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#1 Lesbian Retreat for Couples
Adventures in Love Lesbian Retreat for couples is an immersive relationship transformation program proven to enrich, repair, and/or reboot your connection for lesbian couples in any stage of their relationship – whether you are considering a divorce or you are just starting out and wish to start off on the right foot.
After two decades of working as a relationship specialist for lesbian couples, Michele O’Mara, PhD developed a relationship transformation program specifically for lesbian couples, like you, who are striving to create solid, loving relationships.
The Love Code Lesbian Relationship Transformation Program is an intensive 5-day relationship vacation + enrichment experience. My wife (Kristen) and I bring this unique lesbian retreat experience to various vacation destinations that offer a clean, comfortable space to gather and plenty of options when it comes time to play.

Lesbian Couples Share About Their Love Adventure Experience
Take the Love Code Quiz to identify your relationship strengths and challenges.
“A mind-blowing experience in which I felt that Michele nurtured the relationship and our love for each other while gently leading us to truths about ourselves.”
Frankie – Jackson, NJ (Burwell, NE 2018)
“It’s a game-changer for your relationship.”
– Amanda Mellen (Austin, 2019)
Join us in Destin, FL in
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are signs that your relationship is in the danger zone?
John Gottman is one of the most well-known and respected relationship researchers (studying both LGBT couples as well as heterosexual couples). Below are some helpful warning signs to pay attention to as you consider whether to seek support for your relationship.
Are you putting off getting help for your relationship?
The average couple waits 6 years before seeking help for marital problems. Furthermore, half of all divorces occur within the first seven years of marriage. If you are considering whether to get help for your relationship, act on this urge.
Are you becoming more and more emotionally distant – no longer putting forth the effort to understand each other?
A withdrawal of emotional transparency and sharing with one another is one of two key predictors of divorce. It is essential to stay emotionally open and connected to one another to breathe relationship-sustaining life into your marriage or relationship.
Are you balancing the needs of your child/children with the needs of your relationship?
The first three years of parenthood come with a dramatic decline in relationship satisfaction for 67% of couples.
Are you experiencing chronic stress and tension related to frequent “issues” that take away attention from fun and enjoyment?
The second warning sign of divorce is a decline in humor, affection, and empathy when you experience differences or disagreements. In heterosexual relationships, 80% of the time women are the ones who bring up issues. Imagine how this works in lesbian relationships. To experience a more joyful connection, you must develop effective communication skills to prevent the endless loop of unsuccessful conversations that lead to more conflict instead of greater understanding and empathy for one another.
How are Adventures in Love retreats different than other marriage retreats?
There are many marriage retreats designed for heterosexual couples that promote themselves as LGBT-friendly. Adventures in Love is the only lesbian-specific destination retreat that has been created by a lesbian couple and is exclusively for lesbian/queer (non-binary/non-male inclusive) couples.
The Lesbian Adventures in Love core retreat is a relationship transformation program for lesbian couples that includes the 6 Lesbian Love Codes created by Michele O’Mara, Ph.D.
What are the Lesbian Love Codes?
After two decades of working with lesbian couples, Michele O’Mara, Ph.D. created an immersive, relationship-transformation program for lesbian couples who want to develop the skills to sustain safe, connected, and enjoyable relationships.
The lesbian retreat for couples will address the 6 fundamentals (love codes) of a strong relationship which include:
- GIVE: Giving love is the motor of your relationship. You cannot get from your relationship anything that at least one of you is not giving. The more love you give, the more love you have.
- RECEIVE: If the motor of a relationship is to give love, receiving love is the fuel that keeps the motor running. Receiving love requires an open heart and the vulnerability to let love in. Receiving is how we say “yes,” to love without obstacles, conditions, or doubt.
- UNDERSTAND: To Understand Love is the ability to make sense of, and accurately interpret your partner’s feelings and behaviors in a way that allows her to feel known. Understanding is an emotional process, not a logical process, thus it requires access to emotions; yours and hers. Deep understanding fosters intimacy, friendship and connection.
