6 retreats to boost your queer joy and connect with like-minded souls
Escape the everyday grind and find yourself.
Mark
When people think of queer vacations, the first thing that springs to mind is often circuit parties or sea-based cruises. However, more and more people are craving more intimate, self-exploratory escapes.
LGBTQ+ retreats offer queer people something genuinely restorative. Surrounded by others who share similar lived experiences, attendees often describe a profound sense of belonging.
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Healing workshops — exploring themes like identity and self-acceptance — provide tools that mainstream wellness spaces rarely tailor to queer needs. Away from the pressures of a world that doesn’t always feel safe or affirming, participants can breathe, reconnect with themselves, and build lasting friendships.
Below are a few such retreats scheduled over the coming months in the US and Europe.
Bear Hug Body Work Retreat in Poconos, Pennsylvania – March 14-17, 2026
A three-day retreat where you can learn and explore the art of body massage with other beary men. Give and receive numerous massages, and explore gentle bear yoga. The retreat house is nestled atop 27 stunning acres in the serene Pocono Mountains. It features a hot tub, shared and private bedrooms, a gym and yoga/multipurpose space, and areas to chill out. The price starts at $1,800, which includes all meals prepared by the on-site chef.
The event is organized by Coach Cub (Jon), who offers a range of other retreats. These include a Bear Hug NOLA Food Tour Retreat (May 12-15), and a Bear Hug Lisbon Bear Pride Retreat in Portugal (May 25-31).
‘Returning to the Queer Heart’ in Wales – March 27-30, 2026
Do you remember ‘Voice of an Angel’ child singer Charlotte Church? She now owns a stunning retreat in the Elan Valley in Wales. Returning to the Queer Heart is led by Dr. Sanah Ahsan and Daniel Sutton-Johanson. They combine clinical psychology, psychotherapy and devotional spiritual practices. Explore the area’s natural beauty (including woodland plunge pools), before coming together to work through “heartbreak, queer drama, community rupture, grievance and grief” in a series of workshops and spiritual exercises.
Or as they describe it: “This is an invitation to rest the tiring costume of performance, and welcome each other into full feeling.”
The setting (Rhydoldog House, Rhayader, Wales, LD6 5HB) and surrounding scenery really are stunning. Prices start from £825 ($1,120) per person in a shared, gender-neutral bedroom.
Rainbow Magic in Spain – April 14-18, 2026
Rainbow Men organizes retreats and spiritual trips for gay, bi, trans and queer men.
“We offer a unique space dedicated to wellness and personal growth. In our retreats and spiritual trips we are joined by GBTQ men from around the world, and together we explore and take care of our bodies, emotions, sexuality, hearts, minds and spirit.”
Its Rainbow Magic retreat explores yoga, breathwork, and meditation, with a focus on plant medicine. It takes place in a stunning villa tucked into the mountains of the Costa Brava, one hour north of Barcelona. Prices start at €980 ($1,158) per person for a bed in a shared room.
Rainbow Men have several other retreats in Spain this year, as well as a “Spiritual Gay Journey’ to Peru from September 13-26.
‘Workout With Pride Men’s retreat’ in Crete – June 4-10, 2026
A six-day men’s retreat in Chania on the island of Crete.
“Set against the untamed beauty of Chania, this Men’s Wellness Retreat is more than a break from routine—it’s a true recalibration,” says host Mark Hughes. “Through invigorating fitness training, grounding yoga practices, mindful presence, and reflective journaling, you’ll create space to listen to what truly matters. This experience invites you to understand your emotions, honor your needs, and cultivate rituals that support a conscious, embodied way of living.”
The retreat is hosted by Hughes, who offers personal training and wellness classes for the LGBTQ community in London via WorkoutWithPride.co.uk, and Dimitris Gkioulos of Re-Treat Yoga Studio (www.retreatyogastudio.gr). Prices start at €1,350 ($1,595) per person for a shared twin room.
Desert Meditation Retreat in New Mexico – August 9-15, 2026
Spirit Journey has been running LGBTQ+ retreats for the past four decades. Events this year include its ‘Desert Meditation Retreat: Discovering The Boundless Heart’, for queer men. It takes place August 9-15, 2026, at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico.
“Unplug from your devices. Catch your breath. Remember what it feels like to relax, play, and enjoy. In this joyful and deeply embodied meditation retreat in the red-rock grandeur of Ghost Ranch, New Mexico, we will reclaim our capacity for joyful wonder, deep resilience, and peace of mind through a powerful fusion of science-backed polyvagal techniques, heart meditation, breathwork, ecstatic spiritual practices and soulful queer community.”
It’s perfect for both beginners and experienced meditators. Days will also include free time to explore local hiking trails. Prices start at $1,695 per person for a shared room.
Spirit Journey also hosts an international retreat in a large farmhouse in Charneux, Belgium in October. That event has been running for the past 14 years.
Easton Mountain in New York – various dates
Nestled in a picturesque mountain valley in upstate New York, Easton Mountain (391 Herrington Hill Road, Greenwich, NY, 12834) is a retreat center, community and sanctuary founded by a group of gay men in 2000. Its retreats focus on community-building, healing and personal connections.
“At Easton Mountain, the concept of community is at the core of everything we do. Our mission is built on the foundation of fostering connections, cultivating relationships, and creating a space where individuals can feel a sense of belonging and support. Our community is diverse, made up of people from various backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences. It includes residents, guests, and all those influenced by Easton Mountain.”
It offers a diverse range of different retreats, with upcoming dates including a ‘Winter Recovery Retreat’ (February 26-March 1), Spring Fling (April 23-26), Men’s Knitting Retreat (May 14-16), and Kink Odyssey (May 27-31). Something for every one!
Longer events include a week-long Summer Solstice from June 21-27, for which prices start at $695 per person.
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