The Compass - Women Only

Costa Rica Rainforest Women's Rejuvenation Retreat

2008-06-26T08:45:00.000-07:00

By Patty Calver
Seattle WA

The six of us who had joined the Costa Rica Rainforest Rejuvenation Retreat were staying at the beautiful and remote Hotel Lapa Rios located on the Osa peninsula on the south west coast of Costa Rica. We had flown in to the small town of Puerto Jimenez and then ridden on the benches in the back of a small truck to the lodge in the Lapa Rios Private Rain Forest Reserve. We spent the first day dazzled by the beautiful rainforest scenery, the masses of colorful butterflies, the flight of toucans and parrots, and the screeches of monkeys. Several of us had gone on hikes guided by naturalist through the multiple trails in the rainforest reserve. Others had decides to relax by the pool and then join in the yoga class.

The next day, four of us chartered a boat for the morning and went deep sea fishing. We took turns cheering each other on as we reeled in jack tuna and mackerel. We also took advantage of the great views of the island to scope out the best beaches below the resort. We were the first all-women group our guide had ever taken out. He had a large ice chest filled with beer and sandwiches. If only it had been full of fruit and wine.

We woke up the following morning to the wonderful warm weather, the chatter of monkeys, and squawks of parrots. We met for breakfast at 'our' round table for six in the covered but open walled dining area. The six of us lingered over breakfast and told stories of our families, our childhoods, our life experiences and dreams. As the waiter's continued to bring tea, coffee and juices, we continued to talk. I will always remember that just before lunch, an older woman approached our table. She stated she had been packing up to leave this incredible place and had been listening to our laughter for several hours. She said" There is nothing as beautiful as women's laughter." You know something, she was right. What a great way to spend the morning, laughing with girlfriends!

X Chromosomes Only, Please

2007-03-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

Maybe you and your six best friends from college want to plan a girls-only reunion. Or maybe you're a little self-conscious in a bathing suit (aren't we all?). Maybe you're vacationing solo for the first time and a bit intimidated by the thought of getting stuck on a tour with a bunch of rowdy guys. Or maybe you've just split from your significant other and you need to get away--to somewhere men aren't.

Whatever the reason, the solution is simple: ixnay on the enmay (that's pig-Latin for leave the men behind).

Brilliant!

While at first this seems like the best idea since sliced bread, on second thought you wonder whether there are "women only" trips for cool people. And by that you mean fun-outdoorsy-willing-to-try-new-things-and-make-new-friends types of people.

There are.

Take Western River Expeditions: they've been offering women-only rafting vacations since 2004, whisking maidens of all ages and ability 100 miles down the rivers of Colorado's Cataract Canyon.

Imagine: spend your days winding through sculpted sandstone, isolated buttes and red-rock castles. Paddle over countless whitewater rapids, including the notorious "Big Drop," plunging 30 feet in a matter of minutes. Hike to ancient Indian ruins. Practice your breaststroke in a shady canyon cove.

At night, melt under the hands of a professional masseuse (female, of course), whose sole purpose is to rub away sore muscles. Or kick back around a fire and make new friends before falling asleep in comfortable tents to the tranquil sounds of the Canyon.

Gal guides lead morning yoga sessions and prepare delectable meals. They're outgoing and they earn your trust quickly, nudging you just the right amount to try new things, reach new heights--earning you bragging rights when you return home.

So whether it's a reunion, a solo adventure or a simply a get-away sans-men you're after, consider a women-only vacation and experience nature on your own terms.

Because sometimes two X chromosomes are better than one.