- PROTECT: When you Protect Love, you keep it safe from harm. This requires both partners to manage their emotions and to establish healthy boundaries to support the well-being of both yourself and your relationship.
- PRIORITIZE: When we Prioritize Love, we move from a mindset of “me” to one of “we.” When you have decisions to make, free time to spend, love to give, and interpretations to make, you consider the needs of your relationship above all else.
- ENJOY: You can Enjoy Love when you take responsibility for creating positive, uplifting, and joyful interactions as well as incorporating novelty and surprise to keep love alive and a feel-good and satisfying experience.
How do we know if we are a good candidate for the lesbian retreat?
The love code transformation program is for you if:
- you feel like your relationship is lacking something, then the love codes are for you
- you are questioning whether you are in the right relationship
- you want a sustainable relationship and you are looking for the best way to nourish your friendship, connection and intimacy
- you want actionable steps, and concrete actions you can take to heal, repair and/or enrich your relationship
Will you be offering more lesbian marriage retreats soon?
Our goal is to offer three lesbian retreats for couples a year. We typically offer 5-day lesbian couples retreats in March, October, and June. As demand continues to grow, we plan to increase the number of retreats we offer each year. To stay informed about upcoming retreats, sign up to receive our Love Notes here.
What can we expect to gain from this lesbian retreat?
Every retreat offers a combination of working sessions and time for relaxation and enjoyment.
Specifically, you can expect to leave this retreat with:
- a solid understanding of the 6 Love Codes;
- an accurate understanding of your negative patterns of interaction and how to prevent your natural self-protective instincts from harming your relationship;
- concrete, actionable skills, and strategies necessary to co-create a relationship that effectively supports both of you in stepping into the best, most authentic version of who you really are;
- rapid bonding and deep friendships with other lesbian couples;
- A phenomenal vacation experience you won’t forget;
- A unique opportunity to feel seen and supported and experience a deep sense of relationship validation;
- confidence that your relationship can offer you the love, security, protection, peace, and enjoyment you desire
“It breathed new life into my marriage. I was afraid it would just rehash what we’d done in years of couple’s therapy but it got much deeper in a shorter amount of time and gave us immediately actionable tools and skills. I loved being able to witness and learn from all the other fantastic couples in attendance. Michele and Kristen are so real and committed to walking the talk. 10/10 recommend. The recordings have such valuable information and I’m happy to have them as an ongoing resource. Just wow. The retreat helped me learn how to discover my true feelings and needs and express them effectively. I feel more understood and that has renewed my hope for relationship success. Our conflicts decreased and we are more focused on loving each other. I’m so grateful to have had this uniquely wonderful experience. Thank you.”
– Jennifer K, Seattle, WA
How would you describe Michele and Kristen?
