What’s the ideal way to pack in last-minute summer vibes before September arrives? If your go-to answer is, “Spending five unforgettable days in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley trekking through pine-covered trails and melting away all my stress with lakeside yoga,” then we have a something to show you.
Specifically, a peek into the ultra dreamy, ultra transformational Well+Good Retreat at Cedar Lakes Estate, where 40 Well+Good readers camped in luxe cabins and got back to nature (like, the farm-to-table kind).
Throughout the blissful week W+G video producer Ella Dove was on deck to capture all the highlights—including empowering workshops, guided meditations, and yoga sessions with retreat leaders Lauren Bille, Beth Cooke, and special guest Sophia Roe.
Her go-to wellness essential for her out-of-office workweek? Vacation-ready Limited Edition Sugar Zeffers from Allbirds—yup, the makers of your ultra-comfy merino wool sneakers. The just-dropped flip flops are made with sustainable materials, including Brazilian sugarcane in the signature SweetFoam™ soles and plant-based microsuede in the mix-n-match straps.
“I spent the whole retreat traversing the property,” Dove says. “Being in a shoe that was comfortable but also actually supportive made a huge difference.”
Scroll down for a behind-the-scenes look at our Hudson-Valley retreat.
Guests woke up bright and early to a full day of curated activities, including in-depth yoga sessions with Beth Cooke designed to help readers deepen their practice.
Anticipating a jam-packed day, Dove took time to relax before her first cup of matcha. “For me, the trick was waking up super early at 6 a.m. and giving myself some quiet time on the water before the day began,” she says. “One morning, I did a little bit of yoga on the dock. I took the paddle board out. It’s really nice to be able to sneak it in before everybody else is awake.”
There were plenty of opportunities to re-energize throughout the day with a dip in the crystal-clear pool or calm lake. For Dove, wearing her lightweight Allbirds Sugar Zeffers everywhere made the transition from poolside hang to healthy food demo a major breeze.
“I could easily slide them off, walk in the grass, and jump in the water,” Dove says. “I would be barefoot all the time if I could be, so these flip flops are kind of the next best option.”
After a full day of bliss-boosting activities and illuminating workshops, retreat attendees spent the evening munching on chef-prepared farm-to-table meals and partaking in camp-inspired fun: campfire hangs, DIY s’mores, and game night. “My favorite part was seeing everybody come together and play,” says Dove, who hosted and refereed a game of Salad Bowl (think charades).
With cabanas and shady spots all over the gorgeous woodsy property, guests could easily enjoy the therapeutic combo of fresh air and greenery 24/7. “In the summer, you want to wear something that gives you the freedom to transition throughout a day’s worth of activities,” Dove says. “From running around and working to finding a hammock to lounge.”
In short: They more than earned their (small) space in Dove’s weekend bag. Plus, the Sugar Zeffers come in four colors with interchangeable straps so you can switch up your look.
“They’re really cushy and the bottom is so supportive,” says Dove, a travel junkie who’s been known to jet off to Nicaragua on last-minute surfing trips. “I like being able to switch up what’s on my feet without sacrificing room in my suitcase.” Take it from a wanderlust pro.
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Women's Sugar Zeffers, Charcoal + Charcoal Strap $35
Women's Sugar Zeffers, Wave + Wave Strap $35
Women's Sugar Zeffers, Limoncello + Limoncello Strap $35
Women's Sugar Zeffers, Mandarin + Mandarin Strap $35
In partnership with Allbirds
Photos: Elena Mudd
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