Beyond the Ordinary: 11 Niche & Unique Retreats to Experience in 2025
- Jennifer Blanes
- 22 hours ago
- 5 min read
Retreats are everywhere these days. But if you’re anything like me (and my fellow Wellness
Worshippers), you’re not looking for just any retreat. You seek a meaningful experience that
rejuvenates you long after the trip ends. A retreat where you will place yourself back in the
moment in your mind repeatedly and smile. A retreat that makes you think about the next one before it’s even over. WARNING: Retreats can be addicting!
That’s why I’m diving into some of the most unique and niche retreats for 2025—experiences designed for people who crave more than just relaxation or your basic experience. Whether you want to deepen your wellness practice by taking a retreat, reconnect with yourself, or just experience something totally different, these retreats go beyond the ordinary.
1. Elemental Wellness Retreats
Think of this as a retreat designed by nature itself. These experiences revolve around the four elements—earth, water, fire, and air—to help you rebalance and align with the natural world.
Imagine grounding yourself with barefoot hikes (earth), indulging in hot spring therapy (water), practicing breathwork high in the mountains (air), or releasing what no longer serves you with a fire ceremony (fire).
Perfect for: Anyone who feels drained by daily life and wants to reconnect with nature’s
rhythm.
2. Sleep & Restoration Retreats
I feel like the first thing I say when someone asks how I am is, “Good but busy”, but honestly,
it’s more like — Busy and exhausted”. If you’ve been craving deep rest, this type of retreat focuses on optimizing sleep, calming the nervous system, and helping you actually reset. Think melatonin-friendly meals, sound healing, guided yoga nidra, and sleep coaching so you leave feeling truly restored.
Perfect for: Overworked professionals, parents who need a break, and anyone who feels burned out.
3. Somatic Movement & Embodiment Retreats
This one is for my ladies who feel stuck in their heads and want to drop into their bodies. A
personal favorite of mine! Somatic retreats use techniques like dance therapy, free movement, breathwork, and sound healing to help you release tension, heal stored emotions, and reconnect with your most authentic, confident self. Find the best women's retreat to find balance.
Perfect for: Women who want to feel free, alive, and fully present in their bodies, working
through a transition in your life.
4. Mystical & Intuitive Development Retreats
Want to explore your intuitive side? These retreats are designed to help you tap into your inner wisdom with practices like tarot reading, astrology, dreamwork, energy healing, and connecting with your spirit guides. Whether you’re new to this or already deep into the mystical world, it’s an incredible way to expand your spiritual awareness.
Perfect for: Anyone drawn to the spiritual side of wellness and personal growth, ready to think and feel outside the normal confines of wellness.
5. Adventure + Wellness Hybrid Retreats
For those who love wellness but can’t sit still for too long—this is your sweet spot. These
retreats blend adventure with mindfulness, so you’ll be hiking, rucking, surfing, or
paddleboarding in the mornings and doing breathwork, yoga, or meditation in the afternoons. It’s a balance of movement, mindfulness, and play.
Perfect for: The wellness lover who also craves adrenaline and/or active play while on vacation.
6. Creative Retreats: Fuel Your Artistic Soul
For those who feel the most alive when they’re creating, a creative retreat might be just what you need. These experiences are designed to help writers, painters, musicians, photographers, and makers tap into their creativity without distractions. Whether it’s a photography workshop in a scenic destination, a writing retreat in a cozy cabin, or a painting escape in a European villa, these retreats provide inspiration, structure, and community.
Perfect for: Writers, artists, entrepreneurs, and anyone wanting to reignite their creative spark.
7. Reading & Literary Retreats
This one’s for my book lovers—what’s more relaxing than curling up with a good book in a
beautiful setting? Reading retreats offer a quiet, cozy escape with ocean views, cozy nooks, and plenty of uninterrupted time to get lost in your favorite stories. Some even include author talks, book clubs, and creative writing workshops. Whether you’re catching up on your reading list, writing your own book, or just craving quiet time, this is the perfect way to unplug.
Perfect for: Avid readers, writers, introverts who love solo time, and anyone who wants to slow down and savor the moment.
8. Biohacking Retreats: Optimize Your Body & Mind
If you’re obsessed with the latest wellness trends, track your sleep, and love experimenting with cold plunges and red light therapy—a biohacking retreat might be your dream getaway. These retreats are all about hacking your biology to enhance longevity, mental clarity, and physical performance.
Perfect for: High-performance seekers, longevity enthusiasts, and anyone curious about
optimizing their body and mind.
9. Family Wellness Retreats: A Getaway That’s Good for the Whole Crew
We all know family vacations can be exhausting. But what if you could take a trip that leaves
everyone feeling more connected, refreshed, and balanced? Family wellness retreats are designed to bring parents and kids together in a way that’s fun, meaningful, and screen-free. Whether you’re starting your mornings with yoga by the beach or cooking a healthy meal together, every moment is about wellness, joy, and bonding.
Who It’s For: Parents who want to mix self-care with quality family time—without the chaos of a typical vacation.
10. Business & Leadership Retreats: Elevate Your Work + Life Balance
Who says work trips have to be boring? Business and leadership retreats take you away from the daily grind and into a space where big ideas, networking, and strategy sessions can happen alongside self-care. These retreats often blend workshops, mastermind sessions, team-building activities, and personal development, all while keeping wellness at the forefront.
Perfect for: Business owners, teams, and leaders who want to grow in an inspiring environment.
11. Personalized Private Retreats (NEW!)
Sometimes, the best retreat is the one designed just for you. Whether you want a solo reset, a wellness getaway with your besties, or a curated experience for your team, a custom retreat lets you choose exactly what you need— private chef? Yes. Sunrise yoga? Absolutely. Deep-dive coaching? Let’s do it. You dream it, I plan it. This is the Planning Wellness specialty!
Perfect for: Anyone who wants a completely unique and stress-free retreat experience.
Where Will 2025 Take You?
Retreats are evolving, and in 2025, it’s all about finding experiences that truly align with what you need. Whether that’s reconnecting with nature, deepening your spiritual practice, or pushing your limits in an adventure retreat, there’s something for everyone.
Which of these retreats speaks to you the most?
And if none of these are quite what you’re looking for? Let’s create something just for you.
Check out Planning Wellness to start crafting your dream retreat! Email us or schedule an intro call to get planning your next great escape.