Definitely a dynamic duo! Aja Atwood – MA
Michele and Kristen are so real and committed to walking the talk. 10/10 recommend. The dynamic of you and Kristen being present during the sessions. It was valuable to have you both there demonstrating a real love that deals with real problems, just like we all have. I thought it showed an advanced level of using the tools we were introduced to. #relationshipgoals – Jennifer K, Seattle, WA
The authenticity that you and Kristen share with the group. Michelle created safety to be uncomfortable (which I felt intensely when either of us was”in the spotlight”) but this was what I wanted from the weekend- to be challenged and to find tools to evolve. That can’t happen without discomfort. And your direct and assertive feedback was helpful as well as how you were pretty continually modeling of the skills you were teaching; both with us and with Kristen :)C. Z. – Portland, OR
Michele’s brilliance, Kristen’s big huge heart, the portal communication, and the casual feel, all made it so wonderful. – Andrea, Salt Lake City, UT
Michele is the best counselor I’ve ever been to. She has the innate ability to make everyone feel comfortable and share. Michele and Kristen – you guys are a great team and I enjoyed how you both shared your couple stories! Kristen did a fantastic job taking care of logistics – personally making sure we were comfortable and well-fed! Carolee – Arlington, VA
From the time we entered the house, it was a safe and welcoming environment. Michele is AMAZING. So knowledgeable and cares about everyone, regardless of what issues are at hand. Kristen is the Hostess with the Mostest. – Kristin, Arlington, VA
The way you and Kristen interact with the couples. You treated us like friends, not clients. It made it really easy to let my guard down quickly. A+, I feel so thankful for the experience. No matter how things turn out we are going to be better co-parents because of the tools and knowledge we gained, so thank you, I accomplished my goal. -Angela – Texas
Michele and Kristen were so kind and warm. I am so glad we went. – Pamela Noffsinger – St. Charles, IL
Michele and Kristen – having you both share your perspectives lent a nice balance and more personalized touch: I So glad that we decided to do this so early on in our relationship…enhanced “us” so much! – Kelly, Bloomington, Indiana
Having both Michele and Kristen there during the group sessions was helpful, they have such a great dynamic. -K. C. Milwaukee, WI
TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS
What is the nearest airport?
Destin – Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS).
The airport is 23 miles (34 minutes) from the retreat.
What meals are included in this retreat?
Breakfast will be provided each morning of the retreat.
Dinner will be provided (catered by a local chef) on Tuesday and Wednesday.
*We will inquire about food allergies and preferences
What is the retreat schedule?
Every retreat operates with a semi-flexible schedule. We generally stick close to the original schedule though there are times that a session will run long or we may make schedule adjustments because of the weather (for adventures) or other unexpected variables.
You can generally expect to have breakfast between 8:30am-9:30am each day and we rarely have sessions past 9:00pm at night. Work sessions are generally 2-3 hours and do not usually exceed a total of 5 hours per day.
We strive to create a comfortable balance of work and play.
What COVID precautions are required?
All participants are required to be vaccinated to participate in this intimate experience. Please be prepared to send a photocopy of your vaccinations to us after your registration is complete
COSTS AND REGISTRATION
What is the cost of this retreat?
Full-Payment (Save $175)
$3350 (Click Here)
Payment Option
$3550 (Click Here)
- $1,000.00 USD for one month
- $210.42 USD for each month, for 12 installments
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation Policy
- A full refund (minus a $150 cancellation fee) up to 90 days prior to the retreat
- 85% refund up to 60 days prior to the retreat start date
- Cancellations that occur less than 60 days prior to the retreat start date are non-refundable. In the event of an unavoidable crisis, such as illness or death of a loved one, you will be provided credit toward a future retreat. If we are not able to find a replacement for your room, the lodging expense we incur will be subtracted from any credit due.
Breakups
A breakup does not qualify as a crisis or unavoidable event. Couples who break up prior to the workshop are encouraged to attend anyway and do not qualify for a refund or a credit if you are outside of the refund window.
If Adventures in Love Cancel a Retreat
In the unlikely event a retreat is canceled by Adventures in Love, a full refund for the workshop or credit for a future workshop (whichever you prefer), will be issued. There will be no reimbursement for the travel expenses you incur.
Transportation
All of your transportation to and from the retreat as well as during the retreat is your responsibility. No reimbursement will be provided for transportation expenses you incur in the event the retreat is canceled for any reason.
What is included in this cost?
- 15+ Session Hours
- 5 Nights Lodging (King Bed & Private Bath)
- 5 Morning Meals (Breakfast)
- 2 Dinners
- (1) 30-minute Private Couples Counseling
What makes this is a good investment?
Our 5-day immersive lesbian retreats for couples are equivalent to 3-12 months of couples counseling depending on your willingness to bring your whole self to the experience.
