If you’re addicted to scrolling on TikTok, binging the latest season of Love Island, blasting Justin Bieber’s new album, or just generally living life on your phone, it miiiight be time to, quite literally, touch some grass.
I live in NYC and work in social media, which means I’m on my phone 24/7. I rarely take even a couple days to fully unplug. That’s why just one weekend away at the Touch Grass Wellness Retreat at Brasada Ranch in Bend, Oregon, had me feeling like a completely new person. I AM TRANSFORMED!!! I truly had no idea a sunset and horse can heal you in ways you didn’t even know you needed.
So here’s a recap of my magical, phone-free weekend at Brasada Ranch in case you need a little push to log off, reset, and actually breathe for a sec. (Your therapist will thank you.)
Inside My Magical Weekend At Brasada Ranch
Before we even talk about the itinerary, I have to take a moment to shout out the stunning property. It was absolutely breathtaking and I fell in love the moment I arrived.
A couple of years ago, I spent six months in the Pacific Northwest, but this getaway gave me the chance to experience the unique beauty of Central Oregon. The property offered panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains, with sunrises and sunsets visible from pretty much every angle. It was incredibly peaceful, which helped set the tone for a transformative weekend. I mean, please, just look at these pics!!!!
During the wellness retreat, I had the chance to experience multiple different activities while enjoying the beautiful property. A few highlights:
Sunrise Yoga with Khyra Wilhelm
Something to know about me: I am obsessed with sleep. I’m the kind of girl who wakes up at noon if I don’t set my alarm. So when I tell you I willingly woke up at 5:30am (!!!) for sunrise yoga during my stay, you know it was worth it. Walking through the quiet ranch as the sky turned pastel early in the morning felt like straight-up therapy. The yoga session itself was slow, grounding, and was an incredible way to start the day. I felt reset, recharged all before 7… which was def a new record.
Kayaking the Deschutes River with Wanderlust Tours
Wait.. do I…love… exercise?! Kayaking the Deschutes River was the kind of peaceful you don’t know you need until you’re floating between trees, spotting birds, and seeing snow-capped mountains in the distance. After some time on the water, we did a super easy hike to some waterfalls that honestly felt like a scene from a postcard. 10/10 recommend.
Equine Ranch Wellness with Wendy Dietz
When I saw “Equine Wellness” on the itinerary, I thought: am I riding horses? Should I text my anxious mom?? Turns out, it was even better. With the absolute badass Wendy Dietz (horse whisperer meets life coach), we explored wellness through guided, therapeutic interaction with horses. I learned more about emotional awareness and nonverbal communication than I ever did in 10 years of therapy. Horses get you, and this was by far the most unexpectedly moving part of the trip. Plus they were soooooo cute!!!! I loved them sm.
Sunrise Sound Bath with Natalia Martin
I had never done a sound bath before (before the trip I had to google what a “sound bath” meant). But lying under a blanket at 6:00am while crystal bowls, gongs, and chimes vibrated through the room was an out-of-this-world experience. It was relaxing and soothing and while, yes, I did end up taking a quick nap, I woke up feeling the calmest I’ve ever felt. Pretty sure these cured my panic attacks.
Brasada Essence Massage at the Spa
Would it be a wellness retreat without a massage? Obviously not. This massage was everything, mostly because I had a buff guy who listened very well to my directions to “ really get in there.” IDK about you, but I don’t like massages that feel like someone is touching me with a feather. I want you to ruin my life, respectfully.
The spa was absolutely gorgeous and I am obsessed with the Dani Organic Products used in the bathrooms. Taking a shower after the massage using their shampoo and conditioner was almost as amazing as the actual thing.
Restorative Yoga with Deb Merskin
I had never done restorative yoga before this but now, I might never go back. It was the perfect combo of deep stretching and meditation, with affirmations and mindfulness woven throughout.
Dinner at Wild Rye
If you do one thing while at Brasada Ranch, it has to be going to Wild Rye. A new addition to the property led by Executive Chef Karl Holl, Wild Rye is a culinary and cocktail experience unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. It was truly the best meal I’ve ever had in my life, filled with local ingredients from farms and ranches (elk, venison, rabbit, and buffalo) and foraged items from the chef himself. Check out the menu here!
After dinner, I had the chance to watch the sunset while enjoying s’mores by the fire. Which means every night ended with views like this:
So there you have it! If your screen time is rivaling your sleep time, consider unplugging at a weekend away at Brasada Ranch. I promise, some time in nature with horses and a nourishing meal will heal you more than any TikTok trend.
