MEMBERS ONLY! IN-PERSON RETREAT WITH
Conscious Girlfriend Academy
At Enchanted Hills Resort In Napa, California
October 17-21, 2025
Get off the Zoom screen and into the sunshine, wine country and redwood forest
with other Conscious Girlfriends. Limited to 45 people. We have sold out of Lodge Double Occupancy & Casitas single occupancy. Please read the notes in the drop-down section below in the Lodging Options & Costs for Enchanted Hills section to see what is available. We are updating this as fast as we can.
If you missed our last retreat, you won't want to miss this one!
And if you were there last time, you know you'll want to be there this time, too.
This retreat will be for four nights instead of three, with all meals and activities on site,
and lots of time for learning, relaxing, friending and connecting.
Scenes from our last retreat
In February, we hung out in a sacred palm grove. In October, it'll be a sacred redwood grove!
In February, we danced. And in October, we'll dance!
In February, we hiked the desert. In October, we'll hike among redwoods, or just engage in "forest bathing."
Pictures from our new venue & vicinity
Ah, the gorgeous landscapes of the wine country!
Get up early and add on a hot air balloon ride nearby!
Or maybe a mud bath in nearby spa-town, Calistoga?
Our October hiking or forest bathing spot :)
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 October 17-21 Retreat Schedule
This schedule is a work in progress! Thanks to Jen, Linda P & Jenny S who have been co-creating it. Just as we did last time, we will have space for CGA members to offer their gifts in leading exercises, activities and mini-workshops. We won't have exactly the same activities as we did in Palm Springs, but will try to repeat some of the crowd-pleasers!
Friday, October 17th
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 😎
6:00-11:00 Join us for dinner, and after we'll do some ice-breaking exercises, play music, and dance.
Saturday, October 18th
~Optional early bird hikes, stretching, yoga, meditation, led by CGA members.
8:30-9:30 Breakfast
10:00-11:30 Social Time with Optional Prompt Game
12:00-2:00 Be there live while Ruth teaches the Lesbian Dating Essentials class and leads the Deep Dive -- or skip off and play
2:00-5:00 Various activities. Lunch will be grab & go on Saturday.
5:30-8:00 Dinner, Social Time & Workshop TBD
8:00-10:00 Redwood Grove Ampitheatre Story Telling & Open Mic
Sunday, October 19th
~Optional early bird hikes, stretching, yoga, meditation, led by CGA members.
8:30-9:30 Breakfast
10:00-12:30 Spend the morning in the Redwood Grove amphitheater for a shamanic journeying experience with Ruth or participate in alternative workshops offered by CGA coaches.
12:30-1:45 Lunch Time
3:00-5:00 Social Time
5:30-10:00 Dinner and then play time, music and connection
Choice of Wine Tasting or Sober Social Dance/Open Mic
Monday, October 20th
~Optional early bird hikes, stretching, yoga, meditation, led by CGA members every morning.
8:30-9:30 Breakfast
10:00-12:00 Workshop with Ruth TBD
12:30-1:45 Lunch Time
Closing Ceremony 3:00-5:00pm in Redwood Grove Amptitheatre
5:50-6:30 Dinner Time
Tuesday, October 21st
~Optional early bird hikes, stetching, yoga, meditation, led by CGA members
8:30-9:30 Breakfast
Have breakfast on site, then check out by 11:00 a.m.
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, Enchanted Hills in Napa, CA
ABOUT ENCHANTED HILLS RESORT
Overlooking beautiful Sonoma Valley, this year-round oasis is nestled into the foothills of Mt. Veeder, has breathtaking vistas, lush redwood forests, hiking trails, a pool & bathhouse, state-of-the-art meeting spaces, fireside gathering spaces, an outdoor amphitheater, meditation yurt, campfire circles, an on-site restaurant with exceptional cuisine with local ingredients, prepared especially for us by culinary pros, and spacious grounds where we can host our workshops and have social time indoors and out. It's a stunning location for us to connect and recharge with our Conscious Girlfriend community.
Enchanted Hills is ADA accessible and is a property of Lighthouse for the Blind, a non-profit social enterprise committed to the economic empowerment of the blind and low-vision community. To learn more, visit their website here.
Best airports to fly into: From within CA, Santa Rosa is closest. If you're coming from outside the state, SFO, Oakland or Sacramento are all similar distances away, and people can share rental cars or shuttles.
Enchanting Food At Enchanted Hills
SAMPLE DINNER MENUS
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!
