What happens when you give yourself permission to step outside your everyday routine?
Join us February 19–21, 2027, in Nisswa, Minnesota, for The Unfurling Retreat, a cozy, alcohol-free women's retreat hosted by Krystyann Krywko, founder of Purple Dog Sober, in partnership with Slow Travel Co.
Over two nights, we'll settle into a beautiful private cabin at Grand View Lodge for a weekend centered around connection, creativity, reflection, and winter adventure. Think fireside conversations, guided winter forest bathing, sauna and cold plunge, nourishing meals, and plenty of time to slow down and reconnect with yourself.
Inspired by Krysty's book, Unfurling: A 90-Day Sketchbook Guide to Paying Attention to Your Life, this retreat is an invitation to interrupt the familiar, pay closer attention to your life, and explore what might happen when you make space for something different.
Whether you've been sober for years, are newly alcohol-free, or are simply curious about experiencing a weekend without alcohol, you'll find a welcoming community of women ready to connect, explore, and enjoy a beautiful winter weekend together.
What to Expect
At our cozy winter retreat in Northern Minnesota, you'll enjoy:
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A beautiful private cabin at Grand View Lodge, surrounded by the peaceful winter landscape of Minnesota's Northwoods
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Comfortable shared accommodations with inviting common spaces for relaxing, connecting, and unwinding
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Delicious meals, including continental breakfasts, a catered lunch, a special dinner in an outdoor igloo, and a chef-prepared dinner
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A completely alcohol-free environment where connection and shared experiences take center stage
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Thoughtful conversations and activities led by Krysty, founder of Purple Dog Sober
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An Unfurling workshop exploring creativity, reflection, and what happens when we interrupt our familiar routines
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Winter experiences including guided forest bathing, sauna and cold plunge, and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors
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Access to Grand View Lodge amenities, including an indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, yoga classes, and seasonal winter activities
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Plenty of downtime to journal, read, relax by the fire, or simply enjoy doing nothing
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An intimate group of women, creating space for meaningful connections and new friendships
Our flexible itinerary is designed to balance personal reflection, connection, winter adventure, and rest. You choose how much (or how little) you want to do.
Is This Retreat for You?
This retreat is thoughtfully created for women who want:
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To experience a relaxing, alcohol-free getaway in a beautiful winter setting
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To connect with other women
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To explore creativity, personal growth, and new perspectives in a welcoming environment
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To step away from everyday responsibilities and make time for themselves
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To enjoy a mix of cozy relaxation and outdoor winter experiences
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A hassle-free retreat experience with thoughtful planning and support
You don't have to be sober to attend. Whether you're alcohol-free, sober-curious, taking a break from drinking, or simply interested in connecting with other women without alcohol at the center of the experience, you're welcome here.
Pricing & Booking
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Queen Bedroom
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$950 per person, double occupancy
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$1,900 solo occupancy
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Two Queen Bedroom
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$1,250 per person, double occupancy
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Loft Room w/ two Twin beds and one Queen bed
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$1,000 per person, triple occupancy
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Secure your spot with a 40% deposit
Full balance due by December 19, 2026.
Deposits are non-refundable.
Retreat will be confirmed once 80% of spots are filled. If minimum numbers are not met, deposits can be refunded or applied to a future trip.
It's recommended to not book your flight until the retreat has been confirmed.
View property images here!
Location & Accommodation
We'll be staying at Ray Lodge, a beautiful four-bedroom private cabin located on the grounds of Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, Minnesota.
Our cozy home for the weekend offers:
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Comfortable bedrooms and a spacious loft with a mix of queen and twin beds
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Inviting shared living spaces perfect for fireside conversations, journaling, reading, and relaxing
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A peaceful Northwoods setting surrounded by beautiful winter scenery
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Convenient access to Grand View Lodge's resort amenities, including an indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, yoga classes, bonfires, and seasonal winter activities
Throughout the weekend, we'll embrace the beauty of a Minnesota winter with guided forest bathing, a sauna, and plenty of time to enjoy our cabin's cozy atmosphere.
We'll also gather for thoughtful conversations and an Unfurling workshop led by Krysty, with opportunities to explore creativity, personal reflection, and what it means to pay closer attention to our everyday lives.
What's Included
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2 nights of accommodation at Ray Lodge at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, MN
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2 continental breakfasts
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1 catered lunch
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2 dinners
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Guided winter forest bathing (i.e. outdoor walk)
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Retreat programming led by Krysty, including the Unfurling workshop
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Access to select Grand View Lodge resort amenities
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Welcome gift and your own copy of the Unfurling book
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Professional retreat planning and on-site support
What's Not Included
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Transportation to and from Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, MN. If you're flying in, a rental car is recommended!
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Travel insurance recommended
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Off-site meals and drinks not specified
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Optional resort activities or rentals not included with our accommodations
Sample Itinerary
(subject to change)
Day 1
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Arrival at Grand View Lodge and cabin check-in
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Welcome gathering, introductions, and fireside conversation led by Krysty
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Group dinner in an outdoor igloo at Grand View Lodge
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Optional bonfire and s'mores, weather permitting
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A cozy evening to unwind, journal, read, or relax
Day 2
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Optional morning stretching or gentle yoga
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Continental breakfast at the cabin
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Guided winter forest bathing experience (i.e. outdoor walk0
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Private sauna experience
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Catered lunch
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Unfurling workshop led by Krysty
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Free time to enjoy the cabin or resort amenities
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Group dinner at the cabin
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A relaxing evening of conversation, reflection, and downtime
Day 3
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Continental breakfast
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Closing group reflection: What I'm Taking Home
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Group photo and final goodbyes
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Check-out by 11:00 AM
Getting There
Our retreat will take place at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, Minnesota, located in the beautiful Brainerd Lakes region of Northern Minnesota.
