More than 20 years ago, somatic sex educator Pamela Madsen launched Back to the Body, a workshop aimed at helping women uncover and embrace their sexual pleasure. Over time, it evolved into a full-fledged sex and wellness retreat located in the serene wilderness of Joshua Tree National Park, designed to guide women toward orgasmic empowerment and body connection.
What Happens During the Retreat
Participants immerse themselves in a multi-day journey that includes workshops, guided touch sessions, soulful group discussions, and luxurious amenities such as a private chef, pool, and hot tub. One particularly intimate ritual, called The Art of Adoration, invites women to dress in what makes them feel beautiful; they lie blindfolded as practitioners gently caress their bodies with soft touches—from fingertips to fur—while music plays, encouraging emotional surrender and sensory connection.
Personal Breakthroughs and Empowerment
Aubree Nichols, who attended the week-long retreat, described a profound shift: initially hesitant, she ultimately surrendered, explaining, “It was as if a layer of shame had been stripped away, bringing me a little closer to the woman I used to be.” She viewed the retreat as more than indulgence—it was an “investment in personal liberation.” Hazel Stricker, 47, shared how table sessions helped her reclaim agency over her erotic energy, saying, “I felt more empowered, alive, and at ease with myself.” Another attendee, Erinne Branter, likened the experience to finally having someone drive her “incredible sports car” that she’d misjudged all along.
A More Critical Perspective
Not every participant had a uniformly glowing review. Columnist Jana Hocking noted that some exercises included bondage, sensory deprivation, and direct touch from staff. In one revealing moment, Madsen was brought to orgasm by a male assistant in front of the group—a scene that left Hocking “bored,” although she reported feeling better equipped and more confident in her own sexual expression afterward.
Pricing and Accessibility
This immersive, luxury experience comes at a high cost: around $15,000 for a week-long stay, though reports vary between $8,000 and $18,000 depending on package specifics. For those interested in a more accessible option, there are online workshops priced as low as $750.
A Broader Takeaway
These retreats redefine wellness by positioning sexual pleasure as integral to healing and mental health. As Madsen puts it, “Connecting to our bodies without shame is essential for empowerment, pleasure, and freedom.” The experiences have inspired many to reconsider shame and reclaim bodily autonomy—but they’re not without controversy or critique.
Redefining Intimacy and Self-Care
At its core, Back to the Body aims to help women reconnect with themselves in ways that go beyond traditional talk therapy or meditation. By incorporating sensual touch, guided embodiment, and intentional vulnerability, the retreat creates a space where emotional healing and sexual liberation intersect. For many, the experience fosters a renewed sense of intimacy—not just with partners, but within their own bodies. Attendees often report long-lasting changes, including improved self-esteem, emotional clarity, and even enhanced relationships. While controversial to some, the retreat challenges cultural taboos around female pleasure and invites women to reclaim their erotic identity without shame.
