Dreaming of some much-needed alone time to recharge? A solo staycation retreat might be just the answer. But how do you make sure it feels truly worthwhile? Without a plan, it’s easy to let precious time slip away scrolling on your phone or wondering what to do next.
The secret to a successful solo retreat lies in intention—and creating an agenda that works for you. By balancing relaxation, soul-nourishing activities, and focused productivity, you can turn your time away into a meaningful and restorative experience.
Here’s how to plan your staycation retreat for success, with a simple, flexible approach that ensures every moment supports your goals.
Do you listen to podcasts? You can also check out Episode 218 on the Happy Women Travel More Podcast.
Step 1: Define Your “Why”
Before you plan a single activity, ask yourself: Why do I want to take this retreat?
Are you craving deep rest? Excited to dive into a good book or binge a show you’ve been saving? Hoping to reflect, journal, or work on a personal project? Pinpointing your why will help you design a retreat that feels intentional and fulfilling.
Your “why” sets the tone for everything else. It’s your guide to making the most of this time and ensuring you walk away recharged, whether that means catching up on sleep, sparking creativity, or reconnecting with yourself.
Step 2: Decide Specific Activities
Once you’re clear on your “why,” start brainstorming specific activities you want to include in your retreat. A well-rounded retreat typically includes a mix of these three categories:
Rest + Fun: Prioritize relaxation and leisure.
Prioritize downtime that feels indulgent, whether it’s napping, reading, catching up on Netflix, or simply lounging. The key is deciding in advance what you want to do so you’re not wasting time scrolling for options
Personal Growth: Feed your soul and inspire reflection.
Fill your soul with activities like journaling, meditating, taking long walks, or diving into a devotional or self-development book. This is your time to reconnect with yourself and nurture your inner world.
Focused Work: Make progress on a project or goal.
Use part of your retreat for tasks that require concentration but feel rewarding—like brainstorming a creative idea, seasonal planning, or organizing something that’s been on your mind.
Once you have your list, take a moment to reflect. Does your list match the goals you set with your “why”? Let your intentions guide which activities feel most important.
Step 3: Chunk Your Time into Blocks
Organize your days into simple time blocks to keep the momentum going. Based on your energy levels throughout the day, decide which blocks are for leisure, personal growth, or focused work activities. For example:
- Early Morning: Sleep in or start the day with a leisurely activity like reading or a walk.
- Mid Morning: Dive into some focused productivity when you are feeling most fresh.
- Midday: Make space for some personal growth or fun right after lunch.
- Early Afternoon: Enjoy a fun hobby or continue with a focused work session.
- Late Afternoon: Mix in light productivity and fun—perhaps a walk followed by an episode of your favorite show.
- Evening: Wind down with something relaxing, like reading or a cozy Netflix session.
This approach aims to keep your day dynamic by alternating between longer, immersive activities (like a focused work session) and shorter, energizing ones (like a quick walk or coffee break).
Step 4: Fill Your Agenda
With your blocks ready and your activity list in hand, start plugging everything in. Pre-deciding your activities and when you’ll do them helps avoid decision fatigue and keeps your retreat on track.
You can download my FREE fillable PDF agenda template to map it all out.
Use the Agenda As a Flexible Tool
Agendas have a reputation for being rigid, but remember: you are the only one in attendance at this retreat, so treat your agenda like a guide, not a strict schedule.
Maybe you thought a Netflix binge would feel indulgent, but after a few hours, you’re feeling restless—that’s your cue to switch to a walk or something productive. Or, maybe you planned a productive afternoon but realize you’d rather take a nap. That’s okay, too.
Just because you planned something doesn’t mean you have to stick to it if it’s not serving you in the moment. The goal is to recharge, not check boxes. By staying flexible and listening to what you need, you’ll strike a balance between structure and spontaneity, making the experience both intentional and restorative.
Make the Most of Your Solo Retreat
When you approach your solo staycation with intention, it transforms into more than just a break. It becomes a chance to reset, reconnect, and recharge on your terms.
By defining your “why,” brainstorming meaningful activities, and creating a flexible agenda, you’ll set yourself up for a retreat that feels deeply personal and fulfilling. Whether you’re catching up on rest, tackling a passion project, or savoring the quiet, this time is all about you.
So go ahead—plan that solo retreat and give yourself the gift of intentional self-care. You deserve it!
