Life-Changing Lesbian/Queer Retreats
Learning, connection & welcoming community for longtime
lesbians, those just coming out, and everyone in between
Scenes From Our Previous Retreats
August 26-30, 2026
Lesbian/Queer Dating Essentials
Learning & Connection Retreat
Honors Haven Retreat Center:
Mountain paradise with lakes, trails & saunas
Ellenville, NY (two hours from NYC)
November 5-9, 2026
Conscious Girlfriend Academy
Connection Retreat For Members
Bubbling Wells Oasis:
107-acre private hot springs ranch just for us!
Desert Hot Springs, CA (two hours from LA)
W H A T ' S T H E D I F F E R E N C E ?
The August retreat is a more intimate gathering (25-30 people) which will immerse you
in a 3-day program on the fundamentals of smart-for-your-heart lesbian/queer dating.
The November retreat is a larger gathering (65-75 people) for Academy members only,
giving us a chance to deepen the friendships we've formed all year on Zoom.
Find more details below for both the August and November retreats.
Come to our Retreat Info Session on Monday, June 22, 5-7pm Pacific
($1 safety & trust fee)
Planning Ahead?
March 7-12, 2027, we'll have another members-only retreat
back at the marvelous Dayspring, on the Manatee River near Tampa, FL.
Yes, for five nights this time! Save the dates!
Need a conversation to help you decide whether a retreat is right for you? We're glad to chat.
Academy Director Ruth Schwartz explains exactly what you'll gain from a Conscious Girlfriend retreat -- whether you're just coming out, a longtime lesbian, or anywhere in between.
Retreat Details
Details for August 26-30 Lesbian Dating Essentials Retreat in the Catskills, NY
Please click on the arrow button on the right to open up the details.
ABOUT CONSCIOUS GIRLFRIEND ACADEMY LEARNING RETREATS:
Conscious Girlfriend Academy has been providing transformational lesbian retreats since 2015, and we literally wrote the book on conscious lesbian dating and love. Most of our retreats are for Academy members only. However, we also offer occasional "learning retreats," where non-members can attend to have an in-person four-day immersion in the same curriculum our online courses cover.
TIMES AND DATES FOR THE LESBIAN DATING ESSENTIALS LEARNING RETREAT:
We'll be gathering on Wednesday, August 26 at 4:00 p.m., and will be together until Sunday, August 30 at 12 noon. All of your meals from Wednesday dinner through Sunday breakfast will be included.
PROGRAM:
The retreat will include four hours daily of classroom time and experiential learning on Lesbian Dating Essentials -- including how to prepare yourself for dating, gain clarity about your needs and vision, build confidence, find women to date, and date in smart-for-your-heart ways.
Each day will also include structured connection time to help you build friendships and community with other participants. Many attendees make lifelong friendships.
Plus, we'll have fun! Walking, swimming, boating, jacuzzi and sauna time, campfires with s'mores, music-making and singing -- it's like lesbian summer camp.
Whether you've been out for decades but "never really dated" (as so many lesbians say), are recovering after a big loss, or are new to dating women, this retreat will be life changing!
EXTENDING YOUR LEARNING POST-RETREAT:
If you choose, you can extend your retreat experience by becoming a member of the Conscious Girlfriend Academy, and participating in our online programs for a full year. We've got unbelievable support, including many live classes throughout the year, weekly coach-led skill-building labs, a weekly group for lesbians 60+, and a weekly group for those coming out later in life. Or, you can opt to just take the online Lesbian Dating Essentials 12-week Intensive, held September 19 - December 12, a la carte. Either way, extending your Academy time past the retreat experience will help you deepen your learning and Academy friendships, and give you time to actually put the course material into practice.
WHO THIS RETREAT IS FOR:
Conscious Girlfriend retreat attendees are usually between the ages of 45 and 85. Some are longtime lesbians, while others are newly coming out. We welcome bisexual and queer women and adjacent non-binary people, too. We anticipate approximately 25-30 participants.
VENUE:
We will be staying at Honors Haven resort, a large, beautiful retreat center in the Catskill Mountains in Ellenville, NY, about two hours from NYC. The retreat center has beautiful mountain views, lakes, walking trails, a pool, jacuzzi, saunas, comfortable lodging and great food.
>See the facilities at the Honor's Haven website here
Retreat attendance can only be booked through us, not through the facility.
RETREAT INCLUDES:
Four nights of accommodation in a premium room, single (king) or double (full beds) with private bath and lake, mountain or garden views.
Delicious buffet-style meals and snacks beginning Wednesday, August 26 at 4:00 p.m., through Sunday, August 30, 12:00 noon. Special dietary needs can be accommodated.
HOW THIS RETREAT CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE
There's really nowhere else you can find this kind of conscious, emotionally intelligent, welcoming lesbian/queer learning environment.
Amazing things happen both at, and after our retreats. For instance, "Ann," who attended last January, arrived knowing no one, and had only met one other lesbian in her life. Now, four months later, she's immersed in supportive lesbian community and is happily in her first lesbian relationship, too. "Jill" came following a fresh heartbreak ("I ignored so many red flags," she admitted ruefully.) Now she's got the confidence to know she won't do that again, plus a whole posse of queer friends supporting her healing process.
FEES:
Early-Bird Rates through June 26, 2026: $2099 single (your own room) or $1799 double (you may request a roommate, or sign up with a friend who wishes to share your room)
Rate if you sign up June 27-August 20, if available: $2299 single, $1999 double
Not sure if this retreat is right for you? We're glad to have a 1:1 chat to help you figure it out. >Book your phone chat with our warm, wise Outreach Director, Jen, here.