Guests are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the retreat. We recommend driving or coordinating a carpool with another attendee.
Check-in begins at 4 PM on Friday, February 19, with guests encouraged to arrive between 4:30 and 6:00 PM. Our retreat will conclude on Sunday, February 21, with check-out by 11:00 AM.
Detailed arrival instructions and accommodation information will be provided prior to the retreat.
February in Northern Minnesota is the perfect time to embrace cozy winter living! We recommend packing:
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Warm winter clothing, including sweaters, thermal layers, and comfortable indoor outfits
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A winter coat, hat, gloves, and scarf
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Waterproof winter boots and warm socks for outdoor activities
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Comfortable clothing for stretching or gentle yoga
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A swimsuit for the sauna, indoor pool, or hot tub
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A favorite book for relaxing during downtime
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A reusable water bottle
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Any necessary medications or personal essentials
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A more detailed packing list will be provided prior to the retreat.
What to Bring
Meal Plan & Dietary Restrictions
Each morning will begin with a light continental breakfast at our cabin, featuring a selection of breakfast favorites. Snacks will also be available throughout the day.
On Friday evening, we'll enjoy a special group dinner in one of Grand View Lodge's outdoor dining igloos. Saturday includes a catered lunch and a delicious group dinner prepared for us at the cabin.
All retreat meals and gatherings will be completely alcohol-free.
If you have dietary restrictions, follow a vegan or gluten-free diet, or have severe food allergies, please let us know in advance so we can work to accommodate your needs.
Our private cabin offers a mix of sleeping arrangements, including a private queen bedroom, a bedroom with two queen beds, and a loft with two twin beds and one queen bed.
If you're traveling solo and booking a shared accommodation, we'll help coordinate roommate assignments.
We ask all guests to be considerate of their roommates and fellow attendees regarding cleanliness, noise, and shared spaces.
Shared Rooms & Accommodations
Getting to Know the Group
Before the retreat, we’ll set up a text group so you can connect with your fellow travelers. Feel free to chat, share excitement, or arrange virtual meetups ahead of time!
Meet Krystyann Krywko
Krystyann Krywko is a sober coach, writer, mixed-media creator, and founder of Purple Dog Sober, a platform dedicated to helping women explore their relationship with alcohol and create lives that feel more intentional and fulfilling.
With more than 20 years of experience as a coach, writer, and creative, Krysty brings a thoughtful, welcoming approach to conversations around sobriety, personal growth, and discovering what comes next.
Her book, Unfurling: A 90-Day Sketchbook Guide to Paying Attention to Your Life, inspires the creative and reflective programming at the heart of this retreat.
Krysty will guide our group throughout the weekend, leading conversations and activities designed to encourage curiosity, connection, and personal reflection.
Hosted in Partnership with Slow Travel Co.
Slow Travel Co. specializes in thoughtfully curated small-group retreats for women, creating experiences that balance meaningful connection, memorable activities, and time to slow down.
Our team will coordinate accommodations, meals, activities, and on-site logistics so you can focus on enjoying your weekend.
Your Group Leader & Support
Safety
While we take every precaution to ensure safe activities and excursions, please remember your own responsibility for personal safety. Avoid going out alone at night and follow all safety recommendations.
Travel insurance is highly recommended for this retreat. While we're staying close to home for many of our Minnesota attendees, unexpected illness, severe weather, or travel disruptions can still affect your plans.
We recommend purchasing coverage that includes trip cancellation and other unexpected travel-related expenses.
Travel Insurance
Medical & Health Requirements
All attendees are responsible for their personal health and well-being throughout the retreat.
Please note that this is a wellness and personal reflection retreat, not a medical treatment program or addiction recovery facility. Retreat programming is not intended to replace professional medical care, addiction treatment, or mental health services.
If you have concerns about alcohol withdrawal or other medical needs, please consult a qualified healthcare professional before attending.
February in Northern Minnesota is a true winter experience, with snow-covered landscapes, frozen lakes, and crisp winter air creating a beautiful backdrop for our retreat.
Temperatures are typically below freezing and can be especially cold in the mornings and evenings. Be sure to pack warm layers, insulated winter boots, and appropriate outerwear for our outdoor activities.
We'll balance our time outside with plenty of opportunities to warm up indoors, relax by the fire, and enjoy the cozy comforts of our cabin.
Climate & What to Expect
House Guidelines
To ensure a welcoming and comfortable environment for everyone, we ask that all guests follow a few simple guidelines:
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Please be respectful of your roommates and fellow attendees.
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This is a completely alcohol-free retreat. Alcohol is not permitted in our shared accommodations or during retreat activities.
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Respect the privacy and personal experiences shared by other women during group conversations.
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No outside visitors are permitted at the cabin without prior approval.
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Please help us maintain a clean, comfortable, and welcoming shared space.
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No smoking inside the accommodations.
