5 Best NY Couples Retreat Options
Takeaway: If you’re looking for a couples retreat in New York to deepen your connection, you’re in the right place. As a couples therapist, I’ve rounded up the best retreats for improving communication, rebuilding trust, or simply reconnecting. Keep reading to find the right fit for you and your partner.
Feeling disconnected from your partner, stuck in the same arguments, or just craving a relationship reset? A couples retreat might be exactly what you need.
Not all couples retreats are created equal, so it's important to get clear about what you're looking for when doing your research. With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming trying to narrow down which one is the best fit for your relationship. That's why I created this blog post. As a couples therapist and workshop presenter myself, I'm very familiar with retreats for couples across New York State.
In this guide, I break down what exactly a couples retreat is and how it can help your relationship. Plus, I share some of my favorite options for a romantic getaway if that's what you're looking for instead.
Let's dive in.
First things first: What is a couples retreat?
While there's no singular definition for this term, there are a few key items that come to mind for me as a retreat facilitator myself:
Getaway: Local retreats do exist, but most people think of couples retreats as a chance to get out of town for the weekend (or longer).
Relationship work: The best retreats incorporate some kind of therapy, like Imago or the Gottman Method, to help you strengthen your connection.
Fun extras: In addition to serious relationship work, many retreats include fun extras like couples massages, wine tasting, and more.
Led by professionals: You'll get the most out of retreats led by seasoned professionals. Both my co-presenter and I are licensed therapists with years of experience.
The combination of these factors makes for a well-rounded, impactful retreat that will bring you and your partner closer together in a fun, meaningful way.
How is a couples retreat different from a workshop or a romantic getaway?
A couples retreat, couples workshop, and romantic getaway may sound like the same thing, but there are some important differences to be aware of.
| Couples Retreat | Couples Workshop | Romantic Getaway | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Usually out of town, lodging and amenities included, and usually additional activities are offered such as yoga, dance, meditation, massage | May be local or out of town, lodging and amenities not included | Usually out of town |
| Goal | Work on your relationship and enjoy a romantic getaway | Work on your relationship | Enjoy a romantic getaway |
| Facilitator | Professionals, like therapists or other relationship experts | Professionals, like therapists or other relationship experts | Usually no facilitator |
As you can see, a couples retreat combines the best parts of both couples workshops and romantic getaways to create a special, powerful experience for you and your partner.
5 highly recommended retreats, workshops, & getaways for couples in NY
Here, I share my top picks for quality time (and work!) with your partner. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a workshop, or a tried-and-true couples retreat, you'll be sure to find something for your relationship in this list.
Top New York couples retreat
1. Getting the Love You Want Retreat
I cohost this retreat along with my fellow Certified Imago Therapist and Certified Workshop Presenter, Trisha Sanders. In this retreat, we draw from the principles in the NYT bestselling book by Harville Hendrix, Ph.D., and Helen LaKelly Hunt, Ph.D. to help couples grow closer than ever.
During your time on the retreat, you’ll learn effective ways to resolve conflict, along with communication skills to help you both express yourselves and help your partner feel heard and understood.
While we get into some serious work, the retreat is also meant to be fun! Loaded with extras like yoga, group dinners, and more, you’ll leave feeling revitalized and reconnected.
Best for: Couples wanting to learn skills from licensed therapists and enjoy included lodging, amenities, and activities in beautiful scenic settings
What sets it apart: The combination of couples work (equivalent to 6-7 months of therapy) and fun opportunities to connect with your partner and other couples
Location: Right now our retreats are at a beautiful location in the Catskills, NY.
Top New York couples workshop
2. Getting the Love You Want Workshop
Like the retreat, I cohost this workshop with my fellow Certified Imago Therapist and Certified Workshop Presenter Trisha Sanders. It’s a transformative, relationship-focused workshop that’s ideal for couples committed to long-term growth.
Based on the principles from the NYT bestselling book by Harville Hendrix, Ph.D., and Helen LaKelly Hunt, Ph.D., this workshop offers couples the opportunity to strengthen their relationship by learning essential tools for communication and conflict resolution. The weekend experience covers everything from increasing emotional safety to understanding love languages, making it perfect for couples looking to reconnect and deepen their bond.
