Lokal Chalet Retreat
In the midst of our busy lives, we rarely carve out time to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with ourselves and with others. The LOKAL Chalet Retreat provided just that: a space to rest, process, and set intentions for the journey ahead. Over three days, we embraced vulnerability, creativity, and deep connection, leaving with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose.
We arrived at the chalet around 2:55 PM, took a moment to settle in, and kicked off with a spontaneous dance party. Laughter filled the space, breaking the ice and setting a playful tone. The mood soon shifted as we opened up about grief, holding space for one another in a way that felt natural and needed. Later, we tackled a grocery run that stretched into a two-hour ordeal, leaving us too drained to cook—so takeout it was! We shared a meal, then retreated to unwind for the night.
The next morning started with a goal-setting meditation where we envisioned our ideal lives five years from now. Journaling led us to define key goals in personal, professional, and health areas, followed by small, actionable steps for the week ahead. Energized, we made breakfast together—Kat honored her late grandmother with her special pancake recipe, while Chrissy cooked up some amazing sausages. After eating, we let our creativity flow through coloring, a simple yet joyful exercise that many of us hadn’t done in years. Some kept coloring, others read, and the day unfolded at its own perfect pace.
Rather than braving the cold for the hot tub or fire pit, we cozied up inside, prepping for dinner. Haronys chopped vegetables while I made a Haitian-inspired pasta dish that quickly became a group favorite. That night, we celebrated Kat’s birthday with cake and warm wishes before writing letters to our future selves—notes we’ll open at the end of the year as a reminder of this moment. The night ended with deep conversations on grief, the state of the world, and the importance of building strong, supportive communities.
On the final morning, we gathered in a closing circle, each sharing something we were taking away from the retreat. Breakfast followed, and before we knew it, we were packing up and heading back to New York, carrying with us more than just memories. This retreat was a beautiful reminder to pause, realign, and move forward with intention. More than just a weekend away, it was a reset—one that left us all feeling lighter, clearer, and more connected.
