Where The Magic Happens

Imagine waking up to an hour of yoga, meditation, and self-reflection in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Sound too good to be true? Well, it’s not. Hampden resident Dani Yarusso started Arrow Retreats with the goal of empowering women through wellness, travel, and leadership development. And with several retreats now under her belt, she has done just that.

At the start of every trip, each participant is given a journal titled “Aim” that will serve as a place for them to write intentions and goals throughout their time abroad. “I want women to see this as an investment in themselves and in their personal growth,” says Yarusso, who has been teaching yoga for six years and founded Arrow in 2015. “At the end of the trip I want clients to walk away feeling reconnected to themselves, and I feel like this is really achievable with travel.”

While a portion of each day will deal with meaningful discussion, the majority will be spent having cultural experiences and participating in outdoor activities. Past retreat outings have included basket weaving with artisans in Peru, climbing Table Mountain in South Africa, and visiting rice paddy fields in Bali.

Each day promises a new adventure, and Arrow Retreats allows you to go at your own speed and take time for yourself. “I want women to realize that, no matter where they are in the world, they are the source of their own strength, happiness, and experience,” explains Yarusso. “And at the same time that they are fostering a deeper connection with themselves, they are meeting people, gaining confidence in their ability to try new things, and getting out of their comfort zone.”