Laura Comilla is a high-powered healthcare executive by day. But a little over a year ago, seeking a break from endless to-do lists and wanting to give back, she began sharing her love of travel, hiking, culture and community with women looking to unplug from the daily grind.
She now leads retreats for women in their 40s and up—many of whom are seeking meaning in midlife or hoping to reconnect with themselves as empty nesters or new retirees. Excursions typically include morning-long hikes, meals and snacks prepared by personal chefs, and quieter moments for meditation, journaling and self-reflection. Massage and spa treatments, yoga sessions, local wine tastings and shopping outings often round out the experience.
“It’s four to five days of a planned vacation with the intention of walking away finding your purpose and how you achieve it,” Comilla says. “We work through things together but also spend a lot of time on self-intention. The retreat setting immerses you in nature, allowing you to wander and ponder your life’s true course, surrounded by a like-minded community. Trust is naturally built and accountability maintained during and after the retreat.”
Participants can attest to the power of the program. “Laura spends time touring the areas beforehand to find secret gems and have everything planned so we can just show up and enjoy the experience,” says Roshan Stouwie, a Senior Engagement Manager at Amazon Web Services, who went on her first retreat in 2024. “I didn’t realize the benefits until I got back. Had I not had this opportunity to set new priorities, I would never have had those last moments with my father before he passed. I’m eternally grateful.”
For more information, visit greatnessretreat.com.
Upcoming Greatness Retreats
Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
February 20-22
The Art of Greatness offers a weekend of hiking, painting and self‑discovery. Open to all levels, the retreat blends creative flow, supportive guidance and reflective hikes along the Ice Age Trail. With nature, art and meaningful connection, participants reset intentions and step into the new year with renewed presence.
Asheville, North Carolina
April 23-27
Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this Greatness Retreat unfolds amid waterfalls, winding trails and rich Cherokee and Appalachian heritage. Past retreats have included visiting a local reservation to learn the fading art of basket weaving. Surrounded by artists and craftsmen, participants immerse themselves in nature’s beauty and cultural depth—an inspiring backdrop for reflection, creativity and exploring.