A weekend retreat with the girls, some celebs, and chocolate

Photo courtesy of Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa

It’s that time of year. Summer has arrived which is traditionally low-season for Arizona tourism. It’s also a wonderful time for locals to take advantage of great deals and experiences. After all, people come from all over the world to visit this beautiful state yet many Arizonans have never visited some of our greatest attractions and resorts. Well, as they say, there’s no time like the present. And so we once again bring you our series on Staycations.

Today’s staycation is strictly for the ladies. Are you at a crossroads in your career? A business owner wanting to reinvent themselves as the economy recovers? Has the Sex and The City Movie opening made you dream of your own “Glam in the City” experience? And what about that “inner-peace” you’ve been looking for? We’ve found it in Chat, Chew and Chocolate’s Women’s Weekend Retreats.

First, a little background on Chat, Chew and Chocolate (CCC). CCC is the brainchild of Dena Patton, a thirty-something former tap dancer, marketing entrepreneur, life coach, wife and mother. After a minor stroke at the age of 26, Dena decided to add more meaning to her life by helping other women add meaning to theirs. She gathered some friends in her living room for a little chat and even more chocolate. After deciding they needed some snacks to chew on (and a little wine) Chat, Chew and Chocolate was born.

CCC now has 10,000 members with groups in six states (12 chapters in AZ) and the possibility of going international in the near future. As Dena puts it, “our mission is to provide Superwomen (busy women!) with fun, friendship and “Me Time” through our live inspirational events and programs, and our social networking website. As I can describe it from personal experience, It’s Oprah meets Sex and the City.

Photo courtesy of Chat, Chew and Chocolate

Well now, with their weekend retreats, they’re adding another way for women to be inspired. Taking place over three weekends this summer and fall, participants will be inspired by nationally known personalities who happen to be Valley residents. Besides participating in sessions facilitated by Dena, guests will also enjoy a variety of activities and discussion sessions with The New York Times best-selling author, life coach and columnist for O, The Oprah Magazine, Martha Beck. Participants in the Mind, Body, Spirit Boot Camp Weekend Retreat will also get the added bonus of sessions with Ali Vincent from the hit show, The Biggest Loser. And all retreats include a dinner at the award-winning Elements Restaurant, home to Food Network's star,  Chef Beau MacMillan.

Even more special is that the number of participants in the retreats is limited to 20. This allows guests to really get to know each other and the facilitators.

Photo courtesy of Sanctuary on Camelback Resort and Spa

The weekend retreats are taking place at one of the Valley’s most enchanting resorts, The Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain. Accommodations for the retreats are not in the main resort area but higher on the mountain at the breathtaking Mountainside Estates.

Between the Estates location and the small group numbers Dena hopes to give everyone a, “living room experience in the Retreat House.” Dena describes the retreat experience as, “three days of inspiration, pampering and reconnecting to yourself.”

As for who might enjoy and benefit from this experience, Dena believes all women, whether they come with girlfriends, sisters, mothers, daughters or alone will leave, “ready to kick-butt in their lives.”

Dena talks a lot about “Superwomen” and she should know. Her goal with these retreats is to “empower superwomen to not forget about themselves.”

As a big supporter of Arizona tourism, CCC is holding their first retreats here to, ‘put Arizona on the map.” 

As an added bonus, for a limited time Dena is offering one complimentary extra spa service. “Make sure to use code “BFAB” (get it?) good for one extra Signature Spa Service during your retreat...good only if you book by June 11th".

So ladies, it’s time to enjoy some down-time, female bonding, reconnecting with yourself and, of course, chocolate.

For more info: Go to http://www.chatchewandchocolate.com/Weekend-Retreats/ . Don't forget to use the code "BFAB" by June 11 for an extra complimentary Signature Spa Service!