The Magical Powers of Women-Only Retreats: Stefanie's Testimonial

Apr 1

Stefanie’s Testimonial

“I kept searching and finally found a women-led experience that fulfilled my need and exceeded my expectations: AdventurUs!”

Originally Posted on 30 Nov 2023

In 2018, I attended REI’s Outessa women’s retreat in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. After four days immersed in outdoor activities led by expert women guides and surrounded by women outdoor enthusiasts, I was hooked on the magical feeling of connectedness, respect, and mutual excitement for the outdoors. The Outessa program was discontinued after 2018, and I sought that experience and that feeling of connection again. I tried a co-ed event in 2019 and realized that the co-ed environment didn’t fill me the way a women-only event did.

AdventurUs’ packaged retreat allowed me to travel to a new destination and participate in outdoor sports without lugging all my equipment on the plane. The Bend Escape (now Camp AdventurUs) piqued my interest because I had never visited Oregon before, and the variety of activities, such as snowshoeing and kayaking, were new to me.

AdventurUs guests paddleboarding on a calm river during a sunny outdoor adventure.

As a solo attendee who hadn’t done one of these types of trips in five years, I was a little bit nervous, but the owner, Saveria Tilden, and her team hosted a Zoom call before the event for all attendees to meet virtually and get our questions answered. I appreciated that the team took the time to make sure that we had an opportunity to get to know one another before meeting in person at the Bend Escape. The call relieved some anxiety and made me feel more comfortable with the group when I saw them in person. When I arrived, I was greeted with big smiles from staff members Halle and Nona, and I immediately knew I was in good hands.

The AdventurUs event had about 25 attendees and five to ten staff, perfect for everyone to get to know one another. Some of us overlapped in activities over the four days together, and I had multiple opportunities to connect with women of various ages, backgrounds, and experiences during small-group excursions, group meals, and social events. A handful of attendees had participated in previous AdventurUs events - if they were returning for more, they MUST have gotten a taste of the magic too!

AdventurUs guest meditating on a yoga mat during a peaceful outdoor wellness session.

The retreat was a choose-your-own-adventure. I selected my excursions and how much I wanted to engage in the socials, such as trivia, happy hour, and campfire s’mores. I am an early riser and was up for yoga and breakfast at 7 AM. There’s no “wrong” way to spend the weekend; each woman could participate as much or as little as they wanted. I participated in kayaking, standup paddleboarding, snowshoeing, and cave exploration. One thing I valued from the retreat is the education built into the weekend - our guides taught us about Oregon geology and biology. The Deschutes County Search and Rescue team also led an informative and fun trivia event!

"There’s no 'wrong' way to spend the weekend; each woman could participate as much or as little as they wanted."

I love that AdventurUs is women-owned and run, and that they hire local women-owned businesses for catering, wine and spirits tastings, and guides. The group size provided an intimate experience where I got to know people while also offering a wide range of diversity in age, experience, etc. I am grateful that AdventurUs exists - the organization is dedicated to empowering women, and I am eager to attend another event soon.

About AdventurUs

AdventurUs is a women-led adventure travel company creating thoughtfully guided experiences that support connection, confidence, and personal growth.

Explore upcoming AdventurUs experiences and find the adventure that meets you exactly where you are, whether that’s stepping into something new, reconnecting with yourself, or building community in the outdoors.