Dolomites Hiking Adventure Retreat

Welcome to the adventure of a lifetime in the Dolomites!

Reawaken your spirit in the spectacular Dolomites of northern Italy with daily hikes, yoga, and Qigong. This retreat is a powerful blend of movement, mindfulness, and natural beauty—designed to energize your body, calm your mind, and reconnect you with joy.

Explore one of the most breathtaking mountain ranges on Earth, where jagged white, pink, and gray peaks rise above lush green valleys and flower-filled alpine meadows. We’ll hike 8–10 miles a day with only our daypacks, stopping for unforgettable lunches at cozy alpine Refugios (think 5-star meals on the trail!).

A Journey into the Heart of the Dolomites – Hike. Restore. Connect. Be transformed.

Our adventure begins in the enchanting Val Badia region of Corvara, where we’ll hike through soaring peaks, lush alpine meadows, and sparkling mountain streams. We’ll spend four nights at the beautiful, family-owned Hotel Marmolada, Corvara’s most beloved hotel. The warm-hearted hosts treat us like family, offering cozy accommodations, incredible local cuisine, a soothing spa—and even a lively night of dancing that fills the soul with delight!

Then we journey to the charming mountain village of San Vigilio di Marebbe for the final two nights. Here, we’ll stay at the unique Kristallhotel Corona – The Magic of Crystals, where every room, spa, and pool is infused with healing crystals. This family-run sanctuary offers a deeply restorative and one-of-a-kind experience.

With invigorating daily hikes, spa time, delicious food, and the breathtaking beauty of the Dolomites as our backdrop, this 6-night, 7-day retreat is more than a getaway—it’s a revitalizing, heart-opening experience that will stay with you long after you return home.

What is included:

• 6 nights lodging in two beautiful family-run hotels
• 6 breakfasts with local delicacies
• 1 picnic lunch provided by WQ, 5 lunches (OYO) at charming alpine Refugios
• 6 gourmet four-course dinners
• Afternoon tea with strudel, cakes and healthy snacks
• Daily guided hikes (8–10 miles/day) with 2 Women’s Quest guides + 2 local guides
• Daily yoga, Qigong, breathwork, and post-hike stretching
• Soul Collage creativity session with Rachel
• All transportation to trailheads, gondolas, and lifts
• Full access to hotel spas, pools, saunas (massages/treatments available at extra cost)
• Music, movement, friendship, and pure mountain magic

This is more than a retreat—it’s a return to your “ONE WILD AND PRECIOUS LIFE!”

Hiking Itinerary:

Daily Hiking Itinerary

Want the full scoop with detailed maps? Email colleen@womensquest.com and she’ll send you the complete itinerary!

Expect to hike 5–6 hours a day, with most routes averaging around 8 miles. We’ll take gondolas up to the high trails (so you get the views without the grind!) and spend the day exploring jaw-dropping peaks, alpine meadows, and sweeping valleys.

Midway through each hike, we’ll stop for a relaxing lunch at one of the charming Refugios—yes, they serve amazing coffee, delicious local treats, and hearty 5-star mountain meals!

Afternoons are yours to unwind: soak in the hot tubs, relax in the sauna, or treat yourself to a massage (spa treatments available at an additional cost).

Feeling extra energized? Join Colleen for optional E-bike, mountain bike, or road bike rides through the valley’s world-class cycling routes—some of the most scenic and fun in Europe! (Bike rentals not included.)

Getting There

Retreat Dates:

• Arrival: September 6th at 9:00 AM
• Departure: September 12th at noon

Transportation is not included, but we’re happy to help arrange shuttles or vans to make your journey smooth and stress-free.

Most guests fly into Venice, arriving a day or two early to explore Venice or the charming mountain town of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Cortina is a great place to stay before the retreat begins—and from there, we’ll help coordinate a van or taxi to Hotel Marmolada in Corvara.

Other options:

• Fly into Munich, and we can arrange a group van shuttle to Corvara.
• Or take a train from Munich to Bolzano (Balzano), then grab a taxi up to the hotel.

Need help planning your arrival?
Email colleen@womensquest.com and she’ll help you sort it out!

Accommodations 

We’ll be staying at two amazing family-run hotels, both offering authentic alpine charm, comfort, and wellness. These are three- to four-star hotels with cozy double-occupancy rooms and full spa amenities—including hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms for relaxing after our hikes.

Single Room Option: A limited number of single rooms are available for an additional fee of $1500.

A note on Italian hotel beds: In most Italian hotels, double rooms typically feature two twin mattresses on a shared bed frame. We’ve requested that these beds be split for our group, and you’re welcome to move them farther apart for added personal space. Each mattress is made up individually for your comfort.

Hotel 1: Hotel Marmolada – Corvara, Val Badia
We’ll spend our first four nights at the warm and welcoming Hotel Marmolada, located in the heart of Val Badia. This charming hotel offers luxurious comfort, gourmet meals, and a fabulous spa. The family here treats us like one of their own—and they even host a fun dancing night just for our group!

Hotel 2: Kristallhotel Corona – San Vigilio di Marebbe
Our final two nights will be spent at the magical Kristallhotel Corona – The Magic of Crystals, a unique wellness retreat where crystals are thoughtfully incorporated into the design of every room, the pool, and the spa. It’s a one-of-a-kind healing experience nestled in the beautiful village of San Vigilio.