Menu is international fusion with Latin, Asian and local Napa Valley farm-to-table influences :)
SAMPLE ENTREES
Lemon Thyme Chicken
Beef Bourguignon with French Baguette
Chicken, Coconut Curry, Bell Pepper, Squash, Basil
Grilled Hanger Steak with Chimichurri
Pan Fried Chicken Breast, Lemon Caper Sauce
Linguine with Lemon White Wine Butter Sauce, Sauteed Shrimp, Basil
SAMPLE SIDES (You'll get two per meal)
Sides: Linguine| Creamy Polenta | Sauteed Broccolini | Roasted Romanesco | Seasonal Green Salad
Sides: Yukon Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Rice Pilaf | Roasted Baby Carrots | Sauteed Broccolini
Sides: Bread and Butter | Garlic Bread | Seasonal Green Salad | Roasted Romanesco
Sides: Yuca Fries | Black Beans | Grilled Mojo Carrots | Seasonal Green Salad
Side: Jasmine Rice | Basmati Rice | Sauteed Bok Choy | Garlic Chili Green Beans | Papaya Salad
Sides: Yukon Garlic Mash | Rosemary Roasted Fingerling Potatoes | Seasonal Green Salad |
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
SAMPLE DESSERTS (Imagine sharing with your table-mates :)
Dessert: Lemon Bar | Banana Foster | Mixed Berry Pie
Dessert: Flourless Chocolate Torte | Crème Brule | Seasonal Sorbet
Dessert: Tiramisu | Seasonal Pana Cotta
Dessert: Mango Sticky Rice | Passion Fruit Blondie
Dessert: Olive Oil Cake with Candied Orange Glaze | Seasonal Ice Cream
Desserts: Jamaican Rum Cake, Bananas Foster Pudding
Fun Things To Do Nearby: Wine, Ballooning, Spa Time & More
THINGS TO DO NEARBY (COME AHEAD OF TIME OR STAY AFTER!)
World-class wineries: Enchanted Hills Napa is surrounded by some of the world’s most renowned wineries, including Domaine Carneros, Hess Collection, and Shafer Vineyards. We may have an optional wine tasting at the retreat. If we do, we'll be sure to offer a non-alcoholic beverage tasting, too, for those who prefer.
Nearby:
- Napa Valley: Enchanted Hills Retreat is just a short drive from the charming towns of Napa, St. Helena, and Calistoga, offering a range of shopping, dining, spas and cultural attractions.
- Hot air balloon rides: Experience the breathtaking beauty of Napa Valley from above with a hot air balloon ride.
Lodging Options & Costs For Enchanted Hills
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.
Lodging Option 1 - The Lodge
The lodge has private rooms with extra-wide twin beds, and the bathroom and shower are shared. The space is set up much like a college dorm with a hallway and rooms off of it. There are 14 people who can choose this option.
2 people to a room
Cost: $997 per person
The Lodge option with 2 twin beds per room is SOLD OUT. There is only 1 more spot for the Lodge with 3 twin beds per room. It costs the same price. We will close out this option when these are gone.
Lodging Option 2 - Lakeside (Includes Double or Throuple Options)
The Lakeside Cabins are higher-end cabins that are like an open suite with two rooms with extra-wide twin beds with shared internal bathrooms. There is a hallway between the two rooms and the bathroom is between them.
Lakeside Double includes two beds in one room and the front room overlooking the lake has a brand-new pullout queen sleeper sofa. There are 16 people who can choose this option.
2 people to a room
Cost: $1497 per person
Lakeside Throuple - includes three beds in a higher-end cabin with two rooms separated by a hallway with a shared internal bathroom between them. There are 6 people who can choose this option.
3 people to a room
Cost: $1297 per person
Lodging Option 3 - The Casitas (Private Mini-Houses)
The Casitas are each a separate dwelling with a private room with a queen bed and an amazing view of the redwoods, along with a window at your feet. There is a shared bathhouse for the Casitas that has private rooms with showers and bathroom spaces. There are 8 people who can choose this option.
Cost: $1625 per person
The Casitas are SOLD OUT.
Lodging Option 4 - Commuter
If you need or prefer to stay off site, the event fee is $700 for the 4 days, including all meals and activities included for on-site participants. Contact us if you are interested in this option.
This program is for current Conscious Girlfriend Academy members only. The event cost includes your lodging and meals. Transportation costs are not included, but rental cars may be shared, and a shuttle service can be available. Sacramento, Oakland (2 hours away) and Santa Rosa (1.25 hours away) are the closest airports.
Upgrades
Enhance your experience with optional add-on activities, such as a curated wine tasting and relaxing on-site massages. These offerings are available at an additional cost, with full details to come.
