Retreat of a Lifetime in Page — Arizona

It’s still early into the new year, and I’m sure you are looking forward to all the possibilities that 2023 has to offer, right? I know that the January Blues are also a real thing, and most people like to plan for adventures in the coming to months.

To have something to look forward, something to brighten up your day, you could say. This is why I feel like it’s as good as time as any to give you a recommendation for your future plans!

And that would be, why not travel to Arizona to take part in the annual wellness retreat, hosted by Santo Tomas Retreats in June?

When I say wellness — I mainly mean a retreat full of yoga, plant based cuisine and adventure, which might be right up your street. Or maybe you are looking to dabble with these. Regardless of what your background is, this retreat will have something for everyone.

The upcoming retreat in June will be the third annual event that will be hosted by STR in Page, Arizona. And let me tell you, Page is a fantastic location for such as a retreat. You will find out why in just a little while.

But let me continue with setting the scene. Let me have a brief recap of the 2022 edition held last May. Guests from all across the states attended, from California, all the way across to Washington, DC. And many places in between!

That was pretty cool, right?

Adventurous women setting off for a time of discovery. And yes, the retreat was filled up by women only. No men attended, not that they were not welcome! As I say, this retreat is open for anyone who is looking for a unique experience, with a stunning setting.

You may be thinking, what was I doing on the retreat? Well, I do have a health & fitness background, but that isn’t the only reason why I attended.

My wife, Erin, is co-director of Santo Tomas Retreats, along with here sister, and both have been running retreats for nearly 10 years now! They have a fascinating background, and you can find out more about them here.

Mainly hosting retreats in Mexico, but they expanded into the US, in recent years. They are natives of Arizona, and they had the idea to hold retreats in their home state, which also happens to be one of the most diverse, and beautiful states in the US.

So, it’s only right that I attend, right?

It’s a big undertaking, and they definitely need a little help to organize such a retreat. I help out in the background, and I do like interacting with the guests, and who knows, I might even throw in a bodyweight workout, if you are up for it!

And just one last thing, before I get into the general highlights of the retreat, all the pictures in this post are from last year's retreat. Just straight up real, and I think you’ll agree they look pretty good, right?

They may even entice you to get onboard for the 2023 edition!

Retreat Highlights

These are some of the real highlights that you have to look forward to on the retreat.

Retreat House

The retreat moved to a new, super luxurious house in 2022, and it turned out to be a winner. It’s a bigger house than where the original retreat was held, and what makes this house a step above is the outside area.

By area, I mean where the pool, jacuzzi and fire pit are located, it’s a significant area with 3 different levels. The top level is where the jacuzzi is, on the second level, you have the swimming pool and on the third level is the fire pit.

There are also nice views of the surrounding areas, you can even see Glen Canyon Dam from here. To top things off, there are waking trails near the house, if you feel like going for a hike on your downtime.

Meditation at Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe bend is simply stunning, there was a time when not many people knew of its existence, but it has exploded in popularity in recent years.

It’s easy to see why — the views from the top of the canyon are breathtaking.

How about having a meditation in these surroundings?

It’s a unique place to hold such a meditation, and it’s usually held on the evening of the first day of the retreat, although the schedule has not been fully completed as of writing this.

Let me tell you, there are a lot worse places to be to watch the sunset!

Paddleboard/Kayak Adventure on the Colorado River

Another adventure of immense beauty and fun! It’s usually an early start to the day, as it involves taking a boat ride roughly 15 miles up the Colorado River to see Glen Canyon Dam from the bottom.

Which is very impressive, Glen Canyon Dam is slightly smaller than the Hoover Dam!

Then the boat turns around, and we get dropped off on the river bank, near some petroglyphs, which are thousands of years old.

After this, we get on our paddleboards/kayaks and make our way down to horseshoe bend, which roughly takes about 30 minutes. The canyon walls are super impressive, it’s harder to find a better setting for such an adventure.

Yoga Class on the Bend

Once we get to the bend, it’s time for a yoga class! And you will not have a more unique setting for yoga class. After the class, which is usually some light stretching, we have our packed lunch, before getting back on the boat to take us back to the starting point.

You might even see some wild horses cooling down in the river on the way back, which is always a fun sight.

Antelope Canyon

Antelope canyon is a slot canyon located on Native American soil, and it’s a fascinating visit. The walk through the canyon is mesmerizing, and you won’t forget it!

The walls of the canyon are so unique, and it’s hard not to stare at them constantly. There are so many great photo opportunities in and around the canyon. The tour takes roughly 1 hour, and it will go by in the blink of an eye.

Glen Canyon Dam Overlook & Lake Powell

Glen Canyon is enormous, it’s just slightly smaller than Hoover Dam, as I mentioned above. We visit the overlook, which is free to enter. You get to learn about the origins of the dam and take in some truly amazing views of the Dam, the Colorado River, even Lake Powell!

Lake Powell has been in the news throughout 2022, the main reason being is that it has been disappearing drastically in recent times. The famous lone rock that used to be surrounded by water is now barren.

It’s definitely worth visiting the lake the on your downtime. The lake is super close to the house, ~ 10-minute drive.

Plant Based Cuisine

All food on the retreat is plant based! If you are vegan/plant based, then this will be right up your street. Even if you aren’t Vegan, it’s an opportunity for you to sample it.

It’s a good introduction to a vegan lifestyle, and can truly open your eyes to a different way of eating.

I’m not vegan, but I do eat like vegan food from time to time, once you know how to cook, you can make some delicious meals. As I say, you can get some ideas from Hanna, who is plant based for many years — if you are looking to switch up your daily diet.

Daily Yoga Classes

You’ll be in good hands with Erin, who has many years experience of teaching yoga. She’ll take you through daily yoga classes with different style classes.

These classes are suitable for everyone, it doesn’t matter if you don’t have much experience with yoga. You’ll be able to take part and enjoy your experience.

The classes can be inside or outside on the beautiful property!

Massage Included

One last thing that I am going to mention is, who doesn’t love a good massage? It’s definitely one of the most relaxing hours or so of the retreat. You will be left refreshed and in a calm state, the masseuse will arrive to the house. Making it super convenient for you!

You can also check out the YouTube video of last year's retreat here.

How to book?

The retreat is run by Hanna and Erin, who are sisters and both have many years experience in running such retreats. Erin is a yoga and paddleboard yoga instructor, while Hanna is a certified health coach, she is plant based for many years.

I’ll be on the retreat to support my wife (Erin) and Hanna over the weekend. It’s more of an intimate setting, they like to keep numbers small, so if you are interested in attending, as of writing this, there are just a few spots left.

You can check out their website here, or if you have any questions, let me know in the comments.

Looking forward to seeing you in Page, AZ!