Fall 2023 ADK Refresh Retreat Recap
At this point we’re convinced that every retreat we host will be our new favorite. Dr. Halie & I hosted our third annual ADK fall retreat this past weekend and it was incredible. Incredible doesn’t even do it justice honestly, but it’s the only word I can think of as I write this.
Every weekend we host has the same foundation: wellness. But each one is SO unique.
This time around we decided to expand our retreat from the typical Friday-Sunday structure to a Thursday-Sunday structure. The retreat house opened up for check in at 7 p.m. on Thursday evening. Most people came to town early and found a bite to eat in town since dinner was not provided (Halie and I ran into some of the gals at Smoke Signals where we grabbed a bite to eat ourselves before go time), but some came in later and it was like Christmas morning waking up to a houseful of retreatants who were so excited to be there.
We began the weekend with intros and a warm welcome to everyone who came, and went straight into our first breakfast to fuel for our day one hike. Our private chef, Maggie, had an arugula, bacon and goat cheese quiche fresh out of the oven, paired with local yogurt, whollyGranola and warmed sourdough (made by Halie). We headed out for the hike - a 7.5 mile round trip trek up Haystack Mountain in Ray Brook. It was a challenge. We all learned our limits and pushed beyond them (except for my golden retriever Loyo, he was very much in his element). But the challenge for us humans made the harvest chili, chair massages and cupping an absolute treat when we made it back to the house 6 hours later.
That night we had the most delicious chicken and potato dinner followed by a pumpkin panna cotta dessert. Maggie doesn’t mess around in the kitchen and we are so thankful that she agreed to join us for her second of MANY retreats to come in the future. She’s a keeper.
Before bed we did a Restorative Yin practice. I’ve never had so many people tell me how well they slept before, it was a symphony of satisfying sleep stories the next morning at the breakfast table. Before chowing down on another frittata and yogurt bowl, Halie brought us through a functional mobility session. It was the therapeutic movement we all needed after the hike the day before.
Since the hike the day before had been a little more than we had bargained for we decided to scratch the original plan to hike another 7+ mile trail, and instead we opted for a gentle trail walk on the Peninsula for views of Lake Placid, followed by a fun trek to town to enjoy the local shops. Lunch was served as soon as we returned - a warm chicken and brussel salad with goat cheese.
That afternoon we had the pleasure of facials and cozy down time on the couch by the fire. You read that right. Facials. Two of my sweet friends who are extremely talented practitioners in the area came to us with mini facials featuring AN Skin & Beauty products (code DRHALIE for a discount!) that left every single one of us glowing. If we weren’t walking on clouds already from the weekend, this experience sealed the deal.
Short ribs, mashed potatoes, baked apples and homemade whipped cream filled our tummies for the last supper, and workshops with myself and Halie rounded out the evening with a little food for thought. Halie led a workshop on hormone health and I led a workshop on the power of habit, complete with my Break the Habit worksheet and an empowering yet relaxing meditation. It was a powerful evening.
The next morning was bittersweet because it was the last one together before heading home. But we made the most of it with a powerful vinyasa practice before a final ferocious feast by Chef Maggie: mushroom, sweet potato and arugula frittata with make-your-own yogurt bowls (staples to every breakfast on our retreats if you haven’t noticed)!
One of our favorite enhancements to these weekends since we started them back in 2021 is the optional walk and cafe visit before saying goodbye and heading home. It allows us all to connect one last time in a grounded state instead of rushing out amidst check-out procedures and luggage. Not everyone was able to join, but those who did joined us for a walk in town followed by a cafe visit to Origin (their Sweater Weather Latte just HITS).
Saying goodbye after these weekends is NEVER easy, but how grateful I am that Halie and I have nurtured a community that makes leaving these weekends so bittersweet.
If you’re even remotely thinking of joining us in the future, take the leap. Future dates can be found here. But if you’re still on the fence, here are some reflections our retreatants from this past weekend shared with us, they speak for themselves. xoxo
“I definitely have that motivation now…
I was hoping to take away some motivation to finish my YTT-200, since I have stagnated on that. After the fun yoga classes, I definitely have that motivation now.
A.H.
“I would love to come do it again…
This weekend helped bring me to a mindful and peaceful space. The yoga and meditations were very calming, while the hikes/walks and power yoga was a perfect way to challenge myself and be active. The fresh, seasonal food was also so delicious and nourishing. Overall it was a wonderful experience and I would love to come do it again!
R.P.
“I didn’t know what to expect…
I didn’t know what to expect from this experience as I was pretty much a plus one. It was very different than anything I have ever experienced. It was a very welcoming and positive experience. I learned so much and it has been very inspiring. It was also great to get to connect with other people.
L.P.
“Exactly what I needed…
As a busy mom, this weekend has been so incredibly refreshing & relaxing. It’s exactly what I needed. I’ve felt spoiled from the massage, facials & farm to table meals. It’s been a great balance of wellness/activity & relaxation. It’s allowed me the time to not only try new things like yoga & meditation, but it’s also allowed me to connect with other like-minded women & reflect on many things as well. Haile & Anna are both amazing & so insightful. There are NO words to describe just how AMAZING Maggie’s meals were & I love that I now have simple recipes to take home with me. My only regret is not doing this sooner for myself! It’s been one of the best weekends & I am so grateful to have had this opportunity.
J.W.
“Very rewarding…
Connecting with other women from different walks of life, and hearing everyone’s journeys was very rewarding.
A.H.
“I’m leaving with the tools and motivation I need…
This was my second retreat with Anna and Halie, and it won't be my last! Like last time, I didn't know how badly I needed this time of reflection and self care. I learned so much, and I feel I'm leaving with the tools and motivation I need to make positive changes in my life.
D.N.
“We can be great at something…
We can be good at everything but we can be great at something…Halie, Anna and Maggie are all great at something that benefits us all! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion with us!
M.C.
“I learned so much about myself and others…
It was amazing to see a basically a bunch of strangers gel so well. I learned so much about myself and others.
M.B.
“Much needed…
This weekend was much needed!
G.P.
“This weekend helped me…
I came into this weekend looking for some clarity on how to get back into my routines and self care. My routines are always the first thing to go when I am stressed or overwhelmed, and this weekend helped me figure out how to keep implementing things by taking small steps at a time.
H.J.
“I look forward to the next retreat…
This retreat allowed me to invest in myself not only physically, but mentally. Allowing myself the time to slow down and be mindful, something most don't allow themselves to do often. I look forward to the next retreat!
J.H.
“The workshops were awesome…
The workshops were awesome :) The break the habit activity was so helpful! I’m excited to work on some strategies to help break some of my habits, as well as some strategies to lower my cortisol levels.
K.S.
P.s. A special thank you to our sponsors of the weekend:
