Plus Size Yoga & Adventure Retreat for Women in Costa Rica

2026 is officially 💥 SOLD OUT!

Late October / Early November 2027
Dates Coming Soon

Valley of Fire

Camping & Hiking Trip

a plus-size & beginner-friendly
adventure retreat for women

October 23-26, 2026

We are gathering a group of 12 daring women for 4 unforgettable days of adventure, nature, and friendship in the otherworldly Valley of Fire. If you want to try hiking or camping without having to figure out all the logistics or buy a bunch of gear, this is the trip for you!

Our adventure takes place among the Mojave desert’s stunning colors, fascinating rock formations, and world-famous starry nights. This experience is an invitation to make some new friends, see yourself (and your body) in a new way, and encounter the untamed, adventurous parts of yourself.

hosted by Amber Karnes & Andrea DiMaio



You'll Stay

1 night hotel, Las Vegas
2 nights tent camping, Valley of Fire State Park



GROUP SIZE

12 campers
2 leaders



TIME AWAY

4 days
3 nights



Activity Level

3 out of 5
hiking, yoga, camping

This trip is for you if…

⛺️ You’re a woman who wants to try hiking or camping without having to figure out all the logistics or buy a bunch of gear.

🔥 You want to experience an adventure retreat designed for & led by fat women, where you can go at your own pace, ask questions, or ask for support.

💞 You want to explore body acceptance and confidence through community and bold connection with nature

🫶 You’re dreaming of a co-created community experience where we help each other out, share what we know, and no one gets left behind

‼️ You’re a daring scaredy cat (our people!! ❤️) and you want to try something a little intimidating while being supported by a small group of caring & daring women.

*not a woman but want to attend? See the FAQ

Selfie of a group of women, Plus Size Yoga & Adventure Retreat for Women in Costa Rica

🧘‍♀️ You want to practice yoga with a teacher that knows how to accommodate your unique body.

✨ You want to make some new like-minded and like-hearted friends with similar goals around body acceptance, adventure, and living life out loud.

😂 You need a few days packed with deep conversation, joyful movement, and laughter.

🏜️ You’re an outdoorsy traveler who’s ready for your next adventure in the Mojave Desert.

🥳 You need something to look forward to. You need a change of scenery. Mix it up! Do something a little daring.

🔥 Finally, Retreats Built for Bigger Bodies

Plus size adventure & yoga retreat for women - Body Positive Yoga

Inclusive adventures that work for your body, not against it.

We’re two fat women who have led over 20 retreats and adventure trips. We both design our events specifically with fat and plus-size travelers in mind.

While this retreat is open to folks of all shapes and sizes who are exploring body acceptance, we center larger bodies in our work.

The tiniest details are important to us so you can have an excellent experience: seating that works for your body, setting the pace of activities for the person who needs the most support, and providing lots of information about accessibility and activities so you can self-select what works for you.

check out this highlight reel from Amber’s 2025 Mexico retreat

When it comes to meeting accessibility needs, we’re not perfect, but we’re responsive as heck. We iterate every retreat based on feedback from our guests, and if there’s a problem that needs solving, we do our level best to solve it for you right away so that you can be comfortable.

We create a supportive environment where no one gets left behind, so you can safely push your limits and try something challenging in a group of other fun, positive folks without worrying about keeping up or fitting in.

If you have any concerns about whether this retreat is right for you (if you have questions about accessibility, mobility limitations, activity levels, or anything else) please reach out! We’d love to speak with you and answer your questions.

Want details on accessibility & activity levels?

👀 Learn More

🌵 Retreat Schedule

Bali Villas, Plus Size Yoga & Adventure Retreat for Women in Costa Rica

DAY 1: Las Vegas

Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas!

After your flight safely lands at Harry Reid International Airport, you’ll take a 20-minute ride to South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa, our stay for the first night of the trip. You’ll share a Premium Queens Room (2 Queen beds) with one of your fellow adventurers. If you’re not attending with a friend, we’ll find you a roommate for the night!

South Point is a highly-rated and beloved Las Vegas Resort located minutes away from the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. Some of the hotel’s amenities include a gorgeous resort pool, a 16-screen movie theater complex, a 64-lane bowling plaza, the large casino, an equestrian center, and 11 restaurants.

We’ll meet in the evening for a welcome dinner at one of Amber’s favorite local restaurants, and together we’ll set the intention for our trip. Sink into your plush mattress for a good night’s sleep before our early morning departure for Valley of Fire.

DAY 2: Setting Up Camp

Arrive at Valley of Fire

We’ll meet in front of the hotel for a 7am sharp departure time and drive 1 hour to Valley of Fire State Park. In the morning, we’ll cruise around the park’s scenic drives, taking in the sights and stopping for short hikes (from a few steps to around half a mile) to see notable landmarks in the park like petroglyphs, animal-shaped rock formations, and fascinating playgrounds made of sandstone.

After eating lunch at one of the many shaded picnic areas, we’ll head to our campground to set up camp. Our camping area is among a dramatic background of rock formations with the contrast of Nevada’s Muddy Mountains in the distance. Our picnic space and camp kitchen are under a manmade shade structure where we’ll gather and relax.

You’ll get a two-person tent all to yourself and we’ll work as a group to set up tents, inflate sleeping pads, and set up the camp kitchen. In the afternoon, take time to relax and join Andrea for a mindful activity: Desert Bathing. With this mindfulness practice, we’ll take in the beauty of the place where we are recreating. We’ll tune into our five senses and explore the energy, peace and awesomeness of the Mojave desert.

After a group dinner, we’ll pitch in to clean up and then gather around the fire pit for smores, games, and maybe a scary story or two, before we fall asleep under the stars.

DAY 3: Exploring Valley of Fire

Yoga, Hiking & Art

Wake up with the sunrise and join Andrea for a yoga practice in the cool, early morning. You can stretch, become present, and prepare your body and mind before we go out for our group hike.

You’ll take breakfast to go so we can head to our group hike for the day, which meanders through the White Domes, Fire Wave, and 7 Wonders Loop trails. This hike offers you the “greatest hits” of Valley of Fire, and we will see many fascinating rock formations, walk through shaded slot canyons, and see the inspiring and stunning stripes, colors, and textures of the desert.

The hike may challenge you. Our intention is to give you a safe place to push your limits and experience your body in a new way. No one will be left behind, and we will go at the pace of the person who needs the most support. Where the terrain gets a little technical, we’ll help each other out.

After our hike, we will eat lunch at a shaded picnic area before heading back to camp for some down time in the afternoon. Amber will break out the art supplies and offer some reflection prompts you can use to create simple, low-key art inspired by your day in the desert.

After a group dinner, we’ll sit around the fire pit for a reflection circle and share how our bold encounters with nature are changing the ways we see ourselves and experience our bodies. Stargazing is definitely recommended before heading into your tent for our last night in the park.

DAY 4: Goodbye (for now)

Breaking Camp & Heading Home

On our final day together, we’ll wake up with the sunrise, then join Andrea for another early yoga class while the sounds and sights of the desert surround us.

Amber will serve up breakfast, then we’ll break camp together, packing out our gear, cleaning up behind ourselves, and soaking up the last glimpses of Valley of Fire.

We’ll drive back to Las Vegas and either drop you off at the airport or you can catch a ride back at South Point if you’re staying an extra night.

I attended every single retreat she offered one year

Amber Karnes is someone I’ve had the pleasure of learning yoga from, attending retreats and collaborating with as a wellness practitioner. One of the things that’s been a pleasure throughout all of my experiences is the thoughtfulness and impact of her work.

She is always there in her students minds or in the retreat participants hearts, creating an unforgettable and transformative experience that is centered around personal and collective empowerment. And working with her is FUN. She’s driven, creative and is a powerhouse of taking a project from idea to completion.

There’s a reason why I attended every single retreat she offered one year, trust.

Deb Malkin
Mindbody Coach, The Curiosity Cure

⛺️ Register Now

Desert Camping & Hiking

Valley of Fire is world-famous for its 40,000 acres of striking red Aztec sandstone formations set against gray and tan limestone, ancient petrified trees, and petroglyphs that date back more than 2,000 years. The Mojave Desert is a wild and beautiful place that is unfamiliar to many of us! Desert temperatures can fluctuate greatly. During the day you can get triple digit temperatures and then it can drop and get pretty chilly at night. So it’s a good idea to know a few things about camping and hiking in the desert before you arrive. Here are some of the things we’ll take into consideration while we camp and hike in Valley of Fire:

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Water

Water is probably the most important thing to consider while adventuring in the desert. During the hike, everyone must bring 3 liters of water. It may be easiest to carry it in a water bladder with a drinking tube (like a Camelbak) that you can put in your backpack, but water bottles work as well. There will be a spigot at the campsite for us all to keep our water bottles full so that we stay crucially hydrated. We also recommend bringing electrolytes to add to your water to help stave off dehydration even more.

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Clothing

Clothing can play a big role in keeping you comfortable in the desert. During the day clothing that has a SPF coating can be an important way to keep you from overheating and from getting sunburned. A sunshirt with a hood or a button up shirt with a wide brim hat are both good ways to protect your eyes, the back of your neck, and ears. Fabric should be lightweight, breathable and light colored. Sunglasses are also a must to protect your eyes.

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Footwear

The Mojave Desert’s stunning sandstone formations create some of the finest sand in all the land! These tiny particles of “blowsand” can make the surface of bare rock slippery and will find their way into your shoes. You’ll want to pick comfortable hiking boots or trail running shoes with grippy bottoms. The shoes should not be made of mesh like some of the lightweight hiking shoes are (or you’ll be emptying sand out of your shoes a few times on our hikes). You could even look into wearing low gaiters if you think that getting some sand into the top of your shoes might be a problem for you.

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Sun Protection

We mentioned sun protective clothing above, but don’t forget your sunscreen. The sun is hot and there are no trees in the desert. Even though there will be some shade from rocks, slot canyons, and manmade shade areas at our campsite, you’ll spend a lot of time in the bright sun. You may want to bring a cooling towel or personal neck fan if you’re sensitive to the heat.



Wildlife

There are some truly cool creatures that live in the desert. We might see Desert Bighorn Sheep way up in the rocks, a cute kit fox, or many desert reptiles. Here is a great article that shows some of the animals that live in Valley of Fire State Park.

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Food

We will share communal meals during our camping adventure, with Amber serving as our camp chef. Each morning, we’ll have a hot breakfast, like breakfast burritos or an oatmeal bar with toppings. Lunches will be a “make your own wrap” station with snacks and fruit. Dinners include a delicious taco night and stir fry night. All meals will have vegetarian protein options and if you have any food allergies, you can let us know when you sign up. Plenty of snacks will be available to take with you throughout the day.

⛺️ What camping gear do I need?

Download Packing List

Here’s What We Are Providing:

The standard camping gear package includes a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad.

If you want to bring your own gear, the cost of those rental items will be reduced from the price of the event. You’ll let us know about your preferences when you sign up.

Tent

You’ll get a two-person tent all to yourself. Never put up a tent? No problem! When we make camp together on the first day in the park, Amber & Andrea will demonstrate how to put the tents up and we will help each other make camp!

Sleeping Bag

You’ll have a sleeping bag that fits you (we have long lengths and plus sizes available). All our sleeping bags are comfort rated and highly insulated so you’ll stay warm even when the temperatures drop at night.

Sleeping Pad

You will be getting up and down off the ground to get into your tent and sleep, but you’ll enjoy a thick and wide inflatable sleeping pad (camping mattress) to keep you cushioned from the ground and provide warmth.

You must bring:

These are items that need to come with you to Las Vegas!

Day Pack

You need a backpack that is comfortable for you to wear for several hours. We recommend a “regular backpack” size, 30 liters or smaller. You should be able to fit 3 liters of water in your day pack along with some other items like an extra layer, sunscreen, and snacks.

Mess Kit

We’ll provide the meals, you provide the dishes. You should bring a bowl, plate, fork, spoon, and mug for warm beverages. We recommend plastic, metal, or a another material that won’t break.

Water Receptacles

Bring a combination of water bottles and/or water bladder like a Camelbak. You need enough receptacles to carry 3 liters of water with you when we are out hiking away from camp.

Camp Pillow

You need a pillow that will be comfortable for sleeping. This can be an inflatable camping pillow or even your regular bed pillow (note: it may get dusty or smell like campfire smoke). Make sure you select something that you know works well for your neck!

Headlamp

Valley of Fire is known as an exceptional place for stargazing, so you know it will be dark. A headlamp is a must, and it should be fully charged when you arrive.

Optional Gear You Can Rent:

You’ll let us know if we should add this to your rental package when you sign up.

Camp Chair

There will be lots of places to sit like picnic table benches, smooth sandstone rocks, and cement benches at the fire pit. Most of us will choose to sit on one of those spots but if you need to have a camp chair, you can rent one.

Trekking Poles

Trekking poles can be ideal if you are new to hiking, are unsure walking on uneven terrain, or have tricky knees. Having more points of contact with the ground will make you feel more stable.

🌵 What’s Included

💖 1:1 introductory call with Amber or Andrea before the retreat

💻 Online meet & greet with other attendees before the retreat

🚐 Private, safe transportation to and from the LAS airport

🛌 One night in a shared 2-Queen beds room at South Point Hotel & Casino

🔥 Admission to Valley of Fire State Park

⛺️ Camping gear: 2-person tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag

🥙 All meals, snacks, and water

🧘‍♀️ Daily morning yoga classes and desert mindfulness activities

🎨 Art supplies for reflection and creation

👚 Limited edition merchandise to commemorate the experience

Not Included

Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Airfare to LAS
Pickup or dropoff to airport outside designated times
Vehicle fee, park admission, and camping fee if you want to drive your own vehicle into the park
Alcohol
Additional food or drinks not mentioned as included
Additional excursions
Souvenirs
Tips for hotel staff or trip guides

Cancellation Policy & Agreements

Upon registration, you will sign a copy of our retreat agreements, which outlines what you get for your investment as well as the cancellation and refund policies. Want a copy of the agreements before you register? Email me.

Cancellation & refund policy:

Before June 1, 2026: You may cancel or transfer your registration to another person and get a full refund of all monies paid (except non-refundable $500 deposit)
June 1-July 1, 2026: No refunds, but you may transfer your registration to another person. If I am able to sell your spot, I will refund you.
After July 1, 2026: no refunds or transfers.

Your $500 non-refundable deposit secures your spot. This deposit is non-refundable, which means it will not be refunded by me, for any reason, including if you change your mind, are unable to attend due to illness, canceled flights, or any other reason.

You may pay in full when you register, or you will automatically be registered for a payment plan. See the FAQ for payment plan details.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all my retreats. You may be able to purchase a travel insurance plan that includes “cancel for any reason” coverage. Oftentimes you must buy this type of policy within 1 week of making your deposit for this trip, so do not delay. See the FAQ about travel insurance for more info.

About Schedule Changes
Adventure travel and group travel built with accessibility in mind require flexibility and a positive mental attitude. Activities, excursions, and itinerary may change at any time, depending on availability, weather, and what we determine is most appropriate for the group’s wellbeing. We adapt the itinerary to the group, and design the event around the person or people who need the most support, so everyone can be included.

Have Questions? Let’s talk.
We would love to jump on a call with you to answer any questions you may have about the retreat. Grab a time on Andrea’s calendar here, or email me.

Locals rate available: hotel cost will be subtracted from trip price
If you bring your own gear, gear rental cost will be subtracted from trip price

SOLD OUT FOR 2026

Join the hotlist and I’ll email you when a last-minute spot comes up or when I announce dates for the next trip.

Join the Hotlist

Reservations are first-come, first-served.

Absolutely changed my life

I have attended two retreats that Amber organized and hosted and have also subscribed to her online yoga content. Amber has a gift for creating community, providing high quality and impactful content, and making individuals feel seen, heard and supported.

The first retreat I attended with her absolutely changed my life. There is a very special magic when you find “your people” and are guided and supported by an insightful person like Amber in experiences that lift you up and teach you measurable ways to improve through self-acceptance.

As an introvert, I had a lot of fears about attending a retreat with strangers. But I could not have had a better experience with Amber in the way she created and cultivated connection between the attendees, set up meaningful activities, and shared herself so much with us.

Alexandra F.

About Your Hosts

Chel Rogerson - Sayulita Reiki & Yoga teacher

Amber Karnes

Hi, I’m Amber. I am a multi-disciplinary artist, community builder, and teacher. Over the past 25 years I have built communities and thrown events around yoga, art, craft, graphic design, food justice, the hardcore punk music scene, bikelife, entrepreneurship, and more.

When I found yoga and the fat acceptance communities in my early 20s, it started a decades-long journey of learning how to live well in this unruly body of mine. Eventually I became a yoga teacher and for the past 15 years I’ve been building community (and a business) called Body Positive Yoga. In my work, I also support solo business owners and artists with marketing strategy (especially marketing without social media).

My adventure travel retreats are really something special. I hosted my first yoga retreat in 2015, and discovered that creating and hosting small group wellness & adventure retreats are my favorite way to work in the whole world.

At my events, we have learned to surf, jumped off cliffs into Mexican cenotes and Virginia rivers, snorkeled with sea turtles, made tortillas with Mayan villagers, had dance parties under the full moon, stood in the Atlantic Ocean watching a total solar eclipse, and made original art collages inspired by our encounters with manatees, whale sharks, and stingrays.

I love exploring how creativity, play, and adventure play a role in healing our body image, and I can’t wait to see how the desert changes us on this trip.

Andrea DiMaio

Andrea was born and raised in Western New York where she has always loved the outdoors. She grew up camping, with her family and the Girl Scouts, hiking, riding bikes, and downhill skiing. In her 20’s she found a love for international travel.

In 2017 Andrea started an inclusive outdoor adventure group, called Ample Movement, and in 2019 she sold her 20-year business working with dogs, to become a yoga teacher as well.

That same year, Andrea climbed Mount Kilimanjaro as part of the Curvy Kili Crew with Whoa Travel. That trip changed her life, and she finally knew that she could truly call herself the hiker and adventurer that she always had been without having to change what her body looked like.

After that trip, she became employed by Whoa Travel as a Group Adventure Leader and has led trips in Peru, Iceland, the Galapagos as well as the Boundary Waters in upper Minnesota.

She jokes that 18-year-old Andrea would think she’s “so cool”. Andrea’s passion is sharing joyful movement through yoga and outdoor activities for all, with an emphasis on making space for people who aren’t used to seeing themselves represented in those spaces, making the outdoors more accessible, and working to eliminate barriers to the outdoors for plus-size people and other underrepresented folks. Instagram: Ample Movement | Adventuring Andrea

Why we created this experience

Amber and Andrea met for the first time in person at a yoga training in 2018. Over the next few years, Andrea attended one of Amber’s retreats in the mountains of Virginia and later completed her Accessible Yoga Teacher training with Amber as the instructor.

Their (in-person) paths crossed again in Mexico in the summer of 2025 where they discussed their mutual love of adventure travel. Andrea connected Amber with WHOA Travel, the travel company where Andrea leads adventures. Because of this connection, Amber will be leading a trip to the Galapagos Islands this fall.

Both Andrea and Amber have a shared passion for creating inviting adventure spaces where people can try things out that they never thought they could do.

We can’t wait to show you how fun and doable camping and hiking can be!

Accessibility & Activity Levels

If you have questions or accessibility needs not covered here, please reach out ahead of booking. Caring for you and your body on this trip is our top priority and we’d love to make your participation in the retreat work for you. Book a call with Andrea or email Amber to discuss.

I’m including information about activity levels and accessibility here so you can know if this retreat is appropriate for you and be prepared ahead of time with information.

Retreat Activity Level: 3/5

Activities: Hiking, camping, tent sleeping, yoga

Accessibility Information About The Campground

Click here for a PDF of the park map, which has information about trails, attractions, and more.

There will be pit toilets at the campground. A pit toilet is basically a toilet seat built over a deep hole (pit or vault) in the ground. Instead of flushing into pipes or a septic system, waste goes directly into the pit. They are ventilated to reduce odor (often called a vault or vented toilet). They are stocked with toilet paper.

There is an ADA restroom facility in a nearby Atlatl Campground. It is about a 3 minute drive or 20 minute walk from our campground to the showers.

Seating options include picnic tables, cement benches around the fire pit, and plenty of smooth sandstone rocks throughout the area.

If you have any accessibility needs before or during the retreat, please let us know as soon as possible. We truly want to make you as comfortable as possible. Photos of the toilets and showers are available upon request.

Excursions & activities

Our Main Hike

We will be hiking a breathtaking hike along the Fire Wave, White Domes, and Seven Wonders Loop. You’ll see incredible rock formations, awesome views, and get to walk through magical slot canyons. View the hike on AllTrails.

Below are the details of the hike that we will be doing. Take in this information and know that we will be going slow, taking all the breaks we need, and won’t leave anyone behind. We will move at the pace of the person who needs the most support, and we have full faith that you can do this incredibly breathtaking hike with us.

The length of the hike is 3.2 miles and is rated as “Moderate” on AllTrails (we know that terms like “easy, moderate, and hard” are not great descriptions for trails but maybe helpful for some).
There is 377 ft of elevation gain.
The surface of the trail is deep sand in a few places. Packed sand in others and uneven large bare sandstone rock or loose gravel and rock in more. There will be some surface instability at times.
You will have to step down and use your hands for some spots at the beginning of the trail as we descend into the valley. There are some sections of the hike where you will have to walk on bare sandstone at an angle.
There is a pit toilet at the trail head before we start. There are no toilets on the duration of the hike.
The typical grade is 6.6% which means that where there is an incline it is “moderately felt”. There will be some inclines that are steeper and some less steep.
The typical cross slope is 3.3% means the trail tilts sideways about 3.3 inches per 100 inches or “enough to be felt”. There are places that have more or less cross slope.
We will offer each other a hand in difficult areas and help each other through parts of the trail where the terrain is uneven.

Other Hikes

On our first day, we will be driving around to stop off and do some shorter hikes to look at other cool stuff in the park. All of these hikes are well under a mile and often much shorter, just a few steps from the car. There will often be uneven, rocky and sandy terrain.

Yoga

Join us for a gentle yoga session each cool, early morning. Stretch, become present and prepare your body and mind before we go out for our group hike. Andrea is an experienced yoga teacher offering the practice for all bodies and ability levels.

Desert Bathing

You’ve heard of Forest Bathing? Well in the Valley of Fire, it’s Desert Bathing. Join Andrea for a mindfulness practice where we’ll take in the beauty of the place we are recreating. We’ll tune into our five senses and explore the energy, peace and awesomeness of the Mojave desert.

Seating Options

Seating options include picnic tables, cement benches around the fire pit, and plenty of smooth sandstone rocks throughout the area.

Food & Dietary Needs

Dinner the first night will be at a local Las Vegas restaurant with plenty of options no matter your dietary preferences or needs. Amber will be our camp chef at Valley of Fire and the rest of our meals will happen at camp. Vegetarian protein options will be offered at every meal, and you can let us know about any allergies or dietary preferences when you sign up.

Day 1 Dinner: Las Vegas restaurant
Day 2 Breakfast: To-go breakfast sandwiches for the trip
Day 2 Lunch: Make your own wrap, snacks, fruit
Day 2 Dinner: Stir fry night
Day 3 Breakfast: Breakfast burritos to go
Day 3 Lunch: Make your own wrap, snacks, fruit
Day 3 Dinner: Taco night
Day 4 Breakfast: Oatmeal bar with toppings

Alcohol & Drug Policy

We ask that everyone refrain from consuming alcohol or drugs while camping at Valley of Fire.

Alcohol is not included in the cost of this trip. If you choose to have a drink during our welcome dinner or while staying at the hotel, we ask that you consume responsibly. Consider that the dry climate and slight altitude of Las Vegas may affect you differently than you are accustomed to.

Vaping & Smoking

Vaping and smoking are allowed in many areas of South Point Casino, but not allowed inside the rooms. You may vape or smoke at Valley of Fire, but please be mindful that many people do not tolerate smoke well, so be considerate of the people around you. If you choose to smoke, please ensure all smoking debris is completely extinguished before you dispose of it properly.

Accessing Medical Care

We will have a First Aid Kit available at camp and on our hikes. Andrea has a Wilderness First Aid certification.

If there is an emergency, we will dial 911. There are many areas without cell reception in the park. The Fire Wave parking lot (P3 on the park map) is a place with reliable cell reception.

As a remote Nevada state park, emergency medical services are dispatched from surrounding areas, and park rangers can assist with on-site first aid or coordinate evacuations. The nearest hospital is in Las Vegas, a one-hour drive away.

In the case of an accident, injury, illness, theft, or other incidents, you must immediately notify Amber or Andrea. Emergency procedures are in place at the park and rangers will help us. However, they cannot guarantee necessary medical attention or treatment.

I recommend that you purchase travel insurance, which can cover medical care and transport should you need it. Read more about travel insurance in the FAQ.

COVID & Illness Policy

Participation in any group activity carries a risk of getting sick, especially when people travel to the event. Getting sick at an event, or worse, passing an illness around an event is a huge bummer, but it does happen.

In our post-pandemic world (in which Covid is still very much alive and well) it’s important to have a plan, as all of us have different risk profiles and practices around staying well.

Obviously we want to avoid any illness, but I treat Covid differently because it is an extremely contagious virus, and also extremely common to pass around at events. I also have many guests with compromised immune systems, and with our remote location, accessing medical care will not be simple, so I want to do my best to keep our community safe.

Retreat Agreements
To care for the group and yourself, I’m asking everyone attending this retreat to agree to the following:

All retreat participants must test negative for Covid before they leave their home airport for the trip.
Please wear a mask in the airport and on the plane. It’s extremely common for someone to get sick while traveling to an event, then pass the illness around at the event. Please mask during your travels to protect your investment in this trip and the health of your fellow community members and our families.
If you feel ill at the retreat, please let us know right away so we can support you.
We will have Covid tests available and if you feel ill, we will ask you to test for Covid.
If you test positive for Covid during the retreat, you will need to isolate and mask around others. This is a huge disappointment to happen at a retreat, when you’ve anticipated the event so much, so please wear a mask on the plane and in the airport for your best chance at arriving and staying healthy!
I ask that if you test negative for Covid but are still feeling ill, especially if you run a fever, that you isolate and rest until you feel better. If you need to be near the group for any reason, I will have masks available.

If you want to see the entire retreat agreement contract before you register, please email me.

Travel Insurance & Illness
You should promtply purchase travel insurance to provide the most coverage for your trip. You may be able to buy “cancel for any reason” insurance which can cover your investment in the case you get sick before or during the retreat.

You may also elect to purchase a travel insurance plan that covers medical care or medical transport in Nevada. I recommend it, as travel insurance is quite affordable compared to what you are spending on this trip.

Reviews From Our Retreats

Usually at the end of a trip, I dread going back home, or I’m desperate to go home. But today, I have this overwhelming feeling of peace and gratitude. I’m inspired to go back to the life that I get to have, and I’m feeling really motivated.

I was just expecting to have a really fun experience with other cool women, but this was more than I bargained for in a huge way. I get to go back with this whole different version of me; I’ve shed a couple layers and grown a couple of skins.

This retreat is the best gift you can give to yourself because it is truly an investment in your body and nervous system. I will carry so much of what I learned about myself into my real life. And if you already know yourself plenty—you’ll certainly gain some new friends!

Georgia H.

The art was hugely impactful and well considered. The dance party was amazing and so much more than I thought it might be!

This retreat allowed me to make connections with people who view the world in a similar way that I do, but also allowed me to see the world through new eyes. Retreats like these create spaces where people are free to share their experiences in a non-judgmental space which is both enlightening and healing.

I loved the balance of activities and downtime, it was nice to feel like there was enough time to recharge between activities. I feel like I got more out of them this way. Everyone was so accommodating, it was lovely to feel so cared for.

Amber M.

I felt cared for, listened to and seen. Thank you for all your care and attention to the details. I appreciate the way you have such high standards.

The feeling of being in community and finding safety to explore the challenges of Wild Bodies has been life-changing, soul searching, and like coming up from the depths in a splash of fun and discovery to the surface of my life.

Scarlett R.

I went to my first Fat Camping trip with Andrea in 2025. I had gradually gotten to know Andrea through some local events that she led, including yoga, hiking and snowshoeing. As more of a newbie to the camping space, Andrea had taken the time to show me how to set up a camp, and even shared her own gear where I was lacking my own.

I was never uncomfortable for the entirety of the long weekend. From all the optional planned activities to the folks that attended, everything felt well planned, relaxing and an energy building experience. Even after getting a flat tire on my way home, I still smiled back on the memories I collected all that following week. I still smile thinking about it.

Andrea encourages you to be who you are and to embrace new adventures at the level you are. She has helped me find a community that I feel fully accepted in. I can’t wait to attend more events led by Andrea.

Lindsey

Amber, you are amazing at building community and inclusion. This trip exceeded my expectations! I had so much fun that I didn’t want to leave. I felt like I made friends and made meaningful connections.

I feel more confident after this retreat. Both in skin and spirit. I feel like I am allowed to enjoy life and need to do it more often. And really learned a lot about myself and honoring my energy levels. I felt included and a sense of belonging. I belong.

Cherie O.

I particularly enjoyed the group discussions on body image + collage making that followed. Having discussion + prompts and something to create immediately were invaluable to me and something I will carry with me IRL!

Not only is the focus of the retreat on diving deep into our bravest and most incredible selves, but also the gift of having a week of being cared for – emotionally, physically, by a community with shared experience – is transformative and restful in a way that is so rare.

Rachel K.

Thank you for putting these retreats together. You attract the most wonderful people. We get to meet each other and do fun stuff while you facilitate this experience for everyone.

This is my second retreat, and both of them have been amazing. Thank you for being you and for making this experience possible for all of us.

Marisa S.

I didn’t think my second retreat could be better than my first. I have grown so much using my experience from my first retreat to the this second one. I maintained friendships, made new ones, deepened my connection with myself, others, and with my practice.

It has taught me how to use what I feel on my mat and share it with the world. Most of all it has given me a place to calm my mind, feel confident, and be more authentic with myself. Loved every minute!

I’d recommend this retreat to a friend because it was such a nourishing experience – I felt my body and soul get stronger, I felt my intentions take a more meaningful shape, I felt refueled. Plus, all the lovely people there are so supportive and made me feel like I had found a new community.

Amber is very good at pulling people out of their shell. I learned so much, but I also felt so comfortable in her environment and she made modifications for my back problem. She’s very good at reaching people where they are and a joy to learn from.

I attended a Body Positive Yoga retreat with Amber and it was life-changing, life-affirming, actually!

Amber’s care, compassion, commitment, and drive is what still has me doing yoga and still working on me and my overall health (body, mind, and spirit). She gave me the tools I needed to move forward on my health and self love journey.

I was pretty skeptical about what to expect, despite having signed up on a last minute whim. I deal with social anxiety and struggle to step out of my comfort zone when it comes to meeting new people. This was a great opportunity to challenge my own insecurities and do so in a supportive environment with other women who face the same internal conflicts.

Being in a community of intelligent, authentic and like minded, yet diverse women is exceptionally empowering.

To know there are others out there that you can identify with, learn from, and share community with is so impactful and can be carried with you in everyday life wherever you go.

How powerful community can be. It was so wonderful being around women who were committed (even at different levels) to achieving body peace.

I love looking at our bodies together and witnessing the power that we hold to heal ourselves and each other.

I think what Amber does is so important in holding space for us to find one another and lead us through example, wisdom, kindness, and humor.

Community building is a special skill that, with Amber, comes from her heart and a passion for the ways we can see and be seen in the world with compassion.

My Body Positive Yoga class with Amber was the real but very needed compassionate check-in toward living in a body that’s different. She gifted me her focused attention, thoughtful words, and movement to love myself wholly.

🤩 Frequently Asked Questions

Payments & Cancellation

How do I reserve my spot & register?

Rooms are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Retreats tend to sell out. Reserve early to secure your spot!

Once you are ready to register, go to this page and sign up in 3 simple steps:

Pay the $500 deposit
Fill out the application form
Sign the retreat contract

You can pay the balance in full, or we will be in touch to set up your payment plan.

Can I make payments?

Yes. When you register, you can choose to pay in full, or you will be automatically enrolled in the following payment plan:

Due upon registration: $500 non-refundable deposit
If you register in February: divide the remaining balance by 7 equal payments
- register in March: divide by 6 equal payments
- register in April: divide by 5 equal payments
- register in May: divide by 4 equal payments
- register in June: divide by 3 equal payments
- register in July: divide by 2 equal payments
- register in August or September: balance is due in full when you register
If you are registering with a payment plan, payments will be charged every 30 days and the balance must be fully paid by September 15, 2026.

Remember that the $500 deposit is non-refundable so I strongly recommend that your purchase travel insurance. You may be able to buy a policy that includes “cancel for any reason” coverage to protect your investment, but buy it promptly. Many plans require you purchase this insurance within 1 week of your trip deposit.

What if I need to cancel or change my mind?

Cancellation & refund policy:

Before June 1, 2026: You may cancel or transfer your registration to another person and get a full refund of all monies paid (except non-refundable $500 deposit)
June 1-July 1, 2026: No refunds, but you may transfer your registration to another person. If I am able to sell your spot, I will refund you.
After July 1, 2026: no refunds or transfers.

Your $500 non-refundable deposit secures your spot. This deposit is non-refundable, which means it will not be refunded by me, for any reason, including if you change your mind, are unable to attend due to illness, canceled flights, or any other reason.

What's included in the price?

💖 1:1 introductory call with Amber or Andrea before the retreat

💻 Online meet & greet with other attendees before the retreat

🚐 Private, safe transportation to and from the LAS airport

🛌 One night in a shared 2-Queen beds room at South Point Hotel & Casino

🔥 Admission to Valley of Fire State Park

⛺️ Camping gear: 2-person tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag

🥙 All meals, snacks, and water

🧘‍♀️ Daily morning yoga classes and desert mindfulness activities

🎨 Art supplies for reflection and creation

👚 Limited edition merchandise to commemorate the experience

What's not included?

Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Airfare to LAS
Pickup or dropoff to airport outside designated times
Alcohol
Additional food or drinks not mentioned as included
Additional excursions
Souvenirs
Tips for hotel staff or trip guides

About The Experience

Do most retreat participants come alone?

Yes, many of my guests do come alone. But by the end of their stay they usually have made some great new friends. I’ve heard from folks who retreated with me a decade ago that are still friends with each other today!

How big is the group?

The group will be 12 campers, with Andrea & Amber leading the trip.

Is this retreat for women only?

This retreat is for women and gender minorities. It is not a space for cisgender men.

Let me try my best to be clear. Women (and people of other gender identities who grew up socialized as women) share certain lived experiences in our patriarchal culture. We receive implicit and explicit messages about “our place in things” that men don’t. We’ll be untangling the ways that cultural conditioning about womanhood overlaps with our sense of self, especially with regards to body image and physical capability.

This retreat is a space for women as well as anyone who was raised or socialized as a woman. Trans women are welcome, as well as transmasc and non-binary folks who were socialized as women (regardless of how they identify). It is not a space for cisgender men.

If you have questions about whether you should attend, please contact me and we can discuss!

Am I too old to come to the retreat?

You’d be amazed at how many women have this question! The other question is, “Will I be the oldest one there?”

Most of our retreat guests are in their early 30s to late 50s. But we’ve had several retreat guests in their 60s and 70s over the 10+ years we’ve been throwing these events. We deeply appreciate inter-generational retreats, it adds layers of perspective and wisdom that benefit the collective.

As one participant said, “I was able to see the wisdom that aging can bring. It was incredibly beautiful to see people, older than I am, loving and caring for their bodies the way that is mindful and intentional. It helped open my eyes to the fact that life, at any age, is what you make of it.”

You are not too old! We hope to see you there.

I'm nervous about being able to keep up with the group during activities.

Please don’t worry. We design our retreats in such a way that we move at the pace of the person who needs the most time and assistance.

No one is ever made to feel “too slow.”

As the leaders responsible for holding the container of the retreat group, we set the pace for activities and we intentionally lead “from the back of the pack” according to how the group is doing.

Even the most athletic people have bad days, get too hot in the sun, or get their period. So we are always evaluating the group in front of us and making sure that no one is left behind.

View accessibility and activity level info

Will I be able to do the yoga classes?

Yes! Andrea specializes in adaptive, inclusive yoga practice for all bodies and ability levels. This is low-pressure, judgment-free yoga led by a “non-typical”, plus size yoga teacher.

The yoga that we will practice is not designed to be a strenuous workout. These are easy movements and big deep breaths that meet your body where you are today.

What is your COVID or illness policy?

In our post-pandemic world (in which Covid is still very much alive and well) it’s important to have a plan, as all of us have different risk profiles and practices around staying well.

Retreat Agreements
To care for the group and yourself, I’m asking everyone attending this retreat to agree to the following:

All retreat participants must test negative for Covid before they leave their home airport for the trip.
Please wear a mask in the airport and on the plane. It’s extremely common for someone to get sick while traveling to an event, then pass the illness around at the event. Please mask during your travels to protect your investment in this trip and the health of your fellow community members and our families.
If you feel ill at the retreat, please let us know right away so we can support you.
We will have Covid tests available and if you feel ill, we will ask you to test for Covid.
If you test positive for Covid during the retreat, you will need to isolate and mask around others. This is a huge disappointment to happen at a retreat, when you’ve anticipated the event so much, so please wear a mask on the plane and in the airport for your best chance at arriving and staying healthy!
I ask that if you test negative for Covid but are still feeling ill, especially if you run a fever, that you isolate and rest until you feel better. If you need to be near the group for any reason, I will have masks available.

If you want to see the entire retreat agreement contract before you register, please email me.

What is the alcohol and drug policy?

We ask that everyone refrain from consuming alcohol or drugs while camping at Valley of Fire.

Vaping & Smoking

Can I read some reviews of the hotel?

We will spend our first night together at South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa. You can read many reviews of this beloved Las Vegas Resort on Google and TripAdvisor.

I have questions about accessibility or activity levels.

Great! I have a whole section about that right here.

About Camping & Hiking

I've never camped or set up a tent before!

We love this for you and this trip is made for you. We are going to be doing everything as a group and you’ll leave having new skills. You’ll be able to learn to set up a tent and do other camping tasks in a supportive environment.

Where do I go to the bathroom?

Photos of bathroom facilities are available upon request.

Can I shower at camp?

There is an ADA restroom facility with showers in the nearby Atlatl Campground. It is about a 3 minute drive or 20 minute walk from our campground to the showers. Photos are available upon request.

What if I'm a slow hiker?

No worries at all! We’re going to hike together as a group, take a slow pace, and no one will be left behind. We’ll take lots of photo, snack, and water breaks.

Do I have to share a tent with someone?

Nope! Everyone will get their own 2-person tent to sleep in.