Many couples share frustrations about their counseling experiences that include:
- having to educate the counselor about their lesbian relationship
- lack of understanding about issues unique to a same-sex relationships
- difficulty clicking with or relating to the therapist
- feeling like the entire session is spent reliving your interactions from the week before
- leaving the session feeling worse
- intensified conflict and tension after sessions
- feeling like the therapist favors one partner over the other
Trusting your relationship with someone is difficult – as it should be! There is no greater investment you make with your life than the investment you make in your primary relationship. We take your relationship very seriously.
When you invest in an Adventures in Love Retreat for Lesbian Couples, you are choosing an experience that was built specifically for your relationship by a trained couples coach with over 20 years of lesbian relationship counseling experience and significant education, training and credentials in couples counseling.
For five consecutive days you will be offered a strong, safe container to unpack your relationship dynamics, spend time looking at them, understanding them, and developing new skills and strategies to help you create more effective ways of relating.
You are not opened up and left feeling uncomfortable and unravelled only to be told, “Times up, I’ll see you next week.”
Instead, we are with you each step of the process. We will gently, yet directly, challenge you when necessary and support you and encourage you along the way. We know that what you feel and experience is real, even if it differs from what your partner feels and experiences. There’s enough room to hold both of your experiences, to allow them to unfold and safely co-exist.
We are always on the side of your relationship – not one partner or the other. Our goal is to create the safest, most accepting environment for each couple so you can do the work that awaits you.
Here’s what couples have to say about their experience with Lesbian Adventures in Love:
“This retreat was such a wonderful investment in both time and money. I can’t say enough about how much it built us as a couple and individually. We loved the content, the cadence of the days, & the location. It felt like a vacation but we came home with new skills, new friends, & a deeper connection. Breakfast was seriously delicious! The sexy Airbnb, midday fun and relaxation, intimate group size, takeaway binder and cards, Michele’s brilliance, Kristen’s big, huge heart, the retreat portal communication, and the casual feel, all made it so wonderful.” – Andrea, Salt Lake City, UT
***
“It is very well worth it; you learn a lot about yourself that maybe you didn’t realize before and you do learn new things about your partner. It’s comforting because you see other people with the same issues but in different situations and it lets you know that you are not alone. It’s saving you money and it’s more in-depth than couples counseling.” – Maria Sostre – Milwaukee, WI
***
“It was worth my time because it gave me actionable feedback on how to approach conversations with my spouse. Also, it was just nice to spend time with a group of lesbians. it is helpful to hear other couples bring real examples to the class so you can learn from them rather than always using your own, sometimes too painful, examples to learn from. There is less “talking through” your week and more guided learning which we needed. I need someone to push me to understand something rather than just reflecting on your week.” – Roda Hajo, Phoenix, AZ
***
“It is truly an investment in the most important relationship you have here on this earth. The focus is on how to communicate with each other and who doesn’t need that?!? So many communication skills apply to other areas of my life too. We are all human and learn at our own speed. It is so refreshing to be with other couples who desire to learn and grow. This means we commit to being vulnerable with each other and give grace which becomes the soil for our own growth. It is structured and guided throughout a whole weekend which allows you to dig deeper and come to terms with your own responsibility and freedom to choose to change for yourself which then blossoms into liberty and growth in your relationship.” – D. Lorenz, Indiana
***
“It’s worth every penny and hands down the best relationship information we’ve received.” – Kimberly Meyer, Belleville, IL
***
“The retreat was worth every penny! If you want to be closer to your partner and learn how to talk to your partner or wife in a more directed and non-confrontational way, this retreat gives you the skills to do so. Not only was it such a lovely retreat, but the women that attended were all so fantastic and forthcoming. I felt safe and that was important as I wasn’t sure going into it that I would feel that way.” – S. Salt Lake City, UT
***
“It was a well-deserved getaway with much work on our relationship. Michele’s skills are exceptional and well worth our investment. The pre-planning to assure our areas of need were addressed was exceptional and much appreciated. All information, exercises, and coaching were needed & informative.” – Anonymous
***
“Hands down must do. No questions asked!! Very helpful tools and very simple ways to apply. It was like a year of couples counseling in one weekend, with concrete examples, tools, and help. We tackled hard conversations in what seemed impossible before, in 3 days, with ease and with help and guidance. We don’t know too many lesbian couples in our neighborhood (we live in Arizona…) and it was so refreshing to see so many lesbian couples together working on similar issues. It felt so welcoming and helped us work through our “problems” by learning from others. Loved it!” – Jade – Phoenix, AZ
Where do we stay during the retreat?
