Reconnect, Restore, and Thrive: A Healing Retreat for Women

Reconnect, Restore, and Thrive is a five-day healing retreat for women at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. It is led by Kerrie Bodendorf and blends Groove and MELT movement classes with sharing circles, journaling, meditative drawing and evening gatherings. It is open to anyone who identifies as femme or female-bodied and wants a spacious, supportive setting for rest and reconnection.

What to Expect

The retreat moves at a gentle pace. Each morning begins in stillness, a chance to settle inward and breathe before the day opens. Groove and MELT classes form the physical heart of the program. They pair breath with movement to help release tension, restore balance and bring more ease and fluidity into the body.

Alongside the movement, daily sharing circles, reflective journaling and intention-setting create a container where you can explore your inner landscape and be witnessed by the other women in the room. Meditative drawing sessions invite creative, mindful expression and help calm the nervous system. Evenings are lighter: guided reflection and gentle practices, or group singalongs full of harmony and laughter. On the final night, an all-request dance party closes the retreat.

The daily rhythm at Kripalu is steady. Kripalu Yoga classes run from 6:30 to 7:45 in the morning and again from 4:45 to 6:00 in the late afternoon. Silent breakfast follows the morning class. Program sessions run from 9:00 to 11:30 am and from 1:30 to 4:00 pm, with lunch in between and dinner from 5:30 to 7:30. On Monday and Wednesday, an additional evening session runs from 7:00 to 8:30. Check-in begins at 2:00 pm on opening day, with a first program session that evening from 7:30 to 9:00. On the final day, the morning session ends at 11:00, followed by lunch and departure.

Past participants describe feeling supported and seen, and speak of Kerrie's joyful presence.

About Kerrie Bodendorf

Kerrie Bodendorf guides this retreat as its presenter, leading the Groove and MELT classes and holding the sharing, drawing and evening practices. Participants have described how she creates a warm, well-held space where people at any point in their healing can feel heard and guided.

The Setting

Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health sits in Stockbridge, in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. Accommodations are intentionally simple, meant to help you unplug and feel grounded. Options include private single-occupancy rooms for those who want solitude and community-style dorms for those who want more connection. Rooms are ready by 4:00 pm, and a luggage room is available if you arrive earlier. Check-out on the last day is at 10:00 am, though you may stay on campus and join workshops until 2:00 pm.

Three nutritious meals a day are included, as is access to the Kripalu grounds.

Before You Go

This retreat is beginner-friendly and open to women of all experience levels. Some previous meditation experience is helpful but not required. Some classes involve movement. Sessions are held in English.

Your stay includes more than ten daily yoga and movement classes, three meals a day, accommodation, the sharing circles and program sessions, the drawing sessions and the evening gatherings. Healing Arts sessions and items from the Kripalu Shop and Cafe are available for separate purchase.

Bring your own MELT soft roller and therapy balls if you have them. If not, the instructor will provide loaner equipment. Schedules and room locations may vary slightly, so check the Guest Boards or the schedule you receive at check-in.