Going to an intimacy retreat is something I’ve wanted to do since seeing behind the scenes documentaries highlighting them. After 14 years of marriage, the time was finally here! Our love life was due for a shot of excitement! I remembered seeing this company on the news a long time ago. After some research I found Intimacy Retreats of Siesta Key, led by Richard and Diana Daffner. It was still in business and I was going!
I registered for the class online and booked a local resort for the weekend. This resort was on their list of recommendations to enjoy the weekend more fully. We selected Turtle Beach Resort and loved it. Although it did have some pros and cons. We didn’t like having to drive so far back and forth to the class. But it definitely was a nice atmosphere! We loved having our own private hot tub. Next time I might consider looking for an Airbnb closer to the class, or one of the other options in town.
Siesta Key | The Perfect Setting for an Intimacy Retreat
Having this experience in Siesta Key is just about perfect. It is a beautiful beach town on the West coast of Florida. It’s largest neighboring city is Sarasota. What makes it so perfect, besides the beautiful beach and great Florida weather, is the residents!
It seems to be full of still vital retirees and affluent professionals with an open mind, sophisticated taste and always ready to have a good time. This results in amazing restaurants, lively entertainment and friendly exchanges with strangers. The only downside to this town is that it closes for the night pretty early. But for this sort of weekend that is just about what the doctor ordered.
To be perfectly honest, we never saw the beach or a late-night bar! Being Florida residents, we drove in and out for the workshop. If you are a couple coming from out of town, I would definitely recommend wrapping a few days around the workshop to explore the area. You won’t really be able to during the intimacy retreat weekend.
Now on to the good stuff….
Is an Intimacy Retreat Right for You?
First and foremost, you will have to be the kind of person who is open-minded and not shy about discussing sex and using sexual terms.
However, this course is not lewd, or uncomfortable in ANY way.
Let me put your mind at ease right off the bat!
- There is never any public nudity.
- The instructors are extremely sensitive and professional.
- Every time you show up, you will feel more and more at ease!
Chandra Says
Do not use this class as a hail mary to save an extremely rocky relationship. This course requires some level of trust, commitment, and desire (and ability) by both parties to strengthen the relationship. I would say you should be in a committed relationship that is somewhat healthy. The only couple that did not complete the weekend had some very obvious issues that this sort of thing was NOT going to be able to heal.
The Workshop Format
The format of this class is very laid back and well scheduled. It is held in the home of the instructors. Located right in the heart of Siesta Key, their home was a charming space to have the intimacy weekend. Having it in their home makes the attendees feel more secure about privacy I think.
The meeting consisted of some lessons and discussions by Richard and Diane followed by a “homework” assignment to be done in your hotel room. We were given an assignment in the afternoon and at night!
The most awkward part is returning knowing what all these people just did, and so did you! As I said though, the shyness subsides pretty quickly! Any couple willing to attend this weekend is pretty cool so you quickly relax and make friends.
Homework You Don’t Mind Doing
The exercises range from the educational (discussing the climax cycle) to the completely immersive (no spoilers here!). Each of these exercises is planned in detail and support your lessons or bond in some way.
The instructors give you great exercises and things to remember that have nothing to do with sex, but that will strengthen your relationship.
There are some great opportunities for a motivated husband to discover some new tricks to delight his wife when they get home. Number one being…. a foot bath! Yes, a simple foot bath!
My favorite and most intimate part of the weekend was this footbath moment. Yes, Richard taught the gentlemen how to prepare a perfect footbath.
My Other Favorite Part of the Intimacy Weekend
My second favorite part of this weekend was meeting the other couples. It was so refreshing to meet other enlightened couples! They were people from all over the spectrum! As usual, I was the only person of color there but not the most adventurous by a long shot!
- One couple looked like a very buttoned-up middle-aged CEO couple however they were nudist.
- Another couple was hilarious older teachers, with all the good-hearted stereotypes that would entail. They were having a great time exploring each other in this later stage of life.
- Then there was a couple from up North that was extremely sexually free. They spend a lot of time studying Tantric sex and attending things like this.
I’ve always been a proponent of good maintenance.
Whether it’s my hair, car or sex life, I believe we should always keep it well maintained or it will fall into disrepair before you know it!
Don’t wait for a dull moment. Light your fire now, baby!
What’s a wild weekend you would like to have with your honey?
Chandra Says: Girl, Get Going!
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