All couples will stay in a modern 8-bedroom retreat home with a private swimming pool for this retreat. Each couple will have a private bedroom with a king-size bed and a private bathroom. The retreat home is conveniently located two blocks from the beach.
The exact address will be made available upon registration.
How do we book a retreat?
ACCOMMODATIONS
We will have full use of a brand new (November 2020) modern 8-Bedroom home in Destin, Florida. Each room will have a King Bed and a private full bathroom. We will also have full access to a private pool and we are a short 2-block, 5-6 minute walk to the beach. This lesbian retreat for couples will accommodate 7 couples, plus Kristen and me.
WHERE WE WILL BE GATHERING
(exact address provided upon registration)
“I learned more about functional couple’s communication in one weekend than I have in over thirty years of working in the mental health field! I feel so fortunate to have attended during the early phases of a relationship so we can use the tools to lean into this love with confidence! THANK YOU!!”
N. – Fishers, IN (Austin, 2019)
RETREAT SCHEDULE
(CLICK ON DAY TO EXPAND THE SCHEDULE)
Tuesday | October 11, 2022
5:00pm-6:00pm | Check in to your private bungalow and get settled
6:00-9:30pm | Session #1 (3.5 hr)
- 6:00-7:00pm | Intro’s
- 7:15-8:15pm | Dinner Together (*included)
- 8:15-9:30pm | Give♥︎
Wednesday | October 12, 2022
8:30am-9:30am | Breakfast (included)
9:30am-12:30pm | Session #2 (3hr)
- 9:00am-12:30pm Receive + Understand♥︎
12:30pm – 5:00pm
- Lunch on Own (may gather as group if desired)
- Beach/Pool/Relaxation Time
5:00pm-7:00pm Session #3 (2 hr)
- Understand Continued
- 7:00pm Dinner *Included
Thursday | October 13, 2022
8:30am-9:30am Breakfast* (included)
9am – 7pm Boating Adventure (optional/add-on expense)
7pm-9pm | Session #4 (2 hr)
- 6:00 pm – 6:30pm | Prioritize♥
- 6:30-7:30pm | Exercise
- 7:30-9:00pm | Process
Friday | October 14, 2022
8:30am-9:30am Breakfast* (included)
9:30am – 11:00am (1.5 hr)
11:00am-6:00pm
- Lunch on Own (may gather as group if desired)
- Harbor Boardwalk Adventure and/or Beach/Pool/Relaxation Time
*Dinner not included
6:00pm – 8:30pm Session #5 (2.5 hr)
- 7:00pm – 7:30pm | Enjoy♥︎
- 7:30pm – 8:30pm | Process
Saturday | October 15, 2022
8:30am-9:30am Breakfast* (included)
9:30am -12:30pm Session #6 (2.5 hr)
- 9:30am – 10:15am | Protect♥︎
- 10:15am – 11:00am | Exercise
- 11:00am – 12:00pm | Process
12:00pm – 5:00pm
- Beach/Pool/Relaxation Time
- Lunch & Dinner on Own
5:00 pm to 7:30pm Closure Session #7 (2.5 hr)
- Take-Aways
- Gratitude’s
- Commitments
Sunday | October 16, 2022
8:30 am Breakfast (included*)
- Informal Goodbyes
10:00am Depart AirBnB
What You Will Learn
- The 6 Lesbian LoveCodes and how to apply them to your relationship
- How to build a stronger relationship framework and foundation
- Strategies to neutralize conflicts
- Essential relationship habits
- How to restore and/or rebuild your connection
- The importance of fun and enjoyment
- What is realistic to expect from a relationship
- Necessary relationship boundaries
- How to align your choices with your priorities
- The best way to get your needs met
- Relationship fundamentals

What’s Included?
