Life-Changing Lesbian Retreats
JOIN US MARCH 8-12 ON THE MANATEE RIVER NEAR TAMPA, FL
Open-Hearted. Growthful. Fun. Friendship-Making.
Welcoming all women-loving-women and adjacent non-binary people.
Dayspring Retreat Center
Tampa Bay Area, Florida
March 8-12, 2026
On-site accommodations for this retreat are sold out.
To register as a commuter, there are 3 steps:
1 Be a Conscious Girlfriend Academy member! Not a member yet? Book a call with Jen to learn more.
2 Click here to pay the commuter fee ($899, which includes all meals and activities), and
3 Click here to view local lodging options sorted by distance from Dayspring, choose whatever you'd like, and book and pay for it directly. Note: Hampton Inn @ Ellenton/Bradenton, the closest hotel, has offered us a special rate of $194 for a room with two queen beds (book at this link by February 17.) There are many other options, some cheaper, others fancier.
Scenes From Our Previous Retreats
Retreat purchase is available for our members ONLY. Want to be there, but not a member yet?
Book a free chat with Jen, above, or click here to join as a member.
Retreat Details
Just click on the little arrow on the right to read each section.
Questions? Please contact us, not Dayspring. Thanks!
March 8-12 Retreat Schedule (Work In Progress)
Sunday, March 8
4:00 Check in to your accommodations and take in the beautiful landscape. We will designate a CGA section with friendly greeters, tea/coffee & snacks, and a retreat intention-setting space 😎
6:15-7:00 Dinner
7:00-10:00 Ice-breaking exercises, music and dance
Monday, March 9
7:30-8:00 Optional early bird hikes, stretching, yoga, meditation, led by members
8:15-9:00 Breakfast
9:15-10:45 Connection and Conversation Games with Jen
11:00-12:00 Class with Ruth: Conscious Girlfriend Skills On Retreat!
12:15-1:00 Lunch
1:15-3:15 Pool Time or Select affinity group gatherings and/or mini-workshops led by members
3:15-4:15 Kayak/Canoe Time
4:30-6:00 Class with Ruth: Connection Or Flirting: How To Be Clear
6:15-7:00 Dinner
7:00-10:00 Evening program (e.g. campfire, open mic, dance)
Tuesday, March 10
7:30-8:00 Optional early bird hikes, stretching, yoga, meditation, led by members
8:15-9:00 Breakfast
9:15-10:45 Connection and Conversation Games with Jen
11:00-12:00 Class with Ruth: Erotic Love Languages
12:15-1:00 Lunch
1:15-3:15 Pool Time or Select affinity group gatherings and/or mini-workshops led by members
3:15-4:15 Kayak/Canoe Time
4:30-6:00 Class with Ruth: Skillful Conversations & Emotional Repair 1
6:15-7:00 Dinner
7:00-10:00 Evening program (e.g. campfire, open mic, dance)
Wednesday, March 11
7:30-8:00 Optional early bird hikes, stretching, yoga, meditation, led by members
8:15-9:00 Breakfast
9:15-10:45 Connection and Conversation Games with Jen
11:00-12:05 Class with Ruth: Empathy & Repair 2
12:15-1:00 Lunch
1:15-3:15 Pool Time or Select affinity group gatherings and/or mini-workshops led by members
3:15-4:15 Kayak/Canoe Time
4:30-6:00 Closing Class with Jen & Ruth: Re-Integration & Community Building
6:15-7:00 Dinner
7:00-10:00 Closing Circle and Dance
Thursday, March 12
Check out of Dayspring rooms by 9:00 a.m.
8:15-9:00 Breakfast
Big hugs goodbye
About Our Venue, Dayspring Retreat in Parrish, FL
ABOUT DAYSPRING RETREAT
Dayspring Retreat is a Christian-based retreat center which is actively welcoming to LGBTQ+ people. We know that the Christian names and symbols may be triggering or simply foreign for some of our members, while being familiar and perhaps comforting to others. We hope that at this moment in time, being in a Christian venue that practices what Christ actually taught -- love -- will offer respite and healing in a troubled world.
This is a sacred spot on the Manatee River, with beautiful walking paths, wetlands, gardens and a labyrinth that invites you to steady your breath, gentle your mind, and open your heart. There are also indoor and outdoor chapels which will be open to us for personal reflection, meditation and healing.
