MEMBERS ONLY! IN-PERSON RETREAT WITH
Conscious Girlfriend Academy
March 8-12, 2026
Tampa Bay Area, Florida
Open-Hearted. Welcoming. Fun. Friendship-Making.
Welcoming all women-loving-women and adjacent non-binary people.
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.
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 open-hearted, like-minded lesbians and queer women
Experience a non-hookup, community-focused environment
Explore workshops and conversations that support personal growth and authentic connection
For some, this retreat will be their first lesbian event ever, offering a safe, welcoming space to step into community. For others, it will rekindle the joyful spirit of 1980s–1990s lesbian gatherings, celebrating friendship, self-discovery, and belonging.
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 is designed especially for single lesbians and queer women seeking community and friendship, though couples are welcome, too.
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: Is this a dating, hookup or party event? What's the vibe?
Conscious Girlfriend Academy's focus is on conscious connection, growth, and friendship, so this retreat will be an extension of that. Because our retreats are for members only, most participants will have been attending Zoom classes and groups together for months ahead of time and will continue to connect online after the retreat is over.
That said, we will likely have a workshop on flirting and/or on lesbian sex, because we embrace all aspects of the queer experience, including our eros. And you might meet someone special organically, simply because this is a warm and authentic space where like-minded women gather.
It's definitely not a party. Some attendees may drink wine in the evening, but many are sober or just choose not to drink. There will definitely be dancing and laughter, though :)
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.
Scenes From Previous Retreats
Here's all the info. Just click on the little arrow on the right to read each section.
Love Notes About Previous Conscious Girlfriend Retreats
"Deep Connection And Incredible Wisdom"
"This past weekend was nothing short of transformative. I’m still processing all the love, deep connection, and the incredible wisdom shared among such beautiful souls. I have never felt more grateful to be part of such a loving, conscious, and supportive community. To be surrounded by women who uplift, inspire, and truly see each other is a rare and precious thing. This retreat was beyond epic, and my heart is overflowing with appreciation for every soul who shared in this journey."
"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."
"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!"
"Liberated My Inner Flirt"
"Attending the Palm Springs retreat, I liberated my inner flirt and deepened my connections with fellow academy members. That, combined with participating in the buddy program individually and in groups, has given me the gift of developing relationships with conscious lesbians -- which in and of itself is so healing."
Our March 8-12 Retreat Schedule
Just as we did last time, we will offer classes and workshops with Academy Director Ruth Schwartz and Outreach Director Jen Solin, along with space for CGA members to share their gifts in exercises, activities and mini-workshops.
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 😎
6:00-7:00 Dinner
7:00-10:00 Ice-breaking exercises, music and dance
Monday, March 9
~Optional early bird hikes, stretching, yoga, meditation, led by CGA members.
8:30-9:30 Breakfast
10:00-11:30 Connection and Conversation Games (Jen)
12:00-2:00 Lunch and after-lunch walk
2:00-4:30 Workshop: Selected Lesbian Dating & Love Topics (Ruth)
4:30-6:00 Walk, kayak, swim, relax
6:00-7:00 Dinner
7:00-10:00 Outdoor bonfire, open mic and storytelling
Tuesday, March 10
~Optional early bird hikes, stretching, yoga, meditation, led by CGA members.
8:30-9:30 Breakfast
10:00-12:30 Outdoor Experience: Mindfulness, Sensuality & Connection (Ruth)
12:30-1:30 Lunch Time
2:30-4:30 Social Prompts & Connection (Jen)
4:30-6:00 Open Time
6:00-7:00 Dinner
7:00-10:00 Bonfire, massage party and dancing
Wednesday, March 11
~Optional early bird hikes, stretching, yoga, meditation, led by CGA members every morning.
8:30-9:30 Breakfast
10:00-12:00 Workshop with Jen
12:30-1:30 Lunch Time
2:00-4:00 Workshop with Ruth
4:00-6:00 Free Time
6:00-7:00 Dinner
7:00-9:00 Closing Ceremony, music and dancing
Thursday, March 12
~Optional early bird hikes, stretching, yoga, meditation, led by CGA members
8:30-9:30 Breakfast
Check out of rooms at 10:00 and say our goodbyes
Note: Many workshops and activities are still in the planning stages and will be co-created with members. We will be creating a google sheet for you to park your ideas and requests.
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 For Dayspring
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.
Meals included: Day 1: Dinner, Days 2, 3 and 4: Three meals plus afternoon tea/coffee & snacks; Day 5: Breakfast. Food sensitivities, allergies and preferences can all be accommodated.
The Cottages (Singles With Private Baths)
Six quaint cottages, each with four private bedrooms with private baths.
There are 24 people who can choose this option.
Cost: $1697 per person
The Houses (Doubles With Shared Baths & Common Areas)
Two large retreat houses which offer semi-private rooms (two people per room) and shared baths, along with some common space.
There are 32 people who can choose this option.
Cost: $1297 per person
The Dorm
Stay in a dorm wing with 12 bunk beds (yes, you can get the lower bunk!) or stay where you'd like and join us for all meals and activities.
There are 12 people who can choose this option.
Cost: $897 per person
Commuter
Stay off-site and join us for all meals and activities.
We highly encourage you to stay on-site if possible, because we'll have activities from early morning til late at night, plus conversation and connection can happen at any time. BUT if you really need to stay elsewhere, we'll still be glad to have you!
There are 8 people who can choose this option.
Cost: $797 per person
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 cancel by January 24, we can give you a full refund. After that date, we cannot offer refunds. However, you are welcome to transfer or sell your reservation to another CGA member.
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.
"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!"
Funny and Educational Improv on Mistakes Lesbians Make in Dating and Attachment
with well-known lesbian comic Mimi Gonzalez and first-timer Academy Director Ruth Schwartz
"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."
"The Portal To The World We Need, Want And Deserve"
"Looking at the retreat photos is like opening a bottle of love and sunshine to see everyone’s faces again and all those moments of joy, authentic connecting and expression in that exceptional natural setting. We all have opened the portal to the world we need, want, deserve and can continue to co-create, and there’s no going back!"
"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. 😍"
"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!
