Women's Adventure Retreat - Alaska
AUGUST 22-28, 2025
Trip SCHEDULE
LOCATION:
ALASKA - Seward, Anchorage, and Shearwater Cove
Join Sally Drake of MSE for Women and Johanna Schuessler of Travel Tribe for an unforgettable women’s retreat in the heart of Alaska! This once-in-a-lifetime adventure blends rugged exploration with deep relaxation—designed just for women seeking connection, nature, and a little thrill.
The crown jewel of the trip? Two nights at Shearwater Cove, a secluded, luxury yurt retreat accessible only by boat. Before arriving at this magical hideaway, we’ll explore the best of Anchorage and Seward, immersing ourselves in Alaska’s breathtaking beauty and local fun.
NOTE: We have room for 12 women ONLY! This retreat will sell out very quickly!
Expect:
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Daily yoga to restore and energize
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Guided hikes through stunning wilderness
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Kayaking in pristine, wildlife-rich waters
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Unplugging and reconnecting—in the most awe-inspiring setting
Adventure, sisterhood, serenity. Alaska is calling.
Travelers will be responsible for:
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Airfare (We are using Alaska Air, discount code for 5% off: ECMO367), fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage Airport
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A few Dutch meals
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A couple of short Uber rides
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Alcohol
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Tips for our amazing chef, Krista Schuessler
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Tips for transportation/drivers/captains
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Bike rental in Anchorage
Friday, August 22nd - Fly into Alaska:
Ladies fly into Anchorage and join us at our first meeting place on the water's edge, Bootlegger’s Landing Villa
You will Uber from the airport, about an 11 minute trip.
6:00pm - Walk to dinner at Glacier Brewhouse - BBQ, Seafood, Beer, Wine!
Saturday, August 23rd:
7:00am – Coffee & connect, morning walk / stretch or sleep in!
8:30am - Breakfast and connection at the Villa (Chef’s creation), change and get ready for the excursion!
10:00am:
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We’ll start with a scenic 1.2-mile walk to Alaska Pablo’s Bicycle Rental to pick up our bikes. (Not a rider? No worries—you can hop in a car or Uber and meet us at the park!)
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Then it’s time to pedal! We’ll cruise 11 miles along the stunning Tony Knowles Coastal Trail to Kincaid Park, where we’ll lock up our bikes and hit the trails on foot.
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Once there, choose your own hiking adventure—whether you’re in the mood for a peaceful wander or ready to rack up the miles on a more vigorous hike, we’ve got you covered.
3:00pm - Yoga at the villa
6:00pm – Homestyle dinner at the Villa (Chef’s creation), pack up for morning!
Sunday, August 24th:
5:30am - Grab n' go breakfast, pack up and head to the train station (1 mile away, we will drive our rental car(s)).
Take the Coastal Classic Train (4 hour scenic ride) to Seward. 6:45am – 11:20am
12:00 - Lunch out in Seward (dutch)
1:30pm - Water taxi to Shearwater Cove, stay 2 nights in beautiful yurts.
2:00pm – Get settled in your yurt, relax!
3:00pm - Hike (short, sight-seeing)
4:30pm – Kayak (lessons available with our host!)
6:00pm – Dinner (Chef’s creation)
7:00pm – Sip & create or sunset kayak, weather dependent
Monday, August 25th:
8:00am – Breakfast (Chef’s creation)
9:30am – Short Hike
11:00am - Kayak lessons (optional)
11:30am – Guided Kayak Excursion including picnic lunch on the Fox Island Spit, aka Sand Spit Point State Marine Park (3-4 hours with time on the spit)
4:30pm - Yoga for all - 75min
6:00pm – Dinner (Chef’s creation)
7:00pm – Sip & create or sunset kayak, weather dependent
Tuesday, August 26th:
8:00am – Breakfast Snack (Chef’s creation)
9:00am – Guided Hike - Whiskey Lake 1.5 mile, rugged, breathtaking
11:30pm – Brunch (Chef’s creation)
1:00pm – Kayak or break
3:30pm - Yoga for all - 75min
5:30pm – Dinner (Chef’s creation)
6:30pm – Live music with Kat Moore
Wednesday, August 27th:
9:00am - Scenic boat tour (Weather Permitting Charter Co) back to Seward (6 hours)- stay at the Breeze Inn.
Thursday, August 28th:
7:30am - Van ride (with Seward City Tours) from Seward to Ted Stevens Anchorage Airport. This trip is about 2hrs 15min.
Fly Home!
What to Bring:
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Clothing for various temperatures for hiking, kayaking, yoga, and walking.
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Clothing includes full rain gear (water proof pants, rain jacket) just in case.
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Shoes for all of the above.
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Swimsuit (we love to cold plunge in nature!)
Fitness Needed:
Ladies need to be comfortable with a moderate level of activity and mobility, including going up and down stairs every day, getting in and out of kayaks, and spending 30-45 minutes at a time in a kayak.
There are several flights of stairs from the dock at Shearwater Cove up to the yurts, so please keep this in mind as you pack your bags.
The yoga sessions are for all levels and will include modifications to meet your mobility level. If you have any questions about the physical and mobility level needed to enjoy this retreat, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
About the lodging/sleeping arrangements:
Shearwater Cove:
Each adventurer will have her own bed in a yurt that is shared with one other woman. Each yurt has its own private shower and composting toilet.
There are two yurt types on the property: Original Yurts and Premier Yurts. Original Yurts have an open floor plan with 1 queen bed and 1 full size futon bed. Premier Yurts have 2 queen beds that each have their own private bedroom space. We have 6 beds available (3 yurts) in each type.
There are four pricing options to meet your budget, depending on which bed type you choose. See full pricing details and options in our registration page.
Villa in Anchorage:
Unless otherwise requested, each adventurer will have her own bed in this spacious villa on the water.
Breeze Inn in Seward:
Shared Hotel Rooms, everyone has her own bed.
ANY questions, please let us know!
More About the Facilitators:
Sally Drake, Retreat Leader
Sally is the owner and Race Director of MSE (Multi-Sport Experience) Racing and produces quality endurance events including triathlons and running races in the Greater St. Louis area and Illinois. MSE Racing also provides timing and race services for other local directors. She is also a USAT Level II Triathlon Coach, coaching triathletes of all levels from newbie to elite, with a passion for helping them achieve or exceed their goals. She specializes in ultra-endurance, much through her experience in completing 13 full Ironman triathlons. Other specialties include training over 50 and fueling for optimal health and performance.
Sally created the women's retreats when she was seeking a getaway with like-minded gals that included adventure, relaxation, connection, and maybe some spiritual inspiration and art. She could not find what she was craving.......and MSE for Women was born!!
Johanna Schuessler, Travel Planner
As a physician assistant in internal medicine, I never expected to be furloughed during a pandemic. I took advantage of that time to pursue my interest in travel. I have found my sweet spot in adventure and niche travel. I've flown around Mt McKinley in Alaska, celebrated Oktoberfest in Munich, summered in Spain, explored the Caribbean on catamaran charter, countless wine trips to northern California, and to the end of the world in Patagonia. I am head over heels for Africa. I encourage travelers to go outside their comfort zone, try something unexpected or new, and I assure you that risk will be worth the reward. My passion for transformative travel is easily noticed with my meticulous research & dedication to finding hidden gems, unique experiences, and building meaningful connections within the travel community. My goal is to provide you with an experience that might change everything!
Ultimate Bucket-List Vacation: Seychelles, Azores, & Thailand
Favorite Quote: "I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list!"