Best airport to fly into: Tampa
Lodging Options & Costs
Prices Listed Are For The Entire Event
(Four Nights Of Lodging, Plus All Meals, Plus All Academy Events)
Unfortunately, we cannot reduce your rate if you need to arrive late or leave early. These rooms are available on a first come, first full pay basis. If you do not see your preferred lodging option at check out, it is most likely because it is sold out. You can email [email protected] with any questions.
Meals included: Day 1: Dinner, Days 2, 3 and 4: Three meals plus afternoon tea/coffee & snacks; Day 5: Breakfast. Most food sensitivities, allergies and preferences can be accommodated.
We offer both on-site lodging at Dayspring, and a commuter rate of $899,
which includes all meals and activities.
The cottages and houses on-site at Dayspring are sold out.
>Here is a list of lodging near Dayspring, sorted by proximity.
The local Hampton Inn, at the top of the list, has offered us a special price of $194 per room with two queen beds, cheaper than their usual rate, but you must book before February 17. They happen to be the closest hotel, but there are others that are cheaper or fancier, as well as a few shareable houses.
The commuter fee is $899/person and includes all meals and activities. You will also need to factor in transportation to and from Dayspring each day. Depending on location, an Uber will be $9.--15.00 each way, or of course, you can rent a car.
There are 8 people who can choose this option.
Transportation to The Retreat
Dayspring is approximately 45 minutes' drive from Tampa International Airport, and 35-45 from Sarasota Airport.
We will have google docs available to assist you in sharing rides from and to the airport, or carpooling from elsewhere in Florida.
Delicious Food
Dayspring's dining facilities include a salad bar and fresh fruit bar with all meals, and the chefs are extremely responsive to special needs and sensitivities. So, if you're gluten free, sugar free, vegetarian, vegan, nightshade free or on some other special diet, just let us know so they can accommodate you! We will eat well.
Cancellation Policy
WE HOPE YOU WON'T NEED TO CANCEL, BUT...
If you sign up and then need to cancel after January 24, you are welcome to transfer or sell your reservation to another CGA member. We won't be able to offer refunds after January 24.
Retreat purchase is available for our members ONLY. Want to be there, but not a member yet?
Book a free chat with Jen, above, or click here to join as a member.
Hampton Inn Ellenton/Bradenton, the closest hotel, has offered us a discounted rate of $194 (book at this link by February 17.) Other options on the list are cheaper, and others are more luxurious. Depending on mileage, it will be a $9-15 Uber ride to Dayspring, or you may rent a car.
Scenes From Previous Retreats
FAQs About Conscious Girlfriend Academy Retreats
Q: What are Conscious Girlfriend Academy's lesbian retreats like?
Conscious Girlfriend Academy is the leading global online community and learning hub for growth-oriented lesbians, queer women and adjacent non-binary people. Our retreats are focused on heart connections and learning. These multi-day events invite you to:
Connect with approximately 60 lesbians and queer women in open-hearted ways
Experience a non-hookup, community-focused environment
Explore workshops and conversations that support personal growth and authentic connection
For some, CGA retreats are their first time in a group of lesbians. It's a safe, welcoming space to step into community. For others, CGA retreats rekindle the joyful spirit of past decades of lesbian gatherings.
Q: What is the setting of this retreat?
Dayspring is a warmly welcoming 97-acre retreat center on the Manatee River, with kayaks, trails, gardens, wetlands, a labyrinth, great food and cozy retreat lodging. It's about 45 minutes from the Tampa International Airport. Temperatures in March should be in the mid-70s to low 80s during the day, and low 60s at night.
Q: Who are Conscious Girlfriend Academy retreats for?
CGA retreats are especially for single lesbians and queer women seeking community and friendship, though couples are warmly welcome, too. Each retreat brings together approximately 50 to 70 attendees.
Most attendees are ages 30s-80s.
Women who are just coming out, are bisexual or are exploring their queer identity are embraced here.
Longtime lesbians looking to reconnect with lesbian culture and community will feel like ducks in water :)
It’s the perfect space if you’ve been longing for meaningful connection without the pressure of a bar or dating scene and if you are a growth-oriented woman-loving-woman who wants to hang out with and/or date people committed to conscious, healthy relationships.
Q: What can I expect to experience at the retreat?
