Hi friends, welcome!

I am so glad that you have found us.

Elemental Escape Retreats was born out of my yearning to share my experiences and create a community for people from all walks of life searching for purpose, adventure, or simply a quick reset to inspire them again. Our dream is to develop offerings such as community gatherings and retreats that offer the opportunity to learn, grow as a community, and experience life through the most remarkable, eco-conscious spaces on a unique level. 

This idea got its legs about a year into the pandemic. Like many people, I was experiencing a lot of fatigue, anxiety, and fear of the future. I was also questioning my purpose and role in this crazy world. On the quest to seek answers, I began to readdress my values and, in that same way, take another look at how I was living my life. Connection (to my job and surroundings), the ability to take care of my health and well-being, creative pursuit, and adventure were all things I knew I lacked or needed more of even before the lockdown. 

I realized it was time to make a change. And if not now, when?

After living in NYC for six years and rarely leaving (after all, it is, and continues to be, the best city in the world), I knew that it was time to go, at least for the time being, and let myself be inspired by our beautiful, crazy world once again. I traveled, inviting anyone willing, sometimes just alone, to any state or country that would allow it (of course, following safety guidelines).

Travel opened my eyes. It reminded me that the world was much larger than it appeared. That there are beautiful people everywhere you go, that nature is to be respected and protected, but most of all appreciated. And finally, we are all interconnected, and transformation doesn't happen alone.

I leave you with a memorable quote that sits so close to my heart by one of my favorite people on this earth, travel documentarian Anthony Bourdain: "Travel isn't always pretty. It isn't always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts. It even breaks your heart. But that's OK. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind." - Anthony Bourdain.

Welcome to your Elemental Escape Retreat.

With love & gratitude,

Melissa