Unplug, Reset & Reconnect in Nature

Weekend Wellness Retreat in Santa Cruz, California

This weekend wellness retreat in California offers a guided opportunity to step away from daily stress and reconnect with yourself in Santa Cruz. Set among redwood forests and near the Pacific Ocean, this two-night retreat blends nature, mindfulness, and movement to support stress relief, mental clarity, and full-body renewal. You’ll return home feeling calmer, more focused, and equipped with tools to support long-term well-being.

A man and woman stand in a lush forest, smiling and looking up at a fallen tree covered in greenery.

Retreat Dates

Upcoming dates TBA soon

Two or one-night options available

Why Choose This Wellness Retreat

Many people today spend most of their time indoors, leading to stress, fatigue, and mental overload. This mindfulness retreat weekend in Santa Cruz is designed to help you reset your nervous system through proven nature-based practices.

By combining forest therapy, ocean proximity, and guided wellness sessions, this experience supports:

• Stress reduction and emotional balance

• Improved focus and mental clarity

• Practical tools for long-term well-being

You’ll leave with simple, sustainable techniques that can be integrated into your daily routine long after the retreat ends.

A tranquil beach scene with gentle waves, framed by trees, and a person near the shore, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

What You’ll Experience at This Weekend Retreat

This wellness retreat program includes immersive, guided activities designed to support relaxation and renewal:

• Guided Forest Therapy Walk on a certified trail in Santa Cruz, connecting you with nature through mindful movement

• Self-Myofascial Release Workshop to relieve tension, improve mobility, and support physical recovery

• Nature Journaling Sessions to encourage reflection, creativity, and mindfulness

• Community & Integration Circles to help you process insights and apply them to daily life

• Take-home wellness resources for continued stress management and nervous system support

Each experience is designed to help you slow down, reconnect, and build lasting habits for overall well-being.

SEE ITINERARY

A person with long hair stands outdoors by a lake, surrounded by trees. The person wears a green sweater and smiles at the camera.

Meet Your Retreat Guide

Wendy Figone is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide and Trails Consultant with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT), as well as a trained Myofascial Release Therapist and Stanford Compassion Ambassador.

She specializes in guiding participants through nature-based healing experiences that combine modern wellness practices with deep environmental connection. Having studied Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing) in Japan with leading researchers, Wendy brings an evidence-based and compassionate approach to every session—helping guests slow down, reduce stress, and reconnect with nature in meaningful ways.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is included in a weekend wellness retreat in California?

    A weekend wellness retreat in California typically includes accommodations, guided wellness activities, and select meals. At this Santa Cruz retreat, guests receive a one-night stay, access to forest therapy walks, mindfulness sessions, movement workshops, and take-home resources to support long-term well-being.

  • What can I expect from a mindfulness retreat weekend?

    A mindfulness retreat weekend focuses on helping you slow down, reduce stress, and reconnect with yourself. You can expect guided activities such as forest therapy, journaling, breathwork, and group reflection sessions designed to improve mental clarity and emotional balance.

  • How long is a weekend wellness retreat?

    Most weekend wellness retreats last 2 to 3 days. This retreat in Santa Cruz is a 2-day, 1-night experience, making it ideal for a short but impactful reset without requiring extended travel time.

  • Is forest therapy scientifically proven?

    Forest therapy, also known as Shinrin-Yoku or forest bathing, is supported by research showing it can help reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. Spending time in nature has been linked to both mental and physical health benefits.

  • Who should attend a wellness retreat?

    Wellness retreats are ideal for anyone looking to reduce stress, improve focus, and reset their routine. They are especially beneficial for individuals experiencing burnout, mental fatigue, or those seeking a deeper connection with nature and mindfulness practices.

  • How much does a wellness retreat cost in California?

    Wellness retreat pricing in California varies depending on duration, location, and inclusions. This Santa Cruz weekend wellness retreat starts at $1,000 per guest, which includes accommodations, guided sessions, and select meals.

  • What should I bring to a wellness retreat?

    It’s recommended to bring comfortable clothing, walking shoes, a journal, reusable water bottle, and any personal wellness items. Since this retreat includes outdoor activities in Santa Cruz, layering for changing weather conditions is also helpful.

  • Are wellness retreats suitable for beginners?

    Yes, most wellness retreats are designed to be accessible for all experience levels. This retreat offers guided sessions and supportive instruction, making it suitable for beginners as well as those with prior experience in mindfulness or wellness practices.

  • Do I need prior experience with meditation or yoga?

    No prior experience is required. All sessions are guided and designed to help participants ease into mindfulness and relaxation techniques at their own pace.

  • Why choose a wellness retreat in Santa Cruz, California?

    Santa Cruz offers a unique setting with redwood forests and coastal views, making it an ideal destination for nature-based wellness experiences. The combination of forest therapy and ocean proximity enhances relaxation, stress relief, and overall well-being.