Meals: A Culinary Journey Through the Dolomites

Get ready to savor some of the best food of your life! “Fueling the Fun—One Delicious Meal at a Time”

We’ll enjoy hearty breakfasts and elegant dinners each day at our hotels. Mornings begin with a generous and healthy buffet—featuring fresh fruit, juices, eggs, pastries, yogurt, and more to fuel your day. Dinners are multi-course gourmet experiences with several choices for each course, highlighting regional flavors like handmade pasta, polenta, meats, fish, and mouthwatering desserts like tiramisu.

Vegetarian? No problem! Our hosts are more than happy to create delicious and satisfying meals tailored to your preferences.

Lunches are not included, but they’re part of the adventure. During our hikes, we’ll stop at cozy alpine huts called Refugios, which serve gourmet food in breathtaking settings—one is even Michelin-rated! Expect rustic mountain fare made with love and local ingredients.

On one special day, we’ll pack a picnic and share a scenic mountaintop lunch—perhaps in a wildflower-filled meadow or on a peaceful mountain ridge.

This retreat feeds your soul and your appetite.

Trip Difficulty: E-Hiking in the Dolomites

We like to call this E-Hiking—because we take gondolas up to the most stunning high-altitude trails, and if your knees need a break, you can even ride the gondola back down! (Yes, it’s as fun as it sounds!)

This is a moderate-level hiking adventure, ideal for experienced walkers who are comfortable hiking 5–6 hours a day. We’ll be covering 8–10 miles daily, with elevation gains of no more than 1,400 feet and descents of up to 2,000 feet. Terrain varies from rolling hills and flower-filled meadows to rocky paths and occasional steeper climbs.

We’ll be hiking at elevations between 4,000 and 8,000 feet, but don’t worry—you’ll acclimate quickly thanks to the daily movement and plenty of fresh mountain air. While we haven’t scheduled official rest days, you’re always welcome to take a break, relax at the spa, or simply read a book by the pool.

Packing tip: Everyone should bring a daypack (Osprey or CamelBak style) with water, waterproof layers, a warm jacket, personal items, and space for your lunch.

 Want to feel strong and ready?
Once you sign up, Colleen will provide you with a training plan over the summer to help you prepare for the adventure ahead—so you’ll arrive feeling confident, energized, and excited to explore!

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Tell me about the yoga.
Whenever time allows, we begin our adventure-filled days with Colleen’s signature “Awakening the Senses” yoga—a gentle yet powerful movement practice inspired by Gyrokinesis, Qigong, and Tai Chi. It’s the perfect way to wake up your body, mind, and spirit for the day’s activities (PLUS it helps turn on the muscles we will be using). In the afternoons, we unwind with a nurturing yoga and chanting session led by Rachel—often accompanied by her ukulele and beautiful heart-centered energy.

Do I have to participate in everything on the schedule?
Not at all! This is your retreat, and you’re encouraged to listen to your body and spirit. You can do as much or as little as feels right for you. The schedule is a helpful guide to the flow of the day, but it’s flexible and may shift depending on the group’s needs, weather, or spontaneous mountain magic. We’ll go over the day’s plan each morning at breakfast.

What is the average age of participants?
We welcome women of all ages! Typically, our guests range from 30 to 80 years young, with occasional adventurous teens joining alongside a parent. Each retreat is unique, so feel free to reach out if you’re curious about the age range for a specific trip. We just say everyone is 6 years old and open to WONDER!

What if I come alone?
Perfect! Most of our guests come solo—and leave with lifelong friends. You’ll be welcomed into a warm, supportive sisterhood from the moment you arrive. We create an environment where connection comes naturally and no one ever feels left out.

What if I’m new to Italy or Europe?
If it’s your first time to Europe—don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Italy is a joy to explore, and we’re here to make your experience smooth and stress-free. From travel questions to cultural tips, we’re always happy to help. And if you’ve traveled extensively, our deep, heart-centered, and immersive approach to this retreat will offer a fresh and delightful new perspective.

Payment Policy

To secure your spot on a retreat, a non-refundable deposit is required:

• $500 for domestic retreats
• $1,000 for international retreats

Single room reservations may require an additional $200 deposit. Reservations cannot be held without a deposit.

Full payment is due 90 days prior to the retreat. If payment is not received by this deadline, you may lose your reservation. For bookings made within 90 days of the retreat, payment in full is required at the time of registration.

Payment Options:

• Avoid fees by paying via check or Zelle.  
• Payments via PayPal or Stripe incur a 4% processing fee.  

Cancellation Policy

• 91+ days before the retreat: Refund of payments (minus your deposit).
• 90 or fewer days before the retreat: Payments are non-refundable.

Women’s Quest reserves the right to cancel retreats with insufficient participant interest. In such cases, all payments will be refunded; however, Women’s Quest is not responsible for personal expenses, such as airline tickets, due to schedule changes or cancellations.

Travel Insurance

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in case unforeseen circumstances prevent you from attending or completing the retreat.

Travel insurance is particularly important in the event you:

• Need to cancel due to illness or injury (including testing positive for COVID-19).
• Require medical care during the retreat.
• Face trip interruptions, delays, or unexpected quarantine requirements.

We suggest a policy that covers:

• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Medical expenses
• Quarantine costs

For maximum flexibility, consider a “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) policy, which provides additional peace of mind. While this type of coverage is more expensive, it offers the most protection for unforeseen changes.

To compare and purchase travel insurance, we recommend using Squaremouth, a trusted platform to find the best policy for your needs. https://www.squaremouth.com/22393

Before purchasing any policy, consult a travel insurance agent to ensure it meets your coverage expectations.