Creative Wellness Weekend Retreat in Michigan Nature

EarthWell Retreat Center is the setting for this creative wellness weekend, and the land itself does a lot of the work. The property sits on 140 acres of rolling prairie, forest, and wetland, with a spring-fed swimming pond at its heart and miles of trails winding through Washtenaw County Nature Preserve. Six off-grid sleeping cabins are scattered across the landscape, all within a short walk to the Common House, which has a large gathering space, a community kitchen and dining room, and the bathrooms with showers. The off-grid feel is intentional — you'll have minimal electricity in most cabins and no wifi in the woods, which makes it wonderfully easy to disconnect.

The program is designed by a team of seasoned facilitators, each with a depth of training: Emily Adama, MSW, leads much of the mindfulness and meditation work, drawing on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) curriculum. Miriam Dowd-Eller is a licensed massage therapist who brings a healing touch to the restorative practices, and Ariana Wakeman, LMSW, adds a social-work background to the circle work. On Saturday night, they pull out all the stops with a special musically accompanied Yoga Nidra and Bhakti Song Circle, featuring songs and chants in Sanskrit and English. That night is often the emotional centerpiece for many guests.

What really sets EarthWell apart, though, is the blend of stillness and creative play. In addition to classic yoga, meditation, and nature walks, you'll experience InterPlay, a body-centered improvisational practice that weaves movement, storytelling, and sound together in a way that often breaks into laughter and genuine connection. There's also NIA, a holistic dance fitness practice that's accessible to every body — including those with severe movement limitations. These sessions are led by Megan, who owns Me-Again Dance Wellness and has been teaching NIA for over 20 years. Her approach is less about perfecting a pose and more about finding the joy in moving your own way.

Your days will have a lot of breathing room. The mornings start with a leisurely breakfast, followed by wellness sessions, and then a proper lunch before a big afternoon block of free time. That's when people go for a swim in the pond, take a nap in a hammock, wander the trails, or book an optional massage. The weekend wraps up Sunday morning with a closing circle before a leisurely departure — no lunch is served on Sunday, so you can head home feeling light and grounded.

What's included

- 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals (Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast, 5 meals total) - Water, tea, and coffee served throughout the day - Accommodation in your chosen lodging option - Daily meditation classes - Daily yoga classes - Daily pranayama classes - Creative Arts Wellness Classes (NIA, InterPlay) - Opening and closing circles - Guided sensory walk - Sound bath - Use of 140 acres of nature trails, pond, and common areas - Free parking

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights costs - Travel insurance - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Visa fees - Additional treatments (e.g., massage) - Towels (bring your own) - Meals on Sunday after breakfast