The workshop is perfect for couples who want to prevent future issues or transform an existing relationship without having to spend a weekend away. Depending on where you live, you can even go home at night after each day at the workshop.
Best for: Couples looking to deepen their emotional connection, improve communication, and resolve conflicts in a supportive, structured environment
What sets it apart: Receive the equivalent of 6-7 months of therapy in one weekend
Location: NYC and NJ
Top New York couples getaways
3. Sanivan Holistic Retreat & Spa
Trisha and I have hosted past retreats here and got great feedback from the couples who attended.
Sanivan offers a serene, intimate bed-and-breakfast experience in the Catskill Mountains with personalized wellness programs, including organic meals catering to various dietary preferences, such as vegan and gluten-free options.
You and your partner can also enjoy amenities like an indoor heated saltwater pool, an outdoor labyrinth, and a Vertical Vichy Shower. The spa offers treatments like shiatsu massage and holistic facials so the two of you can leave with both your body and mind rejuvenated. Plus, they offer tons of unique packages.
Best for: Couples seeking a restorative, holistic getaway in a peaceful setting
What sets it apart: Customized wellness programs, organic meals, and unique amenities like a Vertical Vichy Shower.
Location: Hurleyville, NY
4. Seminary Hill Catskills
We're excited to host an upcoming couples retreat here this July 2025. It's a unique setting that combines a certified organic orchard, the world's first Passive House-certified cidery, and a boutique hotel. You and your partner can enjoy farm-to-table dining and stay in their intimate hotel with private apartment-style accommodations.
The cidery offers tours and tastings of their award-winning, small-batch ciders made from over 60 apple and pear varieties grown on-site. The artisanal cider production, fine dining, and comfortable accommodations make Seminary Hill a luxurious yet rustic getaway all at the same time.
Best for: Couples interested in a sustainable, farm-to-table experience with artisanal ciders in a serene Catskills setting.
What sets it apart: The Passive House-certified cidery and boutique Shaker-inspired accommodations.
Location: Callicoon, NY
5. The Eldred Preserve
Located in the Catskills, the Edlred Preserve is a peaceful getaway that blends rustic charm with modern comfort. Choose between the boutique hotel or one of the standalone cabins and enjoy farm-to-table dishes in a relaxed setting.
If you want to go beyond simply soaking in the scenery, the Preserve also offers outdoor activities like birdwatching, cycling, fishing, and more.
Best for: Couples looking for a laid-back but upscale getaway in the mountains
What sets it apart: The onsite outdoor activities
Location: Eldred, NY
Choosing the right fit for you and your partner
Choosing between a couples retreat, workshop, or romantic getaway depends on your relationship goals, interests, and budget. The right one can help you build a stronger connection, relax together, or simply enjoy some much-needed one-on-one time.
To help narrow it down, consider these key factors:
Relationship goals: Are you working on communication, building intimacy, or just recharging together?
Specialized programs: If you're looking for specific tools, like conflict resolution or communication, led by certified therapists and professionals, then a retreat or workshop is likely a better fit.
Budget: Understand your financial comfort zone. A retreat may be more of an investment, but the extended time working on your relationship (and enjoying a new experience together) is likely worth it.
By reflecting on these points, you’ll be better equipped to make the decision that suits both you and your partner.
Final thoughts on couples retreats in NYC & New York State
Couples retreats, workshops, and getaways can all support your relationship in a different way. Whether you need time alone to relax, new tools for your relationship, or both, there's something for you in this list.
In my couples counseling practice, I’ve seen firsthand how couples benefit from dedicated time away to reset their relationship. That's why I love offering couples workshops and retreats in addition to traditional couples therapy.
In these workshops and retreats, you and your partner will get uninterrupted time to focus on yourself. Plus, you'll learn valuable tools that can help you keep reconnecting in your day-to-day life after the retreat ends. You'll even be able to apply what you learn to the other relationships in your life.
Ready to write the next chapter of your love story? Reach out today for more information!