The Soulful Evolution of Wanderwild’s Private Family Retreats

In the quiet whisper of a heart-led journey, Monica Verga Alborno has woven a tapestry that stretches from a small Greek island to the hearts of mothers around the world. Through her podcast Wand(HER)Wild and the transformational offerings of Wanderwild Family Retreats, Monica brings to life the deeply personal and universal stories that shape motherhood, purpose, and community.

This particular episode dives into the origin of Wand(HER)Wild newest evolution: private family retreats. As Monica reflects on her journey—from a 2019 trip to Naxos to a present-day launch—listeners are guided through the soulful backstory, emotional revelations, and expansive vision that continue to shape her life’s work.

The Seeds of an Idea: Naxos 2019

It all began on the rugged terrain of Naxos, an island in Greece steeped in mythology, beauty, and the energy of fertility. In 2019, Monica and her husband embarked on what was originally planned to be a babymoon. That trip, however, was preceded by a miscarriage. With hearts tender and minds open, they traveled anyway—carrying with them questions, grief, and a lingering hope for renewal.

Unbeknownst to them, the island of Naxos houses an ancient temple to the goddess of harvest and fertility. It felt fated. They even stayed adjacent to this sacred site. Six months later, their daughter Mahira was conceived.

During this same trip, amidst scenic drives in a tiny Fiat and conversations climbing mountain passes, the vision of private family retreats was born. Monica recalls the vivid moment she first shared her idea with her husband: an intentional travel experience for families that balances luxury and sustainability, personal connection and global curiosity.

The Vision Realized: Private Family Retreats

Fast-forward nearly six years, and Wand(HER)Wild Family Retreats is now offering private family retreats starting in July 2025 through March 2026. These offerings are a natural extension of the Wanderwild ethos: presence, purpose, and play.

What sets these private retreats apart is their bespoke nature. Designed with each group in mind, these 4–6 day experiences combine holistic wellness, forest school-inspired childcare, local cultural immersion, and conscious travel practices. Whether it’s a reunion for girlfriends who want to bring their children along, a multigenerational gathering, or a friend group traveling with families in tow, the retreat structure provides space for depth, rest, and fun for all ages.

Rather than packaged tourism, Monica’s retreats emphasize connection—to each other, to the earth, to slow rhythms of presence. Every detail is curated for comfort, meaning, and impact.

How It All Came Together

This newest offering didn’t happen overnight. Monica shares candidly that the road from vision to launch was filled with intensity, dedication, and trust. For years, she balanced a full-time engineering management job, the early stages of motherhood, and the development of her retreat business. She worked late into the night, took vacation days to build her dream, and often leaned heavily on faith that she was on the right path.

Recently, Monica closed the chapter on her corporate career. This shift opened the door for Wand(HER)Wild to expand into its next iteration. The sense of adventure stirred again—just like it did in Naxos—and with it came a knowing: the time is now.

Picture of a woman and her daughter looking at the phone.

Summer Retreats and Sacred Offerings

Alongside the launch of private family retreats, Wand(HER)Wild summer retreat for mothers and children still holds space for a few more families. These retreats are designed around the theme of “Presence and Play,” with activities that infuse everyday magic into shared moments between mother and child. The retreats provide the chance to slow down, connect, and experience nature through the lens of wonder.

Within the broader Wand(HER)Wild ecosystem, Monica is also hosting seasonal virtual experiences. The current focus is the “Sacred Connections” cohort, where mothers explore the unique bond between themselves and their children. Through cacao ceremonies, breathwork, and lunar rituals, Monica guides families into deeper awareness and alignment.

A Spiritual and Emotional Thread

What’s most moving about Monica’s journey is the emotional and spiritual thread that runs through every offering. Her voice, both in podcast form and in person, carries the tone of someone who has lived the questions, faced the challenges, and chosen again and again to walk a path of intentionality.

Even the origin of the retreats—the island of Naxos—serves as a metaphor. A place associated with fertility and harvest, it mirrors the very essence of Monica’s mission: to plant seeds of meaning, to water them with community, and to offer spaces where families can gather, rest, and grow.

What Monica Hopes Families Will Receive

Above all, Monica hopes that families who participate in these retreats—private or otherwise—will receive not just a vacation, but an imprint. She believes travel can shape the way we relate to one another, to the world, and to ourselves. And through conscious family travel, children receive powerful memories that instill wonder, empathy, and resilience.

From bonding moments around the dinner table to nature walks with grandparents, each retreat is an invitation to return to what matters most.

—

Want more real-talk episodes like this? Listen to The Wand(HER)wild Podcast and connect with our community over on Instagram @wandherwild or through our digital events at wandherwild.com/community and retreats at wanderwildfamilyretreats.com.