Details for November 5-9 Members-Only Retreat near Palm Springs, CA
Please click on the arrow button on the right to open up the details.
ABOUT OUR BUBBLING WELLS OASIS RETREAT
20 minutes from Palm Springs, CA
November 5-9
Conscious Girlfriend Academy members only
DATES AND TIMES:
Thursday, November 5, 4:00 p.m. - Monday, November 9, 11:00 a.m. (includes Thursday dinner, three meals per day Friday-Sunday, and Monday breakfast)
VENUE:
Bubbling Wells Oasis is a spectacular, secluded yet conveniently-located 107-acre retreat in Desert Hot Springs, CA, just 10 miles from the Palm Springs airport. Bubbling Wells offers three massive 104-degree natural mineral hot springs tubs, a private lake, an infinity pool, expansive views, gorgeous tiered patios with art and many special spots for reflection and connection, and miles of walking trails. We will have the whole place for our exclusive use. See photos here.
SIZE:
We have room for 70 participants.
LODGING OPTIONS:
There are very few bedrooms on site, so participants will stay off-site in nearby hotels that also have their own mineral pools. YOUR LODGING COST IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RETREAT TUITION.
Aqua Soleil is the closest, and reasonably priced. If most Academy members stay here, we could take over much of the hotel :)
Miracle Springs is less than 10 minutes away, and also reasonably priced
Azure Palms is also less than 10 minutes away, and a great luxury pick. However, it may not be worth it, since you'll be spending all your time with us at Bubbling Wells.
It will be your own responsibility to book lodging of your choice.
TUITION:
Early bird retreat tuition of $1199, available through September 5, includes the gathering space, all meals Thursday dinner through Sunday dinner, and our program. NOTE: THIS FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE LODGING, WHICH YOU MUST BOOK ON YOUR OWN. If space is available after September 5, tuition will go up to $1349. We do anticipate this retreat selling out.
FOOD:
Fresh, delicious California cuisine with lots of fruit and veggies, catered by an experienced chef, and friendly to people on all kinds of diets (we'll put out a questionnaire ahead of time so you can tell us if you're vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or have other special food needs.)
ACCESSIBILITY:
There is a parking area near the 5000-square-foot, artist-built mansion whose indoor space and outdoor patio will be our meeting space. The brick path from the parking area to the house is relatively flat and short. Some bathrooms may be accessible depending on individual mobility needs, but the owners do not guarantee full ADA compliance. However, much of the broader property is not accessible, because it features loose sand, uneven terrain, natural paths, and areas without handrails. The lakes, ponds, jacuzzis, trails and some outdoor areas do require navigating stairs.
See pictures and learn more about Bubbling Wells Oasis here, but please don't contact the Oasis directly. All questions should come to us.
TRANSPORTATION:
Best airport to fly into: Palm Springs (10 miles away)
We anticipate that many members will either bring cars, or rent cars, so there will be transportation available from the nearby lodging to the Bubbling Wells retreat space.
PROGRAM:
Our activities will include:
Ruth teaching live on topics related to Lesbian Dating Essentials and emotional repair and/or sexuality (we will poll attendees for your preferences!)
Jen leading connection exercises based on the Lesbian Manatee Connection cards
Mini-workshops facilitated by some of our participants, including morning meditation or yoga
Lots of connection opportunities, both structured and unstructured
OPTIONAL: ATTEND THE INDIGO GIRLS CONCERT IN PALM SPRINGS TOGETHER ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7
If you arrive in the area early or stay late, excursions to Joshua Tree National Park (45 minutes away) and/or Palm Springs, including the aerial tram (20 minutes away) are highly recommended. Beginning in June, we will create opportunities for retreat attendees to connect with each other so you can make your lodging, transportation and excursion plans together.
Details for March 7-12, 2027 Members Only Retreat near Tampa, FL
ABOUT DAYSPRING
Dayspring Retreat 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
Cancellation Policy
WE HOPE YOU WON'T NEED TO CANCEL, BUT...
If you sign up for a retreat and then cancel, we can give you a full refund 60 days before the retreat start date, or a 50% refund 30 days before the start date. There will be no refunds less than 30 days before the start date, though you are welcome to sell or transfer your retreat space to another person.
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 warm-hearted lesbians and queer women
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 are the settings of our retreats?
We choose beautiful places for our retreats! Please check the details above for the retreat you're interested in.
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. Our learning retreats tend to have 25-30 participants. Our members-only retreats tend to have 60-70 participants.
Many participants arrive knowing no one. Our atmosphere, culture and programming will help you quickly feel connected, and most attendees make lifelong friends at Academy retreats.
Most participants 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
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! Our retreats are 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 Conscious Girlfriend Academy lesbian retreats 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: Do you have to be an Academy member in order to attend?
Some of our retreats are for members only, but our learning retreats are open to everyone.
The learning retreat Lesbian Dating Essentials, August 26-30, does not require membership. You can sign up for this retreat a la carte, though many people also choose to continue with our online Lesbian Dating Essentials 12-week course, held September 19-December 12, after attending the retreat.
Our Palm Springs retreat (November 5-9) and our Tampa-area retreat (March 7-12, 2027) are for members only. 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.
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!
Open-Hearted. Growthful. Fun. Friendship-Making.
Welcoming all women-loving-women and adjacent non-binary people.