Transportation to Enchanted Hills
The Santa Rosa airport is the closest but doesn't have many flights. Especially if you're coming from out of state, it's a better bet to fly into Oakland, San Francisco or Sacramento. We will have a google doc to help people team up on rental cars or sharing a shuttle. Enchanted Hills is approximately 2 hours from OAK, SFO or SAC and 1 hour from Santa Rosa.
If you are driving from elsewhere in CA, or somewhere else, and have space for a passenger, OR need a ride, there will be space to post that on the google doc, too.
Cancellation Policy
WE HOPE YOU WON'T NEED TO CANCEL, BUT...
You'll get a 100% refund if you sign up and then cancel by September 17th.
You'll get a 50% refund if you cancel between September 17th & October 17th.
Unfortunately, we can't give any refunds for cancellations after October 15th, though you are welcome to 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.
Scenes From Enchanted Hills
Take a magical nighttime paddle
Or just admire the view
S'mores, anyone?
FAQs About the Conscious Girlfriend Retreat
Q: What is the October 2025 Conscious Girlfriend Academy Retreat in Napa, CA?
The October 2025 retreat in Napa is a growth-oriented, heart-centered gathering for lesbians and queer women who are members of the Conscious Girlfriend Academy, the leading global online community and learning hub for women who love women. Adjacent non-binary people are warmly welcome, too. This 3-day event invites 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: Who is the Conscious Girlfriend Academy retreat for?
This retreat is designed especially for single lesbians and queer women seeking community and friendship, though of course couples are welcome, too. Most of our attendees tend to be over 40.
- If you’re over 40, you’ll be right at home! Most attendees are in their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond.
- Women just coming out or 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 lesbian 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. Most participants will have been attending Zoom classes and groups together for months, though if you're just hearing about us now, you can still come -- as long as you become a member.
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 (after all, it's Napa), 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 October 2025 Conscious Girlfriend Academy retreat, you can look forward to:
- Workshops for self-discovery and personal growth, including an opportunity to attend the Saturday session of our 12-week Lesbian Dating Essentials class live and in-person!
- 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 drawing on the farmland bounty Napa Valley and California are known for
- 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, the Conscious Girlfriend Academy retreat offers:
- 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 Napa, California in October 2025?
- Napa Valley is gorgeous in autumn, with harvest-season beauty, golden vineyards, and crisp evenings.
- The serene setting supports relaxation and reflection, away from the rush of daily life.
- It’s easy to access from the Bay Area and regional airports, making it ideal for a weekend retreat to recharge and reconnect. Yet many of our participants will come from the East Coast, elsewhere in the U.S., and most likely elsewhere in the world, too. (Our members come from 25 countries!)
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, most of our retreats yield friendships which sometimes, in the fullness of time, turn into romantic relationships. So, it could happen :)
- 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.
MEMORIES FROM OUR IN-PERSON RETREAT IN FEBRUARY 2025
Conscious Girlfriend In Palm Springs
"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!"
"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."
"Truly Fulfilling and Safe"
"I am so grateful for the Conscious Girlfriend retreat and the opportunity to meet up with each other in person. Our respect and support for each other was truly fulfilling. We made such a safe environment by being together. The reflections on what I’m learning about myself, especially from the exercises, activities and playing, are still reverberating weeks later. Definitely would/will do it again!"
"The Little Zoom Boxes
Came Alive"
"My highlights were engaging with the live and 3D versions of the little zoom boxes I have become familiar with, meeting Ruth, meditating every morning with the very zen Nicki, connecting with my spirit animal during Ruth’s shamanic journey. I am gonna spend some time now receiving some lessons from her before I venture out again into the dating world… And the flirting workshop was amazing!"
"Chemotherapy for the Soul"
"The Palm Springs retreat was a kind of chemotherapy for the soul. It was like the desert heat and the deep hearts of the people there burned through malignant edges of parts of my neural pathways that were attached to relationships that would never let me thrive. One of the most life-altering 3 days of my life. Being in and around the academy for many months beforehand is what made it all work to prepare me for this. I am still in awe of the shifts. I have a whole new operating system for lesbian love and relationships now."
"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."
"Deep Connection, Incredible Women"
"Standing beneath these ancient, unshaven palm trees at Andreas Canyon Trail in Palm Springs, I felt a deep connection to the wisdom of nature and the incredible women around me. This moment, shared with the Conscious Girlfriend Academy community, was more than just a gathering—it was a space of transformation, reflection, and collective energy. Grateful for this journey, these women, and the magic we are creating together."
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!