- 15+ Session Hours Led By Michele O’Mara, PhD
- Retreat Resources for Each Participant
- 30-Minute Couples Coaching Consult with Michele O’Mara, PhD
- 5 Nights Lodging
- Shared Meals (5 continental breakfast & 2 dinners)
- Bedroom with Private Bath
- Private pool in backyard
- Comfortable, confidential learning environment
- A whole lotta learnin’, fun and laughter
WHAT COUPLES ARE SAYING ABOUT LESBIAN ADVENTURES IN LOVE LESBIAN COUPLES RETREATS.
I highly recommend it! It doesn’t matter what stage your relationship is in, this experience will benefit you. We were able to open up in a way we haven’t been able to do on our own, and we continue to use the skills at home. The friends we made were an added bonus, we had such a good time! I feel so thankful for the experience. No matter how things turn out we are going to be better co-parents to Greyson because of the tools and knowledge we gained, so thank you, I accomplished my goal.
Angela - Texas (Burwell, NE Retreat October 2018)
It was fantastic. I simply cannot put the experience into words, the best thing I can say is GO!!! Experience this wonderful retreat for yourself! Your life is sure to change for the better!
Tricia Williams, Rubicon, Wisconsin 2019)
Six Lesbian LoveCodes♥︎
The 6 Lesbian LoveCodes♥︎, developed by Michele O’Mara, Ph.D., offer you a step-by-step relationship transformation program that emphasizes what TO DO, rather than what to not do. With a fierce focus on WHAT WORKS, the learning process is more enjoyable. It always feels better when you set your sights on where you wish to head, rather than what you don’t want to be experiencing.
This retreat will introduce you to the fundamentals of a satisfying relationship and provide you specific tools and practices to create better behaviors, more effective communication, a more intimate connection, and a stronger relationship. Because you can not talk your way out of a relationship issue that you behaved your way into, we focus on the best relationship habits that, with practice, will lead you to lasting change and relationship satisfaction.
The tools learned during the seminar are very applicable. Highly recommended! Good food, a wonderful mix of people, a good book to take home. Honestly, I wish it was longer!!
Lindsay Thorstenson, Buda, TX (Austin 2019)
A feeling of fun, safety, and inclusion. Michele is highly skilled, real, and compassionate. The retreat allowed us to get real about our issues while making real progress in our relationship.
N. – Washington (Burwell, NE 2018)
CANCELLATION INFORMATION
VACCINATION
We understand it is our responsibility to provide proof of vaccination as a requirement to attend the retreat.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- Full refund (minus a $150 cancellation fee) up to 90 days prior to the retreat
- 85% refund up to 60 days prior to the retreat start date
- Cancellations that occur less than 60 days prior to the retreat start date are non-refundable. In the event of an unavoidable crisis, such as illness or death of a loved one, you will be provided credit toward a future retreat. If we are not able to find a replacement for your room, the lodging expense we incur will be subtracted from any credit due.
BREAKUPS
A breakup does not qualify as a crisis or unavoidable event. Couples who break up prior to the workshop are encouraged to attend anyway and do not qualify for a refund or a credit if you are outside of the refund window.
IF WE CANCEL
In the unlikely event a workshop is canceled by Adventures in Love, a full refund for the workshop or credit for a future workshop (whichever you prefer), will be issued. There will be no reimbursement for the travel expenses you incur.
TRANSPORTATION
No reimbursement will be provided for transportation expenses you incur in the event the retreat is canceled for any reason.
INTERVIEWS, ARTICLES AND RECOGNITION BY:
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