Every now and then a break is necessary. From the chaos, the cleaning, the kids, and all that comes with what can at times feel the monotony of daily life. To keep our batteries charged and perspective fresh, a solo or female bonding getaway can be just what the doctor ordered.
Manger’s Mimi Thorrison 
There’s the ever-popular yoga getaway that is relatively easy to plan solo or en masse that involves as much or as little yoga as you want in locations like Tulum, Arizona, or the California coast. Then there are the truly monumental getaways (i.e. the ever-popular 50th birthday) that seem to be a high priority in my circles these days. Whether you need rest, relaxation, a raucous time or challenging change of atmosphere, here are a few fun and interesting suggestions.
Living in the Bay Area, there are so many opportunities for solo or group getaways. In these parts, we are fortunate to be blessed with spectacular wine country from north to south, world-famous spas, top-notch skiing, and ubiquitous hiking, as well as everything in between. But right in my own backyard is the incredibly unique, 1440 Multiversity. Offering two to seven-day workshops, Multiversity is equal parts wellness retreat, educational facility, and resort getaway complete with beautiful accommodations, healthy gourmet food, swimming pool, and spa. Located deep in the California redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains, your stay can be anything you design it to be. Start by picking a specific speaker you’d like to see- Elizabeth Gilbert, Cheryl Strayed, Harville Hendrix, Martha Beck, and Caroline Myss- or maybe you want to attend one of their yoga retreats, cooking classes, or simply escape for a day or two to walk the forest, read a book in peace, or sit by the fireplace with a glass of wine. This place is incredible and offers so many opportunities for rest and recharging without breaking the budget or stamping your passport.
And for the domestic goddess that wants to step inside what appears to be the most Instagrammable experience possible, I recommend one of Mimi Thorisson’s culinary adventures at her home in France or Italy. You will learn to cook alongside other like-minded foodie folks, forage for truffles in the Italian countryside, and sip wine at a candlelit table while you enjoy the fruits of your labor with Mimi, her Icelandic photographer husband, Oddur, and any number of their gorgeous children. If you are not familiar with Mimi’s gorgeous website, Manger, or her cookbooks, they will immediately take you on a sensorial ride of beautiful recipes, European markets, interiors, food, wine, and family. The photography is so delicious it makes you feel like you are right there in the Medoc region of France, a glass of Bordeaux in hand, learning how to make the perfect duck breast or whip up a souffle effortlessly. The experiences Mimi and Oddur host are as rich and decadent as the dishes you will learn to prepare, all set in some of the most desirable locations in Europe. If you can’t attend one of Mimi’s “workshops” in person, check out her website or Instagram, for her world seems to be truly divine and delicious.
Another outfit I’ve followed for some time and dreamt of traveling with is Fit & Fly. If exotic locations, opulent villas and just the right mix of fun and fitness are what you’re looking for, this is the sojourn for you. Cooking and photography in Tuscany? Yes, please! Yoga and exploring in Ibiza? Definitely! Surfing in Costa Rica? Why not? That all sounds fantastic, but personally I’m salivating over what sounds like the most incredible expedition to Morocco for desert glamping, shopping, and exploring. I am drooling over this experience, and it’s tip-top of my bucket list. Co-Founder Rebecca Garland’s mission is to “empower women to travel, to pursue adventure, to create meaningful and lasting friendships, and above all, to take care of themselves mind, body, and spirit.”
Sign. Me. Up!