At our Conscious Girlfriend Academy retreats, you can look forward to:
Workshops for self-discovery and personal growth
Morning qi gong, tai chi, yoga, meditation or mindful walks
Community-building circles and conversations, plus an opportunity for members to share some of their own skills and knowledge and mini-workshops to benefit us all
Evening gatherings that foster joy and belonging, including campfires and maybe even s'mores (gluten-free for some of us)
Fantastic meals
Time to relax, reflect, and recharge in warm-hearted company, welcoming to introverts, extroverts and everyone in between
Many participants say the true magic is in the friendships and confidence they take home with them.
Q: I’m just coming out. Will I fit in?
Absolutely! This retreat is crafted for inclusivity and comfort, offering a gentle landing for those:
Newly coming out
Exploring their lesbian or queer identity
Seeking their first connection with lesbian community
You’ll be surrounded by growth-oriented, open-hearted women who will support, uplift, and welcome you exactly as you are.
Q: What makes this lesbian retreat unique?
Unlike a larger event or party-focused weekends, Conscious Girlfriend Academy retreats offer:
A non-intimidating, community-first atmosphere
Workshops and activities that prioritize self-acceptance, learning, and authentic connection
Opportunities to bond with other single lesbians without the pressure of a hookup or dating-focused event
An opportunity to meet in person with your past, present or future classmates in the Conscious Girlfriend Academy, the world's only online school and community devoted to helping lesbians and adjacent queer people live our best lives, date wisely and love well.
Q: Why do you have to be an Academy member in order to attend?
Academy membership creates a culture based on being conscious, compassionate and curious, and this container transfers over to our retreats, making them both richer and more relaxed. When you're at a Conscious Girlfriend event, you can expect genuine warmth, not a frenzied focus on "meeting someone." You will definitely "meet someone" -- lots of someones! That said, all of our retreats yield friendships, and some of those, in the fullness of time, also turn into romantic relationships.
Most Academy members find that the Academy dramatically uplevels their capacity for higher-quality, authentic friendship and relationships. So it's a special perk to be able to spend F2F time with those women you've previously seen in the Zoom squares, and see what blossoms.
Retreat purchase is available for our members ONLY. Want to be there, but not a member yet?
Book a free chat with Jen, above, or click here to join as a member.
Jodine & Nancy ~ Poolside Banter About The Napa Retreat
Comments About Previous CGA Retreats
"Food for the Heart & Soul"
"The weekend at Palm Springs Retreat was healing and exhilarating at the same time. Getting to know these women one on one and being touched by their stories and their strength is almost overwhelming. The feeling of being safe, accepted and loved was abundant. My heart was so very full the entire time.
I am so privileged to be a part of a group of women who are open, honest, trusting and loving. I feel safe with all of them. The faces became living people whom I will call "sisters". The connections at the retreat fed our hearts and souls. Ruth, Nicki and Jen ultimately provided the safe space for us to meet, learn and appreciate each other!"
"The Ripples Of This Experience Are Moving Out Into The World"
"To each and every CGA sister who was there, your energy, openness, and authenticity made this retreat even more powerful. You brought so much love, insight, and beauty into our shared space, and I am forever grateful for you all.
To all my sisters at Conscious Girlfriend Academy, I see you, I cherish you, and I am so honored to walk this path with you. The ripples of this experience are moving out into the world, and I can’t wait to continue this journey together."
"My First Lesbian Retreat"
"It was a magical experience. And very significant for me, as it was the first lesbian retreat I was ever part of. 😍"
And Yet More Pictures...
"Breakthroughs, Fun, New Friends, Empowerment, Hope"
"I loved this weekend with every part of me. Breakthroughs in so many areas, plus connection. Fun. New friends. Empowerment. Hope. And a healthy dose of harmless flirting."
With Love From Our Fearless Leaders: Nicki, Jen and Ruth
And oodles of thanks to our retreat photographer Jody Potiker
for this photo and many of the others on this page!
Hampton Inn Ellenton/Bradenton, the closest hotel, has offered us a discounted rate of $194. Book at this link by February 17. Other options are cheaper, or more luxurious. Depending on mileage, it will be a $9-15 Uber ride to Dayspring, or you may rent a car.
Open-Hearted. Growthful. Fun. Friendship-Making.
Welcoming all women-loving-women and adjacent non-binary people.
Tampa Bay Area, Florida
March 8-12, 2026
