Four Day Personal Retreat: Pelican Grand Beach Resort

Oct 14

5 min read

Imagine: Four days of ocean air, bodywork, meaningful conversation, and a little time to simply be.

Sometimes the best way to begin a personal retreat isn't by opening your journal or asking yourself life's big questions. It's by giving your body a chance to rest, FIRST. When you're physically exhausted, even meaningful reflection can feel like another task on your to-do list. That's why I believe a Rest & Renewal retreat should begin with caring for your body before turning your attention inward. And you don't need to travel far, board a plane, or book an elaborate wellness resort to make that happen. A comfortable hotel, a top notch spa experience, and some uninterrupted time away from your everyday responsibilities can be just as meaningful.

I spent a long weekend with my cousin at the Pelican Grand Beach Resort (yes, I flew), a charming oceanfront resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Our four days together reminded me that sometimes the best retreat experiences are the ones that unfold naturally.

Here's how we spent our time, along with a little inspiration for creating your own.

Day 1 — Arrival & Grounding

Let the Reset Begin

We started our retreat with massages at PURE Spa. We had hoped to spend some time enjoying the spa's private upper deck afterward, but the rain had other plans. Personally, I think rainy days make some of the best spa days!

It was the perfect opportunity to slow down, enjoy a little pampering, and leave our everyday routines behind. We ended the evening with a leisurely dinner, catching up and enjoying each other's company over a few glasses of wine. It was nice to catch up with no agenda, just good company and a much-needed change of pace.

Your retreat inspiration: Who says a personal retreat has to be a solo experience? Invite a girlfriend, sister, or someone you love spending time with to join you. You can enjoy the benefits of time away together while still creating space for your own personal reflection. Sometimes having someone along for the journey makes the experience even more meaningful.

Day 2 — Rest & Replenish

Sunshine, Salt Water & Good Conversation

The next morning brought sunshine, so off to the beach we went! We settled into our loungers, soaked up the warmth, and took several refreshing dips in the salt water. The sunshine and ocean air were just what the doctor ordered.

Still no journals in sight! By the afternoon, after a few tropical drinks, our conversations naturally began shifting toward our businesses, personal dreams, and the things we hoped to explore in the next chapters of our lives.

What I especially loved was having someone to share those thoughts with. So much of our personal reflection happens inside our own heads. It was refreshing to exchange ideas, ask each other questions, and explore possibilities together without feeling like we needed to come up with all the answers.

Your retreat inspiration: Spend the day doing whatever feels restorative. Take a swim, read, walk, or enjoy time with a close friend who makes you laugh. Let meaningful conversations happen naturally.

Day 3 — Reflection & Connection

Making Space for Your Thoughts

By our third morning, after two days of slowing down and enjoying ourselves, we were finally ready to open our journals. Even though we were traveling together, we made time for independent reflection. No small talk, no lengthy conversations, and no pressure to share what we were writing. Just quiet time to put our thoughts on paper and sit with whatever surfaced. The only important decision to make was what to have for lunch. And here's what I noticed: after giving ourselves permission to rest, enjoy the moment, and simply be, the journaling felt much more natural and flowed better. We weren't forcing ourselves to reflect. We were finally ready to.

Your retreat inspiration: Don't be afraid to be a kid again. One of my favorite things to do at the beach is enjoy a lazy river. The slow pace, cool water and relaxing vibes really makes you (literally) slow down. It's the perfect no cellphone zone.

Day 4 — Integration & Return

Taking That Renewed Energy Home

By checkout morning, I felt both physically refreshed and mentally renewed. I wasn't leaving with a perfectly mapped-out plan for my life, nor had I expected to. What I gained was a renewed sense of energy, some fresh perspective, and the feeling that I was ready for the weeks ahead. And that's what I love about personal retreats. They don't always need to lead to a major revelation. Sometimes giving yourself a few days to rest, enjoy meaningful company, and listen to your own thoughts is enough.

Retreat tip: Before heading home, take a few minutes to consider how you'd like to carry that renewed feeling into your everyday life. What's one small way you can continue making space for yourself?

The Soul Retreat Takeaway

Rest first. Reflect second.

One of the most important things I encourage women to consider when planning a personal retreat is the order in which they approach their experience. It's tempting to arrive with a journal full of questions, eager to uncover something meaningful about yourself or your next chapter. But when you're running on empty, that kind of inner work can feel like one more thing you're supposed to accomplish.

Give yourself permission to begin with physical renewal. Sleep a little longer. Schedule a massage. Enjoy nourishing meals. Spend time outdoors. Leave plenty of space between activities. And remember, a self-led retreat doesn't have to mean a solo retreat. Sharing the experience with someone you enjoy can add another wonderful dimension, as long as you both make room for your own personal reflection.

With a little intentional planning, you can create the same meaningful, soulful retreat experience wherever you choose to go. Whether it's a luxury wellness resort, a charming inn, or a cozy boutique hotel, what matters most is creating an experience that supports your need for rest, renewal, and personal reflection. The destination is simply the container that holds space for you and your soul. How you choose to care for yourself while you're there is what makes it a personal retreat.