Jhené Aiko Retreat Helped Me Beat Burnout

As an editor in the fast-paced beauty and fashion world, burnout felt like an unwelcome constant. Between fashion month, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and awards season, my schedule was packed. So, when an unexpected opportunity arose to attend a wellness retreat with none other than the soulful Jhené Aiko, I knew it was exactly what I needed.

A Divine Timing Getaway

My 31st birthday week was surprisingly open, allowing me to say ‘yes’ to a curated trip by Velocity Black, a membership club offering luxury travel experiences. The destination? Montage Healdsburg in Sonoma Wine Country. The itinerary promised a much-needed escape filled with activities like sound baths, workouts, and ice plunges, all hosted by Jhené Aiko, Dr. Jonathan Leary, and celebrity trainer Kirsty Godso.

After a long travel day, the retreat kicked off with a delightful dinner and conversation, followed by a deeply relaxing sound bath led by Aiko herself. Her soothing voice, combined with singing bowls and instruments, created an ethereal atmosphere. It felt like a dream come true, especially for Aiko, who shared that hosting intimate sound baths was a personal dream, allowing her to receive the ‘sound medicine’ too.

Movement, Mindfulness, and Meaningful Conversations

The following morning began with an invigorating high-intensity workout led by Kirsty Godso. It left me sore but inspired to reconnect with my fitness routine, a practice I’d struggled to maintain during the busy winter season. The group class was a powerful reminder of the importance of carving out personal time, no matter how hectic life gets.

Later, after a delightful olive oil tasting and lunch at Skipstone Winery, I had a chance to chat with Aiko. She shared her perspective on wellness: “Being well is not about being perfect. It’s about being in the moment.” This resonated deeply, especially in an industry often focused on perception and perfection. Her words, “I’m all about taking things as they come and learning to appreciate it all,” became a guiding principle for the rest of the trip.

Embracing the Present Moment

Aiko’s philosophy shifted my mindset. The idea that self-care doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive—sometimes it’s just expressing gratitude, saying a prayer, or engaging in an activity that brings you into the present—was incredibly freeing. The next day, I felt inspired to hit the gym, something I’d been putting off.

The retreat also included a beautiful tea ceremony led by Aiko and herbalist Jennifer Ndidi Ilonzeh. We explored the ritualistic act of drinking tea, engaging all our senses. Ilonzeh even created a custom blend, “Bloom,” inspired by Aiko. Discussing holistic health, Aiko emphasized the importance of managing stress and gut health for issues like eczema, reinforcing the connection between mind, body, and spirit.

Surrendering to Healing

The experience extended to trying Remedy Place offerings, like compression pants that aided lymphatic drainage. Surprisingly, they even helped me confront my claustrophobia, a lingering anxiety from a past accident. By focusing on my breath and surrendering to the moment, I found a sense of calm.

The final evening was a culinary delight at Cyrus restaurant, followed by a spontaneous bike ride and a day by the pool. Leaving the retreat, I felt lighter, less anxious about the future, and deeply grateful for the present. My eczema inflammation had subsided, and I was truly living by Aiko’s definition: “that’s true wellness to me.”