxing in front of your favorite show for an hour or two. 

But when you’re caught up in the busyness of the holiday season, even those simple actions can feel impossible. Suddenly, you’re making elaborate family dinners, buying and wrapping everyone’s presents, and planning office Christmas parties. After that annual season of caring for others ends, you need time to care for yourself.

That’s why we’ve created this guide to the best women’s wellness retreats to help you unplug, recharge, and prioritize yourself after a stressful holiday season. Read on to learn more about our favorite self-care destinations for the new year.

Retreat in the Pines 

Deep in the east Texas woods, you’ll find the cozy cabins of Retreat in the Pines, a getaway center focused on mindfulness, healing, and rest. Their women-only retreats will give you a chance to connect with nature, get a break from your outside life, and find encouragement and support from leadership. 

For your post-holiday relaxation needs, Retreat in the Pines has chances to: 

  • Intentionally embrace healing and renewal in a new season through the Jan. 10-12, 2025 New Year Journey Within yoga and meditation retreat. 
  • Use yoga and mindfulness to get in touch with your body and spirit in an alcohol-free environment during the Jan. 17-19, 2025 New Year Detox and Yoga retreat.
  • Form new friendships while exploring California wine country at a Jan. 21-25, 2025 Wine Country Retreat.

Whether you relax in East Texas or make the journey to Sonoma, you’ll leave a Retreat in the Pines trip rejuvenated and ready to tackle real life.

Goddess Retreats

If your idea of getting back to nature involves a tropical beach and a drink in your hand, Goddess Retreats has experiences for you. 

The center’s incredible slate of retreats, available throughout January, bring women from all backgrounds to a luxury resort in Bali, where guests can pick from retreats focused on: 

You’ll return from Bali refreshed in every way — and maybe with some new skills to show off.

Brush Creek Ranch

Maybe a solo trip focused on your own itinerary sounds more up your alley than a traditional retreat agenda. If you need some true time alone to reconnect with yourself, Brush Creek Ranch’s rural locale and indulgent offerings may hit the sweet spot. 

The Wyoming getaway, situated in a stunning valley with big sky views, offers à la carte luxury wellness experiences to soothe your body and spirit. You can build your schedule of traditional wellness activities like slow-flow yoga, fitness classes, or spa services. Brush Creek also thinks outside the box with offerings like: 

  • Goat Yoga, a two-hour yoga class commandeered by a crew of baby goats.
  • Forest Bathing Nature Meditation, an hour-long mindfulness session among the trees.
  • Snowga, an indoor yoga class reached by snowshoe.

The hardest part of a trip to Brush Creek will be deciding just how to treat yourself.

Photo: freebird2000 via 123RF

Eleven Live Well Retreat

If your version of self-care involves pushing your body to meet new challenges, Eleven Life’s Live Well Retreat will rise to the occasion.  

The Jan. 9-13, 2025 retreat will accommodate just 24 guests in a set of picturesque private cabins at Eleven’s Taylor River Lodge. The lodge, located just outside of Crested Butte, Colorado, offers incredible spa amenities, fresh meals and cooking classes, and unmatched outdoor experiences, including: 

  • A cold plunge in the adjacent Taylor River.
  • Daily physical activities like cross-country skiing.
  • Nature-based mindfulness activities.

You’ll find the perfect balance of rugged outdoor activity and cozy cabin living at Taylor River Lodge. 

After a season of giving to others, it’s time to give back to yourself. Indulge in the ultimate act of self-care and allow yourself to rejuvenate, grow, and relax on a post-holiday retreat.