Should You Go on a Retreat Alone? What to Expect
Sep 18
Have you ever found an incredible retreat, trip or experience—and immediately started searching for someone to go with you?
One friend can’t get the time off. Another can’t fit it into her budget. Someone else says, “Maybe next year.” Suddenly, your bucket-list experience depends on somebody else’s calendar, comfort zone and willingness to say yes.
In this episode of Bucket List Retreats: The Podcast, Kelly Morgan Merly asks: Should you go on a retreat alone?
Kelly shares how she attended a Bali retreat solo, was paired with a roommate and met Nicole—the travel bestie who would later explore the world with her. She also explains why arriving alone can give you more freedom to meet the group, enjoy the experience your own way and stop waiting for someone else to be ready.
You’ll also hear:
• What a thoughtful retreat leader should do to welcome solo guests
• Questions to ask before booking a retreat by yourself
• Why shared activities make conversation feel natural
• How attending alone can create a completely different experience
• The practical question to ask before another opportunity passes you by
RETREAT NEWS
GLP-1 retreats are now a thing. Kelly looks at the expensive new wellness programs offering nutrition guidance, strength training, cooking education and medical support for guests taking medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro.
New York Post: “On a GLP-1? There’s a Vacation for That”
https://nypost.com/2026/08/06/health/on-a-glp-1-theres-a-vacation-for-that/
RETREAT REVIEW
Kelly reviews Hilton Head Health using the 5 B’s™ of Choosing a Retreat: Basics, Beauty, Benefits, Believability and Belonging. The setting and programming look impressive—but should a guest paying an extra $700 for specialized group programming be told she is the only person enrolled?
PICTURE THE JOY PHOTO CONTEST
Share a photo and short story from a retreat, trip or everyday moment that brought you joy. Use #PictureTheJoy, tag two friends, and follow and tag @bucketlistretreatstm and @heartstocabi.
The contest runs through September 30. Chris Beagle of cAbi is sponsoring a $100 cAbi gift certificate for the winner, selected October 1. Find the official contest post on Instagram for complete details.
Follow Bucket List Retreats:
https://instagram.com/bucketlistretreatstm
Follow Chris Beagle of cAbi:
https://instagram.com/heartstocabi
EXPLORE BUCKET LIST RETREATS
Website:
https://bucketlistretreats.com
Podcast:
https://bucketlistretreats.com/podcast
Find Your Happy Again Women’s Retreat—Dominican Republic, January 17–24, 2027:
https://bucketlistretreats.com/dominican-republic
Facebook:
https://facebook.com/bucketlistretreats
A bucket list isn’t just about the places you go. It’s about the experiences that make you feel fully alive.
If not now, when?
Music licensed through Soundstripe.
Code: CWUBOKVNIVOILNWY
