Purposeful Nomad has run an Orcas Island Retreat for the past 2 years and its magical. Where is Orcas Island you may ask? Its tucked away in the far corner of the Pacific Northwest way out in the San Juan Islands. It’s practically as far north west as you can go without going in Canada. Orcas Island in particular is known for its serene natural beauty, laid-back atmosphere and quiet, peaceful vibe. A perfect place for a retreat. The Orcas Island retreat is extra special because its our only domestic trip thus far although it feels like you are a million miles away.

Interview | How a Purposeful Nomad Traveler found connection with nature and personal renewal on our Orcas Island Retreat

We sat down with Alexa Carey, a participant from 2018, to dig a little deeper into her experience. The lovely Alexa came on the retreat from Portland, OR where she felt over worked and over stimulated. Our intention is to provide an opportunity where mindfulness and self-care is a priority. We use nutritious food, nature, meditation, yoga, conversation and journaling to enhance the experience and create space to go inward and heal from what is already a hectic and stressful world.

Here is what Alexa had to say about her time on Orcas Island:

Purposeful Nomad: What trip did you go on and in what year?

AC-Orcas Island in the Fall of 2018.

Purposeful Nomad: What was your favorite part of the Orcas Island Retreat?

AC-It’s impossible to pick one favorite part of the Orcas Island Rest and Renew retreat. These trips are meticulously designed, organized, and curated by Caitlin and her Purposeful Nomad team. The venue, lodging, instructors, experiences, and balance of planned vs. open time were exceptional. You feel like part of a family even when you’ve only known your fellow travelers for a few days.

Orcas Island is enchanting - it’s remote enough to disconnect but still thriving enough to have a bounty of outdoor recreation, retail, culinary, and agritourism experiences to choose from. A hidden gem of this trip was the world-class, farm-to-table cooking served family-style by Chef Carlie. That woman fed your body but nourished your soul. Incredible.

Purposeful Nomad: How were you able to connect with nature?

AC-Excessive burnout and stress had been taking a toll on my health. I needed an opportunity to wholly disconnect and re-ground myself away from the everyday hustle. The Orcas Island Retreat was the perfect getaway where I could be completely centered and present. It also helped that there was not any internet or cell service.

Through Purposeful Nomad, we traversed the island as part of the greater cohort and on our own. We went out with a local tour operator to watch the resident San Juan Islands orcas play in the wake of our vessel. We also had our daily yoga practice where we enjoyed soaking in the sunshine and fresh air by the large garden that the resort restaurant sources most produce from. We hiked along the ridgelines to see the surrounding San Juan Islands, Washington, and British Columbia from the lookout. I was even able to go on my own rejuvenating walks along Doe Bay to watch sunrises and sunsets with no other sounds than the sea birds and subtle splashes of waves.

“This trip was the first time I’d been able to disconnect, experience nature, and let go of my anxiety in years.”

Alexa and our group out for a hike in Moran State Park

Purposeful Nomad: Why is it important for travelers to stop and connect with nature?

AC-It’s so easy to get caught up in this shiny ‘Busy” badge of honor we all prominently carry and display. Without pausing and taking intentional time to connect with these incredible places, we lose out on these authentic experiences and the opportunity to be present for ourselves. Pausing to rest and adventure around in the wildness of nature, especially as beautiful of a rugged landscape as Orcas Island, renews your mind and body. Being in nature stills your spirit so just at that moment - you can breathe, disconnect from what weighs on your mind, and feel the freedom and sense of wonder of the landscape you’re standing in.