As you’re considering what this year looks like for you and your family, perhaps you are craving a slow-down. Maybe you’re looking for a chance to focus on your own wellness, and maybe you’d like to connect with other moms, too!
We have the perfect opportunity for you: Wanderlust Family Retreats.
Launched by Founder and Managing Director Monica Virga Alborno with the mission to bridge the gap between wellness retreats and motherhood, Wanderlust Family Retreats is entering its inaugural year, and Boston Moms is excited to have the opportunity to interview Monica and learn more!
If this is something you might be interested in, Wanderlust Family Retreats is able to accommodate payment plans to meet every financial need.
Meghan:
The last two years have been particularly challenging for mothers and caregivers. I think I speak for us all when I say we are TIRED. When I began speaking with Monica, I was intrigued by her wellness retreat offerings and excited by the fact that they include CHILDREN.
Monica, I’m excited to speak with you. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how and why you created this space?
Monica:
I’m originally from rural northern New Jersey, and a mom to a sassy and charming 15-month-old daughter, Mahira. My full-time career in the corporate energy industry has taken me across the world, and my family is currently located in Norway. I met my husband while living in Kuwait back in 2011. He is Saudi Arabian, and we are proudly building our family life to be multicultural and multilingual. My parents, sister, and the rest of the family all still live in the northeastern part of the U.S. and we enjoy visiting often.
When I became a first-time mom, I experienced that beautiful bond and unconditional love that you cannot quite describe until you feel it yourself. I also experienced the isolation and exhaustion that comes with the territory, which was even more heightened in the times of the pandemic. That is when I truly realized that mother community and self-care are so important for us to thrive and show up as our best every day.
This led me to create Wanderlust Family Retreats, a four-day getaway for both mothers AND children together where mothers can have some time to reset and breathe, while the children take part in camp-style activities exploring nature. There are also activities for mothers and children to do together, such as group hikes, mommy and me yoga, and farm-to-table meals, all while connecting with a group of mothers in early motherhood.
Meghan:
What should moms know about your retreats that they might not be able to infer just from visiting your website?
Monica:
We have put significant thought into all the experiences for both the moms AND children throughout the day. If I walk you through a typical day, it will start with you and your child waking up on your own schedule and coming up to the pavilion for a farm-to-table self-serve breakfast.
By 9 a.m., the morning programs are starting with a perfectly crafted fusion yoga class for the moms that combines vinyasa yoga, strength training, and low impact cardio with modifications for diastasis recti and C-section mothers.
As you finish up yoga, you’ll walk toward a whimsical, boho-chic brunch spread. While this is taking place, let’s not forget about the childcare experience. Our childcare program is focused on connection with nature, self-learning, and discovery. Think summer camp vibes with a Montessori mom curated twist.
The rest of the day is spent taking part in group hikes, complimentary massages, and a smoothie bar during free time. The evening winds down with a family-style dinner followed by a group activity before bedtime.
Our Wanderlust team is founded, owned, and operated by all women, who are the majority themselves in the season of early motherhood and have been chosen to guide you through the retreat experience with the utmost passion for what they do.
Meghan:
Can you tell us a bit about the safety measures you have in place for families as we continue to monitor the pandemic?
Monica:
Ah yes, the elephant in the room. I can say confidently that we are committed to operating safely and efficiently while also still providing a beautiful experience for our guests. Handwashing areas and antibacterial hand sanitizer stations will be available and always have easy access. There will also be daily sanitation of all areas and shared spaces. We will continue to monitor the situation and, if needed, may also require a PCR test for each adult 48 hours before arrival. You can visit our website in the footer and click on COVID-19 for the latest safety and health plans.
Meghan:
I am SURE there are moms reading who are thinking — this sounds like the perfect way for me to care for myself AND for my family. How should they seek out your services? Where can they learn more or register?
Monica:
You can visit our website to learn more. If you join our mailing list, you’ll receive exclusive access to downloadable guides, free virtual mommy and me yoga class sign ups, and more. You can reserve your spot now for our upcoming retreats directly on our website. Also follow us on social media where we share about our team, the retreat program, and everyday inspiration and wellness ideas for both mothers and children.
We are beyond excited to be bringing this experience to mothers because you are yearning for this. Motherhood is when we truly begin to find ourselves, our true power, our legacy that we want to build for our family. We need space to breathe, to honor our bond with our child and ourselves. We need community and a village who we can relate to. I welcome you to our community and hope to see you at one of our retreats.
Check out our latest retreat video!
