2027 teacher retreats


I've facilitated a lot of retreats this year, and I keep thinking about the same handful of moments that have happened every time ...

Laughing around the campfire and realizing it's wayyy later than we meant to stay up, but the convos have been so enjoyable no one wanted to go to bed.

The repeated refrain of, "I can't remember the last time I was this relaxed" and the magic of holding space for folks in which they have no responsibilities for an entire weekend.

The way a group of strangers meet on a Friday afternoon and end up trading phone numbers and promising in-person meet ups during our goodbyes on Sunday.

And, I remember the stargazing on blankets on a cool summer's evening with one group, and looking up at the winter Milky Way with another group on a completely silent mountain top covered in a foot of snow.

There's been hiking and waterfalls and kayaking and sound baths and yoga and and nature crafts, and so many delicious meals that no one in the group had to prepare or clean up after.


So of course, I'm going back to the venues that made those weekends so incredible, and I'm adding one more that's been in my dreams for years.

Oasis: A Desert Retreat for Educators
March 5-7, 2027 (Sedona, Arizona)

I've wanted to bring a retreat to the desert for a long time, and now we're doing it on five acres along Oak Creek with an afternoon spent hiking the red rocks. I chose March because you're completely worn out from the daily grind but there's still so much work to do before the school year ends. So, we'll take this weekend away for restorative yoga, breath work, a live sound bath, a guided desert forest bathing experience at the Amitabha Stupa, a bonfire under the stars, and more.

Exhale and Renew: A Summer Retreat for Educators
June 18-20, 2027 (Honesdale, Pennsylvania)

I chose this date to help you downshift your nervous system at the start of summer so you can enjoy your entire break, instead of spending the first few weeks trying to remember how to relax. Sink into restorative practices that you can bring home with you and use throughout the school year, including restorative yoga with essential oils and live sound, forest bathing in the summer woods, a hike to the top of the property, a burn ceremony around the fire pit on Saturday night, and a small batch chocolate tour & tasting that's right on the property.

Clarity & Calm: A Summer Retreat for Educators
July 23-25, 2027 (Old Fort, North Carolina)

Late July is when the back-to-school scaries start creeping in, so this weekend is about preparing mentally, emotionally, and physically. Join us in the mountains of western North Carolina (near Asheville) for a guided hike to a waterfall you can swim in, forest art, mindfulness exercises, a fire ceremony and s'mores, and lots of other good stuff.

All the itineraries, room options, and registration links are here:

If spring/summer 2027 feels like a long time to wait, check out these two other events.

They're both in Pennsylvania (at my beloved retreat home base, the Himalayan Institute). They're also both open to the general public, not just teachers:

Restore in the Wild: An Autumn Retreat for Finding Rest is happening next month (October 23-26, 2026), and it's for anyone who needs a true break before the holiday madness and wants to savor fall before it slips away.

Books in the Wild: A Winter Sensory Retreat for Readers is February 19-21, 2027, and it's for folks who never have enough undistracted time to read at home. Think of it like a book club where everyone's reading whatever they want and talking about it. Bring your unread pile and swap recommendations with others.

A few things that are true for all my retreats ...

  • They're all-inclusive and comfortable, but not fancy. You shouldn't have to spend thousands to get away for a weekend. I've chosen locations that allow me to offer delicious, nourishing meals and cozy accommodations in peaceful settings at a reasonable price.
  • Every activity is optional. If something doesn't appeal to you, enjoy your free time. If what you need on Saturday afternoon is a nap instead of a hike, take the nap.
  • You don't need any prior experience with anything. If you've never done yoga or mindfulness practices, and have no idea what a sound bath or forest bathing is, but your interest is piqued? You'll fit right in!
  • There's no pressure to be "on." We're not doing this for the 'gram. Show up in sweatpants and fuzzy slippers, and relax.
  • You can be fully yourself. I love to bring together folks from a diversity of backgrounds, ages, and identities. Open-minded, curious humans of all kinds are welcome!
  • You'll experience community but also have time to yourself. I'm an introvert and also neurodivergent, so I get the need for downtime. Our schedule is always leisurely, with plenty of opportunities for decompressing by yourself or relaxing with new friends.
  • You can attend solo or bring your people. Your partner, bestie, siblings, etc. will totally feel included, even if they're not educators. And if you come alone, you won't feel weird about it for long--I promise!

If you'd like to join me, you can sign up with just a deposit, and the entire retreat payment (deposit included) is fully refundable until 30 days prior to the event.

Questions? Just reply to this email. I'm happy to tell you anything you want to know about these retreats!

Angela

P.S. I'd love for you to forward this email to someone who might enjoy a retreat!

P.P.S. Want me to come to your area? That's a thing, too.

Angela Watson

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