What if I can't get up and down off the ground?

For this trip, it is a requirement that you are able to get down and up off the ground. You don’t have to be graceful doing it and we will be there to offer an assist but all of us will be sleeping on thick sleeping pads (camping mattresses) on the ground inside the tent.

What do I need to bring?

Download a packing list for this trip. We ask that you bring everything on the list that is not marked “optional”. These items are chosen for your safety and comfort.

The most important things are clothing for being active in the sun. You’ll want a hat with a brim (preferably one that has a brim all the way around) and other clothing that keeps you cool and has SPF. Clothing should be lightweight and breathable. This is one environment where cotton fabric can be a good choice!

Can I bring my own gear?

Yes. We will be asking you on the trip application what you need to rent. If you bring your own gear, we will subtract the cost of the gear from your trip cost.

What is the weather like in Valley of Fire?

October is a beautiful time of year in Valley of Fire State Park. Expect sunny skies and extremely dry conditions. Average daytime highs are in the low 80s (F) while at night it can get into the 50s. There is the odd chance that temps could be up in the 90s or triple digits during the day, but that is rare. It is generally dry with very low, if any, rainfall in October.

What if it rains while we're camping?

The park gets less than 4 inches of rain each year. That means it’s highly unlikely we’ll experience rain while we’re there, especially if we all pack our raincoats (ha ha, hiker humor). If we do happen to get rain, the tents are equipped with rain flies, and there is a shelter at the campsite. We’ll also have the vans nearby for additional cover if needed, and we can move to higher ground if conditions require it.

What if I need to use a CPAP machine?

There are no electrical outlets at the campsite, so the options are:

purchase a travel CPAP machine and a battery that will last for the 2 nights we are camping
purchase a battery that will work with your at home machine – the battery should last for 2 nights or be able to recharge using solar

Please check with your airline about regulations for transporting batteries with you to Las Vegas.

Is there WiFi? Will my phone work while camping?

In Las Vegas on our first day, your phone should work as normal and there is WiFi available at the hotel.

Like so many wilderness places, there is little to no cell service inside Valley of Fire State Park. Take this opportunity to unplug, be present and enjoy the natural setting of the desert. Signal strength will depend on your cell phone plan and location. Reliable cell signal can be found at Fire Wave parking lot (P3).

Travel Questions

I have travel insurance questions.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for this trip. You may be able to purchase a travel insurance plan that includes “cancel for any reason” coverage. You usually must buy this type of policy within 1-2 weeks of making your deposit for this trip, so do not delay.

While the coverage provided by travel insurance varies based on the policy you purchase, as a general rule, this type of insurance may provide coverage for a variety of losses which you may incur relating to a booking, including losses relating to trip cancellation, illness, injury, theft, lost or damaged property, etc.

Be aware that, except for the limited refund rights in the cancellation policy, you are 100% responsible for any losses, penalties, fees, or other financial consequences arising out of any booking or trip, or the cancellation or interruption of any booking or trip (including, by way of example, costs related to airline tickets and fees, passport fees, visa fees, medical expenses, etc.).

Check out this guide to travel insurance by WHOA Travel, it does a good job of outlining the different things to look for in a plan. They also have links to some plans that have cancel for any reason insurance.

Getting a travel insurance quote through a provider’s website is easy, or you can call and discuss your trip with an insurance professional to help you select what you need. Look at the terms closely for each plan and make sure you are comfortable with the reasons you are allowed to use the insurance.

You can also go to reddit and do some searching about travel insurance plans and “cancel for any reason” insurance, and see what the masses recommend (that’s what I do to research these type of things). Getting quotes from different travel insurance company websites is a simple process and quotes are free. If you need help picking a plan, email me.

What airport should I fly into?

Please fly into the Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Las Vegas, Nevada. Transfers will be offered from LAS to South Point Hotel & Casino on the first day via private shuttle.

On the day of departure, we will offer 2 dropoff points once we leave the park: LAS airport or South Point around 12:30pm.

South Point offers a return shuttle to the airport for hotel guests if you are staying an extra night (you need to book it in advance).

Can I drive myself to the retreat?

Yes but you will need to ride with the group to Valley of Fire. We suggest you leave your car at South Point Hotel & Casino in their secure, video-monitored parking garage. Parking at the hotel is always free, however, cars left longer than 7 days will be towed.

Do you have a locals rate?

Yes, if you live in Las Vegas and don’t want to stay the first night at the hotel, you may meet the group for dinner and morning departure. Locals rate is the full cost of the trip minus the cost of the split hotel room ($80).

Can I book extra nights in Vegas?

Yes, if you would like to book extra nights, you can arrange that with South Point after you register. If you wish to stay at another hotel, you will be responsible for transportation to and from that hotel on the final day.

What time should I arrive and depart?

Transfers will be arranged from Las Vegas airport (LAS) only.
Arrival flights: by 3pm local time, October 23, 2026
Departure flights: after 3pm local time, October 26, 2026

Upon arrival, you will meet a prearranged hotel shuttle to take you to South Point. Please plan to arrive by 3pm if possible, so you can have plenty of time to get to the hotel, relax, and join for a group dinner at 6pm.

We leave for the park promptly at 7am on October 24. The park is approximately 1 hour away from the hotel.

On the day of departure, we will offer 2 dropoff points once we leave the park: LAS airport or South Point. Both dropoffs will occur around 12:30pm. South Point offers a free return shuttle to the airport for hotel guests if you are staying an extra night. You need to reserve the shuttle in advance.

If you arrive or depart outside the stated hours above, you will be responsible for your own transportation to and from Valley of Fire, which may be very expensive. You will also miss a part of the trip and it may be difficult for us to meet up and find each other once we are in the park.

How will I access medical care if I need it?