When worry-free, playful retreats to replenish the soul are just what the doctor ordered, contact Samantha and Savanna, two best friends who decided to combine their skills to launch a health-oriented business that hosts adventurous, yoga and wellness retreats regionally and around the globe.
Called Adventure Tribe Retreats, Savanna DeLuca and Samantha Williford say a mainstay of the retreats and trips they plan is securing plant-based vacation options. They like to think of it as building webs of connection between nature, food, communities and individuals.
Samantha lives, works and plays on her family’s 200-acre farm in St. Clair, Missouri, where she owns and operates an event planning business and outdoor venue called Lost Hill Lake Events. Her experience hosting and coordinating private events helped Samantha develop exceptional planning, organization and customer service skills—which she happily applies to the Adventure Tribe initiatives and participants.
She holds tight to the farm from April through October every year to handle on-site events such as outdoor weddings, glamping, festivals and wellness retreats but enjoys traveling with her husband, Rob, and their son during winter months.
"I feel really fulfilled when motivating, inspiring and helping others reach their greatest potentials," she says.
Savanna first embraced authentic adventure when she traveled abroad with a backpack and a one-way ticket at the age of 20. Throughout her hiking journeys, she says she learned to practice and teach yoga, along with devoting countless hours to volunteering with worthy organizations in conservation and educational sectors.
"I enjoy helping others discover their own sense of wonder," says Savanna, who seeks to bring enthusiasm and curiosity to activities she does.
Savanna traveled four continents before landing back in her native sunny Florida. Now she lives with her partner, Chris, and her cuddly pup, Viri, a few miles away from the Atlantic Ocean where they admire sunrises as often as they can.
"I like to work with clients by empowering them to feel informed and confident about their lifestyle choices through personal coaching, mental health counseling, mindfulness workshops, educational seminars—and the best of all—leading Adventure Tribe Retreats," she says.
These two wellness leaders indicate the majority of participants reveal the retreats are "life-changing."
"Everyone attends for different reasons, but all leave feeling impacted by their experience. Some feel empowered because they hiked up a mountain they didn’t believe possible, some feel understood and accepted for the first time, and others appreciate having time to indulge in self-care," Samantha says. "Whether you attend alone or with friends, you leave as part of the tribe."
The two besties are kicking off their 2019 retreat season this month with their first Yoga Arts Music Festival – YAM Fest. To participate in it or other endeavors this year, consider some of the upcoming Adventure Tribe Retreats:
Yoga Arts Music Festival – YAM Fest
- Family- and pet-friendly gathering in a 50-year-old, shaded walnut grove alongside the Meramec River to relax and celebrate healing arts and yoga
- Outdoor interactive workshops, live music
- May 17 starting at 10 a.m. through May 19 at 3 p.m.
- Hosted at Lost Hill Lake in St. Clair, Missouri
Mini Retreat: Wild Natured Women
- Specifically for women only this time
- Engage in nature, personal reflection, mindful movement and other meditation techniques
- June 14 starting at 6 p.m. through June 16 at 3 p.m.
- Hosted at Lost Hill Lake
Mini Retreat: Bring Yoga to Life
- Yoga immersion for those 18 years and older
- Yoga philosophy, fundamentals workshops, pranayama, meditation, plant-based meals and the great outdoors
- June 21 starting at 6 p.m. through June 23 at 3 p.m.
- Hosted at Lost Hill Lake
Fearless Leaders: A Retreat for Adventurous Women
- Push limits, explore new terrain, immerse in adventure activities, develop leadership skills and reconnect with oneself.
- July 2 starting at 6 p.m. through July 7 at 3 p.m.
- Hosted in Asheville, North Carolina
Mini Retreat: Couples Connection Campout
- Connections among partners occur through play, fostering growth in each other, attending interactive workshops and deepening intimacy through authentic conversations.
- Participants will enjoy a Thai massage workshop; guided hikes; and free time to nap in a hammock, take a dip in the river or just relax.
- July 19 starting at 6 p.m. through July 21 at 3 p.m.
- Hosted at Lost Hill Lake
Mini Retreat: Refill Your Cup
- Healers, leaders, therapists, teachers, firefighters, mothers or people who spend time serving others can focus on their own needs this weekend.
- Group discussions, experiential workshops, mindful movement, plant-based meals
- Aug. 2 starting at 6 p.m. through Aug. 4 at 3 p.m.
- Hosted at Lost Hill Lake.
Mini Retreat: Yoga for Mental Health
- Gain new knowledge with other mental health service providers in interactive group discussions.
- Yoga, philosophy, experiential workshops, reflective exercises, healthy meals and the outdoors
- Aug. 16 starting at 6 p.m. through Aug. 18 at 3 p.m.
- Hosted at Lost Hill Lake
Annual New Moon Gathering
- Engage with nature, build friendships, indulge in delicious food and try new experiences.
- Aug 30 starting at 3 p.m. through Sept. 2 at 4 p.m.
- Hosted at Lost Hill Lake
The Costa Rica Escape
- Hike through tropical jungle, discover waterfalls, stroll Samara beaches, do yoga, listen to bird songs, enjoy exotic wildlife, build friendships and experience new cultures.
- Dec. 5 at 12 a.m. through Dec. 11 at 1 a.m.
For more details and event updates, visit AdventureTribeRetreats.com.
