Wellness Retreat Idea: How We Designed Our Own Restful Getaway

At HomeExchange, we love giving the floor to those who can talk about it best: our members. This testimonial was written by Dev, a member from Toronto who shares how HomeExchange helped her and her husband create their own DIY wellness retreat.

From Burnout to Balance: How We Decided to Create Our Own Wellness Retreat

After our busy seasons at work finally wrapped up, my husband and I realized something important: while the deadlines and chaos had ended, the burnout hadn’t. Living and working in downtown Toronto only added to the overstimulation. We weren’t craving another fast-paced vacation, we needed a reset. A true wellness retreat.

The catch? Many week-long wellness retreats cost upwards of $3,000 per person. That was out of our budget. Still, we dreamed of the same restorative elements: journaling, nature bathing, healthy food, daily movement, and intentional rest. That’s when the idea clicked: what if we created our own retreat using HomeExchange?

Finding the Perfect Cabin

We started browsing cabins in the Muskoka Lakes region, an area known for hosting luxury wellness retreats in Canada. What we found exceeded every expectation: a rustic cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows in the great room, overlooking Lake Mainhood, a small, intimate lake tucked away from the busier tourist areas.

Home exchange: Huntsville - Andy’s home - Muskoka Lakes/Canada - HomeExchange

Our lakefront cottage is spacious, comfortable and nestled on the point of our large 2.5 acre lot. There’s 200 ft (61m) of clean

HomeExchange

The moment we walked in, the view took our breath away. Mornings were filled with the haunting calls of loons echoing across the water, and at night, soft rainfall against the windows lulled us into calm. The cabin had not only the essentials- a big bathtub, cozy corners, and a full kitchen- but also a separate sunroom with floor-to-ceiling screened walls and a huge, comfortable couch. 

It quickly became our favorite spot for morning coffee, evening sunsets, and even my yoga practice, where the breeze carried fresh air and the smell of pine trees through the space.

Creating Our Own Retreat Schedule

To fully lean into the experience, we turned off our phones for the week and built a schedule inspired by professional retreat programs.

• Morning: Sunrise coffee on the lake followed by smoothies (thanks to our trusty travel blender).
• Afternoon: Paddleboarding, paddle boating, or a swim across the lake. We also played badminton on the court our hosts had set up, tried our hand at watercolor painting, and enjoyed quiet reading in the great room.
• Evening: Gentle yoga, spa baths, or cooking dinner on the deck. The cabin even came with a smoker, so we picked up local organic meat from town one day and turned it into a special meal.

Our favorite memory came on the last night. We set up dinner in the sunroom, opened the thoughtful bottle of wine our hosts had left for us, and lit candles as the sun dipped below the trees. It felt like the perfect closing ceremony to a week of rest.

How HomeExchange Made It Meaningful

What made this trip truly special was the warmth of the hosts. Knowing we were doing a “disconnect week,” they set up the badminton court, left out a stack of games, and surprised us with wine. Their care made us feel welcomed and supported, not just like guests but like part of their community.

We’ve used HomeExchange many times- from quick weekend trips to longer stays in Europe- but never in this way. This trip showed us that HomeExchange isn’t only about travel; it can also be a tool for deep rest and renewal.

What to Pack For a DIY Wellness Retreat

If you’re inspired to try your own wellness retreat through HomeExchange, here are some must-haves that helped us:

• A blender for smoothies
• Healthy groceries to fuel your week
• A yoga mat, small weights, or minibands for daily movement
• Creative outlets (we brought watercolors, but a guitar or journal would be just as good)
• Gratitude prompts or a journal
• Bath products for a spa-like evening

With a little planning, you can create a retreat that feels every bit as restorative as a luxury program, but tailored exactly to your preferences, and at a fraction of the cost.

Our Key Takeaway

We left Muskoka feeling completely renewed, like the stress had finally lifted. Instead of returning home drained from travel, we returned recharged. Best of all, we’ve already arranged with the same hosts to return next summer.

Our biggest takeaway? You don’t have to spend thousands on a wellness retreat. With HomeExchange, you can design your own… one that’s deeply personal, affordable, and just as effective.